Turnaround Firm Mobilizes to Enhance WAPA’s Financial Stability

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (October 8, 2024)— The Incident Command team announces the activation of a turnaround company to oversee the stabilization and restructuring of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA). This critical action is part of an ongoing effort to address financial and operational challenges at WAPA, ensuring the Authority can meet its obligations while improving service delivery for the community.

Selected to lead this effort, the turnaround company is working in close coordination with WAPA’s leadership team to ensure that critical reforms are implemented across financial oversight, infrastructure modernization, and operational efficiency.

The turnaround company’s scope of work includes reviewing and fortifying fiscal oversight measures, ensuring that financial operations align with long-term sustainability goals. Ernst & Young (EY), a consulting firm with expertise in financial restructuring, has been enlisted to support the effort by providing a detailed assessment of WAPA’s financial standing. Their findings will inform the strategic steps required to stabilize the Authority’s finances, with a focus on delivering reliable water and energy services to the community.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. declared a State of Energy Emergency on April 22, 2024 to address energy production shortfalls that have been impacting the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Incident Command team is comprised of Incident Commander VI Director of Finance Kevin McCurdy, Chief of Staff Kevin A. Williams Sr., WAPA CEO Karl Knight, managers within the WAPA financial and operational areas, VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, and key government policy advisors.

The Incident Command continues to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that WAPA’s financial recovery and infrastructure enhancements progress in alignment with the community’s needs. By taking control of these efforts, the turnaround company is leading a comprehensive approach to deliver a more resilient and sustainable utility structure for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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