Charles Gordon Market vendors left in the dark - JPS removes illegal connections in city swoop

Workmen employed to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) swooped down on dozens of illegal electricity users at the Charles Gordon Market yesterday, as part of 'Operation Restore Paradise', which was launched in Montego Bay, St James.

Close to 30 stalls and shops were found to be in breach, and their owners prosecuted.

The workmen spent most of the morning removing illegal wires and metres from a number of buildings that were being operated by illegal users.

"Boy the JPS seh them bring light, but today them bring darkness pon Charles Gordon Market," one woman, who gave her name as Ms Blossom, told the WESTERN STAR. "Missa reporta it rough pon wi dung yah. Wi not even a mek enough money fi pay market fee, more less fi pay JPS current bill."

She added: "A years mi a sell a market, and most a the shop then een yah don't have legal current. This yah operation yah gwan kill wi off. Wi can't sell out a road and now then tek the little current. When the Government done wid wi, a pure bottle torch wi gwaan affe a use."

In the meanwhile, Leroy Reid, director for Region South West for the JPS, told the WESTERN STAR that they are carrying out a strike force operation against persons who continue to "rob the people of Jamaica of their hard earned cash".

"The harsh reality is that when consumers are not paying customers, it requests a cost that the country has to bear, and it's a loss presenter for the JPSco as well," he said.

Operation Restore Paradise is a collaboration between the St James Municipal Corporation, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, National Solid Waste Management Authority, Transport Authority, the Jamaica Defence Force and the St James police.

It is expected to last one week.