CEO Myers defends Vinlec aid to Cuba

Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd. (VINLEC) Thornley Myers has defended his company’s decision to send aid to Cuba, following the recent passage of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.{{more}}

Myers said that the company’s decision to send US $20,000 to the Hurricane Restoration Project of Cuba should not be frowned upon by anyone. “We at VINLEC are part of the Caribbean Association of Electrical Utilities Companies. We are part and parcel of a body that when parts of the Caribbean are hit by hurricane we provide assistance.

“Clearly, Cuba is not a part of the network, but as an organization we have had an extended collaboration with Cuba.”

According to Myers, VINLEC has a commercial agreement with an electrical entity in that country, and is gaining more than in any relationship with any other country.

He noted that as a result, VINLEC is unable to lose by sending that amount as hurricane restoration assistance to Cuba.

Speaking of assistance VINLEC has given to neighboring countries over the years, Myers said that his company has done and spent more for hurricane relief.

“When Hurricane Ivan hit Grenada, we had a team down there well over three months. We have sent hurricane teams to Montserrat, Antigua, the Bahamas, and others.

“At the moment we have four guys who have gone to the Turks and Caicos Islands, so hurricane assistance to hurricane hit countries is nothing new to us.”

“If tomorrow we are hit by a hurricane, we wouldn’t care where the assistance comes from.” Myers said. (JJ)