In a spirit of returning goodwill for goodwill, five linesmen from the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC) have just finished assisting Dominica in restoring its power supply which was disrupted by Hurricane Maria. Their work was in return for the help from seven linesmen, and one engineer, from the Dominica Electricity Services to Anguilla when this island’s electrical system was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma.
ANGLEC’s workers returned to Anguilla on Saturday, March 3, and were welcomed at the Clayton Lloyd International Airport by representatives of the company. The returning linesmen comprised team leader Emmanuel Monsanto, Delroy Carter, Omari Hamilton, Shevil Mussington and Bevan Webster.
“It was a good trip,” Monsanto said. “We helped to restore electricity to certain areas of Roseau, the capital of Dominica, and several other parts of the island including Canefield from where we have now returned to Anguilla.”
Mr. Sylvan Brooks, ANGLEC’s Acting CEO, commented: “The Dominica Electricity Services was one of the first companies to assist us after Hurricane Irma, and we have a very close relationship with that company. When we finished our restoration in mid-December, Dominica requested our help and we sent that assistance in January. The initial stay of our team was three weeks but Dominica requested an additional two weeks. We sent five linesmen, one bucket truck and a digger derrick. Our workers did a brilliant job and played a significant role in the electricity restoration process there. They have now returned to Anguilla after a very successful stint and we are here to welcome them home.”
Mr. Brooks, whose substantive post at ANGLEC is Systems Control Engineer, with responsibility for the Generation Department, continued: “Shortly after Hurricane Irma, Dominica sent eight of their most senior linesmen to help us – and also relief supplies. Their duration in Anguilla was short because their island was hit by Hurricane Maria, but in the short time they were here their service was very valuable.
“Our guys have returned, but the truck and the digger derrick will remain for an additional month or two months in Dominica which is short of critical items like trucks and digger derricks etc. ANGLEC’s help to Dominica therefore continues.”