By Admin. Updated 5:19 p.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) said it has welcomed a contingent of fifteen workers from Cuba to assist with the rebuilding of the electrical network on Union Island.
In an August 28 press release, VINLEC said the contingent arrived at the Argyle International Airport on Monday, 26h August 2024 where they were greeted by Dr. Vaughn Lewis, VINLEC’s Chief Executive Officer; Ms. Benarva Browne, Minister of Energy; and Mr. Carlos Etcheverry, the Cuban Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Their presence here comes after linesmen from Antigua and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) came here to help restore electrical networks in several Southern Grenadine islands after Hurricane Beryl decimated electrical systems on July 1.
VINLEC’s CEO – Dr. Vaughn Lewis expressed his gratitude for the team’s timely arrival, noting that “our island of Union Island has been devastated but we are sure that with your assistance, we will be able to restore the island within a couple months.” VINLEC’s CEO assured that the Company will take care of the Cuban workers and added that the relationship will be strengthened through this experience.
So far, electrical networks in Canouan and Mayreau have been significantly restored.
VINLEC said the Cubans are scheduled to journey to Union Island on Monday 2nd September, and will immediately commence work on the island electrical network, alongside a local line contractor, Ruddy’s Electrical Contracting Co Ltd, and VINLEC teams.
VINLEC said it remains committed to working closely with all partners to ensure that the electrical network on Union Island, and all other affected Grenadines islands is restored efficiently, paving the way for a full recovery and rebuilding of communities.
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