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www.sxmislandtime.com
 PHILIPSBURG - A group of individuals are not satisfied with the explanation from GEBE about the spate of power outages last week and are calling on the community to speak out and take action against the poor service from the utility company.
Christopher Emmanuel, speaking on behalf of the group, said the statement from GEBE about the cause of the power outages, is vague and the company is out of touch with the citizens of the country.
"We have been getting power outages for the last two weeks...four or five times a day in the South Reward area and I think it is unacceptable," Emmanuel said.
"They are not understanding the frustration that the citizens are going through and I am asking government to look into the situation because something seems to be happening down at GEBE. They come out with a press release and it's not enough."
He questioned what GEBE means when it claims that it is only responsible for damages to appliances if it's not gross negligence on the part of the owner. "What is gross negligence and when power outages go out four and five times a day, doesn't it not amount to gross negligence?" asked Emmanuel.
He argued that a company that makes millions of guilders each year, should give to the community in the forms of discounts on their bills. He also called on the board and management to resign if they cannot provide quality service to the community.
Pedro Lake, who is in support of Emmanuel's views, said the people of St. Maarten are to blame because it stays quiet about the company's poor service.
"This is impossible, we cannot continue like this. If you owe GEBE...they find someone to come and cut you off right away. Let's do something now...people of St. Maarten, wake up," Lake said.
Mechanical problems at the GEBE Power Plant resulted in several power outages GEBE said in a press release last week. GEBE issued some tips to consumers to help reduce any damages to appliances due to the outages.
Unplug any sensitive electronics to avoid damage; turn off all lights and electrical equipment. Leave on only one light or radio to alert you when the power has been restored, try to minimize the time your fridge and freezer are open to keep the cool air in, gather any flashlights and check spare batteries, be careful if you decide to use candles.
Do not leave them unattended and prepare by equipping your house with automatic power failure safety lighting so that it does not go dark when the power goes out. That gives you time to locate your flashlights and other items.
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