KINGSTON, Jamaica— With frustration boiling over, People’s National Party  (PNP) caretaker-candidate for Westmoreland Central, Dwyane Vaz, is pleading with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to quickly restore power to the numerous communities in the constituency that are still without electricity.

In a statement on Wednesday, Vaz expressed “deep concern” over the prolonged absence of electricity in the constituency.

“The areas have been without power since the passing of Hurricane Beryl on July 3, 2024. For the past two weeks, residents have endured a dreadful experience, with many still left in the dark,” Vaz said.

He gave a listing of the communities that are still without electricity.

Cornwall Mountain Division: Boggy Road, Cave, Scott Hill, High Gate, Abeokuta and Water Wheel.

Petersfield Division: Bastard Cedar Walk, Roaring River, Morass, Fort William, Williamsfield, Porter’s Mountain, Grange Content, Glenbrook, Friendship, Bird Mountain, Pullet Lane, sections of the Shrewsbury Housing Scheme and the main road from Petersfield to Hertford.

North Savanna-la-Mar Division: Beckford Street, Barclay’s Street, Meylers Avenue, Chantilly, sections of Strathbogie, Torrington, Amity, sections of Llandilo, Shaolin and Dunbars River.

Savanna-la-Mar Division: Rickets Avenue, Segree Street, and sections of Pentecost Lane.

Frome Division: Bath, Banbury, Barham, Hertford, Piper’s Corner, sections of Tulsie Lane, Geneva, Fullersfield, Bamboo, Blackheath Road (George’s Plain), Poppy Street (George’s Plain) and Ricketts River (Frome).

Vaz said residents in these communities feel neglected by the JPS and are frustrated with the failure to restore electricity. He said their frustration is compounded by reports from residents that persons have been charging them to restore power in some areas.

“This situation has left many in a vulnerable state, with numerous individuals suffering losses primarily due to food spoilage,” he said.

The PNP caretaker-candidate is urging the JPS to take immediate action to restore electricity in the affected communities as as quickly as possible.