Oct. 4, 2002 – As of 5 p.m., Innovative Telephone had failed to meet Friday's deadline set by the Public Services Commission for the company to pay $400,000 of what it owes the PSC or face legal action for the full $604,400 of its outstanding assessments dating from July 2001.
At its monthly meeting on Monday, the PSC heard more than two hours of testimony from Innovative's president, Samuel Ebbesen, who repeatedly raised questions about the bills. After that, the commission voted to require payment of $400,000 by Friday. Failing that, it said, the commission would direct its counsel to take appropriate action to demand the full amount owed. (See "PSC gives Innovative until Friday to pay $400k".)
The outstanding debt is impairing the commission's ability to function, according to Desmond Maynard, PSC chair, and Claudius F. Moore, the agency's account maintenance officer.
Keithley Joseph, commission executive director, said late Friday afternoon that the money had not been received.
Innovative Telephone spokesperson Tom Dunn later told the Source that company attorneys had field a motion for reconsideration of the assessments on Monday. He said he did not know why Joseph was unaware of the motion. When asked for the names of the attorneys who had filed the motion, Dunn said he was the only spokesperson for the company. No further details were forthcoming.
PSC attorney Frederick Watts is off island until Monday. Maynard didn't return calls Friday.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
