Cable vandalism causes major service disruption for Flow customers in New Kingston

Following an incident of "extensive and malicious" cable vandalism earlier today, Flow Jamaica has reported delays to internet services for both business and residential clients in New Kingston and nearby villages in St Andrew.

The telecoms company technical teams are now working to assess the damage, make repairs, and restore connectivity.

"This deliberate vandalism of our network infrastructure is deeply troubling, especially during the busy Christmas season when reliable connectivity is critical for businesses and households. It also removes vital support from areas still recovering from Hurricane Melissa," said Danielle Savory, senior manager, communications. "We are committed to restoring service as quickly as possible and urge anyone with information to report it to the authorities."

Flow has urged anyone with information to contact its helpline on 876-922-HELP (4357) or notify local law enforcement.

The incident is part of a growing trend of vandalism affecting Jamaica's telecommunications and utility infrastructure. Both Flow and Digicel have called for stiffer penalties for individuals who vandalise or steal equipment, warning that these acts threaten national security and disrupt essential services, particularly in areas recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee last week, Flow Jamaica vice president and general manager, Stephen Price, said vandalism "is a real problem".

"Yes, there has been success with arrests and court cases but it remains a challenge. We have diesel oil, batteries stolen from site, cables being cut. When JPS (Jamaica Public Service) poles are chopped down that impacts us as well. We have to bring it to the level of state terrorism. It is an attack on the state."

Digicel Group CEO Stephen Murad said his company was not looking for sympathy but "greater deterrence".

"There is no way we can allow the mindless minority to stop people getting what they need. My job is not to legislate but imagine you get restored and then five minutes, or however number of minutes or hours, that is taken down and then our customers question what we are doing; and I am not saying this because we are looking for sympathy. We need greater deterrence. This is a threat to national security," he said.

Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz warned of a "zero tolerance" approach to acts of vandalism in October, as the hurricane headed to Jamaica.

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