Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool says his Ministry will be devoted to encouraging individuals to conserve energy and to use an alternative source. Photo: Javon Liburd/VINO

Solar panel unveiled at the HLSCC that will provide the College with a solar power demonstration system. Photo: VINO

Minister of Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool has dedicated himself and his Ministry to the mission of conserving energy and decreasing the use of fuel energy over the next three years and disclosed his intentions to amend the legislation.

The Minister made those comments while giving remarks at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Marine studies division for the official launch and unveiling of a Pilot Solar Project on June 7, 2012.

In addressing other government officials, members who serve on energy conservation boards, staff and students of HLSCC along with members of the public, Minister Vanterpool said that it is time to seek an alternative energy that can provide a cheaper and cleaner energy source to the homes, offices and businesses of the VI.

Upon mentioning the climate change policy that was in cabinet for the last three years and was approved couple weeks ago, Hon. Vanterpool stated that himself along with his Ministry will be taking action to ensure that the legislation that prohibits the community from using alternative energy will be changed before the end of this year.

Hon. Vanterpool told the attendees of the unveiling ceremony that his Ministry is so passionate about the topic and wants to see it implemented as soon as possible, that the government is about to appoint Vance Lewis as the consultant to move the policy forward on energy within the Ministry so that issues like the legislation will be moving along and the ideas proposed by Government pertaining to energy, will move forward in a very progressive manner in the next three years.

The Minister said with 13,000 homes and 700 business and offices in the VI, over the next three years his ministry will be devoted to encouraging individuals to conserve energy and to use an alternative source of energy in a significant way.

By promoting a greener energy source to the VI, Hon. Vanterpool said the aim is to reduce the country’s energy over the next three years and decrease energy consumption by 30 percent.

Meanwhile, the aim of the Pilot Solar Project initiated by HLSCC is to provide the College with a solar power demonstration system geared toward education and training for technology and science students.