Spanish
Former US President Bill Clinton traveled to Jamaica with Rolando González Bunster, President and CEO of InterEnergy Group, to see firsthand the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, the most severe weather event to have impacted the country in its recent history, and the reconstruction progress led by the energy company in key areas of the country.
The visit, organized in close coordination with Jamaican authorities, allowed to verify the magnitude of the damage to essential infrastructure and in communities that still face critical conditions. The joint mission reaffirms President Clinton's historic commitment to the Caribbean and supports InterEnergy's efforts to restore national energy infrastructure, strengthen resilience to climate change, and ensure reliable service.
“InterEnergy’s work in Jamaica is not only urgent, but exactly the kind of leadership needed throughout the Caribbean and in any region facing climate disasters: to rebuild with more strength, in a cleaner way, and with communities at the center,” said President Clinton. “The exemplary preparation of the Jamaican government, including its focus on risk management financing and its rapid initial response, has laid the groundwork for recovery. InterEnergy builds on that leadership, demonstrating how the private sector can be a vital force with real impact, commitment, and vision.”
Reconstruction of the Eight Rivers solar park
As part of its immediate response to the hurricane, InterEnergy announced the comprehensive reconstruction of the Eight Rivers solar park in Westmoreland, one of the most relevant renewable energy infrastructures in the country. The project, which is advancing in coordination with technical partners and local authorities, will allow the restoration of the affected generation capacity and provide the Jamaican electrical system with an even more resilient and efficient installation.
This initiative is part of a broader national investment by InterEnergy, which includes the conversion to natural gas of its Doctor Bird II and WKPP plants, contributing significantly to the reduction of emissions and access to cleaner and more affordable energy for thousands of homes.
Long-term strategic alliance
Clinton's visit also symbolizes a relationship of more than two decades between InterEnergy and the Clinton Foundation, based on joint action against climate and social challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean. "Jamaica has been an essential partner for InterEnergy for decades," highlighted Rolando González Bunster. "Today more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to its recovery. We will rebuild with more strength, with more sustainability and with a clear purpose: to guarantee a safer energy future for all. We are proud to accompany President Clinton on this visit, his genuine vocation for the sustainability of the region has been a benchmark for all of us who work for a more resilient region" The InterEnergy–Clinton alliance has driven concrete solutions in crisis contexts, such as in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, demonstrating that collaboration between the private sector, global leadership, and local governments can generate transformative impacts.Future Vision
The visit concluded with the joint commitment to continue articulating efforts to accelerate the country's energy recovery, strengthen infrastructure against extreme weather events, and expand access to clean solutions. InterEnergy reaffirms its long-term vision: to make the Caribbean a leading region in energy resilience, with inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and strategic alliances as fundamental pillars.--
