MINISTER for Infrastructure, Ports, Energy & Labour, Stephenson King, has confirmed unofficial reports that he revoked the appointments of members of the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC), effective June 6, 2018.
A published press release from an anonymous source indicated last week that the commission had been dismissed, but there was no official confirmation of the claim.
The VOICE contacted the minister yesterday, and Mr King confirmed that the commission had in fact been dismissed as reported.
The NURC was established under the National Utilities Regulatory Commission Act (2016) as a replacement for the National Water and Sewerage Commission (NWSC) and to regulate the supply of utility services, including water and electricity.
The commissioners in question were appointed February 2016 by the former Labour administration.
The appointment duration of commissioners was staggered, with two commissioners serving five-year terms, two serving four-year terms, and three serving three-year terms.
The minister was quoted as having cited misconduct as the reason for the revocations.
The sources that leaked the information to the press also claimed that the minister might have acted wrongly.
However, the Infrastructure Minister maintains that his actions are backed by law.
