On May 30, 2023, a team of postgraduate and undergraduate students from The University of the West Indies, including Matthew Davis, Candice Charlton, Dudley Williams, Kelysia Williams from the Faculty of Science and Technology, and Dwight Simpson and Dominic Coburn from the Faculty of Engineering, had the privilege of participating in the annual Islandwide Hurricane Restoration Simulation Exercise at the Jamaica Public Service Light and Power Company's Systems Operation Centre. This simulation was designed to demonstrate the company's strategy for post-hurricane power restoration, notably emphasizing the use of the Black Start Generator methodology.

The exercise involved a range of processes, such as damage assessment utilizing GIS technology, resource allocation, implementation of safety protocols, and community coordination. The highlight of the event was the demonstration of the Black Start Generator method, which effectively exhibited how power restoration could be systematically and independently executed without relying on external power transmission networks. This approach proved to be highly efficient in managing power outages following significant disasters.

The students' active participation in this exercise provided them with a valuable opportunity to experience the practical application of disaster management, highlighting the intricacies involved in restoring power after a hurricane. As a result, the students recommended that future simulations incorporate more active roles for students to facilitate a greater immersive learning experience.

Mr. Williams, a graduate student from the Department of Physics, expressed his admiration for the company's unwavering commitment to safety, effective communication, and community engagement. He shared that the exercise provided significant insights and was a commendable example of disaster management.

The University of the West Indies extends its gratitude to the Jamaica Public Service Light and Power Company for facilitating the participation of the country's upcoming generation of young engineers and climate scientists. This collaboration between academia and industry plays a crucial role in preparing students to tackle the challenges associated with managing and mitigating the impacts of climate-related disasters.

Photo caption: Mr. Matthew Davis, Ms. Candice Charlton, Mr. Dudley Williams (Graduate students, Department of Physics); Ms. Kelysia Williams (Undergraduate student, Department of Geography and Geology) from the Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona; Mr. Lincoy Small  Director - Systems Operations from the Jamaica Public Service Company; and Dominic Coburn and Dwight Simpson (Undergraduate students) from the Faculty of Engineering, The UWI Mona at the JPS Co. Islandwide Hurricane Restoration Simulation Exercise.

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