UPDATE: Power outage a technical glitch – Premier D. Orlando Smith
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.
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47 Responses to “UPDATE: Power outage a technical glitch – Premier D. Orlando Smith”
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*
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?
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!
Fraser is responsible for a significant part of the issues we are now having.
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?
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.
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!
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..".
Now you see what a worthless fool you are.
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$.
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.
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.