Guernsey’s Sea Cadets and the Guernsey Institute are the latest recipients of grants from Guernsey Electricity’s Power to the People Fund.
The Guernsey Sea Cadets are now powered by renewable energy following the purchase of an electric outboard motor, power pack and charger for use on the group’s harbour tender. The boat is used to ferry cadets to and from other vessels within St Peter Port harbour and for teaching children and teenagers from ages 10 to 17 boat handling and navigation skills.
A donation from the company’s community fund is also helping the Guernsey Institute to provide a sustainable lunch for almost 200 students and bring over a key note speaker, to mark International Women in Engineering Day next month.
Matthew Le Maitre, Guernsey Electricity’s Environmental Sustainability Lead, confirmed he was delighted that the funding was being put to good use. “We are really pleased to assist the Guernsey Sea Cadets and hope the equipment will be useful for the volunteers and the many young people who participate in their activities throughout the year. The grant for the Guernsey Institute supports the encouragement of women to explore engineering careers.
“The beneficiaries resonate with the pillars of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, ‘Affordable and clean energy’, ‘Climate action’, ‘Healthy ecosystems’, and ‘Education, awareness and skills’. These, in turn link with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Sergeant Matt Bourgaize, Commanding Officer of the Guernsey Sea Cadets, was delighted with the kit. “We are a very active group with 30 members so are really thrilled to be able to equip our tender, Peter D – named after our beloved Padre Peter Derham – with an electric motor. It helps reduce our emissions within the harbour area and also demonstrates to the youngsters the importance of living and enjoying our island in a sustainable way. The financial reward from Guernsey Electricity is very much appreciated.”
Power to the People, which was launched in 2020, donates £12,000 per year to projects that are aligned to the company’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy and contribute towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Financial awards are made to individuals, charities and local organisations who, through their work, benefit both the Island community and environment.
