ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — For the third consecutive day, residents in St Elizabeth have mounted roadblocks, demanding that the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) company restore electricity to their communities.

On Friday, residents of Fullerswood in southwest St Elizabeth used trees, stones, and other debris to block the main road. This follows a Thursday advisory from JPS, stating that they had set a deadline of August 31 for the restoration of electricity in sections of St Elizabeth where the network was most severely affected by Hurricane Beryl.

Head of the St Elizabeth police division, Superintendent Coleridge Minto, said the police are currently on the scene in Fullerswood, maintaining a presence and awaiting additional support to clear the roadway. Motorists are being advised to expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes.

On Thursday, there was a similar protest on the Crane main road leading into Black River, as residents of Parottee called on JPS to restore power to their community.

“We want light,” the residents chanted.

Parottee, a fishing village, is located near Black River.

One resident highlighted the devastating impact the loss of electricity has had on fisherfolk over the past five weeks.

“The whole of the fish a spoil. They can’t get any light. The Delco (generator) cannot carry (power) the amount of fridge,” she said.

On Wednesday, residents blocked the Holland Bamboo main road and the Santa Cruz to Malvern main road due to the lack of electricity.

Last week, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) rejected claims that it failed to fulfill its responsibilities in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and allowed utility companies, particularly JPS, to neglect Jamaican consumers.

READ: OUR fires back

— Kasey Williams