JPS attributes June 5 islandwide blackout to rare lightning fault

A rare fault caused by lightning at the Hunts Bay substation led to Jamaica’s islandwide power outage on June 5, according to JPS. The company’s investigation found that the problem remained on the network longer than anticipated, destabilising the system and forcing generators offline. Electricity was restored throughout the country by 6:34 the following day.

JPS said no similar fault had previously been documented on its transmission network. A 350-page investigation report has been delivered to the Office of Utilities Regulation and the Ministry of Energy. The company is upgrading protection equipment, reassessing network configurations and collaborating with independent power producers to lower the likelihood of another such failure.

In St. Thomas, the body of a male student was found after he was reportedly carried away by strong currents near Telfer Beach in Yallahs on Wednesday. He was among footballers from St. Elizabeth High School camping at South Haven. The incident occurred during a seaside visit between noon and 1 p.m. His identity had not been disclosed. The search had resumed Thursday morning, with the JDF and Marine Police expected to assist along the coastline.

The St. Thomas police reported that murders have declined by 35 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year, while most major-crime categories have also fallen. Separately, DSP Rowan Ritchie said the Montego Bay Police Station had earned ISO certification, aligning services such as investigations, community intervention, reports, emergency assignments and responses to calls with internationally recognised standards.

In Manchester, Alligator Pond councillor Omar Robinson requested more police vehicles for Alligator Pond and Cross Keys. He said goat thieves operating at night in New Forest were creating financial losses and anxiety among livestock farmers. Robinson argued that Alligator Pond station needed at least two units because court duties sometimes leave the area without a vehicle.

St. James health officials reported expanded food-safety monitoring. Inspectors examined 155 imported containers of meat, fish and other foods, up from 125 in the previous period. They also inspected 680 slaughtered animals and 850 poultry. With the Aedes index at 12.6, residents were urged to improve water storage, waste disposal and mosquito breeding-site reduction. Community meetings were held in July at Barrett Town Health Centre and United Full Gospel Church.

Deputy Mayor Lorraine Dobson said the KCC contacted 140 businesses in eight Kingston and St. Andrew commercial districts. Compliance rose from nine per cent before the visits to 53 per cent afterwards, while about $3.96 million was collected in signage fees.

Caribbean Cream recorded first-quarter pre-tax profit of $59.5 million, reversing an $18.2 million loss a year earlier. Revenue increased 10 per cent to $884.3 million. The company said CIBC Caribbean Bank temporarily suspended principal repayments after disruption from Hurricane Melissa last year.

The United States plans a 25 per cent tariff on selected Brazilian imports from July 22 after a year-long unfair-trade investigation. US representative James O’Gara cited digital trade and ethanol access, while indicating that negotiations could continue. America’s goods surplus with Brazil reached nearly $14.5 billion in 2025, rising 113 per cent.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Caribbean unity was weakened when at least one regional leader independently reached an agreement with the United States concerning third-country nationals. He said a coordinated CARICOM position would have improved regional leverage.

Wildfire smoke and intense heat produced unhealthy air across parts of Canada and the United States. Ontario remained under alerts as smoke reduced visibility in Toronto and spread through the Great Lakes and northeastern states, including New York and Massachusetts. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions were advised to reduce outdoor activity.