Ministry of Energy, Telecomms & Transport

📍Darliston, Westmoreland On this Sunday I am pleased to be here with the JPS CEO and team to restore electricity to the people of Darliston using the this temporary solution while work continues to have full restoration done.

Closure Notice.

Today I joined JPS for the Official Launch of the JPS Emergency Mobile Power Generation Unit. With every crisis, comes an opportunity and I laud the team for this innovative solution to restore power to sections of Black River whilst other restorative work continues. We have significantly cut the restoration time by 4-6 months for Jamaicans in the affected areas and I am pleased to state that with this Mobile Power Generation Unit, residents of Black River will have electricity restored by the night of December 25th. The work continues throughout the holidays as I remain committed to accelerating the reconnection of as many Jamaicans across the affected areas as we possibly can.

When asked “why has the Government been so strident in not renewing the existing JPS licence?” Or “Why didnt the Govt extend the JPS licence instead of giving them a loan?” These billing occurrences are first to mind. The licence is outdated and does very little to protect the Jamaican citizens and even less to support them following natural disasters. Though the 7% increase due to fuel sourcing is less than increases throughout the year and is also much less than the 16.6% announced by the JPS following Hurricane Beryl, a better way forward is attainable. It must be noted that these increases will only be applied to customers who had electricity for the billing period.

Join us as we celebrate Jamaica’s vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation all week long! Meet Lennox Deane, owner of BeeWise, producer and supplier of natural Jamaican honey and honey products. Let’s celebrate and champion our entrepreneurs as we all build together!

More than a day has passed and @TvjNewscentre still has up this fake news. It's like we can only trust info from the source now.

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) has launched their Customer Relief Programme, announcing that they will be suspending disconnections and the application of late fees. The company will also be making payment plans available to customers who need additional support. This programme is an improvement of the previous relief offered post-Beryl and I commend the JPSCo for their compassionate approach in this matter. While this is a good first step, I look forward to an expansion of this to commercial customers across Jamaica specifically those in western parishes. I look forward to the detailed restoration schedule this week as committed to me by the management.

🚨 #Update: Mobay airport now has electricity ⚡️

Its much different on the ground. Real faces, real challenges that require real work. I cant thank our NGO teams enough for the exemplary work being done to reach our most vulnerable and marooned communities in Western Jamaica. Hearing from the people, hope is alive. Relief is being received but greater calls are being made for them to be seen and heard. I urge volunteers and workers that when you go out to give… Also give a listening ear. When you meet, ask the needs that are left unmet. And if you must capture, capture the moments that will encourage others to do the same. #HurricaneMelissa

This evening I joined the @usembassyja Charge d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica Scott Renner at the NMIA to welcome @statedept’s Under Secretary Jeremy P. Lewin & Director of Media Affairs at the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, Laura Ortiz Rodriguez, to Jamaica.

A mobile Starlink device will be distributed to Members of Parliament, Mayors, and other officials in areas affected by Hurricane Melissa along with the Leader of the Opposition. Minister of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made this announcement at a Special Press Briefing this afternoon (November 3). The Minister explained that officials in affected areas are being prioritised for this initiative due to the limited availability of the devices. #JISNews #PressBriefing #PostHurricaneMelissa #StaySafe #StayInformed

Emergency Operations are still in effect. No toll charges until further notice. If you have been charged please make a complain to us so we can seek redress @MSETGovJM @darylvazjm @NROCC @JISNews @NationwideRadio

🚨 #Update: Concluded a meeting with @Starlink Disaster Response Team and @ITDRC at the Office of the Commissioner of Police @JamaicaConstab. JCF will be coordinating security and logistics as we work to deploy ICT solutions and experts to the worst affected areas in Western Jamaica.

Minister Vaz:

#Update 🚨 @Starlink will be working alongside both @DIGICELJamaica and @FLOWJamaica to ensure Jamaicans retain telecommunications connectivity following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. @MSETGovJM

I announced during the Midday Update on Oct 27 that some 148 persons have been evacuated with the assistance of @jutcltd. This is far below the expected numbers. I encourage persons to heed the warnings and preserve their lives above all else.

🚨 #Update: Rural School buses have been approved to assist with evacuation in Rural Parishes. 5 Buses have already been deployed for use in St Elizabeth for emergency evacuations. Please treat the buses with care. #HurricaneMelissa #StaySafe #Evacuation

#Update I can advise Jamaicans that I have given the directive for the Toll Authority to have all Toll Booths Opened across the island at 5pm today October 26, 2025. #HurricaneMelissa #TollAuthority #TransportMinister

🚨 #Update: Our airports are now closed & emergency protocols have been activated. @starlink has provided support to @msetgovjm which will be used to help the communication capability of the Govt during and after the passage of Hurricane Melissa. #HurricaneMelissa #MSETT #Jamaica

🚨 Temporary Lifting of Toll Barriers 🚗 Due to Tropical Storm Melissa, all toll barriers along the Highway 2000 corridors are lifted effective 5:00 p.m., Oct 26, 2025, until further notice. Safety remains our top priority. @MSETGovJM @darylvazjm @NROCC @JISNews @NationwideRadio