Dear Source:
Somehow, I find it no surprise that Mr. Roughton left the PSC meeting rather abruptly. After all, he has jumped through all the hoops that the PSC has created, provided all the documentation requested, and made more than one trip here from the States, all in order to get approval to provide a much-needed service to the residents of the Territory. In response to his efforts, the PSC chairperson tells him his attitude needs adjusting and that he is rude and out of line. This is a crock!
The PSC has a long tradition of kow-towing to the wishes of Innovative Communications, and this is just another example of the shoddy and shameful way they operate. Innovative, who has been systematically bilking the system and its subscribers for years, continues to enjoy a blanket immunity provided by the PSC. No audit, no investigations, and consistent impediments to the efforts of anyone who has the temerity to challenge Innovatives "right" to get all the golden eggs the goose lays. I thought that the reason the PSC existed was to protect the rights of the consumer, but it seems that the opposite is true.
I think it is high time that the finances of ALL the members of the PSC were audited by the Inspector General, as well as all the finances of Innovative Communications Corporation. Innovative is getting far too obviously a sweetheart deal from the PSC, and the consumers should be entitled to know why. If the reason is nothing more than incredibly bad judgment, the PSC members need to be replaced. If something even less savory is going on, appropriate measures need to be taken. Only an unbiased audit and investigation will reveal the facts. Until that happens, the Virgin Islands will continue to be regarded as a backward, corrupt and ineffective environment in which to do business. Do we really want that reputation?
Richard Waugh
St. Croix
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