Last week Simon chatted with American writer and poet, Jack Tupac Pennington who had walked all the way from Ventnor to Cowes for the Eco Island Conference. Read Jack’s thoughts of the conference. As with all content contributed to the blog, the views expressed below, do not necessarily reflect those of VentnorBlog. Ed
First of all, I was even more exhausted when the conference finally ended not because the information available was not taken in, but because the business aspect of much of what was said was just that “words.”
E-on for example boasted a lot about financial plans for backing the Island, but thus far, as I know are working with some of the biggest gas companies like Shell which means that their so called call stake in eco-friendly products failed to impress me much.
With all of that talk about sustainability, no one talked about channeling money into Tidal Wave Technology or using off shore wind turbines and the Island boasts being one the leading manufacturers in wind turbine blades?!
I don’t know how many people actually know anything about the E-on company but they are not as ecologically sound as they pitched. Secondly, before leaving the conference I overheard the business tycoon, can’t remember his name for some strange reason, saying “I just wanna say one thing I came to the conference in a Ford Civic” which sounded like a punch of jealousy directed towards the Purple Kite and my own efforts.
Over the last couple of days the council has issued some weird things that totally goes against anything sustainably correct as they so ambitiously stated. I smell a publicity stunt.
Dame Ellen was as passionate about sustainability as the Bishop Rev, Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. Professor Bill Wakeham included his most truthful depiction of academe possible, as he stressed the need for more education and through it, a practice on theory in “behaviour change.”
The only thing I have effectively seen come out of this conference is higher bus prices which is sure to make even the Islanders more happy (sarcasm here). The elite 4×4 culture being allowed to make comments like its safer and easier to climb the country side hills.
I want to be wrong about all of my criticism, but history and experience has taught me all too well that small places like the Island prey on, often substantial amounts of aid money being chartered by the mainland government into their pockets.
Of course the Islanders believe in those they elect, so no one wants to believe this is the case but … actions speak louder than words.
A lot can happen in three years which is the time frame set by Professor Bill Wakeham as to when the Island can effectively start using tidal wave energy. Until then, I plan to keep walking, hitching, and if luck has it my way get a horse and cut out the hitching altogether.
I also wish to build a 100% eco friendly house but where and when is a financial situation that depends on these so called businesses whom have declared to help people interested in making places on the planet that are more sustainable, even though I effectively live outside 150 days of the 365 day year.
Jack Tupac Pennington is a regular visitor to the Isle of Wight and write a blog about hitch hiking around the world
