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Visitors 'will be impressed by our stewardship' of the environment- VI Premier

- said commissioning of Solar Plant on Anegada marks a bold step toward transformation & developing in a sustainable way
The Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project was officially commissioned on December 12, 2025. Photo: BVIEC.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the commissioning of the Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System marks a bold step toward transformation & developing in a sustainable way. Photo: GIS
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the commissioning of the Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System marks a bold step toward transformation & developing in a sustainable way. Photo: GIS
The solar plant project, designed to withstand Category 2 hurricanes, was completed under $6M and now provides up to 19 hours of solar power to Anegada, which means diesel-powered electricity is used for short periods but mostly at night. Photo: BVIEC
The solar plant project, designed to withstand Category 2 hurricanes, was completed under $6M and now provides up to 19 hours of solar power to Anegada, which means diesel-powered electricity is used for short periods but mostly at night. Photo: BVIEC
THE SETTLEMENT, Anegada, VI- "My administration is serious about transformation and developing in a sustainable way. We are committed to building a cleaner and greener future that will stand as a shining example of what a Small Island Developing State can achieve when we are grounded in the right principles and committed to action."

Those were the words of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at the commissioning of the Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System on Friday, December 12, 2025.

According to Premier Wheatley, the commissioning of the solar plant marks a bold step forward in achieving the objectives of transformation and developing in a sustainable way.

"We have a strong team that is delivering this administration's mandate: Honourable Kye Rymer, PS Elvia Smith-Maduro, the B VI Electricity Corporation team, let me congratulate you. You have brought tangible benefits to the people of Anegada: more reliable electricity supply, reduced power outages and fluctuations. More reliability means more productivity, economically, educationally and socially.

'Stewardship of God's environmental gifts'

The Premier said that, internationally, it sends the message that the Virgin Islands, which is on the frontlines of climate change, will lead by example, by harnessing the power of the sun to lower its carbon footprint, ensuring that its energy use contributes less to global emissions and more to the sustainability of the islands. 

"This project will attract visitors who will be impressed by our stewardship of God's environmental gifts," Premier Wheatley added, noting that the Virgin Islands is blessed with wondrous natural resources, including pristine beaches, vibrant marine life and delicate coral reefs.

"These treasures are not only the foundation of our tourism economy, but also a part of our identity as Virgin Islanders. By embracing renewable energy, we are protecting these gifts for generations to come."

The solar plant project, designed to withstand Category 2 hurricanes, was completed under $6M and now provides up to 19 hours of solar power to Anegada, which means diesel-powered electricity is used for short periods but mostly at night.

16 Responses to “Visitors 'will be impressed by our stewardship' of the environment- VI Premier”

  • Joker (14/12/2025, 13:06) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
    The entire bvi looks like a dumpster, one solar panel is not going to change that!
  • WEW (14/12/2025, 13:16) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    He’s got to kidding. This guy’s lost it
  • Hum (14/12/2025, 13:44) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is more around the dumpster then in the dumpster
  • ... (14/12/2025, 14:34) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    It is a start.
  • Nothing is hidden, nothing is unknown. (14/12/2025, 15:18) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yea, they are impressed with how negatively unstewardship B.V.I political leaders are practicing their leadership role unevenly in favor of themselves, and to their favored special interest persons advantage regularly. Split-tonue talkers, and tax payers finance mismanagers they are, not all, but most of the time.

  • ccc (14/12/2025, 16:07) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Thank you premier keep pushing
  • Solar (14/12/2025, 16:23) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    No mains water very impressive!
  • BuzzBvi (14/12/2025, 18:09) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cats rampant, iguanas dying, pine trees taking over,, lands being sold out, development full speed ahead, reefs dying, shipping dangers, fish gone, ferry gone, local fisherman folk gone.

    Stewardship what??????????

    $ given to basketball friend and Anegada get a $1Million Dollar solar plant that will disappear with the first storm. Be an eyesore thereafter and never be repair or replaced.

    Stewardship of what? ????? Dollars to pockets?????
    • Impress. Naah. (15/12/2025, 03:44) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      No wonder the place is in such a bad state..They really believe they are running the country good...So many obvious issues. .Bad Roads and no water top the list..
    • @ BuzzBvi (15/12/2025, 05:59) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      The Government will continue to move forward in the right order: listening to the public, engaging stakeholders and developing clear policy now take that to the bank
  • Sewage town (14/12/2025, 23:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I can say is lol
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (15/12/2025, 12:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    excellent
  • BuzzBvi (15/12/2025, 12:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why did we spend $6Million??

    HT Power Cost Estimates are for a 1MW installation. (Anegada is 1.25MW) 1MWh Batteries. Anegada is 4MWh.

    Taking all the above costs into consideration, the total investment of a 1MW distributed photovoltaic power station with 1000kwh energy storage battery is roughly between 520,000 and 560,000 US dollars. The specific cost needs to be calculated in detail according to local market prices, policies and specific project requirements. Or you can contact us for a more accurate cost calculation for your project.

    So how do we get to $6Million???????
  • Really? (15/12/2025, 23:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I knew another useless waste of money was coming. A leader that does not listen is like a 2yo throwing a tantrum.
  • facts (16/12/2025, 15:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I recently visited Anegada. Why is the Settlement looking like a dump these days. There is trash everywhere, abandoned vehicles and looks very rundown. I would have been very embarrassed to hold a ceremony there!


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