JSIF, JPS host successful electrification fair in Portland

East Portland:

The inaugural electrification fair, hosted by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) in collaboration with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), and which sought to educate and sensitise residents about saving energy and the importance of conserving, was from all indications a success.

Held on Friday at the picturesque Carder Park sporting facility in eastern Portland, the event was well attended by residents from communities as far as Hector’s River near the border of Portland and St Thomas, as well as Windsor Castle in west Portland, near the border with St Mary.

The electrification fair, which seeks to, among other things, sensitise residents about the importance of using energy-saving devices to reduce consumption, also provided the people with the opportunity of signing up with JPS to allow for the wiring of homes by its technicians through a self-styled initiative implemented by government, at no cost.

Earlier at the function, East Portland Member of Parliament (MP) Annmarie Vaz urged the residents to capitalise on the opportunity to get their homes wired and to be on the JPS grid which, according to her, will reduce the cost of electricity.

“This government is paving the way for every household, who are without electricity, to get full access. You don’t have to pay a dollar to have this done. The process is simple. All you have to do is to sign up and get your house wired by a technical team,” she explained.

“We all know about the ravages caused by the use of candles and lamps. Many homes have gone up in smoke as a result of using candles and oil lamps. But, understandably, many like myself grew up on the use of candles and lamps, however, times have changed, and access to electricity is very important, especially for children, who have to study, use a computer or tablet, or just to recharge their smart phone,” she added.

Several agencies were also present at the fair, including the Social Development Commission, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Important milestone

In the meantime, Orville Hill, general manager of finance, procurement, and standards at JSIF, stated that the electrification fair forms a part of the Government’s Community Electrification Project being implemented by JSIF which, according to him, is funded by the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport.

“Today marks a very important milestone as we plan to host a series of electrification fairs in partnership with the Jamaica Public Service, across Jamaica,” he explained.

“We are pleased to announce that, on May 9, 2025, we will be having the official launch of this project in Clarendon, so we look forward to engaging our community members within the JSIF-served environs. We are pleased to collaborate between the government, private sector and communities, in affording the people with light and other opportunities to every corner of their communities, particularly those vulnerable communities.

“Special commendations to the JPS for partnering with us and changing the lives within communities. Ladies and gentlemen, electrification is not just about power lines or transformers, it’s about empowering the people within vulnerable communities to have safe, affordable lighting options and a better quality of life,” he added.

According to Hill, the electrification fair hosted by JSIF in partnership with JPS is a platform to demonstrate what is possible when innovators converge for a real purpose. He argued that each exhibitor will showcase their various products and services.

Hill also urged all the parties involved to use the fair, not only to showcase progress, but to deepen partnerships and to learn from each other, and for it to be the spark that lights up all communities in Portland, and also to inspire peace and harmony among all.

editorial@gleanerjm.com