Social Development & Safeguards

World Bank Training Ran in the Management of Gender Based Violence (GBV)

On October 7, 2024, twenty-one staff of seven (7) World Bank-assisted projects in St. Lucia including the Project Implementation Unit of the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP) gathered at the Conference Room of the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport to undertake training in the management of Gender-Based Violence. The workshop was presented by Gender-Based Violence Specialist at the World Bank Lorena Gavidia and her colleagues, Janine Moussa and Diana Arango.

The session which run from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm covered topics such as The Basics of GBV, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) /Sexual Harassment (SH), SEA/SH Risk Management Throughout the Life Cycle of the Project and Identification and Implementation of SEA/SH Risk Mitigation Measures.

According to Community Liaison Officer, Windia Jaunai, “This workshop was an eye opener for me. Not only did it help me identify the different forms of GBV and their effects, but it also has taught me how to handle such sensitive situations confidentially and objectively while ensuring survivor safety.”

Ms. Jaunai, who is also the Gender Based Violence Coordinator at the RESDP added, “Because of this training session I can now confidently complete the GBV handling process for the under development GRM handbook of the RESDP and work with our stakeholders in the drilling communities to minimize the risk of work-related GBV as project implementation continues.”

Stakeholders Visit Bouillante Geothermal Power Plant in Guadeloupe

During the week of November 4-11th, consultants from the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP), along with two stakeholders from each of the three proposed geothermal drilling communities of Belvedere, Belle-Plaine and Saltibus, visited the Bouillante Geothermal Power Plant in Guadeloupe, to provide stakeholders with first-hand experience of the direct environmental and social impacts of an operating geothermal plant and to address their concerns and allay their fears about the environmental and social risks and impacts of the RESDP.

The group was welcomed by the management team of the Bouillante Geothermal Power Plant and provided with a tour of the geothermal power plant and several newly installed production wells. Members gained knowledge of the operations of a functioning geothermal power plant, the environmental protections taken to mitigate against impacts on the community and theplant’s social benefits. The Bouillante Geothermal Power Plant currently supplies 12- 15% of the Guadeloupe’s energy needs.

Raphael Swerdlow, Director of International Business Development at ORMAT explained the benefits of geothermal energy and gave an overview of the plant’s operations to the group. He emphasized that the tour offered an opportunity for the stakeholders to see how geothermal technology could be adapted and implemented in Saint Lucia.

The visit also allowed for dialogue between the team and a few representatives from the community of Bouillante to learn about how the nearby power plant had affected their lives thus offering a balanced perspective on both the challenges and benefits of living near a power facility.

After having met with the nearby residents, Tara George, a community representative from Belle-Plaine, stated that she now has a new perspective on how a power plant and community could peacefully co-exist. “I was initially concerned about the geothermal project being on my doorstep but after having heard firsthand the experience of residents near the geothermal plant, I am assured that there are lots of mitigation measures that could be implemented to minimize the impact on us while drilling takes place, as was done successfully in Guadeloupe.”

The Government of Saint Lucia is currently exploring the island’s geothermal potential by drilling exploratory wells in three communities: Belvedere, Belle-Plaine, and Saltibus. The results of this drilling will be shared with the public in 2027, marking another milestone in the island’s journey towards the development of its sustainable sources of energy.

Resettlement Action Plan for Drilling Communities Developed

In August 2024, Panorama Environmental Inc was hired by the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport to undertake for the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project a review and update of the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report, Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP).

Under the World Bank’s (WB’s) Social and Environmental Framework for IPF Operations borrower countries are expected to avoid involuntary resettlement, however when unavoidable they are expected to minimize same by exploring project design alternatives, and if not possible mitigate unavoidable adverse social and economic impacts. When mitigation and compensation is unavoidable, the WB requires the borrower country to develop a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). A RAP specifies the procedures that it will follow and the actions that it will take to mitigate adverse effects, compensate losses, and provide development benefits to people and communities affected by an investment project. An abbreviated form of RAP, called an ARAP, is required when less than 200 persons are displaced physically by a bank-funded project. Based on WB requirements the RESDP requires an ARAP. Having started in September the ARAP for the RESDP is well underway.

During the conduct of the ARAP a socio-economic profile of each of the drilling communities was developed and a census of each of the households affected by the project undertaken. Key information about each projected affected household was collected in the latter survey. Additionally, an asset valuation of each of the affected households was undertaken. The latter focused on determining the value of land, structures, and other physical assets, ensuring that fair compensation is provided to landowners and stakeholders affected by the project.

During the study it was determined that fifteen (15) households will be economically displaced by the project thus losing access to their farms, farm structures or income sources. Additionally, two households will be physically displaced during the implementation of the project. While the economically displaced will be able to return to their farms after the project, the physically displaced will be permanently relocated and provided with security of tenure in their new residences. All affected households have been met with and the plans for their resettlement discussed with them.

The census data collected and information gathered from subsequent interviews with the projected affected households (PAHs) will be used to assist the DIPT in determining the cash compensation amounts to be paid and restoration activities which the project would be required to fund to ensure that the project displaced persons improve or at least restore their livelihoods and standard of living to pre-displacement levels or levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher.

The findings and recommendations of the ARAP will soon be available for public review and comment.

Environmental Safeguards

Housing Condition Survey of Buildings near Road Construction and Drilling Sites to Begin in February

Conscious of the possible occurrence of vibrations at or near the three drilling locations during geothermal exploration works and the potential impacts on the houses and other structures within close proximity, the RESDP is making every effort to collect baseline data to verify any potential claims of damage to buildings in the communities.

To validate any claims of building damage during the planned civil and drilling works, a consultant has been contracted to undertake a pre-construction Building Condition Survey of residential, commercial and institutional buildings within a 30m and 10m radius of where planned drilling and civil works activities will take place, respectively. The main purpose of conducting the Building Condition Survey is to document the existing condition of the buildings (this will serve as a baseline assessment) before the civil and drilling works begin and to allow for subsequent monitoring of any changes in the condition of the buildings during and after the works. Recording this information will assist in understanding whether vibrations from drilling, earth-moving activities and vehicle movements have caused building damage that would need to be rectified by the project.

A key component of the survey involves meeting with the building owners. One consultation will be held with building owners in each drilling community commencing in February. During these consultations, the consultant shall describe the purpose of the survey, its methodology and the data to be collected. Additionally, the process by which affected residents should raise a claim or concern in the event that their buildings are affected will be explained.

Thereafter, the survey of the buildings will be carried out at agreed times with individual building owners and the findings, including photos, will be documented for each building surveyed. Every building owner will be required to verify and sign the findings of the survey of their buildings. Based on the survey findings, the Consultant shall consider whether any existing structural defects or damage may pose a health and safety risk once works commence. Building owners are encouraged to participate in the surveys and make yourselves available to the consultant at the dates and times to be agreed with the Community Liaison Officer.

In the event of a complaint of structural damage during the works, the matter will be investigated and appropriate remedial action taken.

Technical Coordination

RESDP Bids Farewell to Mr. Al Barthelmy: A Record of Commitment and Leadershipin Renewable Energy Development

With decades of dedicated service to St. Lucia’s energy sector, Mr. Barthelmy has retired from his position as Technical Coordinator of the RESDP.

"Mr. Barthelmy's unwavering commitment to the RESDP has been nothing short of extraordinary," said Dr. Ken Aldonza, Project Manager of the RESDP. "His leadership, expertise, and passion for geotechnical studies have helped to lay the groundwork for this project.”

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Mr. Barthelmy’s journey in renewable energy began over four decades ago, during which he held numerous key positions in both the public and private sectors. From his early days as an Energy Planning Officer at the Ministry of Planning to his later roles as Chief Energy, Science & Technology Officer and Director of Planning, he was at the forefront of many energy-related projects. His work culminated in his role as Technical Coordinator for the RESDP.

Among his numerous achievements, Mr. Barthelmy’s efforts in the development of St. Lucia’s geothermal energy sector stand out. He coordinated the island’s second geothermal exploration program between 1987 and 1989 and was a driving force behind the efforts to harness this renewable energy source.

As he looks ahead to his retirement, Mr. Barthelmy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and the energy sector. “It has been an incredible privilege to contribute to the growth of renewable energy in St. Lucia,” he said, “I am proud of the progress we’ve made and confident that the future of clean energy is bright. I look forward to seeing how the next generation continues to build on the foundation which has been laid.”

Colleagues have expressed their deep appreciation for Mr. Barthelmy’s guidance and mentorship, acknowledging that his work has transformed the energy sector, and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors. A feature story on Mr. Barthelmy's contributions to the development of the renewable energy sector in St. Lucia will be featured in our next publication of this newsletter.