However, with a relatively small global population, small numbers of industries and vehicles, the destruction to the environment by this method and the spiraling costs of fuels were not foreseen in the earlier times.

But with the industrial and vehicular boom and the turmoil in those parts of the globe where fossil fuels are mainly produced, the world was awakened to the need to develop alternative forms of energy generation.

And while the rich and powerful nations developed nuclear power generation, the developing countries, most of which depend on imported fuel for their power generation, became caught in a web further contributing to stunting their development.

But it is ironical to note that while most of the developing nations have a tropical climate and enjoy sunlight most of the year round, they have neglected to give attention to developing solar power as an alternative energy source.

This raises the interesting question - why is it that while these countries are hastily engaged in collective approaches to matters of international trade and commodity prices, a similar approach has not been adopted towards the development of solar energy for which they have a huge potential?

China and India are two developing countries which have the technological capacity, which in some instances can match that of industrialised countries and if there is a comprehensive, collective and persistent approach to the development of solar energy generation, the energy needs of these countries can be significantly addressed.

China and India have always expressed their willingness to share their technological capacity with the less fortunate developing nations.

According to the latest issue of the magazine `Developments', the Solomon Islands in the Pacific, a sprawling archipelago of 900 islands, is one of the places where solar energy has been successfully developed for the benefit of the people there.

"The 'Happy Isles' have always had a sunny disposition but now the sun is also powering fridges and radios, lighting classrooms and putting people online," the magazine reported.

It added: "And now the Solomon Islands has joined the cyberspace revolution - villagers in each of the nine major provinces have solar-powered e-mail stations using short wave high frequency radio technology, connected to a laptop computer via a modem."

Here in Guyana while an attempt has been made in this direction, especially in the interior regions, there seems to be an absence of urgency and comprehensive and persistent approach to the development of this most valuable form of renewable source of energy.

It should be a priority when it is considered that nearly 60% of our GDP is spent on the importation of fuel.

While the development of hydropower will address the long-term energy needs, it is a most costly investment.