The Government of the Virgin Islands has received an Organic Photovoltaics Tree (OPTree) or Solar Tree to assist with its Green Energy initiative.

The tree was donated and installed last month by local Non-Profit organisations Green V.I. and the Rotaract Club of Tortola at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park.

Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye Rymer said when he heard about the initiative a few months ago, he was excited because this came in line with the Government’s initiative of alternative energy with a target of becoming at least sixty (60) percent Green by 2030.

“It is an exciting thing to have as one of the first within the Caribbean,” the minister added.

The OPTree was donated to Green V.I. by the Brazilian Company, Sunew (a world leader in Organic Photovoltaics).  The OPTree converts sunlight into electricity that can charge cell-phones, power lights, media devices and more.

The installation and maintenance of the product is a partnership with the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Utilities; Wickham’s Cay Development Authority; the City Manager’s Office, BVI Ports Authority, Green V.I. and the Rotaract Club of Tortola. Additional sponsors include Rotary Club of Tortola, Creque’s Engineering Services, aTec BVI, Abbi Christopher and David Norris.  

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie had stated during the  Thirteenth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly, that the Territory has to  push to become more energy efficient.

“Green energy allows us to lower costs and increase productivity, all while creating new industries and new jobs, reducing pollution and reducing the amount of money that leaves these shores,” Premier Fahie said at the time.

The Government of the Virgin Islands continues to remain dedicated in ensuring the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure in this second phase of the ongoing economic response to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Note to editors: Image of Ribbon Cutting with OPTree (Solar Tree) from Left to Right; Mike Killourhy, Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Tortola; Khoyisha Stoutt, Immediate Past President of Rotaract Club of Tortola; Dana Miller, Owner aTec BVI; Honourable Vincent Wheatley, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration and Ninth District Representative; Honourable Kye Rymer, Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities and Fifth District Representative; Sarah Penney, Deputy Director of Green V.I.; Henry Creque, Owner Creque’s Engineer Services, Board of Directors Green V.I., and Past President of Rotary Club of Tortola; Janice Brathwaite-Edwards, City Manager;  Abigail O’Neal, Board of Directors Green V.I.