The Solar Team

The original team members, Don Turner (passed away on Jan. 31, 2009), George Burns, Eric Smythe and Bob Beattie, were a group of retired engineers from the University of Toronto class of 1952 (5T2). The team now includes:

Bob Beattie, who initiated the project, and lived with his wife Grace for about 9 months of the year in the village of Chenuwitz until January, 2009, and continues as project liaison.

Light up the World project staff

George Burns and Eric Smythe, donation gatherers from other engineers and corporate donors.

Ignacio de Wit, importer/exporter in Guatemala who deals with customs clearances bringing lights and solar panels into Guatemala.

Fernando Aldana, who sources and purchases the batteries and phone chargers locally in Guatemala.

Roman Stoop, a Swiss national who helped wire the first system and serves as contact with the village, and his wife Christina, a native Todos Santos woman who operates a textile shop in town.

Rufino Pablo Jeronimo and Andres Pablo Martin, the village committee members who are experienced in wiring the units, explaining how to install and maintain the system, and fixing problems.

All members volunteer their time for this great project except for Light Up the World staff, Rufino and Andres.

Mini Gallery