Cocktails With — T’Shura Gibbs
On one of our many overnighters in the Second City, resident and Jamaica Public Service Company Regional Director, West T’Shura Gibbs talks shop, life, and why adulthood can be all that it’s cut out to be.
What is your favourite sip?
I am not a big drinker but I will do an occasional glass of red wine.
Would an international return to coal energy in 2017 be feasible?
While I embrace fuel diversification to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable energy, coal should not be considered as a primary fuel source for energy production.
Within the renewables sector, what strides has The Rock been steadily making?
In 2016, alone, we doubled our installed renewable capacity with 36 mega watts (MW) of wind from BMR and 20 MW from Wigton 3. We also added 24 MW of solar from WRB and started negotiating a power purchase agreement for 37 MW with Eight Rivers.
The coming of the electric automobile — is that a viable image for The Rock, within the next 50 years?
It absolutely is something I expect will gain traction in the next few years as Jamaicans become more committed to reducing our carbon footprint and sustaining our environment. As the market expands, electric vehicles will become even more affordable. The real impact will be in how we use renewable energy for charging these vehicles and for energy storage. Maintenance costs are also significantly less than conventional cars.
The receipt of a utility bill is one of the more recognisable signs of one’s adultness. Does this rite of passage get a bad rap?
It can be seen in a negative light to someone who has never had the responsibility of paying bills. It really is an introduction to responsible decision-making as individuals are now forced to monitor their energy use in order to manage their finances. It should be embraced as it reflects growth and maturity.
What or who is your personal source of energy?
God is my ultimate source of energy. I use meditation and prayer to balance, refocus and channel my energy.
Your most enjoyable commute on the island takes you from where to where?
The ride from Kingston to Montego Bay along the North-South highway is always enjoyable, especially since I am usually heading home to my family.
Possessions or experiences: which makes the bigger impact?
Undoubtedly, experiences. Possessions are fleeting and can erode but the power of experiences are the memories that can always be summoned and referenced.
Is lunch at your desk something to subscribe to?
Not particularly, but sometimes it becomes a necessity.
Name one of life’s smaller luxuries.
Sharing a sumptuous meal with close family and friends.
What was your must recent ‘lightbulb’ moment?
The liberating sense of empowerment I felt when I presented on ‘Unlocking your Passion and Purpose’ at the recently held JPS Women In Energy Conference.