75% power restored across St Vincent and the Grenadines: VINLEC

St Vincent and the Grenadines: Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl 2024, around 75% of the power restoration efforts across the Southern Grenadines Islands of Canouan and the installation of over 120 solar lights in Union Island have been completed. VINLEC shared this and expressed its commitment to restoring power as swiftly and safely as possible.

While shedding light on the updates across the Southern Grenadines Islands of Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island about the restoration of power. They stated that following are the updates for each island as of 11th August 2024.

The VINLEC stated that restoration of the primary and secondary distribution network continues in Canouan with around 75% of the work being completed. They noted that the remaining work is still expected to be complete within the next two weeks. On the other hand, reconnection of homes and businesses will soon start once the electrical inspectorate certifies that the electrical wing of each building is safe to receive power.

Moreover, the VINLEC also shared about the update of Mayreau and noted that sections of the work were energized on 5th August 2024 and the power was restored at the Health Clinic. A VINLEC team, which was supported by the contractors will continue their work to restore the network this week. Also, the buildings will also be energized once VINLEC receives certificates indicating that is safe to do so.

While emphasizing the progress made in Union Island, the VINLEC stated that over 120 solar street lights had been installed, with an additional 100 planned to illuminate the island further. The poles have also been deployed to Union Island with a vision to rebuild the primary and secondary distribution networks. A containerized generator was also taken to the Union Island Power Plant to provide light and services to the residents of the area.

Notably, Hurricane Beryl made huge disastrous effect on St Vincent and the Grenadines which resulted in damaging 98% of the island’s structure. The storm ripped every roof off every home on the island and left several people homeless and without shelter.

When the Hurricane Beryl arrived in St Vincent and the Grenadines, it brought immense damages across the island. Roads were blocked by fallen trees, downed power lines and landslides, power outages and also caused structural damages to several significant public facilities.

However, the VINLEC stated that they are committed to make stringent efforts and restore all the facilities and bring back the island nation to its normalcy.