ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Gutters, St Catherine is one of the latest communities to benefit from the Universal Service Fund’s (USF) Community Connect Wi-Fi programme.

Speaking during the official launch on Friday, USF CEO Dr Daniel Dawes said, “The mission continues. This particular project is not merely a formality…The USF is focused on providing internet connection to underserved communities.”

This initiative aligns with the USF’s mandate to ensure access to information and communication technology tools to facilitate development across Jamaica. The launch was attended by residents and community leaders.

In his address, the USF boss encouraged local students to take advantage of the new Wi-Fi facilities.

“Work hard, students, and use the facilities. Now you don’t have to go home and don’t have anything to help you with your work… This is the time of progress,” Dawes said.

The launch also featured remarks from Church Pen Division councillor, Andre O’Connor, who commended the USF for its efforts in bringing connectivity to Gutters.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Universal Service Fund and especially Dr Daniel Dawes, who is the CEO of the Fund for the wonderful work he has done,” O’Connor said.

He noted the importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving shared goals, saying, “We are in the business of assisting each community by identifying the needs and providing them with the best way possible. Let us continue to work together to make Jamaica a better place to live, work, and grow.”

In the St Catherine Southwest constituency, of which Gutters is a part of, the USF has so far installed Wi-Fi in four communities, representing an investment of approximately $2.8 million.

The USF also distributed tablets to 10 students from the community during the launch.

The Community Connect Wi-Fi Programme is designed to increase access to the internet across the Jamaica to allow for greater digital inclusion. Approximately 300 communities have benefited from this ongoing project, with additional communities set to be connected.