LETTER OF THE DAY - No JPS increase yet
Published:Tuesday | June 8, 2010 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THIS IS A letter to Prime Minister Bruce Golding on the matter of the light and power company - the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS).
The JPS wants another rate increase this month, which is not going down well with the people, and will send the nation into more stress at this time. Some civil servants and other working-class people have still not received an increase for the past few years until now.
Prime Minister, I know it is hard on you at this time, but please instruct your minister who has full responsibility over the JPS to do something for the people by asking the company to draw brakes now and allow the people to survive.
picking up the pieces
The nation has just gone through civil unrest, and it is time for the people to pick up the pieces and move on to help the Government rebuild the country.
Although the Government has signed a contract with the light and power company for regular rate increases every year, the JPS must realise that it has the fate of the people of Jamaica in its hands and is making their lives uncomfortable.
It is so appalling to know that after each JPS rate hike, the public is left without support from any interest group, such as the Church and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. I am a churchman, and it pains my heart to see how the Church has kept silent about matters like this, despite the cry of the people in this situation.
So, PM, I am suggesting that your administration sign a new contract with the JPS to put on hold any increase due, as was done with civil servants, until the recession is over and things have improved.
I am, etc.,
Robert Lewars