CUC loans generators to residents in need

From left: Hon Roy Bodden; MLA Edna Moyle; Hon
Gilbert McLean; Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly; CUC’s
Executive Vice-President, Richard Hew; CUC’s Ms
Caren Thompson; CEO, Peter Thomson and MLA Arden
McLean

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

CUC (Caribbean Utilities Company) have responded to a request from Minister of Planning, Communication, District Administration and Information Technology (PCDA&IT), the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and have provided 50 generators to the Cayman Islands government.

Ms O’Connor-Connolly made the request as a temporary power solution for customers in the eastern districts and the generators will be distributed to residents awaiting repair of the main transmission and distribution lines. They will allow homeowners to operate a few essential appliances.

Chairman of CUC, Mr. David Ritch responded to the appeal and granted the loan of 50 generators and extension cords for distribution to the most needy in the districts until full service is restored.

CUC President and CEO Peter Thompson said, “This goodwill gesture between the Ministry and CUC will provide some relief for those who have suffered catastrophic damage to their homes.”

CUC’s Executive Vice President, Richard Hew added; “Despite damage to the undersea distribution cable to Rum Point, CUC is on schedule to restore power to the eastern districts in two or three more weeks.”

These locally-purchased Coleman Powermate 5500 generators with fifty feet extension cords will be divided between the districts of Bodden Town (18), East End (18) and North Side (14) and distributed by MLAs on the basis of need. 

Ms. Edna Moyle, MLA from North Side commenting on the loan said: “The Ministry and CUC should be congratulated for providing these generators which I know will be well-accepted by those in my district”. 

Hon. Gilbert McLean, MLA from Bodden Town added: “We will ensure families and the elderly receive these generators by the weekend.” 

Hon. Roy Bodden, MLA from Bodden Town was happy to hear of the donation. “These generators will be appreciated, especially by seniors in our constituency who are unable to tolerate the inconvenience caused by lack of electricity,” he said.

East End MLA, Mr. Arden McLean, expressed his thanks to the Ministry and CUC: “East End was one of the hardest hit areas of the island and I’m eager to distribute these generators to those who will really benefit from them,” he remarked.

The Ministry and CUC management reminds those operating a generator to ensure they place the unit in a well-ventilated area outside and away from the home to avoid the harmful carbon monoxide fumes from exhaust. 

A generator should also be plugged directly into appliances since connecting the generator into the panel box could result in electrocution because it may backfeed into CUC’s power lines.

    Back...