The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Although the Bahamas Telecommunication Company fared well during Hurricane Sandy with minimal damage to its equipment, a large quantity of telephone cables were stolen by thieves during the storm.

Michael Laing, senior manager of BTC in Grand Bahama, expressed his dismay that individuals would strike at such a vulnerable time.

He reported that between October 28 and 29 culprits targeted their site in South Bahamia.

“They took all the cables from the meter cans going back to the shelter,” he said. “We have a cell site and landline sites there, and every service we provide is at the location.”

Mr Laing was giving an update on telephone services during a press conference held by Permanent Secretary Melvin Seymour at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

A number of persons, including members of the GB Christian Council, government, and utility company heads were present.

Mr Laing was unable to give an estimate of the items stolen. He stressed that such acts of thefts affect everyone.

“I want to appeal to the public that throughout the years BTC has been hit on a regular basis causing inconvenience to customers.

“It is sad to know that in this day as we trying to provide the public with the best service we can,…time is being spent on (such) frivolous things, instead of (more important things) trying to restore service to our customers,” he said.

Mr Laing said services had been restored to 95 per cent of their customers.

He indicated they were working on restoring telephone services to several isolated areas, including Bahama Bay, Lewis Yard, Suffolk Lane, Devonshire, Midshipman Road, and areas in the East.

“We will try to get those services on line as soon as power is restored in those areas,” he said.