A six-strong team of Belco linemen will travel to the storm-damaged British Virgin Islands to help restoration efforts.

The crew will spend four weeks working alongside the BVI Electric Company in rebuilding and restoring electricity to the people of the islands.

They had been expected to leave tomorrow to help repair the damage left behind by Hurricane Irma, but have postponed the trip until midweek while the Caribbean awaits the arrival of Tropical Storm Maria, which is forecast to become a category three hurricane by Tuesday night.

“A request for urgent support was received by the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation immediately following the onset of Hurricane Irma,” Belco’s operation and maintenance lead, Ian Finnerty, said.

The Bermuda team, which is made up of foreman Chad Brimmer, John Martin, Marcus Astwood, Shawn Wade, Sherman Trott and Stevon Trott, will take with them their own safety and working equipment.

Vice-president of grid operations, Dennis Pimentel added: “I am extremely proud that the expertise of these team members will make a positive difference in the lives of residents of BVI.

“This is not going to be an easy undertaking for the six gentlemen who are travelling to BVI.

“They will be away from their families for several weeks, working extremely long hours and dealing with the same challenges that the permanent residents of BVI are currently experiencing. The telecommunications infrastructure has been badly damaged. Businesses are only just beginning to open their doors and many buildings, including the hotel that our crew will be sleeping in, are being powered by generators as there is no permanent power yet.

“Our guys are ready to go. They have the experience and the drive to take on this mammoth task. We wish them well and also send out thoughts to all of those communities who are working to recover from Hurricane Irma.”

Meanwhile the Bermuda Red Cross announced that it had received just over $31,000 from Bermuda residents to help those affected by Hurricane Irma.