Local News
BVIEC Working to Restore Power Generating Capacity in the British Virgin Islands
The Minister for Communication and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, has assured the public that the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is actively working to restore its power generating capacity to meet the needs of the Territory. The Minister emphasized that the government and the corporation are giving top priority to addressing the technical and operational issues affecting the reliability of the electrical power supply, as well as the water supply.
Minister Rymer acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the public by the current issues, including interruptions in the water supply, and offered his apologies. He stated, “Providing reliable and dependable utilities to the Territory is paramount to everyone. We are working tirelessly to resolve the issues, but we ask the public to bear with us while we implement the necessary solutions.”
Dr. Neil Smith, the General Manager at BVIEC, provided further insight into the challenges being faced. He explained that one of the largest generators at the plant is undergoing overhaul, while another is experiencing governor issues that require specialized attention from the manufacturers. Additionally, a smaller generating set has been awaiting assembly. Compounding the situation is the fact that the power consumption in the Territory is currently at its highest levels ever.
To manage the load on the power system, the corporation, in collaboration with public partners, has taken measures to regulate power consumption. As a result, the Seven Seas desalination plant, which consumes 4 Megawatts of energy at full capacity, has been periodically taken offline. This interruption affects water production and supply to customers.
Dr. Smith acknowledged the frustration experienced by individuals due to the present situation and offered his apologies. He appealed to the public to exercise patience as the necessary work is carried out to restore the power plant to its optimal load carrying capacity. Additionally, he urged the public to conserve electricity by reducing consumption, as this would not only lower electricity bills but also alleviate the strain on the power system, ultimately reducing disruptions to the electricity and water supply.
The BVIEC remains committed to providing the best possible service to its customers and contributing to the development of the Territory’s electrical infrastructure. The corporation aims to ensure that the entire population of the British Virgin Islands has access to reliable and continuous electricity at an affordable cost.
Education
Friendly Competition Sparks Unity Between Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley Primary Schools
As the new school year began, Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School were officially zoned together, marking the start of what promises to be a powerful collaboration between the two institutions. In celebration of Teacher’s Week, both schools came together for a friendly bowling match between the Wolves and the Wildcats.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, and teachers embraced their competitive spirits. Beyond the fun, the event symbolised the beginning of a new chapter, with both schools set on working together to foster academic and social improvement.
“This is just the beginning,” said one teacher. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we collaborate to support the success of our pupils.”
With more joint activities planned, the newly dubbed East Coast “Wolfcats” are poised to make great strides in building a united and dynamic learning environment. Stay tuned for further developments as these schools continue to strengthen their partnership.
International
UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springette Visits Virgin Islands to Strengthen Development Efforts
Business
Flow BVI Appoints Maria De Grads as First Female General Manager
Flow British Virgin Islands has welcomed Maria De Grads as its new General Manager, the first woman to hold this position in the company’s 58-year history, effective October 1. The announcement was made by C&W Communications, the parent company of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business, and BTC, which operates throughout the Caribbean.
Maria De Grads, a telecommunications veteran from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, brings over 21 years of experience in the industry. Her appointment has been hailed as a pivotal moment for Flow BVI. Susana O’Sullivan, Vice President for the North Caribbean at C&W Communications, expressed confidence in De Grads’ leadership: “Her extensive experience, vision, and commitment to empowering teams will be instrumental in driving Flow BVI forward as we continue to innovate and deepen our connection to the BVI community.”
De Grads has held a variety of roles within C&W Communications since joining Flow St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2004. Her previous positions include Commercial Lead for the Southern Caribbean markets, which covered St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Barbados. She has also served as Commercial Manager and Product Executive, gaining expertise in growth strategy, customer care, and human resource management. In her most recent role as Senior Manager for Commercial Operations in the South Caribbean, she was responsible for spearheading plans that drove customer acquisition and revenue growth.
“I am deeply honored to become the General Manager of Flow BVI, and being the first woman to step into this role makes it even more meaningful,” said De Grads. “I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to deliver innovative services, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to the development of the BVI. Together, we’ll build on Flow’s strong legacy and ensure we remain at the forefront of connectivity in the Territory.”
De Grads holds an associate degree in business management from the University of the West Indies and an MBA in Marketing and Sales Management from the University of Edinburgh.
This new leadership is expected to further strengthen Flow BVI’s position as a leading provider of telecommunication services in the British Virgin Islands, offering cutting-edge solutions to both consumers and businesses.
About C&W Communications:
C&W Communications, part of Liberty Latin America, is a comprehensive communications and entertainment provider serving over 20 markets in the Caribbean. It offers video, broadband, mobile, and telephony services, along with IT solutions for business and government clients through its business division.
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