VINLEC, Electrobras, Brazil Ambassador discuss investment in renewable energy development – SVG

Last week, representatives of St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC), headed by its Chief Executive Officer Thornley Myers, met with Cendar Joao Tondello of Eletrobras and the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil,{{more}} His Excellency Renato Xavier, to discuss possible investment in renewable energy development in St. Vincent.

The other members of the VINLEC team were Engineers Fidel Neverson and Kenrick Burke. Eletrobras is the national electricity company of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the largest power utility in Latin America and the tenth largest power utility in the world. Tondello is Chief of Eletrobras operations in Panama, with responsibility for investment in Central America and the Caribbean.

The visit of Tondello was facilitated by the Ambassador of Brazil, following a request by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to seek assistance from Brazil, in the development of renewable energy. During the discussions, VINLEC brought Tondello up to date on the company’s plans for investment in a wind farm at Ribishi point as well as the rehabilitation of its hydroelectric power plants at South Rivers and Richmond. Tondello spoke of his company’s investment in wind energy in Brazil, the high penetration of hydroelectricity generation in Brazil, and Eletrobras interest in Central America and the Caribbean.

These discussions were conducted in a cordial and businesslike environment, and it is expected that following these discussions, Tondello will hold dialogue with representatives of Eletrobras in Brazil who will look at possible avenues for cooperation with VINLEC in the development of renewable energy in the State.

On Wednesday, Janaury 18, 2012, Tondello, accompanied by his Excellency, the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, and the Chief Executive Officer of VINLEC, made a courtesy call and were welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Douglas Slater. In the discussions which ensued, the Minister was brought up to date on the matters which were addressed with VINLEC.