Cuban Linesmen arrive to assist VINLEC in rebuilding electrical network in Union Island

The St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) has welcomed a contingent of 15 workers from Cuba to assist with the rebuilding of the electrical network on Union Island.

The Cuban linesmen brigade arrived at the Argyle International Airport on Monday, August 26, 2024 where they were greeted by VINLEC’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Vaughn Lewis; Minister of Energy, Benarva Browne; and the Ambassador of Cuba to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Carlos Etcheverry.

Dr. Lewis expressed his gratitude for the team’s timely arrival, saying that “our island of Union Island has been devastated, but we are sure that with your assistance, we will be able to restore the island within a couple months.” He also assured that the Company will take care of the Cuban workers, and added that the relationship will be strengthened through this experience.

The Cubans are scheduled to travel to Union Island on Monday, September 2, 2024, and will immediately commence work on the island’s electrical network, alongside a local line contractor, Ruddy’s Electrical Contracting Co Ltd, and VINLEC teams. The Cuban line-brigade belongs to the Cuban Electric Union, and the team is headed by Damián Jiménez. This is the second batch of specialist workers to arrive from Cuba to assist VINLEC in its recovery work following severe damage and destruction by Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024. A three man team of Engineers from Cuba arrived in SVG on August 14, to complement the engineering staff at the electricity company in the recovery work. VINLEC said in a release that the Company remains committed to working closely with all partners to ensure that the electrical network on Union Island, and all other affected Grenadines islands is restored efficiently, paving the way for a full recovery and rebuilding of communities.