CEO of ANGLEC Sutcliffe Hodge.
ANGUILLA--Sutcliffe Hodge, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Anguilla Electricity Company Ltd. ANGLEC, in a radio interview answered the allegation by Premier Ellis Lorenzo Webster that he is trying to destabilise the country. Hodge said, “This is completely unfounded and I am committed to building up the company and giving customers and shareholders value for money.” He said it is unfortunate that the premier made such a statement that could be considered libel.
He explained that when he took over the position of CEO in June this year, the company owed a lot of money. Because of the high price of diesel fuel, he decided that all money owing must be paid. When customers fail to pay their bill when it is due, they are disconnected after seven days. Similarly, ANGLEC disconnected the Water Corporation because of the money owing. The revenue collected does not cover the cost of diesel so the company must collect the arrears in order to survive. “It is not political, it is commercial,” he pointed out, noting that corporations have every right to collect money due. He said that although the fuel surcharge has been increased it is less than half of what it really should be.
ANGLEC has now appointed a law firm from Jamaica, Livingstone, Alexander and Livy, to assist in the collection of money owed that amounts to over EC $14 million. Hodge said that in order to survive the company has to collect all outstanding debts.
At a recent press conference, Premier Webster said that the Water Corporation has difficulty with the day-to-day management, let alone paying arrears as their current revenues are less than expenditures. ANGLEC cut the electricity to the water company on July 11 and since then generators have been providing power, but the premier said that is not sustainable. He said that discussions are continuing between the two companies, and he hopes the situation can be resolved as both entities provide essential services.
