KINGSTON, Jamaica — A number of OBSERVER ONLINE readers are blaming politicians for the high rate of electricity theft in Jamaica due to their inaction in communities they are elected to serve. The readers were responding to a Jamaica Observer report on Sunday that about one million Jamaicans are stealing electricity.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, Kelly Tomblin, who will be leaving the position next month, said that it is really hard to deal with the amount of electricity theft in Jamaica.She also said that out of frustration by the level and persistence of the theft, the company, in January this year, said it was ready to name, shame, and prosecute offenders — a 180-degree turn in its policy of declining to take legal action against electricity thieves who, she said last year cost the company US$2 million per month.But even amidst the hard approach Tomblin has empathy for Jamaicans, who she believes are unable to pay for the utility.“My heart’s torn because you have people who absolutely cannot pay,” she lamented last Wednesday. Her pain, she said, got worse when the company took a decision to cut electricity to communities where theft was more than 80 per cent.“That’s the one that leaves me with the most pain… that one moment of turning the power off,” she admitted.One reader said the situation is really unfortunate and very shocking, “One million people. Sometimes I wonder how does the JPS survive this. The scary fact is that the politicians are directly or indirectly allowing this activity to continue over the years coming right down to this present day, by ignoring this illegal activity.”Another added, “These inner city communities are illegal, and they have no legal right to power supply. So they steal it, these slums should not even exist. That is why we have a Government and planning agencies, to plan out decent law abiding communities and urban areas across the state. How long will this continue?”“You are speaking to a wall. These people will do all in their powers to maintain their free lifestyle. Politicians are aiding these so call poor people in carrying out these acts. As long as I live I don’t expect to see Jamaica any better than it now is, another added.Another reasoned that “when you have leaders who are shameless and cannot be embarrassed of something of this magnitude. Almost one half of your population is stealing electricity and about the same number living on captured land. And to know these crimes are mainly occurring in garrison communities where the MP is worshiped and adore. Here we are talking about moral bankruptcy from Gordon House to the Alms House.”“I’m sorry, the cost of electricity is already low, lowest in years, some people just don’t want to pay as they see no need why they should, yet they find money to do other things. Not ignoring the fact that they are legit many who just cannot afford it. Prices increase because of the movement of oil prices and again, not everyone is paying so those who pay have to share the cost of those who are stealing”, said another.“The JPS should have some sort of mechanism to identify where the theft is taking place immediately, the MP for the area should be called out if nothing is being done, wi too tief, that’s why the country cannot move forward, I often wonder how does the Chinese manage to invest in Jamaica with such scenario, while others are fleeing”, added another.