Post Cabinet Press Briefing Report- Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, begins with the introduction of several key figures present, including Senator Marlon Morgan, Senator Rose Bennett Cooper, Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith, Chief Education Officer Mrs. Terry-Ann Thomas Gayle, and the Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica. It highlights the involvement of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) and acknowledges various government staff, youth councils, students, and media representatives. Minister Morris-Dixon mentions a recent robust Cabinet meeting where topics like foreign affairs and electricity restoration were discussed, explaining the presence of the respective ministers and representatives.
Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith’s Foreign Affairs Update
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, provided an update on ongoing meetings with Heads of Missions (HOMs) worldwide to align them with current policies and developments in the home country. The discussions, enriched by upcoming engagement with the Prime Minister, focus on sharing best practices and addressing sensitive issues in host countries. Additionally, Minister Terrelonge is actively engaging with diaspora stakeholders and legacy partners in preparation for the upcoming diaspora conference scheduled for June 14-16. The Minister assured that the missions are well represented and the meetings are productive, though closed to allow frank discussions.
Diaspora Engagement and Cuba Fuel Crisis Impact on Students
The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and Youth Council elections saw a record 51 candidates, reflecting strong interest in diaspora representation, which is a key aspect of Jamaica’s foreign policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is closely monitoring fuel shortages in Cuba, which have caused frequent, unpredictable electricity outages affecting daily life and access to essentials. This situation impacts over 300 Jamaican students studying in Cuba, including 44 on a government scholarship and 256 privately funded. Due to disruptions in Cuba, some Jamaican students have experienced school closures or shifts to virtual learning, which is challenged by limited internet and electricity. One institution under the scholarship program has suspended classes affecting six students, while 13 private students have chosen to return home. The Ministry is actively reviewing updates and maintaining contact with students and Cuban authorities to manage these disruptions.
The Ministry established a WhatsApp group for about 320 students to improve communication, especially with private students who normally do not register with the Ministry. The embassy has encouraged students to discuss the impact of disruptions with their institutions and families and to prepare for possible emergency departures. A diplomatic note was sent to Cuba’s foreign ministry requesting guidance on facilitating students, including access to transcripts for those who may transfer studies. The Ministry awaits formal responses from Cuban counterparts regarding student transcript access and continues to provide consular services amid challenges faced by staff affected by the disruptions. They maintain ongoing engagement with students and Cuban officials to navigate the complex situation and ensure student welfare.
The Ministry is also considering ways to support scholarship students if disruptions persist, while privately funded students may need to seek local alternatives, though this is complicated by academic requirements. Cabinet has discussed the situation and is exploring options to assist affected students. The Ministry continues to prioritize staff welfare while managing consular services.
Travel to Cuba is expected to be further disrupted due to jet fuel suspensions, with international carriers like Air Canada suspending flights. Students are advised to assess their situations carefully, consult with families and institutions, and consider returning home before travel becomes more difficult. The Ministry continues to monitor the evolving circumstances closely.
Minister Johnson-Smith says the Ministry remains in close contact with Jamaican students in Cuba to keep communication channels open and provide updates as necessary. Following this detailed update on the Cuba situation, the discussion will move to other topics, starting with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).
Cabinet Discussions on Hurricane Melissa and JPS restoration
The Cabinet continued discussions on the effects of Hurricane Melissa, focusing on recovery efforts. The administration is committed to supporting Jamaicans still facing difficult conditions. Various programs, including a roof grant program, were reviewed. A key priority highlighted was the restoration of electricity by JPS, as power is essential for water supply and overall recovery. JPS presented to the Cabinet on Monday, leading to important decisions to aid restoration efforts.
JPS Restoration Progress and Customer Outreach Efforts
The session transitioned to a presentation by Mr. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of Jamaica Public Service (JPS).
Following the passage of category 5 Hurricane Melissa, JPS restored electricity to 97.5% of its customers, equating to approximately 673,000 out of 690,000. This achievement resulted from careful planning, technological investments, disciplined execution, and strong partnerships with government agencies, telecom providers, and regional utility groups. A notable strategy included involving local members of parliament and counselors in regional incident command centers to provide input on restoration efforts in severely damaged parishes like Westmoreland and St. James.
JPS prioritized customers in their restoration strategy, implementing best-in-class initiatives such as enhanced pre-hurricane coordination, a new incident command structure, broader stakeholder engagement, and multi-channel communication. Innovations like emergency mobile power generators helped restore power to essential services faster, aiding businesses and communities while permanent infrastructure rebuilding continues.
Approximately 17,000 customers remain without power, mostly in Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Hanover. JPS is committed to restoring service to all customers and expects to reduce the number without power to under 10,000 by the end of February. The estimated timeline for full restoration is targeted between March and April 2026 for customers able to receive service, with updates to be published on the JPS website.
About 40% of the remaining customers cannot safely receive power due to damage to their property and electrical infrastructure. JPS is collaborating with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and community partners to address these issues. Experienced Jamaican line workers, supported by North American crews, led the heavy lifting to rebuild the grid infrastructure, especially in devastated communities and main thoroughfares.
With substantial restoration achieved in 12 to 14 parishes, JPS has begun demobilizing overseas crews and redeploying local teams to the western region for the final phase of restoration. This last mile involves challenging terrain and limited access for large equipment, requiring detailed local knowledge and pole climbing. JPS is supported by regional partners, including Caribbean utilities and contractors, to complete restoration.
As overseas crews depart, JPS expresses gratitude for their efforts. The company maintains a strong community presence, engaging with residents and leaders through meetings and providing practical support such as charging stations and ice distribution. Community engagement continues with scheduled meetings in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland to hear directly from residents and identify their needs for the restoration process.
JPS leadership has relocated two incident command centers to the western region to stay close to the remaining restoration areas. Minister Vaz has toured these centers to provide insights, ensuring senior decision-making remains informed by on-the-ground realities.
Despite significant progress, about 17,000 customers remain without electricity. JPS commits to relentless efforts until every customer is restored, emphasizing the importance of reliable electricity for households to live, work, and care for their families with dignity and opportunity. The company acknowledges the strain caused by the disruption and expresses gratitude for the patience and resilience of the Jamaican people, promising to work continuously until full restoration is achieved.
Minister Vaz on Government Loan and Restoration Achievements
Minister Vaz acknowledges the historic restoration efforts following Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the significant support from the Jamaican government via a loan to JPS. He emphasizes the fulfillment of commitments made, noting the restoration timeline was initially projected to extend into late 2026 but was expedited through government intervention and strategic planning. The initial restoration cost was estimated at $450 million US but was reduced to a $150 million government loan dedicated specifically to early restoration efforts. JPS faced funding challenges due to an expiring license, which required negotiation for an extension separate from the restoration project, allowing progress despite regulatory uncertainties.
The government defended the decision to release the $150 million loan amidst opposition criticism, emphasizing the importance of immediate action. JPS reported 97.5% restoration progress, with expectations to reduce outages to under 10,000 customers by the end of February, focusing now on targeted repairs rather than broad-scale restoration.
Minister Vaz addresses the remaining affected customers, assuring continued government oversight to achieve 100% restoration. He acknowledges the uneven impact of the hurricane and pledges sustained partnership with JPS to resolve remaining outages swiftly. He contrasts the current government’s efforts with what might have been under alternative leadership.
The update shifts to telecommunications restoration, noting progress from emergency response to sustained rebuilding and connectivity efforts. The Universal Service Fund is restoring public internet infrastructure damaged by the hurricane, targeting 419 sites with significant funding committed, aiming for completion by March 31, 2026.
Mobile and fixed network restoration is advancing steadily, with mobile service restored at approximately 96% of sites and fixed networks at 94%. Customer reconnections continue to improve as power stabilizes. Digicel reports 98% network restoration and 99% customer connectivity, with rebuilding works progressing and expected to complete by the end of March.
The National Energy Poverty Reduction Program, funded with $1 billion, supports post-hurricane electrification by providing house wiring, minor repairs, and electrical certifications to over 6,000 households. This government grant assists low-income families unable to afford costly repairs, with work scheduled for completion between February and April 2026, improving safe access to the national grid.
Government Support Programs and Starlink Procurement
Minister Vaz addresses concerns about the government’s response and procurement of Starlink devices following a major national disaster. They clarify that the procurement was directed by them, based on advice from the attorney general’s chambers, due to the urgent need for alternative communication methods to support relief efforts. The decision was made to expedite access to Starlink devices to aid search and rescue, evacuation, and coordination among first responders and government officials. They emphasize that no corruption was involved and affirm their respect for the auditor general’s office while highlighting the necessity of practical actions during extreme times. The statement concludes with a reaffirmation of commitment to upholding Jamaica’s constitution and laws.