Durrant Pate/Contributor

Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness has engaged with the co-majority shareholder in Jamaica Public Service (JPS), Korea East-West Power (EWP) in talks about modernising Jamaica’s power-generating sector.

This was done earlier this week when visiting CEO of EWP, Kwon Myung-ho paid a courtesy call on Dr. Holness at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), following which, he conducted an on-site inspection of the gas combined-cycle power plant in Jamaica managed by EWP. During the meeting with Prime Minister Holness, Myung-ho explained EWP’s ongoing efforts and achievements toward modernising Jamaica’s power industry. 

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in the energy sector in both countries and held in-depth discussions on establishing an institutional framework for creating sustainable investment conditions in the future. Previously, EWP has been participating in the local power business since acquiring a 40% stake in Jamaica’s light and power company in 2011. 

Since 2019, EWP has been operating a 194MW (megawatt) gas combined-cycle power plant and continuing facility investments and operational innovations for a stable power supply. In his opening remarks, Kwon Myung-ho emphasised that the trust relationship with Jamaica is its most valuable asset, saying, “We agree with the necessity of the ongoing power industry restructuring, and we will continue to cooperate closely as a reliable energy partner for the stability and development of Jamaica’s power industry.”

In response, Dr. Holness remarked, “Korea East-West Power is an important partner that has been with us in the stable operation and modernisation of Jamaica’s power industry,” noting, “at this important turning point, I hope we can continue a sustainable cooperative relationship based on mutual trust.”

Prior to the courtesy visit to the Prime Minister, a hurricane relief donation was delivered at JPS head office earlier on the morning of Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The donation was prepared to help JPS local employees who suffered significant damage, including housing destruction from the super-powerful Hurricane Melissa that struck Jamaica in October last year. 

The funds will be used for purposes including providing vouchers for purchasing daily necessities for the affected employees. On the following day, February 4, the EWP visiting team toured the Jamaica gas combined-cycle power plant, a core facility of Jamaica’s energy industry to inspect the plant’s operational status and equipment conditions. 

The EWP CEO urged employees to strictly adhere to on-site safety protocols. Subsequently, on the 5th, they visited JPS’ Incident Command Centre (ICC), located in Montego Bay, the area most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, to inspect the damage recovery status and commend the hard work of on-site employees.

Through this visit, EWP plans to further solidify its energy cooperation with Jamaica and contribute to the modernisation of Jamaica’s power industry through stable power supply and social contribution activities