“I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of great concern that has deeply affected us, the elderly citizens, and which we perceive as unjust and unlawful. It pertains to the recent decision by various utility and bill payment agencies, namely the Jamaica Public Service, NWC Flow, Digicel, and Paymaster. Their decision to discontinue the acceptance of cheque payments for their services has been an abrupt shift in policy which they have attributed to the increasing instances of fraudulent cheque payments for bills.
Lois Grant
In the case of the Jamaica Public Service, we received a notification via email just one day prior to the enforcement of this new policy. The agencies have resorted to using social media to disseminate this information. However, it is essential to acknowledge that many elderly individuals, like myself, have not yet mastered social media, and some may not even have access to this platform. This challenge is further compounded by the fact that a significant portion of the public consists of individuals who are semi-literate or not computer-savvy.
We, as the elderly, are appealing to the Consumers League and the Office of Utility Regulations (OUR) to fulfil their roles as protectors of consumer rights. We are left questioning the responsibilities of these institutions and why they allow these monopolistic entities to perpetuate their exploitation of the public, especially the elderly. What are the alternatives for the elderly who may be immobile, and unable to utilize credit or debit cards? Must they resort to the cumbersome and risky task of carrying substantial amounts of cash, given the difficulties and obstacles encountered when attempting to open bank accounts within an already flawed financial system? Have the relevant authorities not taken note of the alarming increase in robberies in our country in recent times?
Furthermore, we have been informed that cheque payments are considered an illegitimate method of payment. When did this become an official stance? According to the Decimal Currency Act of 1969, of exchange”, “cheque”, and “promissory note” have the same meanings as in the Bills of Exchange rendering a cheque legally acceptable currency in Jamaica that only the Minister of Finance has control over. Therefore, I implore Minister Nigel Clarke to expeditiously restore cheque payments with the utilities mentioned. Yes, the ultimate move is for a payless society but Jamaica is NOT ready for that move as yet and it should be done in a timely and structured manner.
We, the elderly, remain active and engaged members of our society, continuing to make modest and significant contributions in various capacities, even in our retirement years. As such, we implore you to champion justice and equitable treatment in the decision-making processes of these agencies. We believe there is a pressing need for a structured approach that considers the unique circumstances of the elderly population.”
WHO IS IN CHARGE?
Editor:
The contributor, Lois Grant has dedicated her entire career to the field of communication. She began at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation as a news editor and later co-founded Innercity Promotions. In 1990, she launched her own production and communication company, Corporate Image Productions. Her notable achievement includes spearheading the Caribbean's acclaimed Tastee Talent contest. Grant's role as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister further solidified her impact. as a communicator. Her commitment to education is evident through scholarships initiated under Corporate Image, benefiting Jamaica's top performing artists,, media professionals, educators, and esteemed individuals across various fields. She is the production representative for the prominent US network, NBC Sports.
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ReplyDeleteThis is life in this area of the world (dominated by the USA) - the public / consumers are marginalized by monoploies / big entities making record profits and the Governments sit and watch.
ReplyDeleteA much needed letter Ms. Grant
ReplyDeleteThis is just simple disheartening! These monopolies are just making sure that they are taking all they can get from one set of people, while they leave the to suffer at their hands. They know exactly what they are doing. Like I have said already. JPS only care about the billions they are collecting from us hard working citizens, because they do not have the backbone to do what is right in this country. Sir Vernon, it is high time now that you need to let JPS know that they need to start giving those who are stealing electricity a meter. If they continue like this and do not fix the problem soon, we are sitting on a time Bomb. I was sleeping one in savanna-La-Mar, only to be awoken by a very loud explosion and it continue for about 20 to half an hour, because I was thinking a big war going on. Only to realized that someone was throwing up a wire and chop the JPS wire two. Now can you ask yourself the question! Did lock up anyone for it. Not one person was lock up for it. Simple because JPS has no backbone to do what is right in this country. They are making billions off the hard working people of this country. So when come and act like them loosing money. Do not sorry for them, because they are also a part of problem! Wake Up JPS and do what is right. I rest my case!
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