CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (September 08, 2010) — Minister responsible for Public Utilities and Energy on Nevis Hon. Carlisle Powell, told management, staff and members of the Board of Directors of the Nevis Electricity Company Ltd. (NEVLEC), that they had successfully laid the foundation for sustainable energy development on Nevis.

He made the comment when he delivered remarks at a dinner and awards ceremony at the Mount Nevis Hotel on Friday to mark the Company’s 10th anniversary. The theme for the anniversary was “Laying the foundation for Sustainable Energy Production”.

“NEVLEC turns 10! Congratulations to you. Your slogan “Laying the foundation for Sustainable Energy Production” is no joke. It is a fact. You have done so well that other utilities and other governments are envious of the rapid pace at which we have expended to include renewable energy,” he said.

Mr. Powell explained that the wind farm at Maddens was well on its way to recording its 1million Kilowatt hours of power very soon and as the Nevis Island Administration continued to work on the geothermal energy, NEVLEC would continue to be at the forefront.

The Minister also pointed to the Company’s commendable efforts to restore electricity to consumers throughout Nevis in the aftermath of Hurricane Earl.

“Your ability to return the island to full power in quick order is remarkable. My. Niece in St. Thomas has up on her Blackberry page “day 4 no electricity”. After the passage of Hurricane Earl nobody in Nevis went four days without power. We did this with a local General Manager…

“This was not by accident. Premier Parry and the entire Cabinet unanimously agreed that our people cannot fail if they are not given the chance to succeed,” he said and singled out General Manager Mr. Cartwright Farrell and Mr. Earl Springette.

Mr. Powell added that NEVLEC was well positioned to become an even bigger success than what it had achieved over the past 10 years.

In the near future he said NEVLEC would provide Nevis with 100 percent renewable energy from wind and geothermal and would sell clean, green energy to St. Kitts and the Virgin Islands among others.

“Imagine NEVLEC as the biggest company in Nevis. I salute Chairman Ernie Stapleton for providing quality leadership to the Board of NEVLEC. I salute the Board of Directors and I salute the workers. Let us move forward with confidence. May God continue to bless NEVLEC,” he said in conclusion.