JPS bolsters restoration effort with arrival of more overseas line workers

Over the past two days, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has welcomed more than 100 additional line workers from the United States and Canada as it intensifies efforts to restore electricity to customers affected by the unprecedented Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

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On Monday, more than 60 line workers from newly contracted Canadian firm Greystone Utility Services arrived on the island. They were followed on Tuesday by over 40 additional line workers from Tempest Energy, joining colleagues who had been deployed to Jamaica just before the hurricane struck.

The latest arrivals significantly strengthen field operations focused on repairing and rebuilding damaged electricity infrastructure, particularly in the hardest-hit western parishes. JPS said the new teams are being deployed immediately to support ongoing restoration work in those areas.

Another contingent from Greystone is expected to arrive later tonight, with approximately 180 Greystone personnel projected to be in Jamaica by the end of the week. Combined with the Tempest Energy crews, which now total about 210 workers, the overseas teams will work alongside local JPS staff and contractors to accelerate restoration efforts.

JPS said the Canadian crews will be deployed primarily across St Elizabeth, Westmoreland and St James, where damage has been so extensive that many communities require the redesign and rebuilding of electricity networks rather than simple restoration.

Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz, speaking at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, said the rapid mobilisation reflects strong collaboration between the Government of Jamaica and JPS.

“JPS is living up to their commitment based on the arrangement and understanding we have with the funds that we have provided. I’m a bit disappointed, but understanding that during the Christmas season, the logistics of coordinating and getting everything done still has been done in record time. We only got Cabinet approval two months ago, and JPS only got their approval from their board last week,” Vaz said.

“So to be in this position tonight is huge, and it is a commitment of us being able to give the people light — some by Christmas, some by New Year, and the majority by middle of January to end of January. That’s a commitment, and we’re working closely,” he added.

The government has loaned JPS US$150 million to help accelerate restoration efforts, with the loan expected to be repaid over five years.

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JPS President and Chief Executive Officer Hugh Grant said approximately 84 per cent of customers have already had electricity restored, crediting round-the-clock operations and structured recovery plans. He noted that while the Canadian crews arrived without specialised vehicles, they are fully equipped with tools and will begin work immediately, particularly in hard-to-access communities.

“These particular resources will be focused on restoration in the western parishes, and in particular they’ll be focusing areas such as Westmoreland, Saint Elizabeth, Hanover and Saint James, to accelerate the restoration efforts there,” Grant said.

Additional specialised equipment, including bucket trucks, is expected to arrive on two barges on December 24 and 25. The shipments will carry more than 200 pieces of equipment, which JPS said will further speed up electricity restoration across affected areas.