The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) company will only stifle growth in the manufacturing sector and ravage the poor and working class of this country by the massive rate increases it is seeking.

It astounds me that the JPS would seek an increase of the magnitude that it has proposed, especially on the manufacturing sector. That sector is complaining of the high costs it already bears with financing, security and foreign exchange, among others. If we have not already realised, a number of firms have moved from Jamaica and are manufacturing products in other parts of the region where it is cheaper to do so.

In places such as Trinidad and Tobago, they can attract manufacturers as it is much cheaper to do so there. Hence, I would not be surprised if we start importing everything from there to the detriment of our local manufacturing entities.

The poor and working class are also severely affected, as the JPS rates will increase the already burdensome situation that exists. Does the JPS recognise that the rise in disconnections might be related to the economic situation and inability to pay? Decisions are now being taken between paying bills or purchasing food, sending children to school or paying mortgages or rent.

Massive increase

Based on what the JPS now enjoys in its contract, it is protected from inflation, spikes in fuel costs and devaluation of the Jamaican dollar. Why then are we to provide such a massive increase to them?

Mr prime minister, I implore you to do what the other countries have done: protect your citizens. Let us re-evaluate the practicality of operating the JPS as a private entity in a small country such as ours. The Government needs to exercise greater control over the operations of this entity that is vital to the nation's being.

I am, etc.,

CHRIS BENJAMIN

rastabenji@yahoo.com

Kingston 3