EQUIPMENT SEIZED from English Sports, the Montego Bay-based telemarketing firm just over a week ago following allegations of bypass of Cable & Wireless Jamaica's (C&WJ) operations, will be returned if they address the illegal operations.
That is according to Minister of Industry, Commerce and Techno-logy, Phillip Paulwell, who said the company would also have to satisfy other conditions.
English Sports, an offshore betting establishment that takes bets mostly on sport, was shut down by Spectrum, the island's telecommunications enforcement authority following allegations that it was involved in illegally bypassing the operations of C&WJ and making overseas telephone calls.
A report last week quoted the Ministry as saying the V-SAT facility that English Sports used for their operations was dismantled and terminated because of the bypass, as well as its illegal installation.
Mr. Paulwell, speaking at a press conference at his Ministry's Trafalgar Road, New Kingston office yesterday, said the equipment seized could only be returned if a number of conditions were met.
"Firstly, if Cable and Wireless and Digiport are unable to provide immediately their telecoms needs, but there is also a firm agreement with them on a time-frame for doing so," the Minister said.
"I think in the circumstances and because we do want to get those 400 members of staff back on the payroll and back at work we would, in that situation, allow them to reinstall the machine on the clear understanding that it would be dismantled as soon as Cable and Wireless is able to provide them with the service."
The Minister said there was also a condition "that the issue of the illegal bypass is addressed, a commitment given that there will be no illegal bypass taking place."
And receiver/manager of NetServ, John Lee, said he was uncertain when outstanding salaries for employees of the company would be paid.
He said some of the teleservices representatives at NetServ were at work, while others, including the majority of senior management, were on no-paid leave. "When I commenced my appointment in December salaries were outstanding for November. That was a liability that existed prior to my appointment. That liability is still outstanding. All liabilities since my appointment have been paid," he said.
