Troy Garvey speaks at the recent town meeting. Seated center is the Hon. Zhivargo Laing, Minister of State for Finance and Public Service, and right is EO Ferrel, CEO, GB Power Company. Joseph Darville is seen far left. Photo: Derek Carroll

Freeport, Grand Bahama - A  Town Meeting was held this past Friday, September 4, to once again address the plight of residents who  were saddled with astronomical power bills and frequent disconnections.  The meeting was well attended and the full senior management team of the Grand Bahama Power Company, including the  CEO, Mr. Ferrel,  decided to attend and were enthusiastically welcomed.

During the two and a half hour meeting, facilitated by Joseph Darville, various presentations were made by members of a panel, including the Honorable Zhivargo Laing, Minister of State for Finance and Public Service, Mr. Ferrel and his Director of Customer Service, Ms. Kathleene Demeritte.  Many of the attendees then presented in a very passionate manner the diverse problems they have and are continuing to face in dealing with the power company.  The numerous complaints came from individuals ranging from single mothers to old age pensioners and individuals who cared for handicapped individuals, the disabled and the old.

Joseph Darville in his preliminary remarks and setting the tone for the gathering, reminded everyone that they were dealing with the fundamental rights and dignity  of the citizens and residents of Grand Bahama. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to obtain answers, clarification and some relief for the people, particularly those besieged by the present economic challenges.  Indicating that the people may be dependent upon certain essential entities for their daily survival, comfort and quality of daily life, they none-the-less deserve to be treated in light of their inalienable rights and privileges befitting their status.

The executives of the power company were obviously moved by the pleas of many present.  In an honest and compassionate manner, they offered many indications and promises to deal expeditiously with the plight of persons in critical circumstances.  They had even brought along a team of company employees to take names, addresses and phone numbers of individuals, with a view to address their various complaints immediately.  With regard to the matter of sudden and unexpected disconnections, the company will now have in place a calling system which will alert customers two days before any scheduled disconnection. 

A town meeting held on Friday, September 4th at Worker's House to discuss the Grand Bahama power situation. Photo: Derek Carroll

The major achievement of the evening and the biggest gift from the power company, after a protracted discussion,  was the announcement by the CEO through his Director of Customer Services, that there will be no further Friday disconnections.  Thus, individuals will not have to endure a whole weekend without electricity.  The plague of estimated billing was also hotly discussed and individuals should see some relief in the manner these matters are handled.  In any case of a query regarding such bills, individuals are encouraged by Ms. Demeritte to seek assistance from her department and if a kind accommodation is not given to ask for her directly. With respect to deposits held by the company, the financial official of the company assured everyone that those funds are presently gaining an interest rate of four percent (4%) which will be reimbursed to the customer at the termination of service with the company.

It is now obvious that the Grand Bahama Power Company and the people of this community have forged a positive and productive relationship which needs to be fostered and expanded.  A small group of community advocates will monitor meticulously the workings of the power company in the way it deals with  all residents.  This group will in the very near future make public a communication system whereby they can be contacted to give assistance in dealing with all genuine concerns and/or lack of accommodation by any corporate entities responsible for provided necessary services.

The Honorable Zhivargo Laing also encouraged persons eligible to receive aid from Social Services to present their case without fear of intimidation; once proper procedures are followed, then everyone should be treated in a kind, respectable and accommodating manner.

Joseph Darville

Vice President, Grand Bahama Human Rights Association

September 6, 2009

Housing Minister, the Hon. Kenneth Russell; the Hon. Zhivargo Laing, Minister of State for Finance and Public Service; Tony Lopez, VP of Finance for GB Power Company; and EO Ferrel, CEO, GB Power Company. Photo: Derek Carroll

The Honorable Zhivargo Laing, Minister of State for Finance and Public Service, and Mr. EO Ferrel of Grand Bahama Power. Photo: Derek Carroll