A third emergency mobile power generation unit has been set up in Bethel Town, Westmoreland, as JPS continues to carry out restoration works across western Jamaica.

The solution, which will provide power supply to some 850 customers, will serve as an interim power source as JPS teams complete the build-out of the primary electricity infrastructure that serves the community, which suffered extensive damage during the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at the official commissioning event last Friday, JPS President and CEO, Hugh Grant, thanked residents for their patience and reassured them of the company’s commitment to restoring every customer.

“I am here to assure you that no community is forgotten,” he said. “We know where you are. We will continue working twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, until service is restored to every customer who is able to receive electricity.”

The unit is expected to energise several critical facilities, including the Bethel Town Health Centre, the police station, and the primary school, and to facilitate the resumption of activities for several small businesses in and around the community.

Let’s Get Back to Business

President of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, Moses Chybar, welcomed the commissioning of the emergency power unit, noting its significance for the local business community and the wider economy.

“Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of our country’s economy,” Chybar said. “Your businesses provide employment, put money in pockets, and food on the table for many families.”

He challenged members of the business community in Bethel Town and the surrounding areas to respond responsibly as electricity is restored. Acknowledging that many operators were forced to increase prices due to the added costs of fuel and generator use following Hurricane Melissa, Chybar urged them to be conscientious and roll back prices now that commercial power has returned.

“This is an opportunity for us to reset,” he added, encouraging entrepreneurs to use the experience of the hurricane to rebuild better and stronger, with resilience at the forefront of their planning.”

Member of Parliament also shared this sentiment for Eastern Westmoreland, Dr Dayton Campbell, as he addressed residents. He outlined the extensive damage across the constituency, where approximately 5,000 houses were totally destroyed. He appealed to homeowners to ensure their properties are properly assessed by a licensed electrician, to ensure that they can receive the power being supplied by JPS.

Campbell further highlighted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is providing grants to affected residents, while the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) is assisting with rewiring support.

“We must use this experience as a lesson for how we move forward,” he said, emphasising the importance of building stronger, safer homes and businesses to better withstand future events.”