The Unseen Struggle: Disparities in Power Restoration and the Forgotten Communities

As the weeks drag on, the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl continues to reveal deep-seated disparities in the restoration of essential services across Jamaica. While much of the country has seen the lights come back on, the harsh reality for some communities tells a different story. Just last week, I received a distressing call from a relative in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth, a call that shattered the assumption that all was well in the wake of the hurricane.

The call was a sobering reminder that not all communities have been as fortunate in the restoration process. Flagaman, a small farming community, has now entered its sixth week without power. This reality stands in stark contrast to reports from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) and various media outlets, which weeks ago assured us that power had been fully restored to the area. It’s a stark reminder of the unseen struggles that many rural communities continue to face, long after the headlines have moved on.

Adding to the frustration, JPS recently announced that they will miss the much-anticipated August 12th deadline for total restoration of power. The new target has now been pushed back to the end of August, leaving many communities to endure further weeks of darkness. For residents of Flagaman, Treasure Beach, and other hard-hit areas, this delay is a crushing blow. The ongoing power outage is not just an inconvenience; it is a crisis that affects every aspect of daily life.

In the days following the storm, the news coverage painted a picture of a nation slowly but steadily returning to normalcy. JPS reports suggested that the majority of affected areas were back online, leading many, myself included, to believe that the worst was over. However, the call from my relative, and the ongoing protests that have since escalated in St. Elizabeth, tell a different story. Residents of these rural areas are still living in darkness, with no clear indication of when the situation will be resolved.

The ongoing protests are a manifestation of the frustration and desperation that many feel. For weeks, these communities have been left in the lurch, their voices seemingly drowned out by the broader narrative of recovery. The disparity in the distribution of resources and the attention given to different areas has left these residents feeling neglected and forgotten.

The lack of power is not just an inconvenience; it has profound implications for daily life. Families are struggling to preserve food, farmers are unable to operate their equipment, and children are unable to study after dark. The economic impact on these communities is severe, with many losing their livelihoods as crops spoil and businesses are unable to operate.

This situation underscores the need for greater transparency and accuracy in reporting the progress of recovery efforts. It is crucial that all communities, especially those in rural areas, are given equal attention and support. The assumption that all is well simply because it is not making headlines does a disservice to those who are still suffering.

At the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation, we are acutely aware of these disparities and are working to address them. Our efforts to provide disaster preparedness boxes to the most vulnerable households are just one step in a broader initiative to build resilience in these communities.

However, the ongoing power crisis highlights the need for even greater intervention and support.

We call on the authorities, media, and all stakeholders to ensure that no community is left behind. The struggles of Flagaman, Treasure Beach, and other areas still without power must be brought to the forefront of the national conversation. It is only through collective action and a commitment to equity that we can ensure a full and fair recovery for all Jamaicans.

As we continue to raise funds and mobilize resources, we urge you to stay informed and engaged. The road to recovery is long, and we cannot afford to overlook those who are still in the dark—both literally and figuratively.

Call to Action:

• Support Our Efforts: Donate to the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation to help us provide critical aid to communities still in need.

• Stay Informed: Follow us on social media for updates on our ongoing relief efforts.

• Raise Awareness: Share this article and help bring attention to the communities that are still waiting for the lights to come back on.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery process.