BVIEC STAFF ACHIEVE ADVANCED CARILEC AND LIVE-LINE CERTIFICATIONS

 

Tortola, British Virgin Islands, July 22, 2025 — The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) proudly recognised the achievements of 13 employees who successfully completed specialised certification programmes aimed at advancing the Corporation’s operational capabilities and workforce development.

A total of six linemen and seven mechanics were awarded certificates on Friday, July 18, 2025, during two distinct ceremonies held at the BVIEC’s Transmission and Distribution Building in Long Bush and the Wilfred Smith Power Station in Pockwood Pond, respectively.

Live-Line Training Marks Historic First for BVIEC

The morning ceremony celebrated the first cohort of linemen to complete the 12-Week Rubber Gloving Insulate & Isolate Training conducted by Tim Self Powerline Safety and Training. This highly technical programme equips linemen to work safely on energised high-voltage lines, a groundbreaking development for BVIEC that now enables maintenance and repairs across communities without interrupting the electricity supply.

The certified linemen are:

• Shaquil Samuel
• Edward Pollock
• Damien Richardson
• Ronald Baird

These individuals now stand as the vanguard of BVIEC’s efforts to expand live-line capabilities, increasing operational efficiency and reducing customer disruption.

In addition to the gloving certification, linemen Shaquil Samuel, Edward Pollock, and Damien Richardson, along with Taryll DeSouza and Toriano King, also completed the CARILEC Certified Linesman Programme:

• Level 3A – Underground Residential Distribution Training
• Level 3B – Transmission De-Energized Systems (34.5kV) Training

Speaking at the ceremony, BVIEC General Manager Dr. Neil Smith commended the linemen for their trailblazing efforts, stating:

“It is the intention of the board to eventually have the BVIEC operate at the point where all the linemen are trained to work on high voltage lines while they’re still energised. Out of the six of you, four of you are selected to be the vanguard… The other two, you will be the leaders of the next set of linemen that come up to do the gloving training.”

Training Instructor Tim Self expressed pride in the cohort’s exceptional performance, noting:

“What I was able to achieve with these four gentlemen, I’ve never achieved with any other class… What we accomplished is mind-boggling and will serve as a new training model going forward.”

Diesel Mechanics Enhance Generation Department Capacity

In the afternoon, seven mechanics from the Generation Department were recognised for completing the CARILEC Diesel Mechanic Level 1 Training, which strengthens BVIEC’s internal capabilities in generation maintenance and reliability. The honourees are:

• Antoine Brewley
• Akeem Thomas
• Taniel Todman
• Brandon Monsanto
• Vaughn Varlack
• Romano Hypolite
• De Anthony De Freitas

Leadership Applauds Team Achievement

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Sheldon Scatliffe, congratulated the certificate recipients and highlighted how their accomplishments align with BVIEC’s values:

“This is a significant milestone in the Corporation. It falls in line with the core values we hold deeply to our hearts—resilience, respect, safety, and innovation. You are setting a trend. People will be looking up to you.”

Transmission and Distribution Engineer Leroy Abraham reminded the linemen of the critical responsibility associated with live-line work:

“It was a dream, it’s no longer a dream. It is a reality that BVIEC can now work live to reduce power outages… This field has no room for error. Follow every protocol, no shortcuts.”

The Corporation remains committed to investing in training and development opportunities that empower its team members and ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and modern energy solutions to the people of the Virgin Islands.

About BVIEC

The BVI Electricity Corporation is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for the British Virgin Islands. Through investment in people, innovation, and strategic partnerships, BVIEC continues to power progress and resilience across the Territory.