KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Science, Energy, Te—communications and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says. At the same time, Daryl Vaz will do everything legally possible to reinforce the ability to strengthen (JPS) to restore power across t’s ability the island, nearly three months after Hurricane Beryl’s passage to “pull out all stops” to do so.
“I make no apologies in stating in this House that I have very little confidence in the capacity of the JPS to effect full restoration in the timelines needed. While my powers as Minister may be limited concerning this private company and the deployment of their teams, this government will do everything legally possible to ensure that we reinforce the ability of the JPS to have power restored across the island as soon as possible,” he told legislators on Tuesday.
Hurricane Beryl caused widespread damage and death in Jamaica on July 3, and the authorities have said that the lack of electricity is impacting not only citizens but also the ability of the National Water Commission (NWC) to service its customers across all parishes fully.
Vaz also said that several people said medical conditions that require electricity for the refrigeration of medication or use continue, and with the help of our regional partners now on the island, I urge the utility provider to pull out all stops to ensure they meet the deadlines and expectations to restore all NWC pumps and National Irrigation Commission (NIC) pumps for irrigation for the farmers of Jamaica,” he said.
“If water is life, then the JPS must recognize the current position as life-threatening. This is not just figurative but literal. Several persons are subject to medical conditions requiring electricity whether for refrigeration or energy purposes.”
Vaz said he is contacting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for support “as I need to make sure that JPS can effect full restoration in the timelines needed, which is now.”
Vaz said that he is awaiting the report on the outcome of a meeting between the JPS and the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) and that, ‘based on the results of that, I intend to meet with the management, board, and shareholders of JPS so that they can further understand my concerns and for them to give me a detailed schedule of locations for customers still not connected and a firm schedule with timelines for them to address. ‘
The JPS said an estimated 19,000 customers, not including St. Elizabeth, still need electricity supply, even as Vaz acknowledged that the information regarding electricity restoration may need to be completed.
Vaz was also critical of JPS for issuing estimated bills to customers and hinting that it intends to use force majeure to recoup losses. This is allowed in its license in the event of an act of God, such as a hurricane.
Vaz said that it was unconscionable and immoral for the company to seek relief from its obligations under the current license, but it has yet to outline any form of restitution or reprieve for its customers who have been without electricity for three weeks.
“Jamaica should never be put in this position again, where a utility license granted seemingly protects the provider more than the customers. The JPS license comes up for re-negotiation in 2027, and we must make sure, as a country, that any new license protects the people and not just JPS,” he said.
Vaz told legislators that FLOW and Digicel had communicated mitigative and therapeutic measures to the government and their customers for context.
“We hope and expect that JPS will be moved to do the same and do the right thing now,” Vaz said.
The Energy Minister said he understood the frustrations of residents in some areas who have been demonstrating for the return of various services, noting, however, that “these demonstrations will not help.
“Currently, I have the utility provider requesting leave to avoid areas for fear of the safety of their teams. These demonstrations will only put your communities further down on the list for restoration by the JPS, as they will think their safety and that of their teams are at risk.
“While I understand all the frustration being faced by my fellow Jamaicans, I assure you that I am in contact with all 62 Members of Parliament, and Cabinet remains committed to ensuring that we hold JPS accountable to effect the timely restoration of electricity to all communities,” Vaz told Parliament.
and then 