LUCEA, Hanover — Residents of this parish, some of whom were faced with Internet connectivity issues during the novel coronavirus pandemic, are now able to access free Wi-Fi service in the town of Lucea. The cost of establishing the service is borne by the Universal Service Fund (USF) which will also be bearing the monthly Internet cost.

Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels said reliable access to the virtual world is of importance to the people of Hanover.

“We understand the challenges, financially and otherwise, that are associated with Internet cost. We also understand being a part of the virtual world is no longer an option. It is a must, therefore we want to ensure that you have access to Internet service, not only access but one that is reliable at no cost to you. So, when you come to this town, you will be getting free Internet service,” Samuels said at the official activation of the service last Friday.

Rusea’s High School Principal Donna Anderson welcomed the development.

“This is a moment that we will all embrace as we have recognised the importance of the use of technology to the advancement of our students,” she said.

“This partnership is so timely as citizens continue to face challenges in accessing the Internet and the affordability of data. In recent months we have observed the concerted efforts to improve the physical ethos of the town of Lucea and the improvement in our social amenities; therefore, this collaboration is commendable and welcoming.”

She noted that the service will provide many residents, especially students, with access to browse for information and create the opportunity to build their competencies through networking.

“There will be added value to our business enterprises and no doubt, boost productivity. I am sure that parents will join me in saying… ‘Money not spent is money saved’ as free Wi-Fi is here to supplement our family budget,” added Anderson.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Keeble Simms, who is in charge of administration, pointed out that, while the benefits of accessing the Internet are enormous, there is a negative, such as human trafficking and sexual grooming of children. For this reason, he urged care in using the Internet and for parents to be vigilant.

Hanover Western Member of Parliament Tamika Davis said the free Wi-Fi service made available within the newly created James Lawrence Municipal Corporation Park, adjacent to the Lucea Police Station, creates a safe haven.

“It’s a park where you can go and sit, relax, and enjoy the use of the Internet. The plan also is to ensure that in all the areas in which we have an Internet roll-out, there is an equally safe space for our students to enjoy,” Davis said and encouraged users to ensure that they utilise the service wisely.

Universal Service Fund Chief Executive Officer Daniel Dawes disclosed that, in addition to Lucea, six communities in Hanover — Mount Peto, Sandy Bay town, Hopewell town, Brissett district, Dias town centre, and Green Island town — will be equipped with free Wi-Fi service by the end of May.

Dawes said USF is hoping to complete the creation of 189 free community Wi-Fi points across the country by the end of May. The May date is a one-year delay caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Last December, Dawes had told the Jamaica Observer that Morant Bay, Black River, Lucea, Falmouth, Port Maria, and Spanish Town were next on the list to benefit from the public Wi-Fi service by the end of March.

Additionally, USF has partnered with approximately a dozen community groups in Hanover to provide computers, projectors, printers, solar facilities, and has paid for Internet service.

The company has also provided broadband Internet service to Merlene Ottey High School, Knockalva Technical High School, Rusea’s High School, Rhodes Hall High School, Green Island High School, Hanover Parish Library, Hopewell Branch Library, and Green Island Branch Library.

Internet service is also provided for the Hanover police divisional headquarters, Sandy Bay Health Centre, Noel Holmes Hospital, and Lucea Post Office.

The USF, which underwent a name adjustment in 2012, was started in 2005 as Universal Access Company Limited. It is an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology with a mandate of ensuring access to information and communication tools to facilitate development.

The USF is funded through a levy placed on all inbound telephone calls.