BVIEC investing in future — Neil Smith

The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is powering the territory into the future, says its General Manager, Dr Neil Smith.

Speaking at BVIEC’s first-ever career expo, Dr Smith highlighted the corporation’s critical role in the territory’s economic and social development.

Dr Smith noted that the BVIEC has evolved significantly over the years and is embracing modern technology to ensure it continues to meet the Virgin Islands’ energy needs.

“A decade ago, if we wanted to do a diagnostic on an engine at the Pockwood Pond Station, we’d go into the engine hall and we’d read some gauges and after coming back up into the office, we’ll look at those figures and we’ll try to understand what was happening in the machine,” Smith explained. “Today, we sit in an air-conditioned control room and we look at computer screens and we do that diagnostic.”

The General Manager said he envisions an even more sophisticated future for the corporation, where artificial intelligence (AI) will play a central role. “It will not only tell us what is happening, but it will tell us what to do to fix it,” he said. He stressed that this is the BVIEC’s direction, underscoring the need to invest in the right people and technologies today.

Dr Smith emphasised the BVIEC’s commitment to providing reliable, affordable, clean energy. He pointed out that the corporation is pivotal to the territory’s advancement.

“The BVI Electricity Cooperation is both the stability and future of the BVI economy. Without BVIEC, without the energy we produce, it is not possible to provide modern medical care. It is not possible to run a school and we are not able to function as a modern society,” he said.

The career expo provided a platform for the BVIEC to showcase its workforce needs and development initiatives. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley highlighted the corporation’s partnership with H Lavity Stoutt Community College, enabling school leavers and employees to pursue associate degrees and certifications.

Dr Smith reiterated that the corporation is not just looking for employees but nation builders.

“What we can promise you is that once you become part of this organisation, and you are committed to contributing to a better future for this territory, and that you are committed to being part of this professional team, and that you are a team player, we will look after you, and we support you in a manner that is second to none in this territory,” Dr Smith stated.