FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2025

BPL Crew Returns Home After Assisting With Power Restoration Efforts In Jamaica

Nassau, Bahamas — Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd. (BPL) proudly welcomed home its 7-member restoration team yesterday after the group of technical experts completed a crucial mission to assist with power restoration efforts in Jamaica following the historic landfall of Hurricane Melissa.

The team led by Kervin Jones, Assistant Engineer, was deployed as part of a regional mutual assistance effort, under the umbrella of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC). Working alongside regional utility teams and Jamaica Public Service (JPS), the team helped to restore electricity, stabilize damaged infrastructure, and support communities affected by widespread outages. Through long hours and challenging conditions, the team demonstrated professionalism, skill, and regional solidarity, delivering critical aid when it was needed most.

BPL Chief Executive Officer Toni Seymour praised the team’s efforts and emphasized the importance of Caribbean unity. “It’s always a pleasure to show up and help our Caribbean neighbours, because when we need help, when storms hit, they always come to The Bahamas to assist us.” She continued, “Jamaica was one of the first countries on the ground in the wake of Hurricane Dorian; we truly appreciated that.”

CEO Seymour added, “While we remain overjoyed to offer our technical assistance to Jamaica, we are extremely proud and happy to welcome our team home ahead of the Holiday season. We expect to send a second team to assist with restoration efforts in the coming weeks.”

Team members described the experience as both demanding and deeply rewarding.

“One of the hardest parts was seeing the conditions people were living in, especially the children,” said Linesman Chedi Ferguson. “But every time we restored power and saw the joy on their faces, it reminded us why we were there.”

According to the team, they worked tirelessly through weather-related challenges and extended working hours.

“We worked 16 to 18-hour days in tough terrain, including mountainous areas we weren’t used to,” said Overhead Foreman Dremeko Cooper. “But the support from the communities kept us going; people were clapping, blowing their horns, and celebrating when their power came back on. That made everything worth it.”

One of the most significant restoration successes occurred in Treasure Beach, a heavily damaged area that had been without electricity for weeks.

“On our last day, we stayed and worked through a major feeder issue and finally got the community online,” said Linesman Chargehand Tyrone Swaby. “That moment, seeing a devastated area light up again is something I’ll never forget.”

Jones also highlighted the impact of working alongside other Caribbean utility crews, including teams from Grenada and Dominica, as well as JPS. “We operated as one team,” said Jones. “Working together strengthened our brotherhood and reminded us how powerful regional cooperation can be.”

CEO Seymour also expressed gratitude to the Bahamian Counsel General in Jamaica, Ms. Alveta Knight, for her assistance in ensuring that our team members got the help they needed while on the ground. She also thanked CARILEC, JPS, BahamasAir, and all corporate partners who supported the mission and facilitated transportation and care packages for the crew.

###