Dear Claudienne,

I seek your assistance with an issue with Jamaica Public Service (JPS) with the hope that in addressing this matter publicly it will be resolved. It’s been an outstanding issue for over two years.

Power lines close to my (then) home caught fire on September 22, 2022. Prior to that, multiple reports/requests were made of the JPS to trim the bushes in the overgrown unoccupied lot, starting from February of 2022, but they did not respond. On September 22, 2022, the lines caught fire, and resulted in power outage and damage to my two refrigerators, my oven and fans.

Upon the restoration of power the sad results were reported to the JPS and the company sent an officer to conduct an assessment which included excessive amounts of spoiled foods.

JPS’ personnel advised that I needed to get an assessment of the damage to the appliances, but I couldn’t find any technician who was willing to do it, as they were of the opinion that they wouldn’t be paid as JPS “is untouchable and never culpable”. Eventually I got the assessment done and sent the report but the technician is yet to be paid. I was asked to source the parts, but couldn’t find them. I consistently updated JPS’ personnel by email and WhatsApp and I was basically gnored, as they deemed it my responsibility to find the parts or possibly make them — I assume!!

I made a request of the JPS to replace the damaged fans from September of 2022 to ensure that I’d not be living in a furnace. They refused, as they “don’t do partial compensation”. I didn’t have the resources to replace them, so I started using the a/c units and advised them that any difference in cost on my monthly bill needed to be borne by the JPS. Naturally a significant amount of variance in bills continued until I moved in 2023. In the latter part of 2023, JPS sent a demand letter through their legal representative for the ‘outstanding’ amount. I responded to their legal team and copied all relevant parties. As per usual there was no acknowledgement or response.

I’ve been unable to live a normal life as one fridge doesn’t work and the other operates as a chiller. I’ve been forced to use an air fryer or toaster oven in lieu of my regular gas oven; I’ve lost income from baking and meal preparation with the absence of my oven; I was forced to replace the fans as my new residence has no a/c units.

Being tired, frustrated and very angry I wrote to the JPS CEO, detailing September 22, 2022 to now 2024 and the trauma I’ve been experiencing. I verified receipt of the communication by telephone with an assistant, who requested that I forward the communication directly to her, this I did; she confirmed receipt. The CEO has not acknowledged.

I was subsequently called by a Mr F who identified himself as “calling from JPS Legal”.’ Sometime after, he requested copies of the units model numbers, although I’d sent these numerous times to multiple people. Notwithstanding I complied and included the technician’s report.

I have, since then sent four-plus requests for feedback/update with no true feedback being sent to me from Mr F or any other JPS representative.

I am very tired, frustrated, angry and disappointed with how this is being handled or rather how it’s not being handled.

I feel I have no recourse nor option but to put this matter in the public eye with the hope of a positive resolution in the shortest possible time from now (end January 2025).

I truly hope this saga will get to a positive resolution and JPS will honour my claims for an issue which resulted from their negligence.

DW

Dear DW,

Tell Claudienne has been in communication with the JPS and notes that on January 27, 2025 the legal department of the company sent you the following email:

“Reference is made to the captioned matter and our various discussions on the captioned matter inclusive of various emails on the matter.

After reviewing the matter and noting the issues you have raised in previous emails, specifically as it relates to the provision of the finalised report from the technician, in the interest of good customer relations the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited is offering the ex-gratia sum of Two Hundred and Seventy Thousand Dollars Jamaican Currency (J$270,000.00) in full and final disposal of the matter. Of course, should this be accepted, you will be required to sign a Release and Discharge and provision of your Government-issued form of identification and TRN along with your banking details to facilitate payment.”

Tell Claudienne notes that you and the JPS have now settled the matter. The agreement was reached after the JPS agreed to pay you a sum that exceeded the ex gratia offer. Under the agreement between you and the JPS, the actual amount of the compensation you received is not to be disclosed.

We wish you all the best.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 876-936-9436 or Cell/Whatsap # 876-484-1349 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.