What will cost Jamaica more?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I hear the concern about the expense of underground systems expressed by Mr Hugh Grant, CEO of JPS. Yes, preventative infrastructure carries a high upfront cost — but the real question is: what will cost Jamaica more — rebuilding after another Category 5 hurricane, or investing now in foolproof, preventative measures?

Every time a storm devastates our grid, the nation pays in billions: lost productivity, damaged homes, disrupted schools, collapsed businesses, and lives put at risk. Those costs repeat with every disaster, while preventative investment is a one-time transformation that strengthens resilience for generations.

Undergrounding may be “10 times” the current cost, but rebuilding after repeated Category 5 events will be many times more than that — not just in dollars, but in human suffering and national stability.

This is not just about accounting. It’s about vision. Jamaica must decide whether to keep patching a fragile system or to invest in infrastructure that protects our people, our economy, and our future.

BERNARD BURRELL

London, UK