Francois defends protest
As the saga between the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) and persons protesting the high cost of electricity continues, organizers of the weekly marches claim that there is nothing personal between them and the electricity service provider.{{more}}
Last Thursday, protesters led by Junior Bacchus and Bert Francois headed to the Grenadine Island of Bequia where they were joined by supporters in a walk starting at the Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth, going to Hamilton before returning to the port, where a rally was held under the almond trees.
That same day, VINLEC issued a press release expressing its concern about the way Bacchus and Francois have been conducting their protests.
The release questioned the motive of the men who have been at the forefront of the picketing of the companyâs Headquarters since September this year.
âThey have led protesters onto the companyâs property wherein they have disrupted the business of the company by engaging in activities directed at preventing customers from conducting normal business with the organization.â
â…The actions of messrs Francois and Bacchus have also led to protesters becoming involved in activities aimed at destroying the companyâs property as well as being disrespectful to employees on duty.â
The release went on to state that âFrancois and Bacchus will be held responsible for any damage to its property caused by the protesters.â
According to the release, the leaders of the protesters were misleading consumers with regard to the highly contested issue of fuel surcharge.
In response to the release, Francois, speaking to the gathering in Bequia, said that any personal grievances that he has with the management at VINLEC is the same as any other person, and that his motives should not be questioned.
âYes, I have a personal reason for organizing the protest. Itâs because I canât afford to pay; thatâs my personal reason. Itâs the same reason each and everyone of us has.â
âWe are simply saying: âWe are hurting. We canât afford to pay. What can you do for us? Can you sit down and let us look at the problem?ââ
âBut they are not prepared to do that. They are arrogant. They shut down the building when we come and all they say is âWe canât do nothing.ââ
âHow can we damage VINLEC? VINLEC is damaging us!â
Francois went on to say that the struggle will continue until a solution is reached with the Board of VINLEC.
Meanwhile, as planned, the protesters gathered at Mondayâs Independence Parade outside the Victoria Park in a silent protest.
Organizer Junior Bacchus indicated that a public meeting is being planned, and issues concerning the cost of electricity will be discussed. (JJ)