Vaz warns of zero tolerance for utility vandalism ahead of Hurricane Melissa

Transport and Telecommunications Minister has warned that the government will pursue a zero-tolerance approach against vandalism targeting utilities, which could hinder emergency response and recovery operations linked to the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“For every time somebody does anything to harm the property of the telcos, whether it be diesel oil or generators, or fibre cable, it is only going to set us back in our recovery efforts. Zero tolerance,” Vaz said at a special government press conference on Sunday afternoon.

Flow, one of the islands telecommunications firm, reported a cable theft in the Cassia Park off Red Hills Road in St Andrew area last night.

During a joint press briefing earlier on Sunday, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), Digicel, Flow, National Water Commission (NWC), and National Works Agency (NWA) said they stand united and ready, having coordinated since March 31 of this year. Government ministers Matthew Samuda and Vaz also attended.

“This morning we stand united as utility providers as our great nation and people braces for what could be a direct hit from a category four or five hurricane. We know that you are concerned about your loved ones, your homes and your businesses. That is why we are here today to provide you with an update as essential service providers,” said Hugh Grant, CEO of JPS.

Grant highlighted lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl in July last year, emphasising the importance of stronger partnerships, drills, and shared operational oversight. JPS also warned that Hurricane Melissa could cause unprecedented damage.

Stephen Pryce, VP and General Manager at Flow, said their emergency management and incident response teams are deployed nationwide. “Our people are staged right across the length and breath of the country. At our key facility sites we are supported by a regional crisis management team out of Liberty Caribbean, outside of the market as well, and ho is shadowing our local crisis management team to ensure we have the level of support that is necessary,” he said.

Flow teams are already in the field and ready for recovery operations once clearance is given.

Digicel CEO Steven Maragh also emphasised the need for unity, saying, “Want to give a big shout out to our fuel partners. One thing we learnt last year in particular was to do a mass fuel distribution… we are now an expert in mass fuel distribution.” He warned that stolen gas could impede response efforts.

The NWC said its field teams are positioned and ready, with Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager Delano Williams urging customers to store at least seven days’ worth of water.

Stephen Shaw, Communications Specialist at NWA, said the agency stands ready to assist with flooding, downed trees, and power lines. Shaw noted that recovery processes that normally take three days have been reduced to half a day, with priority given to airports, seaports, hospitals, and Petrojam to keep critical thoroughfares clear.

Matthew Samuda, whose portfolio covers water, said JPS is aware of all critical infrastructure and has coordinated closely over the past year.

Vaz acknowledged the utility companies’ preparedness but cautioned that “things are always better on paper than execution.” He warned that damage from Hurricane Melissa is expected to far exceed that of Hurricane Beryl.

- Andre Williams

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