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JAM | Nov 27, 2025

JPS points to sabotage after newly restored St Mary communities back into darkness

/ Our Today

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The newly erected JPS utility pole, which restored power to several St. Mary communities after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, lies on the ground after it was cut at the base by vandals on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. (Photo: X.com @myJPSonline)

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is condemning what it describes as a shocking act of sabotage that plunged several St. Mary communities back into darkness, shortly after crews had successfully restored power.

According to the company, teams conducting patrols discovered that a freshly planted utility pole had been deliberately cut at the base, causing it to topple. This criminal act, carried out in Bonham Spring, resulted in a sudden outage affecting the Bonham Hill Housing Scheme, Hand-to-Mouth, Refuge Hill and the Lower White River substation, all of which had only just regained electricity following extensive restoration work.

The newly erected JPS utility pole, which restored power to several St. Mary communities after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, lies on the ground after it was cut at the base by vandals on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. (Photo: X.com @myJPSonline)

JPS says it is deeply disturbed that anyone would intentionally undermine the company’s restoration efforts, particularly at a time when the electricity network has suffered severe damage and crews continue to work around the clock to rebuild.

The company is urging all well-thinking persons to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity, vandalism or signs of sabotage. JPS notes that these destructive acts not only endanger lives, but also slow the restoration process for communities that are depending on the return of normal service.

The newly erected JPS utility pole, which restored power to several St. Mary communities after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, lies on the ground after it was cut at the base by vandals on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. (Photo: X.com @myJPSonline)

JPS says it remains committed to restoring power safely and as quickly as possible, and is calling on the public to partner with the company in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

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