In the following letter, WAPA Executive Director Alberto Bruno-Vega tenders his resignation, effective June 1, 2007, and thanks the employees of WAPA and the people of the Virgin Islands, which he calls his "home away from home." For news of the resignation, see Bruno-Vega Resigns As WAPA Chief.
The following is the letter in its entirety:
I thank God for giving me the opportunity to have served the U.S. Virgin Islands to the best of my humble abilities during two of the most trying periods for utilities in the Caribbean Region. During my first assignment (1989-1995) as executive director (CEO) of the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA), we experienced the reactivation of an aggressive hurricane era with the onslaught of HUGO and the devastation and suffering that ensued in its aftermath. During my second tour of duty (2002-2007) at the helm of WAPA, the world has seen unparalleled increases in the price of fuel oil and the notorious LEAC factor in the electric and water bills.
Even in light of these major events, the men and women of WAPA have been able to accomplish significant improvements in the utility infrastructure with positive consequences for the reliability of the services we provide to the community. There is much more that needs to be done, such as the diversification of the energy and water production sources with alternative/renewable resources and the potential inter-island (St. Thomas-St. Croix) and Regional Caribbean-Network Grid. All of this and much more can be accomplished with the strong will of the community “Working Together” and the new leadership in the administration. I wish I could be eight years younger to be able to participate in the renaissance of the Virgin Islands under the potential eight-year mandate of Governor John deJongh Jr.
Throughout my professional career, in addition to the proper technical training, I have gained a lot from my association with working colleagues from whom I have learned to absorb the good and discard the not-so-good in management and decision-making techniques, as well as technical application of practical utility know-how. I hope that my co-workers and colleagues have been able to discern the same from the execution of my duties as executive director (CEO) at WAPA and that they will be better managers and technical professionals for being selective in the emulation of my personal traits. I hope that, in the balance, I have been a good humble teacher and role model just like many of my predecessors in my profession have been for me.
There is a good talent pool of well-trained and dedicated professionals at WAPA that can carry the torch to exciting new heights for the betterment of the crucial services that WAPA provides to the community. All it takes is for you to trust yourselves and support your own in the handling of your affairs with minimal outside consultant intervention. After all, nobody can care for you better than yourselves.
Most of the times, the top position in an organization is a very lonely one. However, I have been very fortunate because I have never felt lonely in the Virgin Islands. To the contrary, I have always received the warm support and encouragement of my colleagues and fellow employees, friends in the community and many whom I consider my family away from home. The first time I left the Virgin Islands, I harbored the hope of returning once again. That is why I left with mixed feelings: looking forward to the challenges of a new position but missing the great people and relationships established throughout the years. On this occasion, however, I leave with a heavy heart knowing that I will not be coming back on a permanent basis, but only sporadically on short excursions to refresh my memories of the good experiences lived here.
I want to repeat what I have said in the past: I will always carry and cherish three flags wherever I go, namely the American Flag (my Nation), the Puerto Rican Flag (my Home), and the Virgin Islands Flag (my Home away from Home). These flags will be predominantly displayed in my home office and elsewhere, but most importantly in my heart.
Please accept this memorandum as an official resignation from the position of executive director (CEO) of WAPA effective June 1st, 2007 (close-of-business 5 p.m.). I would like to offer my services as a consultant to the governing board for a total fee of $1 per year plus out-of-pocket expenses (air and land transportation plus lodging and per diems, if my presence is required in the Virgin Islands for one day per month). Needless to say, you can always depend on me to provide explanations, advice or orientations in your deliberations at any other time, free of charge, while my presence is not required in the territory. It will not be an inconvenience, but my pleasure.
Once again, thank you for depositing your confidence in me for almost 11 years.
Alberto Bruno-Vega
