VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A charity founded by Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson is teaming up with the Clinton Foundation and others to bring solar power to the storm-ravaged American Caribbean.
The Virginia Beach-based Operation Blessing International said in a statement last week that the effort will focus on the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The territory and commonwealth are still recovering from large-scale blows to their power grids from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The venture is being called Solar Saves Lives. The Solar Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group, is also involved.
The donations of solar technology are being made at the request of governments in the region and will meet specific needs.
The islands will get portable solar equipment such as lanterns and cell chargers.
The organizations will also deliver solar refrigeration units and equipment for large-scale solar installations.
Meanwhile, the V.I. Humanitarian Relief Fund has donated solar lights to local residents.
As Gov. Kenneth Mapp demonstrated at the press conference on Friday, the lights have to be inflated and they stand up.
The sun powers them throughout the day and they provide enough energy to light up a whole room.
Additionally, while the solar lights are being charged by the sun they also can be used simultaneously to charger phones and other devices through an attached USB port.
Mapp said that the supply is limited and they will be handed out – one per household – first to senior communities that still lack power.