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In the opening movements of this trilogy, we dismantled the monopolistic logic of Jamaica’s electricity sector and proposed a people-powered alternative rooted in parish-scale energy democracy. Now, we must confront a looming temptation—Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—which threaten to derail all we have worked for.

Let me be clear: the SMR fantasy is not about clean energy. It is about centralised control, dangerous distraction, and billioneering mischief disguised as innovation.

The Wrong Tool for the Wrong Job

SMRs are often described as a next-generation nuclear solution, promising safe, scalable power. But their track record is non-existent where it matters. Not one SMR has been commercially deployed and operated successfully in the Global South. Even in the industrialised North, they remain largely theoretical, delayed, and overbudget.

Worse still, SMRs:

• Require high-cost, long-lead import components.
• Depend on ultra-specialised maintenance regimes.
• Pose long-term radioactive waste disposal challenges.
• Carry disproportionate financial and disaster risks for small islands.

Jamaica—blessed with sun, wind, and biomass—has no rational reason to gamble on a risky, overhyped, technocratic nuclear experiment.

Lessons from the Region: Caution, Not Curiosity

Let us remember:

• Puerto Rico’s Bonus Reactor shut down in disgrace.
• Cuba’s reactor project collapsed amid geopolitical complications.
• The Dominican Republic mothballed its nuclear ambitions.
• Haiti in its heyday, wisely, never attempted one—”Barbeque” would no doubt, just love, an SMR supplied by our billioneering smiler

No Caribbean country—despite access to scientists and funds—has ventured back down the nuclear road. That’s not laziness. That’s prudence.

The SMR Lobby: Billionaire Philanthrocapitalism in Action

Why then is Jamaica even entertaining SMRs?

Follow the money. Global SMR boosters are not humble physicists but ultra-wealthy venture capitalists and defence contractors. They speak of “green disruption” while quietly angling for monopoly grid control and long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that lock developing countries into dependence.

It is the same logic that trapped us in the 1990s IPP (Independent Power Producer) fiascos.

Let us not be seduced by imported consultants bearing billion-dollar gifts. Let us instead ask: Who profits? Who controls? Who bears the risk?

Our Future Is Renewable—and Jamaican

Instead of chasing nuclear mirages, Jamaica must double down on proven, scalable, and socially embedded renewables:

• Build parish-based energy cooperatives.
• Train thousands of youth in solar, bio-reactor, and wind maintenance.
• Incentivise industrial parks to self-generate with biomass and solar hybrids.
• Construct a truly inclusive energy innovation ecosystem from Morant Point to Negril.

Already, grassroots inventors, technicians, and local financiers are doing this work. They deserve support, not distraction.

A Word of Gratitude—and a Warning

Over the past half-century, I have had the privilege of learning, failing, advising, and building through partnerships with UNIDO, the OAS, CDB, and the CARICOM Secretariat. These institutions planted in me a deep conviction: small states can lead global innovation—if we stay grounded in our people and values.

Let us not dishonour that preparation with a last-minute detour into techno-fetishism.

Conclusion: No to Nuclear, Yes to Verde Siempre

We are standing at an energy crossroads. On one path lies decentralised dignity, green jobs, and community resilience. On the other, a radioactive promise from overseas billionaires chasing returns.

I choose the path of “Verde Siempre”—forever green, forever ours.

In Part IV: ENERPLANVERDE SIEMPRE, we will weave together Jamaica’s agrarian potential, energy sovereignty, climate goals, and youth innovation to deliver a plan worthy of our people and our planet.

But for now, let us make this clear:

No to SMRs. No to billionaire energy. Yes to Jamaica.

Dennis A. Minott, PhD, is a research physicist and green resources specialist. He is CEO of A-QuEST-FAIR and a grateful “hands got dirty” practitioner/student of Filipino electrification reform.

Dennis A. Minott, PhD, is a research physicist and green resources specialist. He is CEO of A-QuEST-FAIR and a grateful student of Filipino electrification reform.

Read Part One here: Dennis A Minott | Breaking the Monopoly: A just, Filipino-inspired energy future for Jamaica – Our Today

Read Part Two here: Dennis Minott | Breaking the Monopoly: Parish power, people power—rewiring Jamaica from the ground up – Our Today