KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new legislative push is underway to shield Jamaica’s telecommunications backbone from theft and tampering, as the government seeks to clamp down on disruptions that have long plagued the sector.
The move comes after operators faced spiraling repair costs due to targeted vandalism, prompting lawmakers to revisit and reinforce outdated penalties. A bill seeking to strengthen the legal protections for telecom installations was introduced in Parliament this week, with clear signals that the days of lenient consequences are over.
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, described the issue as one of national stability. “This isn’t just damage to property — it’s sabotage of essential infrastructure. The law must reflect that gravity,” he stated during his address to Parliament.
Industry insiders say a single breach can cripple services for thousands and incur six-figure repair bills in USD. Yet, under the current framework, penalties remain minimal — a disconnect the proposed reform intends to correct.
Beyond the legal response, the minister acknowledged the broader fragility of the communications network, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Beryl. The storm revealed a troubling overreliance on singular energy sources and sluggish emergency deployment by some providers.
In response, telecom firms have pledged improvements — including mobile reserve units, decentralized backup systems, and hybrid power solutions to boost resilience during extreme weather events.
Vaz urged citizens and service providers alike to treat the network as critical national infrastructure. “Our goal is uninterrupted connectivity — before, during, and after any crisis,” he said.
