Post Cabinet Press Briefing Report- March 4, 2026
The Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, begins with the introduction of several ministers and special guests. Minister Morris-Dixon highlights the presence of the Minister of Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will address topical foreign affairs issues. Also present are officials from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, including the State Minister and Parliamentary Secretary, alongside education officers and government representatives. The briefing acknowledges attendees from the Jamaica Prefect Association, National Youth Council of Jamaica, Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students, and Mico University College students. The host, Minister Morris-Dixon, welcomes everyone, including the media and viewers at home and abroad, and signals a packed agenda with a prompt start to the presentations.
Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters Program
The Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) program has disbursed over $5 billion in grants, with a total of $10 billion earmarked. Managed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the program provides financial assistance to those affected by Hurricane Melissa, offering $75,000 for minor damage, $200,000 for major damage, and $500,000 for severe damage. The focus is on restoring roofs, a critical aspect of recovery. The government emphasizes the speed and scale of fund distribution, highlighting this as a demonstration of commitment and care. Assistance is not limited to the western regions but extends to other parishes, aiming to help many individuals recover and rebuild.
Minister Vaz on Hurricane Melissa Electricity Restoration
Minister Vaz provided updates on Jamaica’s recovery and energy sector following Hurricane Melissa, including progress on electricity restoration, oil and gas developments, and national energy poverty reduction. He highlighted key milestones, emphasizing that as of February 28, 2026, 99% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers had their electricity restored, with approximately 681,000 out of 690,000 customers back online. The government met its public commitment to reduce outages to fewer than 10,000 customers by the end of February.
The government loaned JPS $150 million in December 2025 to ensure full restoration by February 2026, a commitment that has been kept. As of the latest update, 8,653 customers remain without power, mainly in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, areas heavily damaged by the hurricane. Restoration efforts continue with crews working 24/7 through March and April. An additional 5,000 customers are expected to regain power in March, leaving about 3,600 customers without electricity by April.
Restoration progress in affected areas was detailed: Westmoreland has reached 83% restoration with 5,568 customers still without power, St. Elizabeth is at 92% with 3,416 customers offline, and St. James is almost fully restored at 99%. These improvements mark significant progress compared to December, when restoration was as low as 18% in some areas. The Minister praised the government’s decision to support JPS financially, noting that without this intervention, full restoration could have been delayed until late 2026.
The Minister outlined plans for March restorations, targeting 36 districts in both St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland to regain electricity. Priority remains on these hardest-hit areas, with efforts continuing into April if needed. He commended JPS leadership and government agencies for their tireless work in achieving 99% restoration by the target date, framing it as a major governmental success and essential for Jamaica’s productivity and economic growth.
Moving forward, the Minister mentioned the all-island electricity license, noting that Hurricane Melissa necessitated a request for an extension of the existing license for up to 10 years. This extension request has been supported by multilateral partners, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring ongoing energy sector stability and development.
Electricity License Negotiation and Sector Reforms
The commitment to have a new electricity license in place by 2027 remains firm. To address issues separately, damages from Hurricane Melissa were managed through a loan, while negotiations for a new license focused on securing better terms and rates for the Jamaican public. In November 2025, the Ministry of Energy contracted Francis Maude Associates (FMA) to lead phase one of a three-phase reform process aimed at establishing a modernized licensing framework. This initial phase, running until April 26, concentrates on defining the commercial, regulatory, and legal foundations for the new regime, with a dedicated negotiation team from various government and private sectors.
A draft heads of terms outlining the principal features of the proposed license framework was prepared and approved by the Cabinet, allowing formal negotiations with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to begin after April 26. Following this, Francis Maude Associates will advance into a 16-month phase focused on sectoral framework development and implementation. This phase includes drafting a new electricity act, amending the OUR act to strengthen enforcement, renegotiating power purchase agreements, updating policies on system losses and grid resilience, and publishing a White Paper detailing the full scope of reforms.
The reform process includes structured pathways based on negotiation outcomes, such as new licensing arrangements for transmission, distribution, and generation, government valuation mechanisms, and, if necessary, competitive engagement of alternative operators. This approach ensures that if negotiations with JPS are unsuccessful, alternatives are available to guarantee a new license by 2027. The deliberate and reform-driven strategy aims to deliver a modern, transparent, and resilient electricity license framework that protects consumers, strengthens regulation, attracts investment, and aligns with Jamaica’s long-term development goals. The work continues with the goal of finalizing the license by July 2027.
Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Update
The update focuses on Jamaica’s offshore oil and gas exploration. United Oil and Gas completed a 34-day surface geochemical survey on February 28, 2026, with no safety or environmental incidents. The survey collected 1,189 line kilometers of multi-beam echo sound data, heat flow probe data, and piston cores from 42 locations in the Walton and Morant basins. These samples are being analyzed in a U.S. lab, with results expected in two to three months. The government emphasizes a science-led, cautious approach—exploration is about gathering evidence and making informed decisions, not immediate exploitation. They urge patience and discourage rumors until official results are announced.
National Energy Poverty Reduction Program Update
The National Energy Poverty Reduction Program committed 852 million Jamaican dollars to restore electricity and safety to affected households following recent disasters. Between February 10 and March 3, the program made significant progress across multiple parishes: Clarendon improved from 50% to 95% completion with 300 household interventions, Manchester from 35% to 55%, and St. Elizabeth from 40% to 55% in Black River and neighboring communities.
Further improvements were seen in St. Mary, increasing from 65% to 85% completion, with 250 rewiring and re-certification works completed in Catherine Hall and West Green, St. James, both now at 100% completion. These areas were among the hardest hit by the hurricane, especially in low-lying Montego Bay. The program expanded to include an additional 200 household interventions in Santa Cruz and Balaclava, St. Elizabeth, raising the total active households under implementation to 2,742.
Works in St. Ann and Westmoreland are in early stages with site preparation and mobilization underway, targeting completion in March and April. The expansion increased the household allocation from 1,200 to 1,400, raising the budget from 180 million to 210 million Jamaican dollars. Minor repairs and certification remain funded at 462 million, with certification support continuing at 180 million, bringing the total active program funding to 822.2 million.
The total funding increased to 852.2 million, reflecting the scaling up of beneficiary coverage. Nearly 3,000 households are actively being restored with projects on track to meet schedules, showcasing measurable results in the government’s post-hurricane recovery and energy access efforts. These funds are grants provided to affected individuals who could not otherwise afford rewiring and re-certification costs, which can reach $180,000 to $200,000 per household.
The 852 million Jamaican dollars in grants support those severely impacted who might not regain electricity access without having their homes made safe and ready. This effort highlights coordinated government action in recovery and care. Minister Vaz also briefly acknowledges the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its potential impact on Jamaica’s fuel supply.
Impact of Middle East crisis on Fuel Prices
The segment discusses the recent increase in international oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and explains that crude oil and finished petroleum products are traded in separate markets, so changes in crude oil prices do not directly or proportionally affect local pump prices. Petrojam uses a pricing mechanism to reduce exposure to sudden price shocks and closely monitors the US Gulf Coast reference price for finished petroleum products, which influences local fuel prices. Due to US-Iran tensions, fuel prices have been trending upward, and Petrojam will continue to evaluate the situation and keep the public informed.
This segment highlights Jamaica’s progress in energy recovery and modernization, emphasizing coordinated government efforts to restore electricity, modernize networks, and advance offshore energy research.
Minister Johnson-Smith on Middle East Advisory and Consular Support
The Minister provides an updated advisory from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade regarding the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. The government urges an immediate cessation of hostilities, calm, and restraint to protect civilian lives. Jamaicans are advised to avoid travel to the region, exercise extreme caution if already present, and follow official instructions. Disruptions to commercial air services are noted, with some flights still operating. Nationals are reminded to rely only on verified information from official sources to avoid confusion and anxiety caused by unverified reports.
The ministry acknowledges Jamaican nationals who have contacted diplomatic missions to update their welfare and confirms ongoing engagement and future updates. A town hall hosted by the High Commissioner to India, accredited to Qatar and the UAE, has been rescheduled to 8:30 pm UAE time. Registration numbers for Jamaicans in the region are provided, showing an increase to 178 individuals across several Gulf countries. Some have been able to leave, traveling to safe locations like Bangkok. Air travel corridors have opened but flights remain limited and subject to cancellation.
The town hall will focus on sharing ground-level information, emphasizing safety measures such as sheltering in place, avoiding windows, and following local authorities’ guidance. Attendees are advised to identify shelters, monitor flight availability, and maintain basic supplies of food and water due to restricted movement in some areas. Authorities in the Gulf states provide verified information on social media to combat misinformation, which is common during crises. The government encourages calm and caution when consuming news.
The ministry provides a consular contact number (18763918105) for emergencies, stressing it is for urgent use only and monitored continuously with callbacks made when possible. Another contact number (+918826264363) for the mission in Delhi is also shared for WhatsApp messaging. Internet and phone connections in the region remain functional, allowing people to contact loved ones. The Minister requests the public not to overload these lines with non-emergency calls.
Minister Johnson-Smith addresses inquiries about evacuations, noting that Britain and France are considering evacuation operations, while other countries advise monitoring commercial flight availability and making personal safety decisions. Jamaicans are urged to help keep friends and family calm. The town hall is expected to be a platform for sharing information, comfort, and contingency planning under the high commission’s oversight. The speaker thanks the minister for the opportunity to share this important update.
Minister Chuck on Criminal Records Rehabilitation Reforms
Minister Delroy Chuck announced the enactment of the Criminal Records Rehabilitation of Offenders Amendment Act 2026, which has become law following the Governor General’s gazetting. The Act establishes a two-stage framework for rehabilitated offenders: first, qualifying convictions become spent after a prescribed rehabilitation period, and second, individuals can apply for expungement through a board that ensures rehabilitation and protects justice and national security interests.
The reform emphasizes the importance of expungement in helping rehabilitated persons reintegrate into society by removing barriers to employment, education, and travel. The amendment expands eligibility, allowing convictions with sentences over five but not exceeding ten years to qualify for expungement after a 15-year rehabilitation period. For offenders under 18 at the time of the offense, the rehabilitation period is reduced to eight years, recognizing the potential for meaningful rehabilitation even in serious cases.
The Act introduces automatic expungement for certain older non-custodial convictions completed before January 1, 2005, without requiring an application, provided the individual has no subsequent convictions. This measure aims to reduce the burden on the expungement board and aligns with practices in countries like the Bahamas and Canada, allowing tens of thousands of eligible individuals to have their records expunged automatically after a rehabilitation period.
Significant changes include removing certain offenses from the list of ineligible convictions, such as many under the Dangerous Drugs Act, malicious injury by fire to dwellings, and specific burglary offenses, allowing these to be expunged after demonstrating good conduct for 20 years. The Board is also empowered to expunge offenses committed abroad under similar provisions, subject to safeguards. Clear criteria are now established for the board’s decision-making, including factors like the offense’s gravity, rehabilitation evidence, remorse, and the applicant’s age.
The expungement board’s membership and quorum requirements are increased to handle the anticipated rise in applications, expanding from three to five members to seven to nine members. The act maintains strong safeguards, balancing public safety with the need to provide second chances to rehabilitated individuals. Minister Chuck described the amendments as one of the most liberal expungement regimes in the region, with ongoing reviews to consider further liberalization if crime rates continue to decline.
Despite calls to remove firearm-related offenses from the ineligible list, the Minister emphasized that due to the high involvement of guns in violent crime in Jamaica, these offenses remain excluded from expungement for now. He urged petitioners and beneficiaries of the law to promote peace and crime reduction. The government remains focused on making Jamaica a safe and prosperous place, and further expansions of expungement will depend on continued crime reduction.
In closing, Minister Chuck highlighted the Act’s balance of accountability and redemption, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a criminal justice system that supports punishment when necessary but prioritizes meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration.
Q&A Segment
(Students in Middle East and Cuba, electricity response, Child Diversion Act)
The session begins with a question about whether the Jamaican government has established communication with students in the Middle East amidst current crises. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms ongoing engagement but notes no students have reached out so far. Discussion then shifts to diplomatic relations, specifically addressing US Congressman Carlos Gimenez’s criticism of the Jamaican Prime Minister’s comments on Cuba. Minister Johnson Smith emphasizes that the Prime Minister’s statement was balanced and recognized positively by the US administration. Meetings with US officials, including Secretary Marco Rubio, were cordial and productive, reinforcing the strong US-Jamaica partnership.
Minister Vaz reviews the response of the electricity sector to Hurricane Melissa, highlighting significant improvements compared to a previous hurricane, with a recovery time of 124 days after a category 5 storm. This is described as a remarkable achievement for a developing country and sets an international standard. Minister Chuck updates on the progress of the Child Diversion Act joint select committee, noting productive presentations and ongoing discussions to improve the act to better support rehabilitating youth offenders.
A detailed question is posed to Minister Kamina Johnson regarding contingency plans for Jamaican students studying in Cuba amidst economic and geopolitical challenges, asking about emergency response frameworks and logistical issues like airspace and charter arrangements. Minister Johnson commends the thoughtful question and explains the current situation: although hardships exist in Cuba, there is optimism for improvement. Engagement with students is maintained via direct communication channels. The main concerns among students relate to continuing studies and obtaining academic transcripts, which are managed by individual institutions. The government is monitoring the situation closely, coordinating with Cuban authorities and diplomats, but no evacuation plans are currently contemplated.
The Minister elaborates on the administrative challenges faced by students in Cuba, such as delays in receiving transcripts and the complexities of academic management by private and government institutions. She notes ongoing diplomatic efforts, including meetings with Cuban officials and preparations to improve embassy operations through solar power installations due to electricity issues. The government maintains a flexible and evolving plan to respond to the situation, emphasizing engagement and preparedness without disclosing full details publicly.
The final segment features a question to Minister Delroy Chuck about recent amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, specifically how the government assesses genuine rehabilitation for expungement of criminal records. Minister Chuck explains that multiple factors are considered, including the nature of the offense, social reports, police reviews, and evidence of rehabilitation. He provides statistics on applications and approvals, clarifying that not all offenses are eligible for expungement. The process involves submitting police records and references for review.
Summary and Closing Remarks
Minister Vaz discussed the restoration of electricity, highlighting that 99% has been restored, meeting world standards. The restoration took 124 days after a Category 5 hurricane, with 24 days of intense efforts. The government and Jamaica Public Service (JPS) worked together, supported by good fiscal management. They are also renegotiating the electricity license and exploring oil and gas resources, awaiting official confirmation from Minister Vaz.
The ministry is assisting Jamaicans who cannot afford rewiring grants, which has delayed some electricity restorations. Minister Johnson Smith provided updates on the Middle East situation, emphasizing the government’s proactive measures, including registering 178 citizens abroad and organizing town halls. Toll-free numbers were shared for support, and the public was encouraged to pass on this information.
Minister Chuck discussed the new criminal records rehabilitation law, emphasizing the process of becoming law, including the governor general’s signature and gazetting. The law reflects the government’s belief in second chances. The National Prefect theme was announced as ‘Push to start, leading with purpose, serving with pride, no school left behind,’ celebrating youth achievements.
Journalism Week was also highlighted with the theme ‘Truth always,’ emphasizing the importance of truthful reporting amid misinformation. The government supports free press and transparency, demonstrated by open post-cabinet briefings where ministers answer all media questions. This underscores the democratic values Jamaica upholds. Journalism Week includes activities like church services and workshops on ethical reporting involving children, culminating in an awards ceremony. International Women’s Day on March 8, themed ‘Give to Gain,’ encourages action beyond rhetoric to improve women’s circumstances globally. Minister Grange usually leads these efforts, and plans for the day were acknowledged.
The session concluded with thanks to viewers and prayers for all Jamaicans and blessings for Jamaica.