JAMAICA | Dr. Dayton Campbell Urges JPS to Restore Power in Eastern Westmoreland

Westmoreland, Jamaica. July 25, 2024:  Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl over three weeks ago, laying waste to a number of communities along the South Coast as well as Portland and St. Thomas, electricity and water is yet to return to scores of communities.

MP Caretaker for Eastern Westmoreland, Dr. Dayton Campbell is calling on the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to address the severe power outages that have plagued the region since Hurricane Beryl struck three weeks ago.

The prolonged lack of electricity has left many communities in Eastern Westmoreland in dire straits, affecting households and businesses alike.

Dr. Campbell said "The current situation in Eastern Westmoreland is untenable." "Families are unable to store food safely, leading to increased wastage and financial hardship.

Business operators, many of whom lack the resources to purchase generators, are facing insurmountable challenges. This level of disruption is simply unsustainable and requires immediate intervention."

Communities across Eastern Westmoreland have been severely affected, including:

• Whitehouse Division:

Fustic Grove, Long Hill, Southsea Park, Petersville, Gordon, Robins River, Beeston, Spring, Bog, Bronte, Left Hall, McAlpine, Brighton, Beggars View, Auldayr, Cave, Blue Hole, Piteny, and Mt Airy.

• Bethel Town Division:

Castle Mountain, Cedar Grove, York, Greenwich, Ducketts, Lambs River, Ramsay Corner, St Leonards, Amity, Harry Hill, Bridgewater, Hill Top, Gardner, Chesterfield, Coffee Ground, Orange Hill, and sections of Galloway.

• Darliston Division:

Gratto, Wales, Holly Hill, Mt Blessed, New Works, Big Woods, Enfield, Happy Retreat, Orange Hill, Mattock, Chilton, Cairn Curran, and Hopewell.

• Leamington Division:

Cottage, Stonehenge, Venture Hall, New Road, Johnson, Exeter, Kilmarnock, Bronte, Cedar Valley, Ashton, York Mountain, Belvedere, Berkshire, Lambs River, Dundee, Seaford Town, and Rose Hill.

The continuous power outages have had a cascading effect on the community. Without electricity, residents struggle with food preservation, while local businesses, crucial to the region’s economy, are unable to maintain operations, threatening both livelihoods and economic stability.

"It has been three weeks since Hurricane Beryl, and the people of Eastern Westmoreland are still without power. This is unacceptable," Dr. Campbell emphasised.

"JPS must prioritise the restoration of electricity to our communities and provide a clear, actionable timeline for when full power will be restored."

Dr. Campbell is also appealing to the government to support JPS in accelerating the restoration process to alleviate the hardship faced by residents and businesses.

"In the wake of such a devastating event, it is imperative that utility companies like JPS act with urgency.

The residents of Eastern Westmoreland have shown remarkable patience, but they cannot be left in the dark any longer," Dr. Campbell asserted.

Dr. Campbell reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the needs of his constituents and emphasised the importance of swift and decisive action from JPS and other relevant authorities to address this crisis.

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