KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company says it has exceeded its initial restoration projection in several major parishes and cities following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hugh Grant made the announcement during a special media briefing on Monday, reporting significant progress in power restoration efforts.

“I have some good news for you, my customers, my people,” Grant said. “Kingston and St Andrew are now at 95 per cent restoration. Portmore is at 95 per cent, St Thomas at 95 per cent, and St Catherine at 90 per cent.”

He further detailed ongoing efforts in specific communities still affected.

“In St Catherine, you have areas such as Spanish Town, Guys Hill, Bog Walk and Central Village that are currently out, and we are working 24/7 to have your power restored within the next two weeks,” he said. Other affected areas include parts of Portmore, Kingston and St Thomas, with expected restoration timelines ranging from three to 14 days.

Noting that 70 per cent of transmission lines were damaged, the CEO said JPS is importing additional personnel and equipment to accelerate recovery.

“We have now pulled the trigger to bring in an additional 100 line workers based on our retaining contracts with companies in North America, from Canada and from the USA,” Grant said. “We also are bringing in additional equipment because all local resources in terms of bucket trucks and hole digger trucks are exhausted. So we’re bringing in additional bucket trucks, more than 50 bucket trucks, more than 10 digger trucks.”

Grant reaffirmed the company’s commitment to restoring power and maintaining transparency with customers.

“We will get through this, through strong partnerships, through strong collaboration, and you have my commitment that [we] will continue to keep you informed of our progress,” he said.