Last Saturday, February 14, our prime minister broke ground for the construction of a convention centre in Montego Bay. This project presents a very good opportunity for our Government to lead the way in a long-overdue energy conservation initiative. The world is hurting. We are hurting but we can do something about it. Now is the time to pull our heads out of the sand and utilise readily available tools and equipment to benefit our people, our economy and our environment.

For too long, we have borne the burden of how we live. We take the use of electricity and water for granted. Yes, we may grumble, but what do we do? Sadly, most times nothing. Solutions are readily available all around us every day.

The Chinese, our co-financiers for this project, constructed a new 2,400-square-metre competition arena that seats over 8,000 spectators to host the judo and tae kwon do Olympic competition. They installed 148 tubular daylighting devices (skylights) to provide natural lighting, thus eliminating the need for electric lights during the daytime.

Artificial lighting

This is not new technology but how many Jamaican companies utilise abundantly available, healthy, free sunlight for interior lighting? Our offices, schools, hospitals, banks, hardwares, supermarkets, retail outlets, factories and warehouses are still being artificially lit right throughout the day with expensive electric lights.

Yes, there are places that will require electric lights during the daytime, but how many of these use occupancy sensors to provide lights only in occupied areas and dimmers to only provide the amount of light that is needed? This new convention centre is the perfect opportunity for the Government to show the nation what can and should be done. All these features can be incorporated without the need for structural changes.

I call on the Government, corporate Jamaica and householders to act now. Make use of available technology that can reduce our expenses while benefiting our environment. Let us act today to save tomorrow.

I am, etc.,

ASTLEY D. SCOTT

astleyd@hotmail.com

Mandeville

Manchester