The Government's impending embrace of ethanol-based fuels is certainly a step in the right direction. With oil reaching stratospheric heights on a daily basis, drivers are feeling the squeeze of high gas prices more than ever. All alternatives have to be explored, and the most obvious ones are to be implemented as soon as the technology becomes available.

Ethanol is a very viable solution, although it does have its drawbacks. The very same sugar cane that is used for many of the products, like sweeteners and alcohol, is now going to be the main ingredient in this volatile mix.

More expensive

Suddenly, these common products are going to become a lot more expensive to purchase for the general public. Most of the stock will go to the production of ethanol, and unless there is a plan to plant a lot more sugar cane, a choice will have to be made.

One of the questions that I have not seen addressed is: will the use of ethanol result in a lowering of prices at the pump, or is it just a hedge against uncertain oil supplies?

The answer to that will soon become apparent, but we must not stop there. The Government must press on with its plans for wind power. This is one source of renewable energy that will never run out. Many of the international companies that are involved in these ventures should be more than willing to set up shop because of the limitless supply and the steady revenue stream that wind power creates. Jamaica must move forward into the 21st century, and freedom from imported oil is one of the ways to do this.