LITTLE ROCK — On Dec. 3, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas linemen along with electric cooperative linemen from Colorado and Oklahoma will embark on a mission to Guatemala to deliver electricity to 197 rural Guatemalans in 38 villages. The residents have never had electric service, so they will celebrate Christmas in a special way.
The communities that are included in the project are located in Alta Verapaz, which is situated in the north central part of Guatemala. Alta Verapaz is humid and agriculturally very productive. Its main crops include corn, beans, rice, coffee, tea, cacao, peppers, cardamom and palm oil, among other products. Textile production is one of the most important economic activities in the region and the native garments, called “trajes tipicos,” are among the most colorful in the country.
“During the mission, electric cooperative linemen from Arkansas will work with electric cooperative linemen from Colorado and Oklahoma to provide service drops to residents in the 38 villages and also complete the internal wiring within the homes of villagers,” said Vernon “Buddy” Hasten, president/CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. “Once this project is complete, Arkansas electric linemen will have assisted more than 2,300 rural Bolivians and Guatemalans receive electrical service.”
