ST ANN, Jamaica— The Universal Service Fund (USF) says it launched a new Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi site in Brown’s Town, St Ann on Friday in keeping with its mission to enhance Jamaica’s digital landscape.

The event was held on Main Street, Brown’s Town and included a performance from the Waterhouse Marching Band and student musicians from York Castle High School.

The fund said in a news release on Tuesday that before this, it had already made an impact in the area with Community Wi-Fi sites established in Thicketts, Mount Zion, Bamboo and Brown’s Town.

However, the Brown’s Town site has now been upgraded to a Public Wi-Fi location under USF’s Connect Ja initiative, which aims to provide free Wi-Fi in parks and town centres across the country.

Member of Parliament (MP) for St Ann North Western, Krystal Lee, expressed her gratitude to the USF for their commitment to providing vital Wi-Fi services.

“This initiative will significantly benefit our community by improving access to information, education, and economic opportunities. I commend the USF for their dedication to bridging the digital divide in Jamaica,” Lee said.

Prior to the launch, acting chief executive officer (CEO) of the USF, Andrew McRae said, “The digital landscape is evolving, and we recognise that access to the internet is essential for education, business, and communication. With this upgraded Wi-Fi service, residents will have the tools to explore new opportunities, access information, and connect with each other like never before.”

Additionally, during the event 10 tablet devices each were also distributed to MPs, Krystal Lee and Zavia Mayne, under USF’s Connect a Child Programme.

“This further emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing digital literacy and access to technology in the region,” USF said.

It added that earlier that day, the fund also launched a Community Wi-Fi site in Orange Hill, Brown’s Town, which was enthusiastically welcomed by residents and local stakeholders.

With a total of 20 sites islandwide, the Connect Ja initiative is part of a broader effort by the USF to ensure that all Jamaicans can benefit from the digital revolution, fostering innovation and economic growth throughout the country.