Dear Editor,

As Jamaica grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, many communities are left in the dark, both literally and figuratively.

The extended power outages, some lasting up to 22 days, have raised significant concerns about our disaster readiness and infrastructure resilience. While we acknowledge the strain on resources during such crises, leaving citizens without power and cell service for nearly a month is unacceptable and highlights serious gaps in our preparedness.

In 2024, the expectation for disaster response is much higher. Modern technology and improved infrastructure should enable quicker recovery times, yet here we are, struggling with prolonged blackouts. Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) and Jamaica Public Service (JPS) must urgently amplify their efforts to restore power to affected communities. The situation underscores the urgent need for regular upgrades and maintenance to ensure sustainability and continuity, especially in the face of natural disasters.

The impact of these extended outages goes beyond inconvenience. The mental health of residents is at risk as they endure prolonged periods without basic amenities. The stress and anxiety of living in darkness, without access to communication or essential services, can have long-term consequences on their well-being. Children are unable to engage in online learning, families are cut off from news and updates, and the elderly, who may rely on medical equipment powered by electricity, are placed in dangerous situations.

The recent move to offer a minor reduction in utility bills seems almost insulting under these circumstances. Many affected individuals cannot even access these bills due to a lack of internet and other facilities. This gesture, although well-intentioned, does little to alleviate the real hardships faced by our citizens. It appears out of touch and unconscionable, considering the gravity of the situation.

We commend the efforts made thus far by OUR and JPS, but it is clear that more can and must be done. Employing additional workers, even on a temporary basis, could expedite the restoration process and help communities regain a sense of normality faster. The deployment of mobile charging stations and the establishment of communication hubs in severely affected areas could provide immediate relief and critical connectivity.

The resilience of the Jamaican people is remarkable, but they should not be tested to this extent. Our disaster response mechanisms need a significant overhaul to meet the challenges of our time. As we rebuild and recover from Hurricane Beryl, let this be a call to action for stronger, more resilient infrastructure and a more robust disaster-readiness strategy.

The extended power outages following Hurricane Beryl are a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done. We urge Office of Utilities Regulation and Jamaica Public Service to take decisive action to restore power swiftly and ensure that such a prolonged disruption never happens again. Our citizens deserve better, and it is time we delivered on that promise.

Leroy Fearon

leroyfearon85@gmail.com