Volunteers Replace Generator at STJ Storm Shelter

Michael Marsh uses his crane to install a generator at the St. John shelter. (Source photo Amy Roberts)
Michael Marsh uses his crane to install a generator at the St. John shelter. (Source photo Amy Roberts)

Volunteers turned out Sunday to installed a second working generator at St. John’s only hurricane shelter, raising the island’s readiness level several notches.

Sen. Steven Payne held a meeting last week to discuss the community’s preparation following Hurricane Dorian’s brush with the Virgin Islands on August 28. When Payne learned that the generator located in the cafeteria of the Julius E. Sprauve School was not functioning, he vowed to do something about it.

Payne sent out a call for volunteers, “and the men of the community replied, ‘We’re in!’” Payne said. On Sunday morning, they removed a generator that hasn’t worked in years and replaced it with a functioning backup 72KW generator that was on the premises.

Michael “Big Mike” Marsh, owner of a trucking business, brought his crane truck. Electricians Peter “Major” Harris and Halstead “Holly” Francis brought their wiring expertise. They were assisted by Deputy Police Chief David Cannonier, Police Lt. Clayton Brown, Joel “Chizzle” Buchanan and Elroy “Scoby” Hendricks. Some five hours later the job was done.

Peter Harris squeezes into a tight spot to wire in the generator. (Source photo Amy Roberts)
Peter Harris squeezes into a tight spot to wire in the generator. (Source photo Amy Roberts)

“It’s morale boosting because things are finally getting done,” said Abigail Hendricks of St. John’s Department of Human Services. Hendricks normally directs programs for senior citizens on the island, but in the event of a major storm, she’s in charge of mass feeding and sheltering. The newly installed generator will make the cafeteria fully functional if power is lost because of a storm.

“I’m thankful for Sen. Payne and for Dionne Wells-Hedrington,” Hendricks said. Wells-Hedrington, who is the chief director of operations for the Department of Education, served as the principal of the Sprauve School for several years.