JPS, Goverment in row over billions owed for street lights

A row has broken out between the Government and the light and power company, Jamaica Public Service, JPS.

The dispute surrounds over 2-billion dollars owed by the Government to JPS, for street light.

Local Government Minister, Noel Arscott, is accusing JPS CEO, Kelly Tomblin of being disingenuous when she criticized the Government for not paying its bills.

Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica, AMCHAM, function last Friday, Kelly Tomblin criticized the Government for not paying its bills, in particular approximately 2-billion dollars owed for street light services.

Local Government Minister, Noel Arscott, responded sharply when Miss Tomblin’s comment was put to him when he appeared at today’s weekly Jamaica House media briefing.

Minister Arscott says his declaration that the JPS boss was being disingenuous, is not unfair.

Miss Tomblin says if the Government paid up billions in outstanding arrears the company would be able to replace street lights which are currently not working and are presenting security issues.

But Minister Arscott was sceptical about that saying the Simpson Miller administration has issues with the light and power company.

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