2017 | Universal Service Fund

Government Commissions First Solar Powered Community Computer Lab

The Ministry of Science Energy and Technology today (Wednesday December 27) created history with the commissioning of its first solar powered community computer laboratory.

Located in Sterling Castle, St. Andrew, the facility enables community members to access the internet and other Information Communication Technology Services at no cost.

The Internet Café, dubbed ‘The Link – Sterling Castle’, was made possible through a partnership with the Universal Service Fund (USF), an agency of the Ministry, and the Flow Foundation.

Speaking at the commissioning of the centre, portfolio Minister, Dr the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, said ‘The Link’ will unlock a world of possibilities for community members through increased access to the internet. He added that the facility’s impact will be even more significant, as the community will not be burdened with the cost of the energy required to operate the centre.

“We are approaching the ‘300 mark’ in terms of number of community access points (cyber cafes) established across the island by the USF and in conducting our audit of these facilities, one of the challenges identified was the high cost of electricity. In some cases, the high energy costs caused centres to reduce their operating hours or even close their doors” Minister Wheatley said.

The Minister added that in response to these challenges the Ministry will outfit 100 Community Access Points with solar systems by March 31 2017, and several other sites during the next financial year.

While the USF provided funding for the centre’s infrastructure, internet service, signage and a general facelift inclusive of a fresh coat of paint were courtesy of the FLOW Foundation.

Executive Chairman of the Foundation Mr Errol Miller said his organisation’s partnership with the Universal Service Fund is one of its most important relationships.

“Working as a team, with our combined resources, we are better able to roll out cyber centres such as this one in Sterling Castle that are fully equipped in every regard so that the beneficiaries have very little to do but to turn on their computers and start working.” Miller said.

‘The Link – Sterling Castle’ project comprised the installation of 15 Desktop Computer Units, 1 server unit, 2 multifunctional inkjet printers, workstations, AC units, projector and projector screen as well as a wireless router and 2 UPS units.

The centre was also equipped with a 9kw grid tie solar system, with excess solar energy generated from the setup to be sold back to the grid.

The one-year project was completed in December at a cost of JA$ 7.8 million.

Tapping Into the Future! New Technology Advancement Programme to Empower Hundreds Island-Wide

Hundreds of unattached persons aged 18-35 will soon get a technological push in the right direction through an initiative of the Ministry of Science Energy and Technology.

The Technology Advancement Programme (TAP) seeks to provide hundreds of young people island-wide with training and practical experience in Information Communication Technology.

The programme, which is being spearheaded by the Universal Service Fund, will be executed over 12 months.

Speaking at Friday’s launch, Minister of Science Energy and Technology Dr the Honourable Andrew Wheatley said TAP is just one way his Ministry is helping to equip young Jamaicans with the skills needed to participate in the ever-growing global digital economy.

“Globally ICT is a multibillion dollar industry which also enables practically every other line of business. Through TAP, persons with various levels of ICT exposure will increase their earning potential in the field of ICT whether as entrepreneurs or through gainful employment within the industry.” Minister Wheatley said. He added that the programme forms part of the USF’s mandate under the Telecommunications Act to create a knowledge based society through training for vulnerable groups, particularly young people.

Benefits under TAP will be multi-faceted, as participants will also provide much needed human resource support to the Government of Jamaica in a bid to accelerate the ongoing digitization process.

“There is a lot of data within Ministries, Departments and Agencies which we are not able to utilize as it is not in a format that makes it easy to analyse. With this information properly collated, analysed and at our fingertips, we will be able to make better-informed decisions in everyone’s best interest”

Minister Wheatley said such data can help inform policies and programmes and drive economic growth.

The Technology Advancement Programme will commence in January 2018.

Universal Service Fund Regrets Passing Of Board Member Owen Palmer

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Owen Palmer, who served on the organization’s Board of Management. Director Palmer died in a car accident on Sunday morning (March 4).

Chairman of the Universal Service Fund Board of Management Mr Robert Lawrence, said Mr Palmer was a kind soul, and a true gentleman, who was dedicated to the service of his country.

“He was a gentle spirit who brought the perfect balance of humour and objectivity to every facet of his service at the USF. Owen was not a talkative man, but when he shared his viewpoint, it would resonate with his colleagues and would often be instrumental in charting the course. He will be deeply missed”.

Palmer was appointed to the USF Board on April 2, 2016.

He was also a former Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Spanish Town.

The Universal Service Fund extends sincere condolences to Mr Palmer’s wife Colette, children, other relatives, colleagues and friends.

Gov’t to Provide More Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

In a drive to facilitate greater Internet access to Jamaicans, the Government will continue to roll out free secured Wi-Fi hotspots in popular public places across the island.

The initiative is being made possible through the Universal Service Fund (USF), an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology, which will carry out the installation in the select locations.

So far, the popular heritage site, Devon House, has been provided with the free service.

This was noted by Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, during the fourth staging of the National Cyber Security Conference at the Regional Headquarters of the University of the West Indies, Mona, on November 29.

Dr. Wheatley said the service will also be rolled out in Half-Way Tree and Emancipation Park in Kingston; Spanish Town, St. Catherine; Montego Bay, St. James; and Ocho Rios, St. Ann, as well as rural centres across the island.

“As a Government, we recognise that we have to embrace technology and as we improve the way citizens do business on the Internet, the Government has committed to removing the barriers to facilitate use of these fantastic services, especially as it relates to citizen-to-Government interactions,” he said.

Dr. Wheatley added that other measures include zero-rated access to Government websites and content, the Tablets in Schools initiative, as well as the Smart City initiative, which will be piloted in the New Kingston area.

He said the Smart City initiative will be rolled out in the latter part of 2017, with persons who live and work in the area finding themselves plugged into technology grids for the seamless delivery of services.

In the meantime, he urged Jamaicans, particularly children, to be vigilant with cybersecurity issues, such as hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying, among others.

The Minister said the Government has collaborated with several agencies to undertake public-education campaigns, such as the Jamaica Bankers Association and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

More than one million Jamaicans are online. The total number of mobile subscribers grew by 3.9 per cent last year to 3.3 million persons.

The two-day conference was hosted by the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC), University of the West Indies, under the theme ‘Mobile Money, Online Banking and Citizen Awareness’