IF there is one lesson underscored by Hurricane Melissa, it is the critical importance of energy reliability and security, particularly in Jamaica’s education sector.

As the country continues its recovery, Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) Group — the nation’s largest independent power producer — is taking a proactive approach to strengthening national resilience by equipping schools across the island with solar photovoltaic energy systems.

A release from JEP said the initiative recognises a growing reality across Jamaica: Many educational institutions play a vital dual role, serving not only as centres of learning but also as designated emergency shelters during hurricanes and other national crises.

This commitment was brought into sharp focus with the recent official handover of a 9.9 kW solar photovoltaic system at Old Harbour High School — one of three institutions benefiting under the first phase of the company’s school-based renewable energy initiative.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, community relations education officer at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Kereen Reid-Clarke, emphasised the strategic importance of the school as a shelter in St Catherine.

She noted that Old Harbour High serves as a critical refuge for surrounding communities — particularly residents of Old Harbour Bay — and highlighted the operational challenges encountered during disasters. According to Reid-Clarke, ensuring that such shelters are properly resourced is essential to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations in times of crisis.

“Today represents more than the handover of equipment — it represents partnership, resilience, and a shared commitment to the success of Jamaica’s children. When we invest in sustainable energy infrastructure, we improve the continuity of teaching and learning and reduce the vulnerabilities that can disrupt school life, especially during natural disasters,” said Reid-Clarke.

She added that while Region Six was spared significant physical damage during Hurricane Melissa, resilience must extend beyond recovery to include preparation and long-term planning. She further praised the group for its long-standing contribution to youth development and education, citing the millions of dollars invested in scholarships, school-feeding programmes, college fairs, and even community support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accepting the gift, Old Harbour High Principal Lynton Weir echoed these sentiments, describing the solar installation as a “generous transformative intervention for both the school and the wider community”.

“This contribution is far more than the physical installation of solar panels. It is a powerful statement of partnership, foresight, and national responsibility,” said Weir, adding that by equipping the institution with solar energy systems, Jamaica Energy Partners Group has ensured that during times of crisis, residents sheltering here will have access to electricity, comfort, and dignity.

He also shared that beyond emergency preparedness, the system will enhance the school’s daily operations and support investments in student welfare, noting that such an advancement would not have been possible without meaningful corporate partnership.

Addressing the audience, JEP Group President and CEO Dr Wayne McKenzie underscored the broader purpose behind the initiative.

“This initiative is rooted in a very clear purpose. In addition to reducing electricity costs and supporting sustainable energy use, it is about strengthening resilience within our education system. Undoubtedly, too, as schools play a crucial dual role, it is therefore essential, especially during times of national emergency,” said McKenzie.

He added that the handover represents “investment, partnership, and a shared responsibility to ensure that our schools are equipped to serve both present and future generations”.

In reaffirming the company’s commitment to education and the wider St Catherine community, McKenzie also announced that Old Harbour High will receive Starlink Internet connectivity, further strengthening the institution’s technological capacity and emergency readiness.

The installation at Old Harbour High forms part of phase one of JEP Group’s school-based renewable energy initiative, which also includes Tivoli Gardens High and Windward Road Primary and Junior High. The total investment for this phase is valued at just under $12 million, covering solar panels, equipment, and full installation across the three institutions.

Looking ahead, the programme will be expanded to schools in western Jamaica that were impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with a deliberate focus on strengthening disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities. The release said these pending installations will be implemented through strategic partnerships with selected institutions, incorporating hands-on student involvement as part of assessed learning.

This approach, it added, ensures that the initiative not only improves energy reliability and resilience, but also serves as a practical educational opportunity, giving students first-hand experience and valuable technical skills in renewable energy systems.

From left: Old Harbour High School Head Girl Tameka Bennett; Principal Lynton Weir; President and CEO of Jamaica Energy Partners Group Dr Wayne McKenzie; Custos of St Catherine and chairman of Old Harbour High School’s Board Icylin Golding; and community relations education officer at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Kereen Reid-Clarke during the unveiling of a symbolic painting reflecting the solar photovoltaic installation at Old Harbour High School.

Principal of Old Harbour High, Lynton Weir, shows JEP’s Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Rashelle Muir the inverter switch that forms part of the system donated.