National

Concerned Citizens Protest In Lewis Yard Community

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The saga continues on Grand Bahama as the Coalition of Concerned Citizens, along with the Grand Bahama Christian Council, expressed their disappointment with the Grand Bahama Power Company’s base rate proposal.

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2024

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Rev. Kenneth Lewis, president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council, stated, “We believe that any increase at this time would be detrimental to the community.”

The Grand Bahama Christian Council and Coalition of Concerned Citizens are questioning the Grand Bahama Power Company’s proposed rate increase. The group gathered in the Lewis Yard community to take a stand against the power company.

President of the Coalition, Pastor Eddie Victor, believes that URCA is the regulator for The Bahamas and should have the final say. He adds that since Freeport is being disputed due to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, he is of the view that customers of the power company outside the city of Freeport—including communities like Smith’s Point, Mac Town, Mather Town, Pinder’s Point, and Eight Mile Rock—are exempt from any increases.

In 1993, the East and West End Agreement was signed, giving regulatory control to the Grand Bahama Port Authority over utilities outside the city of Freeport. Pastor Victor acknowledges the agreement but believes that amendments to the Electricity Act in 2015 and 2024 give URCA regulatory control.

On Monday, a number of Grand Bahamians took part in a protest in front of GBPC’s headquarters to express their concerns—a move the coalition leader commends. He says that going forward, his organization will do what’s necessary to fight this issue. He is also asking customers outside the port area to make a complaint to URCA regarding any increase.

The Grand Bahama Christian Council President, Rev. Kenneth Lewis, emphasized that now is simply not the time for a rate increase. Pastor Victor added that if the recent proposal is approved, it would be detrimental to residents, noting that the economy is down, and an increase would lead to greater struggles for the community.