CUC Linepersons to assist with restoration efforts in the Turks & Caicos Islands

Seven members of CUC’s Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Operations department left Grand Cayman on Friday, September 8th to assist FortisTCI on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands with the restoration of power following the passing of Hurricane Irma on September 7th and 8th. The linepersons are expected to be in the Turks & Caicos for approximately three weeks.

Albert McLean, CUC’s Supervisor T&D Operations, heads up the team of linepersons which include Damian Barboram, Andrew Skowby, Shane Cato, Chris Bodden, Vince Webb and Tyler Krysik. All have pole climbing training and experience, which is necessary when dealing with a shortage of vehicles and equipment following the passing of a major storm such as what was experienced by the Turks & Caicos Islands.

This is the second time that CUC has assisted the Turks & Caicos Islands with restoration efforts, the first being in September and October 2008 when the Company sent three crews to assist following the passing of Hurricane Ike.
CUC’s linepersons joined forces with crews from the Company’s majority shareholder, Fortis Inc. from Canada, as part of Fortis’ Hurricane Irma emergency response programme. The local crew flew to Toronto via Jamaica on Friday, September 8th and travelled with the Fortis crews, totalling over 55 persons, from Toronto to the Turks & Caicos Islands on Sunday, September 10th once the all-clear was given by the Turks & Caicos government.

As part of this initial response, other Fortis companies from Canada included FortisBC, FortisAlberta, FortisOntario, Maritime Electric and Newfoundland Power. A second crew will replace the initial team to continue the support; this group will include crews from Fortis’ United States-based utilities.

Mr. David Watler, CUC’s Vice President Operations, said, “We look forward to assisting Fortis in helping our Caribbean neighbours in the Turks & Caicos Islands to restore the islands’ critical electrical infrastructure. Over the years, CUC has been providing assistance to utilities across the region who need our help. This organised aid assistance programme is critical to areas impacted by hurricanes in the restoration of power in a safe and expeditious manner”.

The CUC crew is scheduled to return to the Cayman Islands at the end of September.