KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is condemning what it describes as a deliberate act of sabotage that plunged several St Ann communities back into darkness following the cutting down of a utility pole in BonHam Spring in the parish shortly after crews restored power.

According to the company in a media statement on Wednesday, teams conducting patrols discovered that a freshly planted utility pole had been deliberately cut at the base, causing it to topple.

“This criminal act, carried out in Bonham Spring, resulted in a sudden outage affecting the Bonham Hill Housing Scheme, Hand-to-Mouth, Refuge Hill and the Lower White River Substation, all of which had only just regained electricity following extensive restoration work,” the company said.

A Jamaica Public Service Company utility pole cut at the base causing it to topple

JPS says it is deeply disturbed that anyone would intentionally undermine the company’s restoration efforts, particularly at a time when the electricity network has suffered severe damage and crews continue to work around the clock to rebuild.

The company is urging all well-thinking people to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity, vandalism or signs of sabotage.

A Jamaica Public Service Company utility pole cut at the base causing it to topple

JPS noted that these destructive acts not only endanger lives, but also slow the restoration process for communities that are depending on the return of normal service.

The company said it remains committed to restoring power safely and as quickly as possible, and is calling on the public to partner with the company in safeguarding critical infrastructure.