KINGSTON, Jamaica – President and CEO of Jamaica Energy Partners(JEP), Wayne McKenzie, is a 2019 recipient of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his contribution to the sustainability of Jamaica’s energy sector and civic development.

McKenzie was awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for outstanding service in energy conservation and civic development in April 2018.

JEP noted that McKenzie’s service to Jamaica’s energy sector spans over 20 years adding that under his stewardship, JEP’s operating asset Doctor Bird Power Station transitioned from being managed by a foreign-owned entity to self-operation in September 2002.

JEP added that in 2006, the company grew from one 74MW power barge to two power barges adding 50MW of energy to the national grid representing a 67 per cent growth in the company’s generating capacity.

“He works tirelessly in ensuring that the vision shared by his team and himself, of ‘powering solutions’ and ‘powering a brighter future’ for the people of Jamaica, becomes a reality. His career in the power industry began as a Planning Engineer at JPS where he was employed from 1990 through to 1996, to Chief Executive Officer of JEP. Today, Mr McKenzie, a visionary and astute leader, is admired by staff and colleagues for his propensity for success, primarily, for his expertise and accomplishments in power plant development, management and operations; power purchase agreement negotiations; capital structuring; risk management as well as strategic and operational planning,” JEP said in a statement.

The company pointed out that McKenzie piloted the team that closed the $4 billion deal in March 2019 in InterEnergy Holdings’ acquisition of Jamaica Private Power Company, the 60MW Independent Power Provider located at Rockfort in Kingston.

“Wayne joined JEP in 1996 as the Chief Project Engineer. In March 2000, Wayne was appointed General Manager making him the youngest national to lead an electric company in Jamaica.  In the capacity of a negotiator, he was the lead architect in convincing the Caribbean lenders to provide 100 per cent financing of the expansion, at the cost of US$78 million, refinancing the existing debt and extending the tenure of the loan to fifteen years.  The company grew from 74 employees to 121 employees, also increasing asset value and profitability,” JEP said.

The company further noted that in 2018, McKenzie played a significant role in closing a J$133 million syndicated loan with local banks for Jamaica Energy Partners; which the team completed in a record-breaking 45 days

In addition to his experience in the energy field, JEP said McKenzie is also adept in community development and corporate social responsibility and “continues to invest prodigiously, time and resources geared towards the advancement and sustainability of the West Kingston and Old Harbour Bay communities, through health, environment, education and sporting initiatives.”