Resolution at Symposium on 'Economics of Alutrint' at St. Mary's College 12th September, 09

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS:

We are in a position where our proven gas reserves are declining;
We do not have the higher order factors to develop the downstream industries related to the smelter;

We need to prioritise the use of incomes from energy to uses other than those, like the Aluminum Smelter project, whose viability is very much in doubt;

And having recognised,
The large carbon emission and the related health risk to our society, in particular to the 4080 residents who live in a radius of 2km from the proposed smelter and the cost of monitoring those most at risk;

The demise of a quality human existence in the neighbouring communities;
The environmental and ecological losses;

That there is no basic information on the actual returns to the country, financial or otherwise;

BE IT RESOVED THAT:
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago release immediately to the people of TT the rationale for the Aluminum Smelter, including detailed costs of natural gas and other inputs and expected revenues over the next 20 years and, in the event that this information is not forthcoming, that the GORTT suspend with immediate effect the Aluminum Smelter project.
Symposium Panelists: Ms Mary King, Mr Reg Potter, Mr Makesi Jones
Symposium Chairperson: Professor Patrick Watson