Is JPS not prepared to deal with storm like Beryl?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

This past weekend, the JPS has reported that, excluding St Elizabeth, they have restored power to 96 per cent of the island. While I am sceptical about the authenticity of the statistical data that the JPS has provided in this regard, I will not present any counter-arguments on their findings.

I write as a part of the four per cent of residents who are still reeling in the dark. I wish to make an urgent plea to the JPS that things have reached crisis level now. There are many well-paying citizens of the country who are experiencing cumbersome situations as a result of having no electricity .

There are some people who are supporting the JPS, indicating that the job is a risky one and it will take some time. In my opinion, in every nook and cranny of the island we should be seeing workmen out in earnest, fixing those lines. This has impacted people’s health and their livelihood..

I embrace the view that the JPS can do better at this point. We need to hold them accountable as our sole provider of electricity.

It is a disgrace that almost two weeks after the storm, people are still groping in the dark. I urge JPS to mobilise teams, hire temporary workers if possible, and do what you were ‘trained’ to do. I have loved ones who are sickly and are not coping well with this condition.

How long are we going to wait? Was the JPS not equipped or prepared to deal with a storm of this nature? I suggest that the JPS now move expeditiously. We have exhausted our tolerance and are ‘ burning ‘ in despair.

MARY LEAMY

St Mary