THE Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) honoured outstanding employees from its Generation Division during a special awards ceremony held on Friday, May 16, at Springs Paradise in St Ann.

The event recognised top-performing staff and long-serving team members whose dedication and service have significantly contributed to the company’s success over the years.

A standout moment of the evening was when the JPS team recognised the immense contribution and said farewell to three employees: Joseph Williams, Newton Young, and George Headley. Collectively, they have contributed 107 years of service to the company and played a pivotal role in the growth and transformation of the Generation Division.

“These men didn’t just power plants; they powered progress, growth, and generations of talent,” said Sameer Simms, newly appointed vice-president of generation at JPS. “They helped define what excellence in energy looks like in Jamaica, and their legacy runs deep in the systems and people they have helped shape — myself included.”

George Headley began his career at JPS as an electrical maintenance technician and rose through the ranks to become a renewable operator in the operations department, building a legacy of innovation over his 35-year tenure.

Newton Young, who retired after 37 years, made significant contributions to operations and maintenance excellence, starting as a technician engineer in 1988. Young elevated over the years, eventually assuming the role of director of renewables. His leadership over the operations of 32 megawatts of mostly hydropower plants across the island has reduced fuel costs to customers and provided clean energy.

Joseph Williams, former senior vice-president of generation, also served for 35 years. His appointment marked a historic milestone as he became the first Jamaican-based professional to hold that title since privatisation. During his remarkable tenure at JPS natural gas was introduced to the island, starting with conversion of some generators at Bogue Power Station. Additionally, inefficient steam units at Old Harbour were replaced with a more efficient and cleaner, natural-gas-fired combined cycle plant. The improved efficiency and use of cleaner fuel have significantly reduced the use of crude oil, reduced costs to generate power, and reduced carbon emissions of the sector.

Simms further acknowledged their lasting impact during the ceremony.

“The foundation laid by Williams, Young, and Headley has been instrumental in shaping the progress of our Generation Division. Their leadership, commitment, and depth of knowledge have not only sustained our operations but built a culture of excellence that will benefit generations to come. As JPS continues to modernise its energy infrastructure and expand generation capacity across the island, it remains committed to recognising those whose dedication has powered that progress from the start.”