Statement on the Water and Electricity Crisis on Nevis

For Immediate Release:

Saturday, July 22, 2017

By the Leader of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), Hon. Joseph Parry

My fellow citizens and residents of Nevis, for the past 12 months, the people of Nevis have been subjected to daily rolling power blackouts unheard of in recent history. So dire is the situation that it is reminiscent of the trauma experienced post Hurricanes Hugo & Lenny, way back in 1989 & 1995 minus the physical destruction. What is particularly damaging with these blackouts are the knock off effects on the critical services such as water, internet and cable. Unlike the 1980's & the 1990's, in this modern era, the internet is our primary means of data and voice transmission and must be protected by a stable supply of electricity.

The escalating duration and frequency of power loss has evolved from being in the nuisance category to one of full blown anger and disillusionment. Without warning, simple routine domestic activities like cooking, ironing and washing cannot be taken for granted anymore. In addition, there is now a greater probability of water not running than normal. This is particularly disheartening as we endure these hot summer months when the mercury is pushed well beyond the comfort level. Our family, friends and visitors have no fans and no air conditioners to ease the discomfort.

It is sad that the entire country is suffering from the power outages at this time. It is ironic that under the NRP Administration 2006- 2013, the stability of power generation, transmission and distribution lulled us into a false sense of security and dependency on Mains Power. As such, many households and businesses dispensed with the need for backup generators. In hindsight, it would prove a costly mistake.

The cost to businesses already stressed from a declining economy is very significant and is estimated in the millions of dollars in lost productivity. Businesses are hemorrhaging cash faster than they can make it. From small village grocers to mechanic shops; from joiners and carpenters to welders and fabricators; from restaurants and bars to hotels and villas; from off-shore companies to banks. The squeeze has left many deeply in the red. Hourly workers face the daily anxiety of no power hence no works no pay.

In addition, an insidious threat is posed to customers of Nevlec that use more sensitive and sophisticated electronic devices and circuits which demand a reliable high quality power supply. Every household and business in this island is at risk from damage caused by fluctuating high and low voltages. Financial losses due to equipment damaged by Nevlec are practically impossible to recover. It is instructive that the law firm which defends Nevlec against such claims for damage is owned by the Deputy Premier the Hon Mark Brantley.

It is indeed regrettable because this crisis was wholly preventable. Report after report cataloguing the unfolding situation at Nevlec vis a vis ignoring maintenance schedules were ignored ad infinitum by the Minister with responsibility, the Hon. Alexis Jeffers. Months into the grip of the crisis and his sad refrain are to blame NRP. I am reminded of a quote, "Sometimes you have to shut up, swallow your pride and accept that you’re wrong. It's not giving up, it’s called growing up".

The NRP stands ready to return good governance and a stable supply of electricity to the people of Nevis.

May God Bless the island and people of Nevis.

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