Upset Hart Hill, Portland residents protest over lack of electricity since Beryl

Upset residents of Hart Hill in Portland today mounted roadblocks to protest the lack of electricity in the area since the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

The category hurricane impacted the island almost two weeks ago on July 3.

A similar protest was mounted last week by residents of neighbouring Dover, St Mary who complained about being in the dark since Beryl.

Reacting to today's protest, Member of Parliament for West Portland Daryl Vaz appealed for calm.

Vaz, who is also the Minister of Energy, said he understands the residents' frustration.

“I had a meeting this morning with JPS [Jamaica Public Service] for an update as it relates to the overall restoration islandwide and also specifically Portland,” Vaz said. 

He added; “I'm expecting to get a schedule, which will be widely published, so that persons can know exactly when they expect to get restoration. JPS is still working for now on weekends in the areas that were not damaged badly. So again I am just calling for patience, but I understand the frustration.”

Since the passage of the hurricane, residents in several communities in Portland including Moore Town, Comfort Castle, Bellevue, Commodore, Upper Spring Bank Road, Light House Road, parts of Long Road, Long Bay, Nonsuch, a section of Zion Hill, and Windsor Forest remain without electrical power. 

It is against that background that Vaz said that he is calling for citizens across Jamaica to desist from mounting roadblocks, which according to him, will not guarantee any quick restoration, but could instead delay the process.

“Once again I understand the frustration, but I am calling for all citizens across Jamaica in the communities to remain calm, as roadblocks will not help….. they will only hinder. Roadblocks will not allow you to get restoration any quicker, if anything it will delay JPS from accessing areas to provide restoration of electrical power, “he concluded.

The blocked roadway has since been cleared by the police. 

- Gareth Davis Snr 

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