JIS Jamaica Magazine spotlights Troy Bridge reopening, power grid review and national development updates

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has opened the $230-million Troy Bridge, restoring a key connection for residents, farmers and students near the Manchester-Trelawny border after almost five years of disruption. The bridge, on the Troy to Oxford main road, was destroyed by Tropical Storm Grace in 2021. Holness said the project represented restored movement, stronger links among communities and a reminder that public infrastructure must be built to withstand future shocks.

Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz said Friday’s islandwide power outage showed why Jamaica must strengthen the resilience of its electricity system as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins. Jamaica Public Service president and chief executive officer Hugh Grant said early checks pointed to heavy lightning activity, which knocked out five transmission lines from a major Corporate Area substation and triggered a grid-wide shutdown. JPS said crews began restoration within an hour by restarting the Bogue Power Plant in St James and the South Jamaica Power Company facility in St Catherine, with the final affected customers restored by about 6:30 a.m. Saturday. The Office of Utilities Regulation requested a preliminary report from JPS, to be followed by a fuller submission within 30 days of service restoration.

The Senate also passed the National Housing Trust Amendment Special Provisions Act 2026 without changes, sending it to the Governor-General for assent. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the measure will allow the Government to withdraw $11.4 billion annually from the NHT over five fiscal years for budget support, citing the fiscal strain caused by Hurricane Melissa. She said ending the transfer now would either reduce programmes or require new taxes, while arguing that the NHT can remain profitable and continue widening housing access.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett welcomed a Tourism Enhancement Fund-University of the West Indies events playbook initiative aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s entertainment and cultural events sector. He also said the $27.5-million rehabilitation of the Fontabel to Gettystown road in St Mary will improve access to attractions including Sun Valley Plantation and Tamarind Great House.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang credited police investment and Jamaica Constabulary Force work for a 56 per cent fall in murders in the Area 5 Police Division. JCF figures to the end of May also showed major crimes down 20.3 per cent, including reductions in murders, shootings, rape, robbery and break-ins.

The programme further highlighted mining-sector investment, hurricane-season preparedness, road safety advice and ocean protection, including concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.