Contracts were also signed by Sol to supply lubricating oil to the two power plants as well as disposal of waste oil.

The contracts, four of them and for a duration of one-year, were signed at Forge Conference Room at R&R Malone Complex in Pockwood Pond.

Sol to the rescue!

General Manager of BVIEC Mr Leroy A.E. Abraham stated that in April 2022, Delta Petroleum (Caribbean) Limited wanted BVIEC to switch to a premium fuel, which would have been more costly.

Left with the ultimatum of premium fuel or no fuel, Mr Abraham said the decision the BVIEC needed to make was abundantly clear, adding that the Corporation takes its social and corporate responsibility very seriously.

“We promptly terminated our contract with Delta, recognising that they were incapable of getting the regular No. 2 Diesel and we went out to tender in May 2022.”

He said the bids were opened publicly on June 2, 2022, and on June 20 a fuel supply contract was awarded to Sol, which expires on August 31, 2023.

Sol ‘will deliver at every commitment’- GM Rufino Lin

General Manager of Sol ST Lucia Limited (BVI) Mr Rufino Lin said Sol confirms its commitment to continue supplying the corporation and the Virgin Islands with all its requirements for diesel, lubricants and also the removal of waste oil and sludge.

“We recognise and accept the obligations that come with these contracts and we wish to assure the corporation and to the BVI community that we will deliver at every commitment therein.

Mr Lin also said he was happy to say the negotiations were conducted with transparency and mutual respect.

Sol has been supplying the VI with fuel, including LPG, and lubricants for over 35 years.

BVIEC takes its mandate very seriously- Rosemary Flax

Chairman of the BVIEC Board Mrs Rosemary Flax said the contracts signed with Sol are critical to the operations of BVIEC and to ensure there is a steady supply of petroleum products necessary to provide a steady supply of electricity to the residents of the Virgin Islands.

“It makes it easier and more reliable when we can depend on partners that are operational in the BVI, especially in times of inclement weather and hurricanes.

“We at the BVIEC take our mandate very seriously, as we know the entire BVI depend on us to keep the territory lit.”

Mrs Flax also highlighted that Sol has been servicing BVIEC with No 2 Diesel since June 20, 2022, without a formal contract.”

She also noted that the contracts with Sol expire in August 2023 and they will go back out to tender in January 2023.

“We will continue to seek ways and means to keep you, the residents, and valued customers in good supply,” Mrs Flax assured.

General Manager of BVIEC Mr Leroy A.E. Abraham said the BVIEC in April 2022 was left with the ultimatum of premium fuel or no fuel by Delta Petroleum.

General Manager of Sol ST Lucia Limited (BVI) Mr Rufino Lin said Sol confirms its commitment to continue supplying the corporation and the Virgin Islands with all its requirements for diesel, lubricants and also the removal of waste oil and sludge.