BELCO praised for providing work for Bermudians

In May, with the assistance of the Ministry, BELCO employed six workers from the Hustle Truck to do a variety of maintenance jobs at the company’s Central Plant, and four of the workers continued through mid-August. 

In July, BELCO contacted the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) to find a contractor to repair and paint BELCO’s Transport Garage. 

Three bids were received and the contract was awarded to Mr. Larry Packwood of Packwood’s Painting and Maintenance.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday the Minister for Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Mr. Burch said: “We are pleased that BELCO has reached out to employ Hustle Truck workers and to seek out small contractors, especially during these challenging economic times. 

“The Ministry supports every effort to put Bermudians to work and to develop the skills of our Bermudian workforce.”

The minister was quick to add that, although the initiative was carried out as a joint project with government, the venture was not funded by government but solely by BELCO.

The minister thanked BELCO for it’s “proactive stance” towards employment and said it was his greatest hope that other businesses on the island would follow in their footsteps.

BELCO CEO Vincent Ingham responded: “The workers who came to us through the Hustle Truck programme not only did a good job, but also fit in well here at BELCO, earning the respect and friendship of our staff.

“We enjoyed working with them and we also look forward to working with Mr. Packwood on the Garage project.

“We believe this sets the groundwork for continued cooperation with the Ministry, so that, together, we can put people to work.”

BELCO plans to work with the Ministry and BSBDC to find additional workers and contractors for several upcoming maintenance and building projects at its Central Plant and substations.