The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority on Jan. 12 announced that a crew of its linemen is departing for Jamaica this week to volunteer in ongoing power restoration and electrical system repair efforts following the devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.
The team will spend approximately one month in Jamaica, providing hands-on support to local utility crews as recovery efforts continue.
The crew is comprised of lineworkers and safety personnel from WAPA’s St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John districts.
“Volunteering their time and expertise, the team will support hurricane recovery efforts by repairing damaged electrical infrastructure, including replacing poles and transformers, restoring powerlines, and performing manual climbing and repair work in areas with limited bucket truck access. Drawing on years of experience restoring power after major storms in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the delegation brings both technical skill and a deep understanding of the perseverance required to help communities rebuild critical infrastructure,” the public power utility said.
“While we faced our own challenges last year, we are reminded that it could have been far worse. We watched as our Caribbean brothers and sisters in Jamaica were devastated when Hurricane Melissa made landfall,” said Karl Knight, CEO and Executive Director of WAPA. “We have not forgotten that we were spared this hurricane season, and we will do our part to demonstrate the same goodwill we received after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.”
“We understand the long road to recovery because we’ve walked it ourselves,” said Paul Gumbs, Line Superintendent on St. Croix. “Volunteering in Jamaica is about helping our Caribbean family move forward.”
WAPA noted it will maintain operational readiness at home in the U.S. Virgin Islands, while lending its expertise to support regional recovery — reflecting the Authority’s steadfast dedication to service and the Caribbean community.
