June 20, 2020

ANTHONY D. THOMAS 

     As the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, it has come to my attention that an employee of the organization has engaged in public discourse on social media that is overtly racist and repugnant. It goes without saying that this behavior will not be tolerated by the leaders of this organization, and I dare to say all those in our community who value and respect all people equally.

     Today, as board chair, WAPA reiterates that black lives do matter and racism and bigotry is not now, nor at any point tolerated.

     I have called for an emergency board meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020 to further address this matter.

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About WAPA: The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is an autonomous agency of the Virgin Islands Government which produces and distributes electricity and drinking water to residential and commercial customers in the territory. WAPA was created by the Fifth Legislature of the Virgin Islands in 1964 through Act No. 1248. Today, WAPA generates electrical power at production plants on St. Thomas and St. Croix and distributes electrical service through smart grids to customers on St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, Hassel Island, and Water Island. Potable water is distributed to almost 13,000 customers through water lines and standpipes. WAPA also has the responsibility of installing and maintaining streetlights.