USF DONATES 200 TABLETS TO MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY FOR POST HURRICANE DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has received 200 tablet computers from the Universal Service Fund To assist with damage assessments on homes impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The donation represents the first tranche of 1,000 tablets, valued at over $79 million, that will be provided to the Ministry to strengthen its disaster response and social protection efforts.

The devices, equipped with Long Term Evolution (LTE) connectivity, SIM cards, and protective hard cases, were officially handed over during a ceremony held on Tuesday, January 27, at the Ministry’s North Street offices in Kingston.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., welcomed the donation, highlighting the critical role the tablets will play in improving the efficiency of social workers conducting field assessments, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.

The tablets are expected to significantly enhance data collection, reporting, and coordination efforts as the Ministry continues to assess and respond to housing damage caused by the hurricane.