Editorial clarification on OUR

In an editorial comment published on September 7, The Gleaner questioned why the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) had not used its presumed powers under the law to determine fares for Jamaica’s public transport sector.

In fact, by an Order in 2014, signed by then Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, who had responsibility for the OUR, the First Schedule of the Office of Utilities Regulation Act was amended, removing the power of the OUR to regulate the public transport sector, including the right to independently determine fares.

In other words, the OUR has no responsibility or obligation in law for the regulation of public transportation. The Gleaner regrets this error and apologises to the OUR.