Former US President Bill Clinton visited Jamaica last week alongside Rolando González Bunster, chairman and CEO of InterEnergy Group, to witness first-hand the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and to witness the ongoing reconstruction efforts led by InterEnergy in key areas across the country.

President Clinton’s visit also symbolises a partnership that spans more than two decades between InterEnergy and the Clinton Foundation, built on collaborative climate and social action across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The InterEnergy–Clinton partnership has previously delivered impactful solutions in crisis settings, including in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, demonstrating the transformative power of collaboration between the private sector, global leadership, and local governments.

“Jamaica has been a key partner for InterEnergy for decades,” said Rolando González Bunster.

“Now more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to the country’s recovery. We are building stronger, more sustainable, and with a clear purpose: to guarantee a safer energy future for all. It is an honour to be joined by President Clinton. His unwavering dedication to the region’s sustainability continues to inspire all of us working toward a more resilient Caribbean.”

A long-standing strategic partnership

The visit, organised in close coordination with the Jamaican Government and members of the business community, highlighted the scale of the damage to vital infrastructure and underscored the urgent needs still faced by local communities. The joint mission reaffirmed President Clinton’s long-standing commitment to the Caribbean and support for InterEnergy’s work to restore energy infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure the delivery of reliable, sustainable power.

“What InterEnergy is doing in Jamaica is both urgent and exactly what’s needed in the Caribbean and anywhere disaster strikes: rebuilding stronger, cleaner, and with communities at the centre,” commented President Clinton.

“The Jamaican Government’s exceptional preparation, including effective disaster-risk financing and its swift early response, is making this recovery possible. InterEnergy’s work builds on that leadership, showing how the private sector can be a powerful partner with real impact, commitment, and vision.”

Rebuilding the Eight Rivers Solar Park

As part of its immediate response to the hurricane, InterEnergy announced a full-scale reconstruction of the Eight Rivers Solar Park in Westmoreland, one of Jamaica’s most critical renewable energy assets. The project, underway in collaboration with technical partners and local authorities, aims to restore lost generation capacity and enhance system resilience with even greater efficiency and durability.

This initiative is part of InterEnergy’s broader national investment strategy, which also includes the conversion of its Doctor Bird II and WKPP power plants to natural gas, an effort that will significantly reduce emissions and expand access to cleaner, more affordable energy for thousands of households.

InterEnergy’s Ongoing Relief Efforts

As part of its broader support to Jamaica’s recovery, InterEnergy has already begun early relief interventions in the most impacted parishes. These initial efforts include road clearance in key corridors across Westmoreland, the launch of a staff-led donation drive, and preparations for the distribution of 4,000 care packages to families most affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The company has also partnered with International Medical Relief (IMR), a non-profit organisation that provides medical care and humanitarian support to underserved and vulnerable populations worldwide. This support will continue to expand in partnership with government agencies, humanitarian partners, and community leaders as recovery needs evolve.

InterEnergy is now completing Phase 1 of its national relief programme, a total investment of over US$83,000 and will begin Phase 2 in January. Phase 2 will focus on reconstruction and long-term community rebuilding, including the rehabilitation of schools, support for entrepreneurs in heavily impacted communities, and the continued provision of Starlink systems to address connectivity challenges in remote areas.

“In moments like this, our responsibility extends beyond power generation,” said Dr Wayne McKenzie, country manager of InterEnergy Group in Jamaica.

“We stand with the people of Jamaica as neighbours, partners, and first responders in recovery. The destruction we have seen across communities is heartbreaking, and our focus right now is helping families get back on their feet while rebuilding our energy infrastructure stronger than before. This is not just about restoring power but restoring hope,” stated McKenzie.

Looking ahead: A shared vision

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to continue accelerating Jamaica’s energy recovery, bolstering infrastructure against future extreme climate events, and expanding access to clean energy solutions.

InterEnergy reaffirmed its long-term vision: to position the Caribbean as a global leader in energy resilience, anchored in inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and strategic partnerships.