BVIEC uses $$ donated by Anegada Beach Club to purchase utility truck for sister island
The BVI Electricity Corporation’s (BVIEC) Anegada plant now has a brand new utility truck that will assist in bringing in improved power-related services across the sister island.
General Manager of BVIEC Leroy Abraham received the keys for the vehicle from the Anegada Beach Club during a handing over ceremony on the island on October 2.
The BVIEC boss said the truck was purchased with funds that Anegada Beach Club owner Doug Riegels had donated to the corporation following the onslaught of the 2017 hurricanes.
“It is very timely because we are in the height of the hurricane season so if anything comes through, they definitely have the tools to assist in speedily dealing with any normal regular operational issues and in the event of any affect from any passages of any storms, then this asset will come in very handy in terms of assisting with restoration here on Anegada.”
Safety training to operate truck
Abraham also said BVIEC workers will undergo a training course with the Health & Safety Department before being allowed to operate the new vehicle.
Explaining the reason for the training exercise, Abraham said: “It (the truck) comes with all the relevant safety bells and whistles, rigours, safety and harnesses. So they’ll have a complete safety briefing on how to utilise the truck not only efficiently. But, most certainly, safely because safety is the number one, two and three operative in our line of business.”
Less time in completing projects
In the meantime, senior linesman at the BVIEC Michael ‘Mitch’ Vanterpool said that the new truck will result in assignments being completed in a much timely manner.
“Without the bucket truck, it would have taken us at least two extra hours between setting up with the safety equipment and with the bucket truck it will take half-an-hour because you have to make the line safe before you go to work,” Vanterpool said.
Riegels to contribute more to Anegada
General Manager of the Anegada Beach Club Jamie Johnson said the club will continue to add more improvements to the infrastructure, services and transportation of Anegada.
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Wow. Well done Mr. Riegals. Wish that there were more community minded people in the territory. I’m going to support you when I come to Anegada.
This is a classic example of the huge difference between the North Sound billionaires that use OUR islands and demand PR over Ipads, and citizens that love THEIR islands because that is what they know is expected of them to help improve and advance OUR country.
You cant emphasis the word OUR and still want help from outsiders. Let the people of the BVI fix the place since ownership is so important to them.
Mr. Abraham – My sincerest apologies for not being able to make it to the ‘hand over’ event for the BVIEC’s new bucket truck. Both myself, my other business operations, and most specifically Anegada Beach Club are well vested in Anegada and it’s careful and sensitive growth. Amenities and facilities to allow our island to be more independent is critical whether that be basic services to keep systems in operation, or a focus on a vastly improved infrastructure. Anegada is the last real gem in the BVI’s environmental crown, its people special in many ways, but always an island where when it comes down to protecting one another this community is second to none.
To the Honourable Vincent Wheatley and the Honourable Shereen Flax I thank you for all your efforts for District Nine, but truly thrilled that for the first time we have a not only one, but two representatives that have taken notice and have actually followed through and done what they say they will do. You really are the first representatives that have actually taken notice – my deepest thanks and sincerest appreciation for what you are doing.
In one small way I hope this donation to BVIEC will greatly help services here on Anegada and allow them to be handled quickly and efficiently. My companies, and all those that work for me and with me continue to plan and will add many more improvements for Anegada as it relates to infrastructure, services, and transportation.
Long may Anegada remain the shinning jewel of the BVI!
This is great for Anegada its just a shame that the Ministers had to get involved so that the BVIEC gave the truck to Anegada as it had been paid for 2 years ago, or did everyone miss that part of the story.
But well done Doug
NDP have this money for so long and look how they treat Anegada people. I can’t believe this how those people roll after such a crisis. That money should have immediately gone to help! I guess we lucky they did not take he money and spend it on first class tickets for their proposed Africa trip.
Thanks to Doug and his generous efforts! Special shout out to the sister island reps. To those STILL crying because you didn’t get something fast enough- what have you done to help BVI? Typing on the internet and complaining about wonderful news doesn’t count lol
I’ve noticed that the white entrepreneurs are doing more for the BVI than the black entrepreneurs. Example look what Mr.haycraft, otterbox and the rich guy virgin gorda did after the hurricane? Where are the heskits, jamesies, whiteheads, micheals, leandos etc etc??????
@ Umpire Hate to admit it but you are spot on!
Great job Doug …. thats caring about the territory … not squeezing everything out of it like some others .