Cuba to assist Antigua and Barbuda in cutting energy cost
March 20, 2006
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua
A Cuban delegation lead by Ambassador Rojas last week paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer and updated him on progress in assisting the country to cut its energy cost.
Ambassador Rojas brought greetings from President Fidel Castro and introduced the two other members of his team, a social worker and engineer. He explained that Cuba was developing many energy-saving measures which had been introduced in the Cuban society. He noted that Cuba intended to share the results of the programme with Antigua and Barbuda and other CARICOM countries.
It was pointed out that the team, working along with Antigua Public Utilities Authority, had carried out research in Antigua and Barbuda relating to energy consumption. The Cuban proposal is to replace 215, 000 bulbs in Antigua and Barbuda with energy saving light bulbs. Cuba will supply the bulbs and a team of social workers to assist in the implementation.
It is expected that the project will save EC$11, 000 per day in fuel costs, or EC$4 million per annum.
PM Baldwin Spencer commended the team for the fantastic job done during the research phase of the project. He explained that when CARICOM leaders meet President Castro of Cuba and President Chavez of Venezuela in Jamaica some months ago, the proposal was discussed. He indicated that the team's efforts had the full support of the government of Antigua and Barbuda and that government would work with the Cuban team to bring the project to fruition as soon as possible.
The Cuban team indicated that they also met with and briefed Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Wilmoth Daniel and General Manager of APUA Mr. Leon Symister on the project.
They explained that the cost savings would be immediate, and that Cuba was ready to implement the project as soon as Antigua and Barbuda was ready.
Also in the meeting with the Prime Minister were Mr. David Palovich of the Cuban Embassy, Pedro Alfonso, Head of the Cuban Medical Team; Ambassador Colin Murdoch and Ambassador Bruce Goodwin.
©Copyright 2005 - Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
