Irate Residents of North and South Hampson in St. Elizabeth took drastic action on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, by blocking the road to express their outrage at the ongoing lack of electricity and running water following the aftermath of Beryl.
The protest, which commenced at an early 5:30 a.m., effectively shut down the main road from Santa Cruz to Nain via Myersville in St. Elizabeth for several hours.
Reports indicate that the frustration stems from a downed JPS pole, preventing the National Water Commission pumping stations from functioning. Despite the absence of electricity, residents have emphasized that their primary concern is the dire need for water.
Delroy Slowley, the Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth Northeastern, expressed the sentiment that authorities have disregarded several areas in the constituency that suffered minimal damage.
Slowley further conveyed the residents’ unsuccessful attempts to expedite the restoration process. “I, too, am without electricity and water, so I empathize with their frustration. There’s a prevailing perception that all resources are being channeled to other constituencies, leaving ours neglected. We have minimal damage in many areas, yet we have not seen any action from the JPS crews. Despite the residents’ efforts in digging the hole for a new pole, JPS has failed to act,” Slowley lamented.
Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Condemns Threats and Stand-offs Amid Restoration Efforts
Jamaica Public Service (JPS), the light and power company in Jamaica, has condemned what it describes as recent threats of violence against its dedicated workers and contractors who are tirelessly carrying out restoration work across the island.
The company’s condemnation comes as reports emerge of residents in some communities reportedly continue to confront JPS team members in protest against the significant delay in restoring their electricity, a delay that is causing considerable inconvenience and hardship.
JPS denounces the aggressive behaviors and tense stand-offs with residents, which have forced JPS teams to leave certain areas and ultimately postpone scheduled restoration efforts.
“On Tuesday, our team in Westmoreland had to be escorted out of a community by the security forces,” reported Blaine Jarrett, senior vice president of energy delivery. “In another instance, team members were allegedly cornered with residents demanding that they carry out works on lines that they believe would energize their communities.”
The company has stated that while it understands the frustration of those still without electricity, it will not jeopardize the safety of its workers by sending them into hostile environments.
The light and power company has also warned that roadblocks and protests, which prevent safe access to lines and facilities critical to restoration, could further delay efforts.