The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FOLLOWING last week’s boycott against the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville has arranged a meeting this week with all parties to address the ongoing concerns regarding power rates on Grand Bahama.

The Government and representatives of the Power Company, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and the Coalition for Concerned Citizens are expected to meet today.

Pastor Eddie Victor of the Coalition for Concerned Citizens (CCC) held a march and initiated a boycott, asking consumers to participate in a voluntary blackout from 8am to 9pm by turning off their power.

Several businesses also participated by using their generators.

“When I got wind of what was happening in Grand Bahama, I immediately contacted all the parties involved so we can get together and discuss this vexing issue as far as power price is concerned on Grand Bahama,” Dr Darville said.

He said many residents on Grand Bahama are calling for a reduction in power rates and he hopes that some common ground can be reached at the meeting.

One community leader has claimed that some 10,000 families are without power in their homes on the island.

Rev Glenroy Bethel, president of Families for Justice, said it was “inhumane” that so many families are unable to prepare a hot meal for their children in their homes.

Dr Darville, in agreeing that many persons are without power, said he was unsure about the exact number of persons affected.

“I can not substantiate the figure at this time, but I can tell you that as the Member of Parliament for Pineridge there are constituents in Pineridge who are out of power.”

“Many we have helped, but there are still many who need to have their power turned on.

“Every time we find out who they are, we work with Social Services to make special efforts to get their power and water back on - it is really a problem in Grand Bahama.

“It would be untrue to say there are residents on Grand Bahama who are not without power.”

He added however that he was pleased that finally all the parties have agreed to meet at a neutral location.

In addition to discussing the high cost of power, Dr Darville said they also will see how they can help those less fortune individuals get their power turned on.

“We have to find a way to do it,” he added.

Dr Darville said the GBPC has been trying to reduce the cost of power in Grand Bahama and has been involved in negotiations with the government about bringing in alternative energy sources, such as compressed natural gas.

He said the company has also introduced a new economic rate for new companies coming into Grand Bahama that will create new employment and economic investments on the island.

The CCC has planned to hold more boycotts if the rates are not reduced. The organisation has launched a petition drive which hopes to garner some 10,000 signatures.