Dover, St Mary residents protest over lack of electricity since Beryl, MP appeals for calm

South East St Mary Member of Parliament Dr Norman Dunn, while sympathising with residents of Dover and adjoining communities who have been without electricity following the passage of Hurricane Beryl last week, is urging them to remain calm.

Dunn was speaking with The Gleaner following a protest staged by residents in Dover over the lack of electricity from utility company, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

He pointed out that it has been a rough period for persons living in that community and beyond.

According to the MP, it has been more than eight days since power was disrupted following the passage of the hurricane, which has left residents, including the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities, in darkness, which he said is further compounded by the intense heat and mosquitoes.

The MP said that the loss of food and other items stored in refrigerators have taken a toll on residents, who he said are merely voicing their frustrations.

"One can understand the challenges faced by residents in Dover, Enfield, Annotto Bay, Junction, Epsom, Broadgate, Long Road, and Rock River, which are just some of the communities that are without electricity at this time, "Dunn pointed out.

"But I have seen the JPS crew working in several areas across the constituency and based on observation, they are working assiduously to restore power to the many affected areas. My understanding is that the JPS crew will visit the Dover area either today or tomorrow to rectify the problems in that area, so that electricity can be restored, "he added.

This morning, residents took to the streets of Dover, near the border with Portland, in protest demanding the restoration of electricity by the JPS, arguing also that they are living in misery and discomfort since the disruption, which they claim have halted commerce and their normal day-to-day operations.

The absence of piped water to the Dover area and other adjoining communities is also taking its toll on residents due to what they claim is as a result of the absence of electrical power.

- Gareth Davis Snr

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