The Tribune

BY FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribuneemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Michael Pintard yesterday challenged the government to explain how the country reached its current energy crisis after the Davis administration said in June that 95 percent of critical transmission and distribution upgrades had been completed.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Pintard questioned how Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) could be in the grip of a worsening energy crisis after claiming the majority of system upgrades were complete, demanding to know what was left unfinished that contributed to the system’s “catastrophic failure”.

“We're trying to understand what was that 5percent that they didn't get to that caused the catastrophic failure of the system,” said Mr Pintard.

His comments came as the government continues to grapple with widespread power outages affecting New Providence and several Family Islands, with residents and businesses facing prolonged disruptions during a period of extreme heat.

Mr Pintard was referring to comments made by Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis in June, when she said the transmission and distribution upgrade programme was 95 percent complete and that officials expected “another few weeks” of work.

At the time, Mrs Coleby-Davis said much of the disruption was linked to the ongoing upgrades, which had been delayed by eight weeks and were being carried out during unusually early extreme heat.

She also said some areas that would normally be supplied by two circuits were operating on one while work continued, increasing the strain on the system during periods of high demand.

Mr Pintard said the government therefore needed to explain what remained outstanding and why the system was still experiencing such severe failures.

“The Minister with responsibility for Energy said just weeks ago that they were 95percent complete with the repairs,” he said.

“So if it was an issue that they met antiquated equipment — and they did because it existed when we were there — she's saying that 95 percent of those upgrades and improvements have occurred. So we're trying to understand what was that 5 percent that they didn't get to that caused the catastrophic failure of the system.”

Mr Pintard said the energy crisis was not simply an issue involving BPL’s management or internal disputes, arguing that the consequences were being felt across the economy, particularly by the tourism and healthcare sectors.

“Our biggest concern is the Minister with responsibility for Energy, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, must give us the assurance with very specific details on how they are going to stop the reputational damage being caused to the tourism industry in The Bahamas because the lights are going off,” he said.

“People who own accommodations throughout the Family Islands are screaming about cancellations.”

He said the government also needed to provide concrete assurances about how it intended to restore reliable electricity.

Mr Pintard also criticised the government's focus on BPL overtime amid the wider crisis, arguing that the administration remains responsible for managing the utility.

“A failing government, a failing government on the energy reform. They are talking about what is appropriate for BPL and not appropriate, as if they are not the managers of BPL. They are the managers. They are responsible. They are responsible for the overtime,” he said.

“The people aren't paying themselves. The government is paying them.”

“A government that is, whose backs are against the wall because of their failing to deliver affordable power, consistent power, and cleaner power, they are pointing to their employees as the primary issues, but they continue to reward the same employees in the same way, despite all of the complaints.”

“That's why I say for them it's a sideshow. They're seeking to create a distraction.”

Mr Pintard said the immediate priority should be restoring reliable electricity and holding those responsible for the system accountable.

“It is tragic,” he said of the current crisis.

“For so many Bahamians, there are persons who have physical ailments, and on a good day, regular heat that we've grown accustomed to over the years poses a problem. Now what we're facing is a heat wave, and persons who do not own an air condition having problems even turning on their fans.”

“So this issue of electricity, it strikes the issues of life and death.”

Mr Pintard said the government needed to provide a clear plan for resolving the crisis, including timelines and accountability.

“It is the hope of the Bahamian people that the Prime Minister is going to give them some concrete reassurance that we know exactly what the problem is, and this is how we are going to fix it, and by this timeline, and who we are holding responsible, and if they are unable to deliver, we're going to get rid of that group, and we're going to put in place the right crew to solve the problem.”