On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Universal Service Fund (USF) lit up Brown’s Town, St. Ann, with the launch of our Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi site in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, aiming to increase community connectivity.

Despite a sudden downpour that briefly paused the event, the atmosphere was revitalized by a lively performance from the Waterhouse Marching Band, captivating the audience and highlighting the community’s vibrant spirit, along with talented student musicians from York Castle High School.

Earlier, the Fund had already made strides in the area by establishing Community Wi-Fi sites in Thicketts, Mount Zion, Bamboo, and Brown’s Town. Now, the Brown’s Town site has been upgraded to a Public Wi-Fi location under our Connect Ja initiative, aimed at providing free Wi-Fi in parks and town centers across the country.

Additionally, during the event, tablet devices were distributed to MP Krystal Lee and MP Zavia Mayne of St. Ann South Western as part of our Connect a Child Programme. This initiative underscores the Fund’s commitment to enhancing digital literacy and technology access in the region.

Earlier that day, we unveiled a Community Wi-Fi site in Orange Hill, Brown’s Town, which was warmly embraced by residents and local stakeholders.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – September 30, 2024 — The Universal Service Fund (USF) had an exciting month, with September 2024 seeing significant strides in our mission to bridge the digital divide. 

Through our Connect a Child Programme, over 400 tablet devices were distributed to Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students who are considered high achievers and from low-income families. Therefore, ensuring that more youth have access to vital educational resources.

So far, Members of Parliament for the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew, St. James, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, Trelawny, St. Mary and Portland selected the deserving students to receive the tablets, with hand-over ceremonies being on the way for the remaining parishes. 

In addition to the tablet distribution, the USF proudly launched four new Community Connect Wi-Fi sites in key locations: Brandon Hill (St. Andrew West Rural), Woodhall (Clarendon North Central), Port Henderson Road (St. Catherine South Eastern), and Askenish (Hanover Western). These Wi-Fi hotspots aim to enhance internet accessibility, providing community members with the tools they need for online learning and connectivity.

Further supporting local education initiatives, Spalding Primary School received 20 desktop computers and one printer under our special programme. This initiative is designed to enhance the learning environment, equipping students with essential technology that fosters academic growth and digital literacy.

“We are committed to empowering our communities through technology and education. The distribution of tablets, the establishment of community Wi-Fi sites, and the support for Spalding Primary School reflect our ongoing mission to ensure that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed,” said USF’s Acting CEO, Mr. Andrew McRae. 

He added that the USF remains dedicated to promoting equitable access to technology across Jamaica. 

“As we continue to launch initiatives aimed at closing the digital gap, we invite community members to engage with these resources and take advantage of the opportunities they present,” Mr. McRae said

KINGSTON, Jamaica – August 26, 2024 – In line with its vision to advance the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, the Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded over $13 million in scholarships to university students pursuing ICT degrees.

As part of the Fund’s mandate, it has established the Tertiary Scholarship Programme which aims to support students who have successfully completed the Technology Advancement Programme – Cohort III and are facing financial constraints in pursuing their undergraduate degrees.
Nine students from the University of West Indies, Mona (UWI), University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), and University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) will receive financial assistance for the duration of their programmes.
At the signing ceremony on Monday, August 26, 2024, Acting CEO of the USF, Mr. Andrew McRae, passionately articulated the significance of this initiative.

“These scholarships are not just financial support—they are a powerful endorsement of your potential to lead and revolutionise the ICT landscape,” McRae declared.

Reflecting on his own academic journey, McRae encouraged recipients to “seize this opportunity, work relentlessly, and let your brilliance shine.”

Echoing this sentiment, USF’s Corporate Planner, Ms. Nepatra Bennett emphasised the rarity and value of this opportunity.

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Bennett remarked. “Many aspire for such a scholarship but cannot attain it. You now have the opportunity to enhance Jamaica’s ICT landscape through this educational opportunity.”

Additionally, the scholarship recipients expressed profound gratitude and excitement.

Twenty-seven-year-old Kemon Menzie, shared, “Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor. It’s an opportunity I am eager to maximise.”

Twenty-eight-old Ashleigh Allwood expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am incredibly grateful and excited about this new journey. I am committed to maintaining over a 3.0 GPA [grade-point average] and graduating with first-class honours.”
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Jeoray Watson, who had previously paused his studies due to unforeseen challenges, said, “This scholarship feels like a second chance. I am deeply honored and appreciative.”
All three will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science at UTech.

The USF’s scholarship programme is a cornerstone of its mission to elevate educational standards in ICT. By removing financial barriers and investing in promising students, the USF is not only nurturing talent but also paving the way for a dynamic and prosperous future in technology.

The Universal Service Fund (USF) continues its unwavering commitment to digital inclusion and connectivity with the successful launch of four Community Connect Wi-Fi initiatives in communities in St. James and Trelawny, last week. 

The communities, Rose Heights, and Roehampton, in St. James, and Martha Brae, and Hastings in Trelawny, saw the residents welcoming the initiative with open arms. 

“These Community Connect Wi-Fi initiatives represent a significant milestone in the USF’s mission to bridge the digital divide and empower communities across Jamaica. By providing access to high-speed internet connectivity in these underserved areas, the USF aims to unlock new opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and economic development,” said Dr. Daniel Dawes, CEO of the USF. 

With the establishment of these Wi-Fi hotspots, community members can now access the internet for educational research, remote work, communication, and other online activities, thereby enhancing their quality of life and expanding their horizons.

Also in attendance at the launches were Ms. Tova Hamilton, Member of Parliament (MP) for both Trelawny Northern and Southern, along with Mr. Johnathon Bartley, Councillor for the Wakefield Division. Additionally, Mr. Heroy Clarke, MP for St. James Central, and Mr. Homer Davis, MP for St. James Southern, were present. Each expressed sincere appreciation for the introduction of Wi-Fi access points within their respective constituencies.

They also urged community members to “take care and protect the facilities.”

The USF remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all Jamaicans have access to affordable, reliable, and high-quality telecommunications services. Through initiatives like Community Connect Wi-Fi, the USF continues to make significant strides in advancing digital inclusion and creating a more connected and prosperous Jamaica.