标签： Jamaica

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Electrical engineer Shavalo Porter has issued a stark warning to consumers about the pitfalls of purchasing inadequate generators for home use. According to Porter, many of the smaller, cheaper models flooding the market are virtually ineffective for household needs. ‘Anything under 3000 watts hardly makes sense,’ he told the Jamaica Observer. ‘If your generator can’t even power a refrigerator, it’s a waste of money. Trust me.’

While some believe that small generators can sustain basic appliances, the reality is that most household devices—refrigerators, washing machines, and even water pumps—require significant wattage to function properly. For instance, a refrigerator alone may need between 1,200 to 2000 watts during startup, rendering a 1000-watt generator insufficient or entirely useless. The required wattage, however, varies depending on the appliance’s specifications.

For those seeking reliable backup power, Porter recommends investing in a generator rated at 3000 watts or higher. These models typically cost between $120,000 and $180,000, depending on the brand, fuel type, and features. There are three main types of generators available: diesel-powered, gasoline-powered, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) generators. Diesel models are known for their durability and efficiency but tend to be noisier. Gasoline-powered generators are more common and easier to fuel, while LNG generators are cleaner but less widely available.

Porter also emphasized that owning a powerful generator is only half the battle; proper usage is equally critical. One often-overlooked hazard is the use of inadequate extension cords, or ‘drop cords.’ ‘Many people use small, cheap cords that heat up quickly,’ he cautioned. ‘This can cause backfeeding or even start a fire. Avoid thin Chinese extension cords and invest in a durable, heavy-duty one rated for high power.’

Solar generators, while environmentally appealing, may not be practical during Jamaica’s rainy and stormy seasons. ‘The sun hardly comes out during these times,’ Porter noted. ‘So what will charge it?’

For those preparing for hurricane season or prolonged blackouts, the advice is clear: choose a generator that meets your household’s actual needs, use appropriate cords, and understand the fuel and maintenance requirements. Cutting corners on backup power can lead to far greater costs than the initial savings. Several appliance stores have reported that their generator stocks, ranging from 1000 watts and up, were sold out by Friday.

Roxanne McPherson, a local resident, shared her experience: ‘I couldn’t stand the heat during and after Hurricane Beryl. So I decided, wherever I must find the money, I will find it. I only need my fan running, my phone, and my daughter’s tablet charged. I have canned food, so I’m not too concerned about the refrigerator.’

In a proactive move to bolster disaster response capabilities, 59 skilled linesmen from the United States and Canada arrived in Jamaica on Friday. Their mission: to assist the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in swiftly restoring electricity services should Tropical Storm Melissa cause significant damage to the island’s power infrastructure. This deployment brings the total number of professionals—comprising Jamaicans, Vincentians, and North Americans—to approximately 650, all trained in the construction, maintenance, and repair of high-voltage electrical and telecommunications lines. The majority of the newly arrived team hails from the U.S.-based Sovereign Line Group. Roger Campbell, a general foreman with the group, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the recovery efforts, stating, ‘We are just here to bring the power back on, whatever happens.’ Caleb Young, another general foreman, emphasized the importance of arriving early, noting that pre-storm deployment ensures readiness to act immediately after the storm passes. Jeff Files, also a general foreman, described the decision to assist Jamaica as a ‘no-brainer,’ highlighting the collaborative effort between Sovereign Line Group and JPS. Tania McDonald-Tomlinson, JPS’s director of people operations, underscored the strategic planning behind the initiative, which was informed by lessons learned from last year’s Hurricane Beryl. The linesmen, who work under challenging conditions to restore power, are critical to ensuring reliable electricity delivery in the aftermath of natural disasters.

In a significant operation on Saturday morning, the Manchester Police successfully confiscated a firearm in the Scott Town district of Greenvale, located in the central parish of Jamaica. The incident unfolded around 10:15 am when law enforcement officers, acting on credible intelligence, arrived at a specific area in Greenvale. There, they discovered an abandoned Honda Accord motor car. Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, the police uncovered a Ruger semi-automatic rifle concealed beneath the front passenger seat. Despite the successful seizure, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The Manchester Police have not released further details regarding the investigation or the potential suspects involved. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Jamaican law enforcement to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety in the region.

In Greater Portmore, St Catherine, a modest hut-like structure beneath a tree near the Monza Housing Scheme has become the unlikely home of 40-year-old Kirk Walker. Since 2022, Walker has endured harsh living conditions after being compelled to leave the Monza scheme, where he previously resided. Despite the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to bring torrential rains and fierce winds to Jamaica, Walker remains steadfast in his decision to stay put. On Saturday, he expressed no urgency to seek refuge in a shelter, instead choosing to face the storm head-on. Having survived Hurricane Beryl in the same location last year, Walker is confident in his ability to withstand Melissa, which is forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall early next week. While he hopes for assistance to secure a more permanent and suitable residence in the future, his immediate focus is on weathering the impending storm.

Residents of New Haven in St. Andrew, Jamaica, are bracing for Tropical Storm Melissa with growing anxiety over potential flooding and the threat of crocodiles invading their homes. The community’s concerns stem from the inadequate maintenance of local waterways, including a river, gully, and drainage systems, which they believe exacerbate their vulnerability during heavy rains.