ST JAMES, Jamaica – Residents of Brighton and Slipe (Frenchmen) in St Elizabeth are now benefiting from free internet access under the Government’s Community Wi-Fi Programme.

Commissioned into service on Thursday, the internet connectivity has a range of 800 feet and can allow up to 200 residents in each community to simultaneously log on with their devices.

Being implemented by the Universal Service Fund (USF), the Community Wi-Fi Programme is designed to provide Internet access to 189 underserved and unserved areas across Jamaica.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Brighton, Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport JC Hutchinson, who is Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Western, said the community was selected to receive the service following a process of consultation.

Hutchinson extended gratitude to the USF for carrying out the project. “I want to congratulate [USF Chief Executive Officer] Daniel Dawes and his team for bringing the Wi-Fi here to us in Brighton,” he said.

Acting Principal of Clapham Primary in Brighton, Damian Williston, said the children in the community will benefit greatly from the service.

“This community wi-fi will continuously aid the development of our students at Clapham Primary and other students in the community. The teachers can now fully integrate online teaching and learning in their lessons …research at home can now be facilitated knowing that all our students will have connectivity,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, over at Slipe, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, and St Elizabeth South West MP Floyd Green, advised the young people, as they use the internet for educational purposes, to also seek to access employment opportunities.

“What we are doing here is giving you another avenue for employment. Jobs are being offered via the internet, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home,” he pointed out.

-JIS