The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Harbour Island’s recent energy supply challenges appear to be moving towards resolution, a resort operator and lead spokesman for concerned businesses has told Tribune Business.

Dean Spychalla, Valentines Residences’ resort and marina managing director, and Out Island Promotion Board (OIPB) president, stressed that a reliable electricity supply was critical to Harbour Island’s private sector, which is heavily dependant on tourism.

The island’s power supply has been described “inconsistent and barely manageable” following a series of electricity plant fires in April, and another in June.

The latter severely damaged BEC’s back-up generayor for the island. That generator’s loss ultimately stretched the Corporation’s Harbour Island generation sources to breaking point, resulting in frequent power disruptions during key holioday weekends such as US Memorial Day and the July 4 weekend.

A group of Harbour Island businesses. headed by Mr Spychalla, recently sent a letter to the Ministry of Tourism highlighting their concerns.

“I will say that the Government has been very responsive to our situation and it appears if they are on the case,” Mr Spychalla said.

“I was told that a new generator is on its way to Harbour Island. I’m very appreciative of that and hopefully that will help the address the issues that we have been having.

“The Bahamian Out Island Promotion Board and the Ministry of Tourism have been an excellent relationship. We work closely together to ensure the success of our tourism industry. It appears now that the situation is heading to a resolution.”

One businessman, who did not wish to be identified, told Tribune Business: “I really hope that the Government can do something about this situation. It’s frustrating, it’s an inconvenience and it’s not a good look for us with guests coming in wanting to enjoy themselves.

“The tourism business is our livelihood here and we need reliable power: The shops, the resorts, the marinas and the residents.”