THE EDITOR, Sir:

With oil levels across the world depleting, there is a great need for ethanol and all its derivatives. Edward Seaga wrote a timely, must-read piece in The Gleaner on the substance, on Sunday, July 8. He was indicating that there are alternative sources that can be used for making ethanol, but not without having a great impact on the wider population. The first step we have made is to work in collaboration with Brazil to achieve a positive end. I guess no one would argue about going into a bilateral agreement with Brazil to make the ethanol plant.

The peril Mr. Seaga spoke of is this project eventually will compete with the existing use of the crops for food. Ethanol can be made from sugar cane, corn, soy and castor plant. What is so fearful, as Mr. Seaga had indicated, is that prices for these products will skyrocket on the international market. Corn is a renowned animal food, so livestock will suffer as a consequence. If we continue to use these sources to make ethanol and do not try alternatives we will see mass famine in the not-so-distant future.

We cannot work at the expense of the poor and think all is well. These recent innovations will affect the livelihood of a wide cross section of the population. The positive about this substance is that it will create an atmosphere wherein we can run our vehicles with less pollution and ease the effects of global warming. It will also subsidise our energy bill when it is fused with petroleum.

With our search for solutions to our oil crisis, we have to seek the best alternative measures.

I am, etc.,

Paris Taylor, MR.

bighot43@yahoo.com

Greater Portmore

St. Catherine,