The British Virgin Islands is one step closer to a greener reality with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Virgin Islands, HLSCC, UNITE BVI and Power 52 Inc. to push start the Government’s green agenda.
The premier said the launch of this training program is yet another step in our journey to transforming the Virgin Islands into a leading regional economy by 2025 and ensuring that our people are equipped to harness the economic opportunities that will be created as we progress along this path. He said even though we’ve explored many economic avenues in the past, locals were not equipped with the skills or given a fair opportunity to reap the benefits. Listen in
Honorable Minster for Education Natalio Wheatley said without a shadow of a doubt, human beings have contributed significantly to the adverse climate change issues affecting our region and the world and expressed that we must take charge and preserve and protect our environment. He shared his excitement about the training program to be facilitated through HLSCC and reaffirmed “we will not be a generation to hurt the future…we will help the future”
Acting president of HLSCC, Dr. Richard Georges said “we have to align our offerings with the needs of the territory…. we need to find the programs that are applicable, that’s speaks to the needs of BVIslanders and BVI residents and design and deliver those programs.” He said the training will take the format of the marine program, as the aim is to offer the opportunity to those who truly have a genuine interest in the field with basic Math, English and Business prerequisites.
To compliment the green agenda, the Government will soon begin duty-free exemptions on all renewable energy related products, including electric vehicles. The import duties will be suspended for a year to give residents and corporate BVI a grace period to adapt to the new reality.
Many residents are ecstatic about the announcement since it promises a more cost-friendly future; reduced electricity costs as we move towards renewable energy. General manager of BVIEC Leroy Abrams said in addition to that benefit, the overall cost to produce electricity will be reduced as well. He said we are one of the few jurisdictions in the region that has the full legal framework to support renewable energy. The challenge is the lack of expertise.
Mr. Rob Wallace, pioneer of the Power 52 Inc. concurred with the premier’s notion that the future belongs to the prepared. His company will be the exclusive training partner for the next 3 years through HLSCC. Power52 provides employment training for at-risk adults, returning citizens, and underserved individuals living in United States and other countries that prepares participants for careers in the solar industry as well as other green job opportunities.
Once the program is completed, successful persons will be able to install solar panels throughout the territory.