Calling Friday's Senate vote on the Southern Energy Inc. purchase of 80 percent of the Water and Power Authority both a "fateful day and an historic moment" Gov. Charles W. Turnbull made a last ditch effort Thursday to sway Senators to vote in favor of the deal.
In a release from his office that had been read on the radio prior to its release, Turnbull said after three days of public hearings on the issue, "I am more deeply convinced than ever that despite what has been said or done before, the partnership with Southern Energy is the right decision."
Turnbull called up the image of Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky deciding to phase out the sugar cane industry on St. Croix and Gov. Alexander Farrelly deciding to purchase the West Indian Co. Ltd. to compare his "decision of historical significance." He said Friday's decision would impact the future of the Virgin Islands. "There must be the resolve to do the right thing as they did."
One of the major criticisms of the deal is the manner in which it was handled – without a request for proposal or any type of competitive bidding.
It has been Turnbull and his advisors who have negotiated with Southern since the beginning.
No other utility companies have come forward publicly with counter proposal.
