Published 23 July 2017
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News
NRP leader slams CCM government over Nevis power outages
CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS, JULY 23rd 2017 – The escalating duration and frequency of power outages in Nevis has evolved from being in the nuisance category to one of full blown anger and disillusionment at a time when the economy is in decline and millions of dollars have been lost in productivity.
“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,” said Nevis’ Leader of the Opposition and former premier, Hon. Joseph Parry.
In a statement on what he termed the “Water and Electricity Crisis on Nevis,” Mr. Parry, the Political Leader of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), noted that “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 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,” said Parry, who added:
“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.”
Mr. Parry also pointed out 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 haemorrhaging 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,” Parry said in his statement.
He said an insidious threat is posed to customers of NEVLEC – the Nevis Electricity Company 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 Nevis’ Deputy Premier, Hon. Mark Brantley,” said Mr. Parry.
He said it was regrettable because the crisis was wholly preventable.
He said 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.
