More regional support strengthens JPS restoration efforts 

(Kingston – Saturday, November 1, 2025) JPS has welcomed additional support from regional utility partners as the company continues extensive restoration work following the passage of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. 

A contingent of 24 line workers from the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) arrived in the island on Friday afternoon to join local crews in the field. Their arrival marks a significant reinforcement of the ongoing efforts to rebuild sections of the power grid network severely impacted by the hurricane. 

Speaking at the Norman Manley International Airport where they were met by JPS representatives, LUCELEC lineman Hendy Charlery emphasized the importance of maintaining safety throughout the process: “A lot of dangers lurk around during any restoration process, so it’s important for us to make safety our number one priority,” he said.  

His older brother and fellow LUCELEC team member, Michael Charlery, echoed the sentiment: “Safety comes before everything. I know people may be experiencing discomfort due to a lack of power for them to do what they need to, but there is a process that requires that no step be missed.” 

In addition to the St. Lucian team, senior representatives from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) are in Jamaica conducting joint damage assessments with JPS engineers and line workers. Acting General Manager, Vijai Ramnanansingh, noted that T&TEC is fully committed to supporting Jamaica’s restoration efforts. 

“We’re working closely with JPS to understand the full scope of damage and determine how best our teams and resources can assist in the coming days,” he said. “Damage assessment after a natural disaster of this magnitude must be carefully done and it will take some time.” 

Senior Engineer at T&TEC, Jamaican national Keith Burke, also weighed in, highlighting the privilege of being able to lend assistance: “It is a pleasure to serve in any restoration effort of our utilities in the region, but this trip in particular is personal as Jamaica will always be home,” he shared.  

JPS expressed gratitude for the solidarity and partnership demonstrated by neighboring utilities, noting that such collaboration will only help to accelerate the safe and steady restoration of power to customers across the island. 

Audrey Williams, Media and Public Relations Manager at JPS, receives a delegation from Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) at the Norman Manley International Airport on October 31. The senior leaders who arrived include (from left) Chief Technical Officer – Kendel Francis, Senior Engineer – Keith Burke and Acting General Manager – Vijai Ramnanansingh.