The Premier's Green Strategy initiative to put the Virgin Islands (VI) on the path towards becoming a green economy is now moving full speed ahead, with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding between the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and Power 52 on January 22, 2019, for the training of local solar technicians. Photo: Facebook/File

Power 52's Mr Ray Lewis shares a handshake with Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie. Photo: Facebook

From left: 52 Co-founder Ray Lewis, General Manager of BVIEC Leroy A. E. Abraham and Chairman of the HLSCC Board, Mr John M. Samuel. Photo: VINO

It is yet another historic day in the BVI... an MOU between HLSCC and Power 52 to get the Solar Technician Training started. This was made possible through the united efforts of Your Government, BVIEC, HLSCC, Power 52, and Unite BVI," Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) remarked after a brief signing ceremony at the Learning Resource Centre of HLSCC in Paraquita Bay, Tortola. 

Journey to Prosperity

Acting President of the HLSCC, Dr Richard E. Georges recalled the period of darkness in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Maria of 2017, noting that the training programme is tailored to the needs of the community.

"The college is repositioning itself, we are reviewing our offerings, both in terms of the technical programmes, short courses and on the academic side to make sure that what we do here makes sense, out there," Dr Georges said.

"Indeed, we have started a ‘New Leg’ of the journey of prosperity for the people the Virgin Islands. I thank all of you. I am super excited. Together we will always achieve more," Hon Fahie further said as part of his statement. 

According to the Premier, the Territory is now on the cusp of life-changing experience that put Virgin Islanders on the bleeding edge of this new industry. He said the people of the VI will be put first to be able to take advantage of jobs in emerging sectors such as green economies.

Securing the Future 

Speaking briefly at the signing ceremony, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) in brief remarks said that that is an exciting moment and important event following devastations of Hurricane Irma and Maria of 2017.

"I do not have a shadow of a doubt that man's actions have led to the situation we face today, with our climate. And though the Virgin Islands is just a small island on the map and not the biggest contributor... we each personally have to take responsibility... for correcting this problem," he told the gathering.

"A people who operate without regard for the future... is a people that hate their children and their grandchildren... we will not be a generation that hurts the future, we will help the future," Hon Wheatley said. 

According to Premier Fahie, the solar training programme will accelerate the economy to be 60% green by 2020.

VI the 1st Caribbean location for Power 52 Inc.

For Co-Founder of Power 52 Inc. Rob Wallace, those attending the programme will be benefit the teaching on a bible based principle that starts every class, “That’s what changes the person, the solar is just the tool, a tool for when you get out.”

The USA based company has now established a Power 52 Inc. Caribbean Energy Institute that is debuting in this Territory at the HLSCC. “This is our first international location, the Power 52 Caribbean Energy Institute.”

Present also was General Manager of the BVIEC, Mr Leroy E. Abraham, who said it is absolutely imperative that the VI possess within its shores the local expertise for the execution of these projects which would provide the graduates of this programme with the much needed experience to ensure the sustainability of this new industry.

Upon Completion of the Power 52 entry level programme, persons will be qualified for a class E licence. They would then be required to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) examination for PV Entry level which then qualifies them to be installation officers.