Board sworn in for newly formed Power Producer & Distributors Inc.

Subject Minister, David Patterson delivered brief remarks and expressed confidence in the PPDI and in its ability to maintain the high standards set by its predecessor in delivering a cost-efficient service.

Board sworn in for newly formed Power Producer & Distributors Inc.

With a push for efficiency and maximum use of local capacity, a nine-member Board of Directors of the recently formed, Power Producer & Distributors Inc. (PPDI) was Tuesday morning installed during a simple ceremony at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

The company replaces Wartsila, which had over the years conducted maintenance activities and major overhauls for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Subject Minister, David Patterson delivered brief remarks and expressed confidence in the PPDI and in its ability to maintain the high standards set by its predecessor in delivering a cost-efficient service.

Patterson emphasized the significant cost-saving benefits, pointing to an estimated US$3.73 per MW or US$2.4M per year, based on a consumption of 650,000 MW.

Besides cost, he also noted that capacity was a key consideration and he stressed that the company will continue to be manned by a 100 percent Guyanese workforce which has, over the years, demonstrated increased competency.

“Additionally, the retention of generated profits will facilitate the investment in people and new equipment as we prepare for future opportunities,” Minister Patterson said.

“To you, the members of the Board, you were carefully selected and assembled to oversee the operations of PPDI because you bring a wealth of diverse but relevant competencies and experiences necessary for its success,” he said. “Though diverse, your competencies and experiences provide an opportunity for excellent synergies, which only augers well for the future of PPDI,” the Minister added.

Similarly, Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson, noted the wealth of experience and knowledge of the board members and urged them to use these qualities in regards to the Government’s vision of a green economy. “With your experience and ideas, I hope you will be able to enhance and meet the vision of the greening of Guyana by 2025.” She further thanked them for accepting their posts and wished them well.

The members of the company’s Board are: Chairman, Mr. Mark Bender; Chief Executive Officer of PPDI, Mr. Arron Fraser; Secretary, Mr. Ronald Burch-Smith; Ms. Verlyn Klass; Mr. Stephen Fraser; Ms. Amanza Walton-Desir; Permanent Secretary of MPI, Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn; and Mr. Harryram Parmesar. The ninth member is currently uninstalled and this vacancy has been left for a member of the Parliamentary Opposition, who is yet to be appointed by the Opposition.

The new Chairman, Mr. Bender, thanked the ministers on behalf of the board and indicated his pleasure in the company having gained the experience of Wartsila through its capacity. He also said that satisfactory electricity supply is a key component of development and pledged his commitment and dedication to his duty, while employing best practices, in service to the Government and the people of Guyana.

The newly installed board is expected to meet shortly to discuss significant plans and chart a course for PPDI’s success.

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