The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ANOTHER civic organisation in Freeport has spoken out against the Grand Bahama Power Company over its disconnection of supply at the public schools in Grand Bahama. Families for Justice said the recent action executed by officials at the Power Company was an “insult” to the entire community of Grand Bahama.

In a statement over the weekend, FFJ said it supports statements made by the Coalition for Concerned Citizens (CCC) on Friday that electricity should not have been turned off at any of the public schools after non-payment of bills by the government.

FFJ president Rev Glenroy Bethel said the Power

Company has benefitted from concessions over the years from government. “If the government were to request a public audit on behalf of the Grand Bahama community, the public would discover that millions of dollars in concessions over the years have been allowed to the Power Company, which is a foreign company doing business in Grand Bahama.

“It is our organisation’s view that any corporate citizen, foreign or domestic, which has received concessions from the Government of the Bahamas must treat the Grand Bahama community with dignity and respect.

“For the Power Company to disconnect power at all public schools in our community is an insult to the community and the Government of the Bahamas. Our organisation expects the Government to protect the interest of the Grand Bahama community,” he said.

Rev Bethel said investors in Freeport enjoy exemptions from real property tax and are able to purchase vehicles, equipment, office supplies, furniture and fuel bonded.

“The Government of the Bahamas needs to act, and act now, for the welfare of all Grand Bahamians so that this action by the Power Company never happens again,” he said.

On Friday Pastor Eddie Victor, convener of the CCC described said the action taken by the Power Company was “disrespectful.” The CCC has been vocal about the high cost of power on Grand Bahama, launching power boycotts, a petition drive and public rallies to express its opposition to the high electricity rate and fuel surcharge costs to consumers.

The organisation believes that power is an essential service that should be affordable. “We don’t believe that any government building should be disconnected by any company, let alone public schools, he said. The company should do its best to work with the government in any way.”

Pastor Victor noted that the country’s economy is challenged and the government and the people are being affected by it. “That means that adjustment has to be made; that means that the company has a greater responsibility and providing power is a security issue.

“If they are going to have a private entity that will shut down the schools, that entity is not just showing disrespect to the government, but to the people of the Bahamas,” Mr Victor said.

While the government has an obligation to pay its bill, Mr Victor stressed that the disconnection has caused not only inconvenience for teachers, administrators, students and parents, but also created a security issue at the schools. “With the lights off, the school campuses cannot be properly secured at nights,” he said.