Be fair to JPS

THE EDITOR, Madam

While the recent island wide blackout was an uncomfortable and extended disruption of electricity supply for all. Though, I think it is unfair for the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company to be harshly criticised. While I understand energy minister Daryl Vaz's being upset and embarrassed at what happened, the fact of the matter is that the JPS has been a reliable power supply utility company since being privatized. 

Over this period of time power cuts have been few and far apart unlike when that entity was owned and run by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ). One of previous Minister of Science and Technology Phillip Paulwell's greatest legacy under the former P.J. Patterson-led administration was spearheading overseeing and implementing the privatization of the JPS. That said it is highly unrealistic and absurd for anyone to think that power cuts will never happen and at times due to matters beyond the control of the JPS. Some blackouts will not last for extended periods while some may. The recent one which lasted over nine hours is one such example. Thankfully though over the past two decades the latter has not been commonplace.

Due to the company's swift actions by Saturday morning power was restored island wide. The JPS and moreover its frontline workers led by their President and CEO Hugh Grant should be commended for their stalwart efforts in that regard. 

Minister Vaz need not feel embarrassed by the recent power outage because even the best run companies and countries experience and have to respond to extraordinary issues from time to time due to acts of nature and/or man made mistakes. 

Just like Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across the island last October, the current power cut could have also been an act of nature. Perhaps lightening coming onto contact with power generating plants - may have been the cause of the recent prolonged island wide power outage. To his credit Minister Vaz acted swiftly to get to the bottom of this issue. After the JPS' investigation concludes and the company submits its report the minister and the public will be enlightened as to what caused the island wide blackout.

PATRICK GALLIMORE

pagalley@protonmail.com