J’can helping to rebuild war-torn Ukraine

As Ukraine continues its battle with Russia to preserve its territory, a Jamaican is among the scores of people on the ground who are helping to rebuild that war-torn country’s infrastructure.

Major Phillip Green leads a team of 20 people who are playing their part in helping the European country to recover from Russia’s invasion over two years ago.

Major Green, who is retired and whose parents are Jamaicans, has been tasked by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under a US$45 million programme, to undertake energy and engineering work in Ukraine.

His company, Green Powered Technology (GPTech), was awarded a five-year, $45.1 million contract, through Global Architecture and Engineering (A-E) Services III Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), which is undertaking USAID’s Ukraine Reconstruction Support Programme.

This is the fourth task order GPTech has been awarded under this IDIQ and its largest contract to date. GPTech just completed a three-year USAID A-E Services to Support Infrastructure Related Programming in USAID/Ukraine and USAID/Moldova contract. This new scope will allow the team to continue A-E support services in Ukraine.

Green Powered Technology is a global sustainable energy and infrastructure consulting firm passionate about engineering and energising a sustainable future. Working at the intersection of sustainable energy, infrastructure, and development, GPTech provides solutions to government agencies, quasi-government organisations, multilateral financial institutions, and utilities with sizable investments in energy and infrastructure, driven to make an impact – whether through passion or mandate.

Green said his company is committed to creating a future where all resources are consumed from sustainable sources and sustained by a public that understands and values the social, economic, and environmental benefits that green energy provides to communities, the nation, and the world.

The company is guided by the principle that a business can do good by focusing on engineering and energising a sustainable future.

GPTech provides independent design, engineering, construction, and quality assurance support and supervision for ongoing and planned construction, design and operations, procurement, and other infrastructure-related services.

These activities will focus on critical infrastructure restoration projects with the aim of aiding Ukraine recover and rebuild.

STAND WITH UKRAINE

“We are incredibly proud that the GPTech team has been awarded this contract to continue our infrastructure support to USAID and the people of Ukraine,” said GPTech’s president and CEO.

“Our past support has enabled USAID/Ukraine to integrate best practices across infrastructure investments. We look forward to supporting USAID and its implementing partners in the reconstruction of Ukraine under this new contract. GPTech stands with the people of Ukraine in support of critical infrastructure restoration projects with a focus on aiding Ukraine recover and rebuilding from Russia’s unprovoked war.”

Since 2020, Green Powered Technology has supported USAID in the delivery of quality infrastructure in Ukraine and continues to do so despite the ongoing war.

“We have proven ourselves to Ukraine and USAID to be vital to the anticipated recovery and reconstruction. I would like to thank each and every one of our Ukraine and US team members for their contributions over the past three years and look forward to our continuing collaboration,” Green said.

JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE

At 42 years old, Major Green embodies a story of resilience, excellence, and humble success.

Raised in the Bronx, New York, Green’s journey to becoming a White House Champion of Change honoree and a leader of a multi-million-dollar company stands as a testament to the power of community support, family involvement, and the determination to break barriers.

Born in 1982 to Jamaicans Theresa and Dr Rupert Green, Phillip’s early education began in the public schools of the Bronx. At Crawford Daycare centre, his father organised the first parent association and introduced the children to computers, setting the stage for Phillip’s future success. It was here, from the age of three years old, that Green was identified as gifted and talented.

Phillip’s journey through the education system was challenging. Enrolled at PS 76 in District 11 – known for its racial biases in the gifted and talented programme – Phillip faced repeated delays and waiting lists despite passing the required tests. His third-grade teacher had urged his parents to have him tested for the gifted programme. However, bureaucratic obstacles placed him on waiting lists year after year.

Anxiety loomed as Phillip transitioned to MS 113 (Richard Green School), notorious at the time for its poor performance.

Before Phillip graduated, his father questioned the guidance counselor’s reluctance to recommend him for the gifted programme. The counsellor responded that the programme was too competitive and could cause Phillip mental anguish if he failed. Therefore, he did not recommend him. These revelations only fueled his father’s resolve to advocate for Phillip’s education.

TURNING POINT

The breakthrough came when Rodney Saunders became the school board president. Saunders brought Phillip’s case to Superintendent Joseph Kovally, resulting in Phillip’s placement in the gifted and talented programme at MS 180 in Coop City, Bronx.

This move marked a turning point. Phillip excelled, gained admission to the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, joined the ROTC, and later attended a state university in New Paltz.

Green earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA, and became proficient in Japanese.

His military career and leadership in his company, which secured contracts worth up to $600 million, highlight his exceptional capabilities. Yet Phillip’s humility remains a core part of his character. Despite his success, he quietly led his company and focused on giving back, donating to initiatives that promote black participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Phillip Green’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. His story, set against the backdrop of the Bronx’s challenging circumstances, is a powerful reminder that with the right support and opportunities, greatness can emerge.

His achievements are more than personal triumphs. They are beacons of hope and blueprints for others to follow.

editorial@gleanerjm.com