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UPDATE: Power outage a technical glitch – Premier D. Orlando Smith

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has blamed the Monday January 5, 2015 extensive power outage in the Virgin Islands on a "technical glitch". Photo: VINO
Sudden and unexpected power outage sweeps through the territory this morning January 05, 2015. Photo: Internet source
Sudden and unexpected power outage sweeps through the territory this morning January 05, 2015. Photo: Internet source
Contacted, one resident of Jost Van Dyke said since their power supply was returned to the regular grid power outages have still been plaguing the island. Photo: Provided
Contacted, one resident of Jost Van Dyke said since their power supply was returned to the regular grid power outages have still been plaguing the island. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – While many calls directly to the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) continue to attract no response, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has stepped forward with an explanation for yesterday’s extensive power outage.

Earlier today, January 6, 2015 at his maiden press conference for the year he described the reason for the power outage, which lasted for more than an hour, as “an unexpected technical glitch”.

At the time he was addressing reporters on some of the challenges the territory faced during the past year 2014 especially as it relates to water and electricity. “Up to yesterday due to an unexpected technical glitch there was another power outage,” said Premier Smith.

He said this was explained to the general public on the Government’s radio programme aired last night, “Like I said last night, this should not continue beyond the next few weeks as an interim solution should be put in place.

Premier Smith said his government is looking forward to the BVIEC to inspire development. “This means an additional two engines and two new additional transmission lines to the BVI Electricity Corporation.”

These plans are aimed at increasing the territory’s power generation capacity by 13.6mw. 

See previous story published January 5, 2015

Territory hit by widespread power outage

Many persons preparing to return to work and school following the Christmas holidays were set back at least one hour today Monday January 5, 2015 following a territory-wide power outage.

Valiant efforts to contact the General Manager of BVI Electricity Company (BVIEC) Mr Leroy A. E. Abraham, his deputy Mr Henry O. Creque, and the general office were futile. Calls to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and around Tortola revealed that persons there were also affected by power outage.

At Tortola, the power went out at approximately 7:13am and returned at 8:15am in some sections. Contacted, one resident of Jost Van Dyke said since their power supply was returned to the regular grid power outages have still been plaguing the island. Residents in Virgin Gorda have also reported experiencing what they consider "unusual spates of blackouts" and the same could be said on Tortola.

Anegada has not been affected since the power system there is isolated from the BVIEC grid.

What are the challenges faced by BVIEC is a much sought after answer.

47 Responses to “UPDATE: Power outage a technical glitch – Premier D. Orlando Smith”

  • ABC (05/01/2015, 09:24) Like (19) Dislike (31) Reply
    Another reason why ndp must go because they cannot even keep the light on
    • yellow (05/01/2015, 14:02) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
      I don't think that the NDP can govern anything, because what we have seen since 2011 has been vitriol and divisiveness aimed at one man (JF) which has, perhaps, damaged this country beyond repair.
  • Caramel (05/01/2015, 09:34) Like (34) Dislike (0) Reply
    Weekend gone was the same thing, at list four times on Saturday, power outage. This is crazy.. Feel like I in a third world country in the year 2015.
    • News Flash (05/01/2015, 10:23) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
      We are a Third World country budd.
      • shame.... (05/01/2015, 13:41) Like (71) Dislike (4) Reply

        The BVI a Third World country? No way! If you ignore the constant power outages, the sewerage in the streets, the corrupt government, the horrendous roadways, the terrible ferry service, the ridiculous mark up on everything and the general @$$-backward way of thinking, then we're right up there with the global super powers. The BVI is the greatest!! *sarcasm*

  • Eastside. (05/01/2015, 09:41) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    No outage in my area and I am on Tortola. Maybe my turn is coming.
  • frustrated (05/01/2015, 09:51) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are consistently having power outages at least once a week for the last few months. This is only the 5th day of the year and there has already been 2 power outages in 2015. Can the GM or government please explain to us what is going on and what they are doing to fix the problem.
  • 4th World Country (05/01/2015, 10:08) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    What's new. I left this place over 10 years ago, came back, same problem.........
  • bvi (05/01/2015, 10:15) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    My power was fine. In fact I haven't had a power outage at my house for quite some time.
  • Billfargo (05/01/2015, 10:18) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Where is the first and second world?
  • VG-1 (05/01/2015, 10:22) Like (52) Dislike (1) Reply
    The whole infrastructure of the B.V.Is is a mess. Electricity, Roads , and water. For such a small place we shouldn't have to go through this nonsense about not having light, not having water to take a bath certain time of the night, and dropping into big pot holes on these donkey trails they call roads. . The whole place look sooo run down. Well we're finally in the year 2015. this is what most of us been waiting for. Can't wait for that day when we will be able to exercise our democratic right and make this much needed change.
    • Ha! (05/01/2015, 10:38) Like (30) Dislike (16) Reply
      When these things should have been upgraded 15-20 years ago, instead, people were living off Government like a piggy bank. Petty contracts gone wild, corruption rampant and everyone was quiet. Why? Because everyone was getting a piece of the pie. Now that the ship is sinking people acting surprised? This was in the making from decades ago, we are only now seeing the destruction as it has reached its peak. There's much worst to come, trust me.
      • Crap (05/01/2015, 14:56) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
        @Ha, saying that our infrastructure is in the terrible shape it's in is because of 15-20 years of neglect is nonsense. It is because of daily neglect. Your NDP lying sas government got elected telling the people they going to rebuild 12 miles of road each year, it is now 3 years and instead of doin 36 miles, them ain't done 36 feet.
        Look at what was the best piece of road just 3 years ago when you useless NDP was elected: that road in Sea Cows Bay, is the pits now. It's the worst. You sure you want to blame that on 15-20 years of neglect?
        • Ha! (05/01/2015, 17:27) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply

          My NDP? WTF are you talking about? If Government in the past invested in infrastructure we won't be here now fixing water and sewage issues that were never completed in the first place. The schools that we have now, our parents and grand parents attended school in some of those same structures so don't tell me no @#$%. You got a problem deal with it, but it won't change the facts!

  • xxxxxxxx (05/01/2015, 10:33) Like (3) Dislike (22) Reply
    See if they had follow Fraser and purchase the engine we would have been alright today…Fraser is simply a visionary
    • BVIEC (05/01/2015, 11:25) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
      Fraser was the Minister at the time of the Biwater contract. Why didn't he ensure that the engine was purchased?
      Fraser is responsible for a significant part of the issues we are now having.
      • Come on (05/01/2015, 15:02) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
        @BVIEC,
        Come on! Which part of what happening you seriously think you can blame Fraser for? You need to get a life. He give them $6 million to buy a engine but because of your worthless NDP politics them spite the country. Who suffering now?
        • BVIEC (05/01/2015, 16:44) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
          You miss the point and I am not NDP.
          Fraser was in power, he could have made sure that the generator was bought. NDP was in opposition so just like he rammed Biwater down our throats, he could have done the same with the engine for BVIEC.
          It takes 2 - 3 years to build a power plant or add an extension so if Fraser had started Phase 5 THEN, we would have power NOW. Fraser is the main person to blame for this.
  • Enough! (05/01/2015, 10:36) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply

    FIRE L.... and either let Henry get a try at it to see if he works out, or bring in a proven, qualified person to run the corporation. The place is the pitts and it's time to stop making excuses. This is beyond politics now, we have incompetent people at the helm and the chickens are now coming home to roost! Government, please do the necessary ASAP because it is shameful in this little 'rich' country to have power going every damn day!

  • OhKala (05/01/2015, 10:47) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
    NDP just not up to the challenge. Most of the problem is personal interest. No WATER because the government members has interest in water company, so they stifle Biwater. New HOSPITAL no service patients must go up the street for tests, because them friends has equipment and must make money. No ELECTRICITY because them want you to buy Chinese generators from them. Too much personal interest
    • Not so fast. (05/01/2015, 12:42) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply

      What about the BVI people who took advantage of Government for so many years, raiding our Treasury and now complaining? If they weren't so damn greedy and selling their votes we wont be here. Stop hiding behind the politicians for they are not the only ones to be blamed. They should take a good bit of it as they sit in a position of power, but the greedy @$$ people in this country don't get off the hook. If voters weren't so @#$%% corrupt we would have a better country. Even now you hear them start "Anybody waaan my vote this time around better come good..".

  • BVIEC (05/01/2015, 11:30) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    What the f**k are you talking about? Fraser should have started Phase V when he was in power as it takes about 2-3 years to develop a new power station or extend the current one, so if he had started it, we would have more reliable power by now. Not the the NDP is blameless but the real issue was Fraser.
    • Madness (05/01/2015, 15:20) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      BVIEC...... Since it takes 2-3 years according to you to build a new power station or extend the old one, then the NDP should of already completed PHASE 5 (them in office not 2 but 3 years), so what's the problem? Oh! I forgot you said it is Fraser.

      Now you see what a worthless fool you are.
  • True (05/01/2015, 11:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ot power on Anegada, thank you very much.....enjoy territory
  • Concerned (05/01/2015, 12:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Since were are having so many unexpected power outages and no explanation from BVIEC, it is best that we protect our appliances by using surge protectors and keep back up supply of water.
  • too much (05/01/2015, 12:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need our B. V I people in the top position. Why do we always sell out?
  • miss (05/01/2015, 12:49) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    we pay wayyy to much money for electricity to be having so many power outages!!
  • insider (05/01/2015, 13:39) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Leroy trying he best but......
    • What best? (05/01/2015, 14:19) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

      Look at how rundown the corporation and the plants are, everything is in total disarray while he continues to pat himself on the back. Why? Because they can hide behind whichever Government and/or Minister is in. People continue to blame Government for this mess but the management of BVIEC gets a pass again and again. Government should just take over and let the Ministry run it. At least if they $%^^&^*, they can take the blame rightfully then and we won't have a set of overpaid senior people at BVIEC walking around like headless @$$3$.

  • zoe (05/01/2015, 13:56) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am a solid VIP, but will happily 'step aside' if I can see real legislation happening with the NDP, real problems getting solved, real people (poor, unemployed, unhealthy, overweight, poorly educated) getting helped. Fine, please by all means, DO something useful. Don't talk, act. Talk is so very cheap
  • morethanthat (05/01/2015, 14:35) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vino you need to also report on the poor internet service. Internet down often they still expect the public to pay for the the many inconvenience they cause.
  • @ too much (05/01/2015, 14:35) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have BVI people at the top position in EVERY SINGLE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT! How is that working out? It's not about having BVI people in the top, it's about having competent people at the top. If the most competent are BVI persons then all the better, but we should not be made to suffer just to ensure that senior persons are from here. That attitude is what is sinking the country.
    • learning (06/01/2015, 12:30) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      That and the obstinate refusal to learn from outsider or from mistakes made elsewhere.
  • Realist (06/01/2015, 06:33) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is enough blame to go around. NDP and VIP are all to blame for our shortcomings!
  • kids (06/01/2015, 17:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doctor clueless to the rescue nottt.waste of time Next...........
  • lights out (06/01/2015, 18:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    My power has been going off twice a day, when the power came on again I had no internet, when the internet came back on the cable tv went out. I dont think I have had all on at the same time for weeks. I believe its total incompetence, its appalling for this to happen in the BVI in 2015
  • Lily Ann (06/01/2015, 19:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yall speaking about "NDP this and NDP that" ... "Change this and change that" ........ Yall sound sooo dumb. THERE IS NO CHANGE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is just from FIRE to FIRE !!!! NDP...VIP...PPP...LLP...AAP...GOP ...... ALLLLLLL are the same !!!! Stop sounding retarded bout "seeking Change" Struuups !!!!
  • Dulcina (06/01/2015, 21:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I completely missed the memo detailing the fact that Premier Smith is now CEO of BVIEC and that it is a government entity.

    Keeping a company in business by paying for services not rendered,not demanding accountability collectively by using the power of purchse is almost a joke in a world of adult consumers.
  • nbc (06/01/2015, 23:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder if the lady told the Doc. to say what he said. For heaven's sake, this is an on going thing not a one off incident. Please!!
  • zip it (07/01/2015, 02:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The willingness of Dr. Smith to say anything just for a headline is amazing and telling the truth is missing.
  • wize up (07/01/2015, 07:57) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    how can someone in their right mind blame the NDP ; the current administration been in power for 3 years compared to the VIP who have been in power in the BVI well over 30 years. The BVI been having water,electrical and other issue some 30 years ago...the VIP and their political supporter needs to know stop using cheap political stunts just to regain power.
    • story time (07/01/2015, 09:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Had a break for a period in that 30 years by losing it for 4 short shorts but still muck up the treasury in 2 of those 4. come back in no money to do nothing; everything tie up. lets hear bout that story now that you finish with that one.
  • VG Resident (07/01/2015, 08:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    vg must have a glitch every week it seems because the power goes off at least once a week sometimes more it sucks
  • Captain Obvious (07/01/2015, 13:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on Dr. Smith,

    I like you but you are stating the obvious here. This glitch has been plaguing the Virgin Islands for several years now. I know Alvin bought faulty generators that should have fixed the problem, but it's your problem now. You have until the end of the year to fix this problem, PERMANENTLY. In my job, fire usually comes down on me if I can't fix a problem in a few days. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. Power goes almost EVERY DAY where I live.
  • bviec sucks (07/01/2015, 14:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    the corporation is a waste of money for such shoddy service, the p[wer on vg goes off almost daily it seems enough is enough


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