VINLEC official sets record straight on Sandy Bay street light controversy

The St Vincent Electricity Services Ltd (VINLEC) does not have the capability to remotely disconnect any street light from any of the company’s bases throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This is what senior transmission and distribution engineer, Elrias Williams told listeners of the New Times radio programme on Monday, when he called to dispel reports that VINLEC had disconnected power during a meeting of the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) over the weekend.{{more}}

Reports had stated that during the opening of the North Windward office of the NDP on May 15 at Sandy Bay, a power outage had taken place, causing darkness to descend over the proceedings.

“This information is incorrect. We have reviewed our record and we have no record of a power outage in that area. We have investigated and found that the street light in that area of the junction in Sandy Bay malfunctioned on that said evening,” the senior engineer said.

He added that the electricity company did not receive any calls about an outage or defective streetlight at the time in question. Williams further stated that no one from VINLEC worked in that area during the day to disconnect any street light.

“It is unfortunate, because these comments are having a negative impact on the company,” he said.

“We wish to just reiterate that VINLEC will never disconnect power in any area to influence or impact any activity whatsoever. We will, however, continue our mandate to provide a reliable and good quality service to all.”

Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, in his response, said that he was glad to hear VINLEC responding to the matter. He, however, questioned why the meeting had gone into darkness, if there was no loss of power.

Williams reiterated that there was no loss of power, but rather, a defective street light and if there had been a loss of power, the meeting would not have been able to go on.

Eustace in reply said he did notice that all the other street lights seemed to be working at the time.

The senior engineer added that if there had been a loss in power, a generator would have had to be used for the meeting to continue.

“…So the fact that you had power to continue the meeting…it was just that street light,” Williams said. (BK)