ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) declared a successful restoration of electricity for customers affected by Hurricane Beryl, well ahead of the anticipated deadline. This significant accomplishment was highlighted by the new JPS President and CEO, Hugh Grant, during a back-to-school event hosted by the company in Ginger Hill, St Elizabeth.
Ahead of Schedule
“Understanding the hardships faced by our customers in St Elizabeth, who have been without power for an extended period, we mobilized every available resource,” stated Hugh Grant. “Our teams have been working tirelessly these past few weeks, and I’m pleased to announce that electricity has been restored three days ahead of the August 31 deadline, just in time for the new school term,” he added.
Challenges & Resilience
The devastating category four storm, Hurricane Beryl, caused extensive damage to the JPS power delivery infrastructure. Particularly in St Elizabeth, the storm led to complete destruction in several areas, requiring a comprehensive rebuilding effort.
“While our immediate focus was restoring power to our customers as soon as possible, we’ve initiated a long-term rebuilding process. Sections of the network need complete reconstruction, and some lines have to be relocated due to the challenging terrain. This rebuilding endeavor will continue as we aim to bolster the network’s resilience,” Grant explained.
Ongoing Issues Addressed
Although all main power distribution lines in St Elizabeth are now operational, a few isolated cases of power outage persist due to specific issues such as property damage or access challenges. For instance, the Holland Farm NIC Pump is still experiencing access difficulties. Grant urged any customers still without power to contact JPS for prompt attention.
Community and Leadership Recognition
The restoration efforts have been met with gratitude from local leaders. Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Western, JC Hutchinson, expressed his appreciation, noting that he no longer receives reports of power supply issues. Mayor of Black River, Richard Solomon, also commended Hugh Grant for his leadership and commitment in his fourth week as CEO.
“Since Hugh Grant’s appointment as our new president and CEO, we have felt his leadership and dedication. The restoration efforts in St Elizabeth, despite being the hardest-hit parish, are commendable,” Solomon stated.
Stakeholder Support
JPS extended its thanks to various stakeholders including Members of Parliament, the mayor, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) and its Director General Ansord Hewitt, and Minister Daryl Vaz for their unwavering support. The company emphasized its alignment with Minister Vaz’s dedication to customer care, reinforcing their commitment to excellent service centered around customer needs.
“We deeply appreciate the patience of the Jamaican people and remain dedicated to providing exceptional service with the customer at the heart of all our endeavors,” the JPS concluded in their release.
As Hugh Grant leads JPS through these challenging times, his early achievements and proactive measures are setting a positive tone for his tenure. The successful restoration of power in St Elizabeth amid the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl underscores his commitment to resilience and customer satisfaction.
