Dear Editor,
Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has long been a central figure in ensuring the flow of electricity throughout the country. However, recent experiences with their so-called “Emergency Service” raise important questions about the standards we hold for this essential unit. It seems the team knows exactly what they want to do and who they want to help but the burning question is, who’s inspecting their work?
A neighbour illegally connects to the grid causing a loud explosion that could’ve rattled anyone nearby. The GPL team arrives, surveys the scene and even asks what the problem is. But here’s the kicker: the illegal connections are sitting right there, blatantly obvious. And yet, instead of addressing the very issue that could lead to disaster, they fiddle with a few other wires just enough to make it look like they’re working before leaving the scene. Job done, right? Not quite. The illegal connection remains, a ticking time bomb. Brilliant, isn’t it? All those flashy advertisements urging us to report illegal connections yet the very people who are supposed to fix the issue turn a blind eye, act like they’ve done their job and move on. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it, what’s the point if even the workers prefer to look the other way?
One can’t help but wonder whether these teams are truly committed to upholding standards of safety and service, especially when fire-related incidents seem to be on the rise. The bigger question is this how are we supposed to feel safe? How does this reflect on GPL’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its customers? Shouldn’t there be strict inspections and follow-ups to ensure the work done is up to standard, especially in matters of public safety? If we are serious about addressing the fires, explosions and electrical hazards in our neighbourhoods then standards and integrity cannot be optional. We need to ask ourselves: is this the best we can expect from the people entrusted with our safety? Because if this is the system we have, one has to wonder: are we really getting the service we deserve?
Sincerely,
(Name and Address Withheld)