BEL Line Crew Heads to Jamaica to Aid Power Restoration After Melissa

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has deployed a team of specialized line workers to assist the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) with urgent power restoration efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that devastated parts of Jamaica late last month.  The team departed Belize yesterday as part of a coordinated regional response under the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC).  Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds exceeding 180 miles per hour, made landfall on Jamaica around midday on October 28, severely damaging homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, including the island’s electricity transmission and distribution systems. The central and western parishes suffered the worst impacts, leaving thousands without power.  BEL’s deployment is led by Line Supervisor Tyrone Reynolds, accompanied by Power Line Technicians Kareem Lopez, Perr Tillett, Ethan Alvarado, Bladimir Alvarez, Adolfo Oliva, and Kendale August. The crew will join other CARILEC member utilities from across the region in restoring service lines and rebuilding damaged electrical networks.  BEL’s CEO, John Mencias, emphasized the company’s commitment to regional cooperation during times of crisis, stating, “We stand in solidarity with our Jamaican brothers and sisters by joining our thoughts and prayers with our actions.”