Dear Editor,
Stealing electricity is a crime punishable by law. Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has made it known in its many advertisements in both the print and electronic media that the fine for anyone caught stealing electricity is $50,000 dollars and a jail term of one year. Yet persons continue to steal electricity, some in the most brazen ways that oftentimes make the electricity company look like a joke.
For the past few years GPL has been going into areas throughout the length and breadth of Guyana removing hundreds of illegal connections on a daily basis. But, as soon as the company personnel are out of the area, more illegal connections are made and the area once again is electrified with illegal power.
Just recently the company set up an entire department to tackle this problem. Raids intensified and persons were arrested for stealing electricity, but only an extremely small fraction of the persons arrested have actually been prosecuted. One is left to wonder why. Some areas are targeted more than others, and it seems as if the intelligence behind the raids is often muddled. In Guyana electricity theft knows no particular boundary. The means might be sophisticated to suit the environment, but it is a countrywide problem.
A man who was committed to the fight to rid Guyana of illegal connections was Mr Clifford Peters, head of security at GPL. He was a man who was always prepared to take the fight to any person in any area where illegal connections were suspected and where persons were actually stealing electricity. There was no area he was afraid to visit; there was no person he was afraid to confront if he was suspicious about their involvement in electricity theft, because he was a man of principle. He was a man who believed in the integrity of the job he was doing. Mr Peters was an ex-police officer from a cadre of officers who believed in the upholding of law and order. It is believed that because of his unquestioned dedication and commitment to his job that he died in the line of duty.
What can be taken away from this whole unfortunate situation? The state must work with more expediency and commitment to ensure that more persons embrace the realities of the consequences for stealing electricity. Mr Peter’s death must not be in vain. GPL must ensure that it remains committed to the continued fight against electricity theft. More persons must be arrested and prosecuted. The arrests and prosecution must become a shameful public spectacle. The message must be made absolutely clear that if one is caught stealing power prosecution will follow, no matter how big you think you are, how many people you know, or how much money you can pay. GPL must use the passing of this employee who was committed to doing right thing, to strengthen its workforce. Employees at GPL are also customers of GPL; therefore they must work harder to ensure that electricity theft is considerably reduced if not eradicated.
The perpetrators of the heinous crime must be punished severely. The police should move earth and heaven to bring the perpetrators to justice. This was a former police officer and an innocent citizen.
Other persons in areas more dangerous might be emboldened by this cowardly act. The Guyana Police Force must continue to support the efforts of GPL by sending police officers who are committed to their job to accompany GPL personnel when they go out on raids, and not just send men in uniform.
Mr Peters will be missed by his colleagues, friends, and family. Those who remember him I hope will remember the fearless and charming person he was.
May his soul rest in peace.
Yours faithfully,
Richard Francois