Canadian Linesmen Arrive to Accelerate Power Restoration in Western Jamaica

117 electrical linesmen from Canada arrived on the island Wednesday night, joining JPS’s efforts to restore electricity in hurricane-battered western Jamaica. This marks the third group of overseas utility workers in two days, bringing the total number of foreign linesmen to approximately 228, surpassing initial projections.

The Canadian crew will focus on St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, and Hanover, where severe damage requires network redesign and rebuilding, not just simple restoration.

At Sangster International Airport, Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz highlighted the strong Government-JPS collaboration, aiming to restore power to most areas by mid- to late January, with some communities receiving electricity by Christmas and New Year.

JPS President & CEO Hugh Grant said 84% of customers have already had power restored. He added that although the Canadian teams arrived without specialised vehicles, they were fully equipped with tools and will begin work immediately in hard-to-reach areas.

Additional bucket trucks and over 200 pieces of specialised equipment are expected on two barges on December 24 and 25, which will further accelerate restoration efforts.

The Government has loaned JPS US$150 million to speed up repairs, to be repaid over five years.