By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he has not made any announcements on Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s restructuring because he wants to be “absolutely sure” that any government decision made is in the best interest of the country.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Christie said officials were now holding final meetings to wrap up discussions on the government’s proposed options. He said the government is in talks with two companies in Grand Bahama that have expressed interest in the proposal.
While it has been more than 18 months since the Christie administration
initially announced its plans to reform the corporation, Mr Christie insisted that he would move rapidly to bring a conclusion to the matter.
He made the comments following the morning session of the House of Assembly.
“My government knows of the importance of finalising the matter,” Mr Christie said. “We know that the island of New Providence is rapidly expanding in terms of the economy and the additional buildings being built that will require additional electricity.
“We have already announced Baha Mar coming on stream. If you drive past now the building is being lit up (and) slowly to the west of Baha Mar there are two condominium investments we have approved. So we know that we must move.
“As I indicated before, we are having final meetings to close the doors on all options. Like we have Emera that is in Grand Bahama (and) the FOCOL group (Freeport Oil Company) who said that they could match any offer. It was important for the government to close the door on all of these so that when it makes a final recommendation and decision, that decision is positive and a plus for the country.
“The ball is in my court and I will move rapidly for a conclusion on it.”
He added that any company that takes over management of BEC is expected to have the capacity to provide electricity for the Family Islands. This involves the use of alternative energy methods, including solar, wind and wave technology, Mr Christie said.
The government initially announced plans to restructure BEC in August 2013.
At that time, Mr Christie said two separate companies would take over the management and power generation at BEC. He said the contracts would be signed at the end of 2013.
However last December, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis added further confusion and speculation over the matter when he confirmed a Tribune Business report that the government had abandoned its previous plans.
Instead, he said it is expected that one company will be selected to manage the corporation.
Comments
GrassRoot 9 years, 6 months ago
"can match any offer", right. that is exactly why you don't get any viable bidders under the RFP in the first place. No due process, corruption etc. FOCOL? really, dear PM are you offsetting what we paid too much to FOCOL over the past 20 years with their agreement? Can they put up a performance bond? dream on. This thing is way too far down on the same path like the referendum. We wont see any decision ever.
asiseeit 9 years, 6 months ago
Sounds like the wheel needs more grease.
realfreethinker 9 years, 6 months ago
You think he having problems on how to structure the 10% skim off the top ?
ohdrap4 9 years, 6 months ago
does this company have to carry insurance?
sansoucireader 9 years, 6 months ago
The PM takes time making a decision on EVERYTHING!
duppyVAT 9 years, 6 months ago
BEC is not BTC ............ BTC was a cash cow ............ BEC is a national disgrace. BEC debts will have to be written off by the government and then the assets sold to a conglomerate of some kind for a long term lease and then there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. But right now BEC is a junk company with too many liabilities and overpaid staff (no one will seriously buy that as an investment) ............ and why would someone want to manage BEC "as is" without a guaranteed return on their investment (fixed profit %) from the government???????
duppyVAT 9 years, 6 months ago
Maybe the PM should divest BEC of its Family Island investments and let them manage themselves privately like Spanish Wells .......... we never hear about any problems with the SW power plant that the residents own and operate ........... ?????????
Sign in to comment
OpenID