Canadian Linesmen Bolster Jamaica's Power Restoration Efforts After Hurricane Melissa

International Aid Arrives in Hurricane-Ravaged Jamaica

A team of 117 Canadian linesmen touched down in Jamaica on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James. Their arrival marks a critical reinforcement in the ongoing, extensive efforts to restore electricity across the island, which was severely battered by Hurricane Melissa in October.

Hurricane Melissa, an unprecedented Category 5 storm, made landfall on October 28, 2025, near New Hope, Jamaica. It was the strongest hurricane ever recorded to hit the island, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, and caused an estimated US$10 billion in damage. The storm left catastrophic destruction, particularly in the western parishes of Westmoreland, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Trelawny, and Hanover. At its peak, approximately 530,000 Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers, representing 77% of the island's households and businesses, were without power.

Targeted Restoration in Western Parishes

The newly arrived Canadian crew will concentrate their efforts on the hardest-hit western parishes, including St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, and Hanover. In these areas, the damage to the electricity infrastructure is so severe that it requires more than simple repairs; it necessitates the complete redesign and rebuilding of networks.

Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, and JPS President & CEO, Hugh Grant, were present to welcome the Canadian teams. Minister Vaz highlighted the strong collaboration between the government and JPS, aiming to restore power to most areas by mid- to late January, with some communities expected to have electricity by Christmas and New Year.

Broader International and National Recovery Efforts

This contingent of 117 linesmen is part of a larger international response. They join other Canadian utility workers, including over 60 linesmen from Greystone Utility Services and personnel from Tempest Energy, some of whom arrived even before the hurricane made landfall. Additionally, Quebec linesmen from Groupe EEA Inc. began assisting as early as October 29. The total number of foreign linesmen deployed to Jamaica has reached approximately 228, exceeding initial projections.

As of December 16-19, 2025, JPS reported that approximately 84% of its customers islandwide have had their power restored. The Jamaican government has provided a loan of US$150 million to JPS to accelerate the repair process. Beyond power restoration, Canada has also committed significant humanitarian and development aid, including over $7 million in humanitarian assistance and $6.1 million in development assistance, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to supporting Jamaica's recovery.

Looking Ahead

The arrival of these skilled Canadian linesmen underscores the international solidarity in the face of natural disasters and is expected to significantly expedite the complex and challenging task of rebuilding Jamaica's power grid. Their expertise will be crucial in bringing essential services back to the communities most affected by Hurricane Melissa, paving the way for broader recovery and resilience across the island.