Cooperative agreement no. 538-0138.8-A-00-8176 with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the British Virgin Islands). The project is divided into two phases. Under Phase I, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) will assist in the establishment of a common service organization for the utilities. The participating utilities themselves will establish the new organization (the "Corporation") as a legal entity with initial headquarters rented from the Barbados Light and Power Company Limited, which will also help the Corporation establish recordkeeping systems. NRECA - working largely through a subcontract with QUALTEC (a Florida Power and Light Group Company) - will assist in this effort by providing TA to develop the capability of local staff to perform management consulting, procurement, and other specialized services for members of the Corporation. NRECA will also develop a cadre of local trainers through training programs in basic and technical skills, job training and safety, professional training, and management and supervision. Phase II will be implemented by the Corporation under a future grant from A.I.D.