GPL criticised for constant ‘blackouts’ on Essequibo Coast

– Region’s flag raising ceremony disrupted twice by power outages

Continuous power outages on the Essequibo Coast have twice disrupted the proceedings of the Independence programme in Region Two on Friday morning.

Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt has said Essequibians living along the Coast are fed-up and frustrated at the poor and unacceptable service being offered by the power company.

Speaking at the flag raising ceremony for the 51st Anniversary of Independence,

held on Friday morning at the Anna Regina car park, Ramdatt said the region’s RDC is disappointed at the way the utility company is treating Essequibians. He noted that the flag raising activity gave him the opportunity to “speak out on the poor quality of power supply,” and to raise his concerns on the poor quality of service being offered by the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL). His comment came immediately after the programme was disturbed by periodic power outages.

Some of the items on the programme had to be struck out since there were no electricity. Speakers at the event had to continue their speech either without electricity or with power from a vehicle. Ramdatt said this is unacceptable, and he cannot understand why, even as Guyana celebrates 51 years of Independence, there is an unreliable power supple despite the country’s vast natural resources.

The first outage happened when Regional Officer Deryck Persaud was delivering opening remarks. He was forced to step under the shed, where he spoke without the support of a microphone. Calypsonians had to sing without their tracks. Those who attended the function were very disappointed that most of the items were struck out. Residents questioned the planning committee and why is it that a ‘stand by’ generator was not considered for such a significant event as the country’s Independence celebrations.

The Chairman alluded to the fact that Region Two has been experiencing severe power outages, and despite several complaints made to the company, there is no valid reason why the region is receiving unreliable supply of power. (Indra Nathram)