Bill Clinton Helps Launch Solar Projects in St Thomas, St John

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Former United States President Bill Clinton has launched three new green energy projects in St Thomas.

Clinton was in St Thomas this week, joined by Bloomberg co-founder Tom Secunda and officials from Expedia Group to launch the solarization of three sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The three sites included The Family Resource Center on St. Thomas, and the Gifft Hill School and St. John Christian Academy on St. John.

The solar panels, batteries, and installation provided are being funded by Expedia Group as a commitment of the Clinton Global Initiative, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies.

“Diverse groups make better decisions. It has been an honor for the Clinton Global Initiatives Network to work with you.” President Clinton said. “This is a very important day for the Virgin Islands. I hope this initiative is mirrored throughout the Caribbean.”

“On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I would like to thank Expedia Group for this important donation and, of course, President Clinton and the Clinton Global Initiatives Network and Tom Secunda and Bloomberg Philanthropies for their unwavering commitment to the Territory and the region,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp. ““Solarization projects such as these make our community more resilient and I will do all I can to continue to support efforts to bring sustainable, affordable and clean energy to our communities. Today’s announcements represent a larger goal and vision to build a stronger and smarter Virgin Islands.”

Mapp said he would also be working with the team to identify a potential solar site on St Croix.

It’s the second high-profile green energy announcement in the U.S. Virgin Islands this month, following the Richard Branson-led purchase of a major solar farm on St Croix.