Thirteen employees of the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) have completed specialised certification programmes designed to strengthen the Corporation’s operational capabilities and technical workforce. The group, comprising six linesmen and seven mechanics, was formally recognised during ceremonies held on Friday, 18 July 2025, at BVIEC’s Transmission and Distribution Building in Long Bush and the Wilfred Smith Power Station in Pockwood Pond.
The morning ceremony marked a milestone for BVIEC, celebrating the first cohort of linesmen to complete the 12-week Rubber Gloving Insulate & Isolate Training. Conducted by Tim Self Powerline Safety and Training, the programme prepares linesmen to carry out work on energised high-voltage lines, enabling maintenance and repairs to be performed without interrupting the electricity supply. Certified under this programme were Shaquil Samuel, Edward Pollock, Damien Richardson and Ronald Baird.
In addition to their live-line training, Samuel, Pollock and Richardson, along with Taryll DeSouza and Toriano King, also completed Level 3A and Level 3B of the CARILEC Certified Linesman Programme. These modules focused on Underground Residential Distribution and Transmission De-Energised Systems (34.5kV), respectively.
During his address, BVIEC General Manager Dr Neil Smith commended the linesmen for completing the advanced training and highlighted the Corporation’s long-term goal to have all line crews capable of working on live high-voltage systems. He noted that four of the linesmen had been selected to lead this effort, while the others would guide future cohorts through the same process.
Tim Self, who led the training, described the cohort’s performance as exceptional, stating that their achievements surpassed those of any previous group he had trained and could serve as a new industry model.
Later that afternoon, seven mechanics from BVIEC’s Generation Department were recognised for successfully completing the CARILEC Diesel Mechanic Level 1 Training. The programme enhances BVIEC’s internal capacity in power generation maintenance and reliability. Those honoured were Antoine Brewley, Akeem Thomas, Taniel Todman, Brandon Monsanto, Vaughn Varlack, Romano Hypolite and De Anthony De Freitas.
Chairman of the Board of Directors Sheldon Scatliffe congratulated the employees and stated that their accomplishments aligned with the Corporation’s values of resilience, respect, safety and innovation. Transmission and Distribution Engineer Leroy Abraham also addressed the linesmen, reminding them of the high standards and strict protocols required in live-line work and the importance of maintaining a culture of safety.
The Corporation stated that it remains committed to continued investment in training and development, ensuring the provision of safe, reliable and modern energy solutions to the people of the Virgin Islands.
