KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) on Monday led a joint hurricane simulation exercise, built around a ficticious Category 4 hurricane named “Kishane,” to test and strengthen emergency response coordination.

The drill, which brought together national stakeholders, marked the first collaboration of its kind, uniting JPS, FLOW, Digicel, the National Water Commission (NWC), the National Works Agency (NWA), and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Focusing on the eastern section of the island, the simulation tested the entities’ response during the first 72 hours following a major storm impact—an intense period often marked by widespread infrastructure damage, communication challenges, and full grid shutdowns.

JPS says it conceptualised the joint drill in recognition of the deeply interconnected nature of national infrastructure and essential services.

President and CEO Hugh Grant, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating, “preparedness is not optional, it’s a necessity.”

“Exercises like these are vital because they allow us to strengthen our coordination and identify any gaps before we’re in a real crisis. Each of our organisations is inextricably linked to the other in serving the Jamaican people, and our ability to recover quickly depends on how well we work together,” he stated.

JPS had faced backlash in 2024 regarding its response time following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

READ Upset with its delay in restoring electricity, Vaz launches broadside against JPS

The company has since unveiled plans to significantly upgrade its infrastructure

READ: JPS to spend big to improve its infrastructure next year

JPS will carry out additional drills over the coming weeks.