Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 19, 2013 Letters
Dear Editor,
I am amazed at the disrespect, and uncaring attitude of GPL towards the residents of Berbice, especially the Upper Corentyne.
After a horrific 2012, with approximately 247 blackouts as reported by Kaieteur News, residents were given a very brief respite from this living hell during the few weeks around Christmas and New Year. Sadly, it seems that we are now back to the “norm” of constant blackouts, without any explanation, and with no end in sight.
We have already had several blackouts this week on the Upper Corentyne where I live (yesterday for several hours), and GPL, as far as I am aware, has offered absolutely no explanation about what is going on. These blackouts usually occur during the day, during working hours, and disrupt all businesses, schools, and private residents on the Upper Corentyne. They prevent businesses from functioning properly, and hinder our students, especially those taking IT classes, from receiving proper training. Should this situation continue, this area will become depressed, businesses will close, and our students will be left behind as the rest of the world moves ahead and enjoy the latest technological innovations.
What is especially disturbing about this situation is that GPL has shown no inclination of taking the necessary steps to improve the electricity supply in Berbice. Apparently it does not care about the suffering it is imposing on all residents, including businessmen, single parents, and young children.
This is best illustrated by comparing GPL’s response to blackouts in Berbice with those in Demerara. Whenever Demerara has a blackout, GPL’s senior management immediately issue prompt apologies, and prominent press releases in the daily newspapers. Berbicians, on the other hand, are left in the dark, literally and figuratively. There are no apologies, no press releases, and when we attempt to contact GPL’s hotline, the number is always busy or it rings out.
This is the height of disrespect, and begs the question of whether Upper Corentyne residents are somehow less important or inferior to those in Demerara. Shouldn’t we too be offered apologies for the nightmare that we suffer under GPL? We too are GPL’s customers, we pay our bills, and subsidize GPL with our taxes. GPL’s non-response to the blackout situation in Berbice smacks of the most blatant form of discrimination, and reveals the utter neglect of our area by this entity.
Berbicians are so sick and tired of GPL and it’s nonsense, as this entity’s incompetence is undermining most developmental work launched by this government. Lights are currently being installed by the government along the entire Corentyne Highway, but what use will this be if GPL continues to give us blackout and sabotage this otherwise much needed development?
The government’s OLPF plan is being hindered from fully accomplishing its purpose when our laptops are unable to be charged, and our internet modems stop working during blackouts. The list goes on and on. Isn’t GPL a company that cares about the development of this country? Or is it only interested in maintaining the status quo, and in frustrating technological and business development?
I am asking that GPL’s Berbice Manager, Ayube Bacchus, explain to us what is going on on the Upper Corentyne. Please don’t tell us about problems at GuySuCo because we don’t purchase electricity from GuySuCo – we are GPL’s customers. If Mr. Bacchus cannot adequately handle GPL’s operations in Berbice, and ensure that the constant blackouts here are eradicated, then he should do the honorable, decent thing and resign. The same goes for Mr. Bharat Dindiyal, GPL’s CEO.
We don’t want any promises because GPL is good at making promises, and never delivering. Give us an improved electricity supply!
Fed-up GPL Customer
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
Apr 23, 2024
Kaieteur Sports – Over the weekend, the prestigious Lusignan Golf Club played host to the highly anticipated AMCHAM Golf Tournament, drawing golf enthusiasts and professionals alike from across...Kaieteur News – Just recently, the PPC determined that it does not have the authority to vitiate a contract which was... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]