VINLEC hits half century

On November 27, 2011, St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) will proudly celebrate its fiftieth (50th) anniversary.{{more}}

The history of electricity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines dates back to May 1931, when the Crown Colony Government began providing electricity to 32 customers in Kingstown during the night. VINLEC’s forerunner, the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC), a British based Company, took over the operations of the electricity business in 1953.

The formation of St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited in 1961 brought about progress in the electricity sector in the country, with electrification of some rural communities. During the early 1970’s, government acquired 49% shares, while 51% remained with the CDC. The operations were further streamlined with the enactment of the Electricity Supply Act of 1973. On July 1, 1985, VINLEC became a state owned entity when the government acquired the remaining 51% shares of the Company.

VINLEC is proud to be celebrating its 50th anniversary and invites all Vincentians to celebrate this milestone for the Company under the theme “VINLEC at 50 – Powering National Development.”

During the month of November, the Company will host a week of celebratory activities, which will run from November 21 to 27. On Monday, November 21, the Company will host Employee Appreciation Day, at which employees will be recognized for their contribution to the Company. There will be a focus on health and nutrition, and Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar checks will take place at all of the Company’s locations, and there will also be a health and fitness walk.

On Tuesday 22 and Thursday 24, VINLEC will be featured during the Agency for Public Information (API) programmes which will be aired on SVG Television from eight in the evening. Also on Tuesday 22, VINLEC employees will be involved in community based projects as part of Community Service Day.

The official opening of the Lowmans Bay Power Plant, which was constructed to meet the growing electricity demands, is set to take place on Thursday, November 24, from 2:30 pm. The state of the art Power Plant was completed at a cost of 120 million East Caribbean dollars.

The activities will continue on Friday 25 with a Customer Appreciation Day at the Corporate Headquarters, Paul’s Avenue. VINLEC will use the opportunity to educate customers about the role and functions of the organisation through an exhibition. There will also be Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks, as well as entertainment by the National String Band. The celebrations culminate on Sunday, 27 November, with a Thanksgiving Service.

Over the years, Vincentians have witnessed the development and progress of the Company. VINLEC now serves 40, 374 customers and provides electricity to 98% of the populace. Electricity is generated at the Company’s diesel Power Stations which are located at Cane Hall, Lowmans Bay, Bequia, Union Island, Canouan and Mayreau. Approximately 20% of electricity is produced annually at the Hydro Plants which are located at Cumberland, Richmond and South Rivers.

While providing a quality, safe and reliable electricity service is the Company’s primary role, VINLEC is committed to supporting sustainable development. To meet this, the Company continuously builds partnership in the areas of education, sports, health, culture and the arts.

St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited is a modern Company, with a mission to provide service of the best quality and value to its customers, satisfy the interest of shareholders and employees and contribute to a high quality of life for the nation. The Company pledges to continue working to ensure that it provides reliable and quality service to its customers as it moves ahead in the 21st century.