NSWMA Press Release - January 28, 2026
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| Audley Gordon |
Mr Johnson suffered severe burns on Friday, January 16, 2026, while on duty in the Greenwich Farm community in St Andrew, and was taken to the hospital. Regrettably, despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, January 27. The police are investigating the circumstances around the operation that led to this terrible incident.
The NSWMA is deeply saddened by this loss. Mr Johnson was a committed public servant whose work contributed significantly to maintaining public health and environmental cleanliness. His passing is a painful reminder of the risks faced daily by sanitation workers as they serve communities across Jamaica.
The Authority expresses profound sympathy to Mr Johnson’s family during this difficult time and assures them of its support as they grieve this heartbreaking loss. We also extend our condolences to his colleagues who are mourning the loss of a valued team member.
The NSWMA honours the life, service, and sacrifice of Mr Garfield Johnson and joins the nation in mourning his passing.
Editor's note
We expect the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the police to carry out an intensive investigation into how Mr Johnson lost his life. It would be interesting to know if this was due to illegal electrical connections. The findings of the investigations should be made public.
One media house reported that the workers demonstrated in Spanish Town and blamed the company for the incident. It would be interesting to know why the NSWMA is being blamed.
I would suggest that the family members meet with the executives of the NSWMA before being involved in a demonstration against the company.
I saw another news report while compiling this post. It shows a relative saying that JPSCo was not advised of the work to be done by the NSWMA.
Let's have a look at the demonstration which took place this morning.
Is this relative being protective of those who steal electricity and putting the blame on the NSWMA? The impression is being given that the NSWMA head has not shown any interest in the deceased.
Reports are that Audley Gordon was at the hospital to see the worker, and he spoke with his parent. This cousin should allow the deceased parents to speak to the press, unless she has been appointed to be the spokesperson for the family.
The government must work with the JPSCo to deal with the social problem called electricity theft. I am aware that the government has offered assistance to those who are stealing electricity. I wonder what the problem is with this area?
Stealing of JPSCo's electricity can cost lives, and it costs the consumers!
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So sad my condolences to his family & coworkers👹
ReplyDeleteI have learned that JPS has no interest in curbing electricity theft. Their workers read the meters in house so they do not investigate reports of illegal wires. They get their money by passing on the bill to paying customers. The only alternative for paying, law abiding customers is to go solar.
ReplyDeleteJPSCo has tried many ways to deal with the problem, and they have come up against roadblocks. I remember once they locked off the electricity in an area, and the JPSCO head was summoned to Jamaica House. They have come up with other systems to enable people to afford electricity. A prepaid system is one such example. JPSCo workers have also been threatened when they attempt to go into certain areas to disconnect the electricity supply. As soon as the JPSCo disconnects, the wires are reconnected. The state has to step in to protect those who pay. It's a social and a political problem that needs national attention. It is not just a JPSCo matter.
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