JPS disputes $24 million legal bill

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says it will be disputing a $24 million payment being sought by the claimants who brought a class action suit challenging the company’s exclusive licence.

In July, in making his ruling in favour of the claimants, Supreme Court judge Bryan Sykes had also awarded legal costs to the claimants.

The JPS has since filed an appeal against the Supreme Court ruling that its exclusive licence is invalid and today, the respondents: Dennis Meadows, Betty Ann Blaine and Cyrus Rousseau filed a counter-notice of appeal.

In its counter appeal, the claimants state that Justice Sykes correctly held that the minister had no power under the Electric Lighting Act to grant an exclusive licence to the JPS for the supply of electricity but failed to hold that the said licence was illegal, null and void.

The respondents who are being represented by attorneys-at-law Hugh Wildman and Marvalyn Taylor-Wright are asking the Court of Appeal to find that the judge erred in holding that the minister was empowered under the Act, to grant a licence to the JPS for the supply of electricity over the entire island.

No date has been set for the appeal.

In the meantime, JPS president & CEO, Kelly Tomblin, says the light and power company will continue discussions with the Government and other stakeholders on the best way forward for the energy sector.

She says the JPS recognizes that the energy landscape is evolving, and it is prepared to play its part in facilitating structured changes that are in the best interest of all.

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