JPS denounces threats of violence against its workers

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is condemning recent threats of violence against its workers carrying out restoration work across the island, warning that it will not jeopardise the safety of its team members by sending them into hostile environments.

The JPS says residents of some communities continue to accost JPS team members in protest against the delay in restoration of their electricity.

The company has denounced what it describes as aggressive behaviours and tense stand-offs with residents which have resulted in JPS teams having to leave certain areas.

“Just yesterday, our team in Westmoreland had to be escorted out of a community by the security forces,” says Blaine Jarrett, senior vice president of energy delivery.

“In another instance, team members were allegedly cornered with residents demanding that they carry out works on lines that they believe would energise their communities,” he adds.

The company says while it understands the frustration of those who are still without electricity, roadblocks and protests which prevent safe access to lines and facilities that are critical to restoration, could cause efforts to be further delayed than is needed.

JPS is calling for calm as it works to get the lights back on islandwide.

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