Govt Receives Force Majeure Request From JPS

Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says he has received a force majeure request from the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), which will enable the company to take swift action in response to Hurricane Melissa.

He explained that the force majeure is a contract clause that temporarily relieves a party from fulfilling their obligations when an extraordinary event, such as a natural disaster, makes performance impossible.

“In essence, the licence has certain conditionalities and in order for them to be relaxed, in order for them to respond, they require the Government of Jamaica, who gave them the licence in the first place, to sign a force majeure,” the Minister explained at a press briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Sunday (Oct. 26).

“I can state categorically that this will not be held up. I have already referred it to the Attorney General’s Chambers and I am prepared to sign as early as possible, even prior to the [hurricane]. So, you can rest assured that JPS will not be hindered by the conditionalities of their existing contract,” he said.

The force majeure ensures that JPS is cleared of any restrictive licence obligations, allowing the company to fully dedicate its resources and manpower to emergency response, restoration efforts, and protecting critical infrastructure during the current weather system.

During his address, Minister Vaz moved to dispel misinformation about widespread power lock-offs.

He was referring to the claims circulating via WhatsApp that JPS plans to shut down power in various parishes.

“It is fake news. Only listen to JPS directly on their social media or their releases and Government of Jamaica trusted sites and communication apparatus,” Minister Vaz urged.