Dear Editor,
The Bible says a lot about the oppression of the poor and needy and the punishment that awaits those who undertake this abomination in the sight of God. We are reminded in Proverbs 22 verse 22 (KJV), Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate.
This passage of Scripture is a timely reminder for the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) that is currently in the spotlight for questionable increases in the electricity bill that has been sent to customers this month. These high bills could not have come at a worse time as some parents buckle under the pressure of making back-to-school preparations.
Many persons were without electricity for several days following the passage of Hurricane Beryl in early July, so it is an affront when one considers that after dealing with unbearable heat, pesky mosquitoes, reduced options for entertainment, spoilage of meats and produce, eating tin mackerel for days and losing the ability to even enjoy a glass of cold water, householders are confronted with what has been for some, the highest electricity bill they have ever received, based on personal accounts from some householders.
Despite public outcry, the JPS has remained firm that the bills must be paid and a timeline was given for the funds to be paid in order to avoid disconnection. Being disconnected would be terrible as not only would the customer need to find the outstanding money that they were unable to source prior to the disconnection, but they would now pay a re-connection fee. There have been efforts to get the company to soften its stance, but it seems the company is determined to recoupe every dime spent during the recent recovery efforts. At the end of the day, the shareholders must not suffer lost and the executives must be able to maintain their lifestyles.
What is particularly troubling is the fact that persons who were without electricity during the entire billing period have also reported receiving high bills. So essentially, these costumers are being asked to pay for a service they did not receive. One has to ask, does the owners and operators of the light and power company have a conscience? Fine, I get that they are operating a business that depend on funds, but how can persons be asked to pay for a service they did not receive and be threatened that this service will be once again deprived if they do not pay up what is being demanded? This is what you call highway robbery!
1 Timothy 6:10 reminds us that the love of money is the root of all evil. Those who coveted after it have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Is it that this love of money has blinded the owners of JPS to the plight of the poor? It is commendable that the Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz has been so vocal on this JPS matter. The advocacy has borne some fruit. However Vaz and his fellow government ministers were silent during the outcry from citizens regarding the 200 percent increase that was granted to ministers. It would seem then that Vaz suffers from the same issue as JPS officials.
Proverbs 14 verse 31 says that He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. I hope JPS does the honourable thing and desist from oppressing the poor.
I am,
A JPS customer