A JPS employee in a bucket truck tears down illegal connections from JPS power lines. - Contributed

PORTLAND:

More than 30 persons occupying a boxing plant facility at Shrewsbury, Portland, could face the courts after they were caught stealing electricity from the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS).

The issue was brought to light after contractors assigned to the JPS found illegal wiring while conducting upgrading work in that area.

The matter was later brought to the Portland Parish Council by a senior member of the utility company, for their input.

However, chairman of the council, Benny White, explained that the local government body had no knowledge of illegal connections at the facility.

Explaining that the council does not support such illegal activities, Mr. White informed the JPS to deploy all measures necessary to halt the process, and/or to take any other action necessary.

"We are distancing ourselves from any illegal activity taking place at that facility," said the mayor.

"As a matter of fact, the council is no longer in charge of that building, and therefore cannot be held responsible for any illicit act on the part of those squatters," he added.

The boxing plant was first used in 1988 during the passage of Hurricane Gilbert as a disaster shelter.

During that period only one family consisting of five persons occupied the facility.

Over the years, other persons have crept into the facility, using it also to operate commercial businesses, including a welding shop and a beauty parlour.

The mayor pointed out that the council had surrendered its responsibility of the facility for the better part of six years, before going on to say it was only to be used temporarily by persons who were ravaged during natural disasters.

"Anyone occupying the shelter should have vacated more than four years ago. My under-standing is that this was made clear to all occupying the shelter, but they have simply refused to adhere to the eviction order," said the mayor.

In the meantime, the JPS is on the verge of carrying out disconnections at the facility.

Sources attached to the utility company have indicated that a decision will be made shortly as to whether anyone should be criminally charged with the illegal connection.

- Gareth Davis