Dr. Balvin Thorpe, P.E.

On November 6, 2025, I accepted the honour and responsibility of serving as President of the Jamaica Institution of Engineers (JIE) and Chairman of the JIE Council, just nine days after Hurricane Melissa severely impacted Jamaica’s western parishes. Many of our fellow citizens remain in recovery mode, and the national demand for practical, professional engineering leadership has never been clearer.

JIE stands ready to serve. Engineers do more than restore what was damaged; we reduce risk, strengthen resilience, and design for the future. This council year, our focus will be on supporting resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness; advancing safe, reliable energy practices; strengthening standards, ethics, and continuing professional development; and expanding mentorship to help more young engineers progress confidently toward professional registration and leadership.

We will also deepen collaboration with government, industry, communities, and academia to translate lessons from Melissa into action, thereby improving building practices, planning, and systems that protect lives and livelihoods.

To every member and volunteer who has stepped forward in recent weeks, thank you. To our partners, we welcome your partnership and ideas. Together, we will help Jamaica recover, rebuild, and emerge stronger.

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