Dear Editor,
Guyana Power and Light (GPL) had decided to inform residents by notice before cutting electricity supplies for late payments. They have now reverted to their heartless and shameless procedure of disconnecting power even when residents are not at home and no notification had been given, as was done in East Canje recently.
Again I lament how unfair it is to pressure residents who are paying 10 times the amount of some who are paying $5-1500 per kw and the 30% who are stealing. GPL should go after them and stop harassing honest, overburdened persons.
The economic situation and high rates makes it difficult for many residents to pay on time, and cutting supplies entails more money to pay for a reconnection or bribes.
No one should wonder why this unscrupulous action has returned, as the contractors have to be paid, bribes are taken and GPL gains from reconnection.
GPL is a millstone around the necks of the poor, and President Ramotar should at least intervene and stop this unnecessary suffering. Surely the late Dr Jagan would not have tolerated this abuse, which is also done by Guyana Water Inc to residents who were and are still entitled to free water covered by the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund.
Lots of other benefits related to this fund have been rescinded, curtailed and minimized, while the sugar union GAWU ducks its head in the sand and continues to pretend it is representing the workers. What a shame; all that Dr Jagan fought for is wrenched from the workers.
This is no longer a poor man‘s government, but one for the rich who care nothing about the suffering of the poor, as is the case with GPL and the excruciatingly painful effects of VAT, which is a parasite suffocating the poor. Even though the intake far exceeds the projected sum, nothing is done to alleviate the acute suffering.
I was informed that surreptitious disconnection is done to impose a pre-paid meter when reconnecting the service.
The consumer has no option. Is this the case, and if it is, is it legal?
Yours faithfully,
M Sookraj
