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Section 11 – Practical Checklist
✔ Apply for JPS and NWC within first week.
✔ Install backup systems: tank, solar, generator.
✔ Compare FLOW vs Digicel fibre vs Starlink high-speed internet from space before signing contracts.
✔ Sign up with courier (ShipMe/Mailpac or Amazon Direct) for overseas shopping.
✔ Save customer service hotlines in your phone.
Conclusion: The Foundation of Comfort
Electricity, water, internet, and basic services are more than conveniences — they are the veins and
arteries of modern Jamaican living. For returning residents, getting them right from the start prevents
stress and allows you to focus on the joy of reconnecting.
Yes, bureaucracy can be frustrating, outages will happen, and bills may surprise you. But with
preparation, patience, and smart backup systems, you can turn potential headaches into seamless
routines.
When your lights are steady, your Wi-Fi is strong, and your water flows — that’s when Jamaica truly feels
like home again.
- Getting Connected – Internet, Utilities & Services
Introduction: The Hidden Backbone of Settling In
When people picture “coming home,” they often imagine the warm sea breeze, laughter at the Sunday
dinner table, and long drives through lush hills. But the reality is this: none of it works smoothly without
utilities and services. Electricity powers your lights and fridge, water runs from your taps, the internet
links you back to the world, and waste collection keeps your home clean.
For returning residents, these are more than practical necessities. They are the first tests of patience in
re-adapting to Jamaican life. The system can feel bureaucratic, sometimes slow, and very different from
the service culture abroad. Yet once you know the steps, the right contacts, and a few insider tips, you
can establish reliable connections and avoid unnecessary frustration.
Section 1 – Electricity: The Pulse of the Home
Who Provides It?
- Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is the island’s only electricity distributor.