11-22-08, 11:00 am

HAVANA, Cuba, Nov 21 (acn) The people of Cuba’s Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) thanked a group of power line workers from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines who have been helping in the reestablishment of the electrical system in the area, which was severely damaged by hurricane Gustav.

Michael Briwstia, an expert with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’s state electricity company, said his government decided to send the five electrical workers to Cuba as a solidarity gesture to Cuba and to honor the friendship between the two Caribbean nations.

Briwstia noted that Cuba had sent construction workers to his country to help finish the international airport of Argyle, which was inaugurated last July 17; he said, “now we are here setting lamps and replacing power lines for the public lighting,” he said, as quoted by Granma newspaper on Friday.

The Saint Vincent and Grenadine’s expert said the brigade will stay in Cuba until November 28. He said they have been working from 10 to 12 hours a day. “This is the first time we have visited Cuba and we will bring back with us very nice memories of the people for their gestures of affection,” he said.

Cuban power line worker Saturnino Duvergel, who is working with his Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ colleagues, said the brigade has been very well received by locals and also by the Cuban workers. He said they have been able to break the language barrier, which has facilitated the work. “They are very professional,” said the Cuban.

Duvergel said solidarity has been vital in the recovery of Isle of Youth. He extolled the help provided by colleagues from Holguin, Camagüey, Ciego de Avila, Granma and Havana.

From Cuban News Agency