PRESIDENT of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce Moses Chybar has welcomed the commissioning of an emergency power generation unit set up by Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in Bethel Town to provide power to some 850 customers.

The unit will serve as an interim power source as JPS teams complete the build out of the primary electricity infrastructure that serves the community, which suffered extensive damage during the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October.

“Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of our country’s economy. Your businesses provide employment, put money in pockets, and food on the table for many families,” said Chybar as he noted the significance of the emergency unit for the local business community and the wider economy.

He challenged the business community in Bethel Town and surrounding areas to respond responsibly as electricity is restored.

Acknowledging that many operators were forced to increase prices due to the added costs of fuel and generator use following Hurricane Melissa, Chybar urged them to be conscientious and roll back prices now that commercial power has returned.

“This is an opportunity for us to reset,” he added, encouraging entrepreneurs to use the experience of the hurricane to rebuild better and stronger, with resilience at the forefront of their planning,” said Chybar.

This is the third emergency mobile power generation unit set up by JPS as it continues to carry out restoration works across western Jamaica.

Speaking at the official commissioning event on Friday, February 20, 2026, JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant thanked residents for their patience and reassured them of the company’s commitment to restoring every customer.

“I am here to assure you that no community is forgotten,” said Grant. “We know where you are. We will continue working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until service is restored to every customer who is able to receive electricity.”

The unit is expected to energise a number of critical facilities including the Bethel Town Health Centre, the police station and the primary school, as well as facilitate the resumption of activity for several small businesses in and around the community.

In welcoming the unit, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern Dr Dayton Campbell outlined the extensive damage across the constituency, where approximately 5,000 houses were destroyed.

Campbell, who sits on the Opposition benches in Parliament, appealed to home-owners to ensure their properties are properly assessed by a licensed electrician, to ensure that they can receive the power being supplied by JPS.

He further highlighted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is providing grants to affected residents, while the Jamaica Social Investment Fund is assisting with rewiring support.

“We must use this experience as a lesson for how we move forward,” said Campbell as he emphasised the importance of building stronger, safer homes and businesses to better withstand future events.”

President and CEO of JPS Hugh Grant addresses residents of Bethel Town, Westmoreland, at the commissioning of an emergency mobile power generation unit expected to serve 850 customers in and around the community, on February 20, 2026.