Protesters cry: Vinlec, have mercy on us, please

The loud shouts of “Murder” and “Oil prices down, fuel surcharge up,” made up for the diminished crowd on Monday, as week number two in the local Consumer Association’s protest on utility services provider VINLEC continued.{{more}}

The walk to the company’s headquarters in Paul’s Avenue, which began at Heritage Square around noon, saw the vocal consumers trekking along Bay Street, down to Rose Place in the midday sun, before reaching their final destination.

This week’s walk on VINLEC bore some resemblance to the one that took place last Monday, except consumers were urged to pay EC $1 on their utility bills as a sign of protest.

Although the consumers were allowed to enter the compound, unlike last week, they were not allowed to take in their placards, some of which read: “Too much hands in VINLEC kitty”, “Nothing to smile about”, “What we gonna do?” and “VINLEC, have mercy on us, please”.

Organizers of the protest maintain that the walks on VINLEC will continue weekly until the company’s management meets with the group and conditions stated in the petition submitted last week are met.

Joining the protest on Monday was Leader of the SVG Green Party Ivan O’Neal who called for a utility commission to monitor the operations and financial statements of VINLEC, which he said needs to be more transparent.

Communications Officer at VINLEC Tamara Job, speaking to Searchlight, echoed the sentiments of Vinlec CEO Thornley Myers in saying that the Company would soon meet with the consumers’ representatives.

Job indicated that talks may begin as early as next week. (JJ)