U.S. Virgin Islands – Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) Board Chairman Kyle Fleming released the following statement regarding the restoration of electrical service on the islands of St. Thomas and St. John:

“On behalf of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s Governing Board, I would like to extend appreciation for a job well-done to the men and women across the Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority for their diligent, arduous, and selfless efforts in working towards the Restoration of the Major Service Interruption on the islands of St. Thomas and St. John. VIWAPA line crews, operators, and engineers collaborated and worked tirelessly around the clock throughout the past week in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions to safely identify and restore electrical service to the consumers of the Authority. The holistic effort and rapid response of the VIWAPA team resulted in ZERO injuries or Safety Incidents. This is a testament to dedication and resolve of the men and women of the Authority. As board chair, witnessing the collaborative underground restoration efforts & hazardous working conditions first-hand provided a critical perspective that will certainly be coupled to the board’s decision making in the future.

We are committed to thoroughly investigating the unfortunate interruption, in a timely manner, with the goal of implementing processes to drastically reduce the probability of recurrence. The Board of Directors will Partner with WAPA's Leadership Team to take tangible steps towards improving the quality of services we provide to the Virgin Islands community.”