PORT OF SPAIN – Following an extensive month-long deployment, members of Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission’s (TTEC) emergency response team are preparing to return home after significantly advancing power restoration efforts in hurricane-ravaged Jamaica. Utilities Minister Barry Padarath confirmed the anticipated December 10 return date pending final arrangements.
The specialized contingent, which departed from Piarco International Airport on November 10, has been instrumental in recovering Jamaica’s electrical infrastructure devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. Their technical expertise and tireless efforts have yielded remarkable progress, with electricity restoration rates jumping from approximately 45% to 75% across the island nation.
Minister Padarath revealed that prior to the team’s intervention, a staggering 55% of Jamaica remained without power following the October 28 catastrophe that claimed over 30 lives and prompted Prime Minister Andrew Holness to declare a national disaster zone. The TTEC team’s dedicated work has effectively reduced the outage percentage by approximately 35 points, bringing substantial relief to affected communities.
The Jamaican government has expressed profound appreciation for the regional solidarity demonstrated through this crisis response. High-level communications between Prime Ministers Holness and Kamla Persad-Bissessar have underscored the continued commitment to bilateral support. Padarath emphasized that dialogue remains ongoing regarding additional assistance requirements before the team’s scheduled departure.
The returning linemen and technical personnel will enjoy well-deserved reunions with their families ahead of the holiday season. Minister Padarath extended the nation’s gratitude, acknowledging that ‘no amount of compensation can truly reflect their work under such difficult circumstances.’ The successful mission stands as a testament to Caribbean cooperation in times of crisis, reinforcing the region’s collective resilience against natural disasters.