Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) General Manager Kevin Basden confirmed that a new board of directors will be appointed at the corporation in the "immediate future". In an email to BEC employees on May 1, one day after government announced its selection of PowerSecure International to manage the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity at BEC, Basden outlined the new deal for staff. Basden's statement contradicts comments by BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller, who said that he is in the dark regarding the new deal.
"No doubt this announcement has brought with it a bevy of questions for the government, the corporation and the principles of PowerSecure," Basden said in the email. "In time, we expect that many, if not all of these questions will be answered; none more pertinent than the effect this decision will have on our 900-plus associates and our customers.
"The Bahamas Electrical Utility Managerial Union (BEUMU) and Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) have both been notified ahead of the announcement and will have a role to play in the decision-making process with regard to employees.
"As we go through this transition period, we will continue to keep you updated via meetings and notices.Looking at the immediate future, a new board of directors will be selected that will assist in negotiating with PowerSecure to bring to fruition a management contract in the best interest of all parties.
"In the meantime, BEC will continue to function under its existing executive management team.
"The next few days, weeks and months may be clouded with some uncertainty; however, I can assure you that we will be as transparent and forthright as possible with you; the hardworking employees of this corporation. It is imperative that we continue to work as a team to provide a safe and reliable source of electricity to our deserving customers."
Basden said he hopes that the government's announcement will "usher in a new day for BEC and our customers".
The selection of PowerSecure is subject to the negotiation and finalization of the management contract, the major terms of which have been agreed, the government has said. The management contract covers a period of five years.
Miller told The Guardian on Sunday that he doesn't expect to be at BEC much longer. He said he heard through the "grapevine" that Prime Minister Perry Christie would move to appoint a new board.
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