WHEN Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica in October, it left homes flooded, roofs blown away, and communities shaken. For many, it was a time of fear and uncertainty. For Kieron Frazer, operations manager for St James and Trelawny at the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), it was a test of both personal resilience and professional duty.

Frazer, originally from Hague, Trelawny, currently lives in Castlewood, Trelawny, with his wife and three children. “On a normal day, I’m usually home with my kids, managing work, family life, and sometimes socialising on weekends,” he shared. But Hurricane Melissa changed everything.

“When Melissa struck, I was at the JPS office in Bogue, St James. I was there the day before, during, and after the hurricane, preparing for the storm and managing the team’s response,” Frazer recalled. During extreme weather, his role shifted. “Normally, I’m the operations manager for St James and Trelawny, but during a hurricane, I focus solely on St James. The restoration efforts in Trelawny were temporarily handled by another manager.”

Amid coordinating restoration efforts, Frazer faced a deeply personal challenge. His family home was severely damaged. “The first time I heard that our roof was gone, I couldn’t process it. Everything I’d worked for, my home, our belongings, felt like it had disappeared,” he said.

Inside, water reached ankle height, soaking furniture, beds, and clothes. One window was completely broken, another cracked. “I didn’t even know where to start. I just changed my clothes and went back to work. I had to focus on restoring electricity to thousands of Jamaicans.”

For Frazer, the mission was bigger than himself. “Even though I had personal loss, my role in the restoration process is critical. The people of St James depend on us for electricity. My family, our community, they rely on us. The public’s need is greater than my own challenges.”

Despite the emotional toll, Frazer found strength in the support of colleagues and community members. “My team reached out constantly, checking on me and offering help,” he said. “Some technicians brought tarpaulin, offered to help cover the roof, and shared advice on rebuilding stronger. Friends helped organise contractors, take measurements, and get estimates. Their support kept me going.”

The recovery process was both physical and emotional. “At first, I couldn’t even attempt to cover the roof; it felt overwhelming. But after a few days, with guidance from my mother and friends, we began. Covering the roof was the first step. Once the water was stopped, we could focus on the inside.” His dedication has extended beyond his own family. “I know that while my household was affected, thousands of customers were depending on JPS for electricity. If I had stepped back, restoration would have been delayed. My responsibility to the public and to my team was bigger than my personal loss.”

Frazer’s advice to those affected by disasters, “Take it step by step. Look at what needs to be done first, and start there. For those who can help, don’t underestimate the impact of small gestures. Help someone start their recovery, it can make all the difference.”

Kieron Frazer, operations manager, St James & Trelawny, JPS.