The commercial district of Cross Roads in St Andrew now has access to free Wi-Fi service as part of the Universal Service Fund’s (USF) Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi programme.

The Crossroads’ Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi initiative was launched at the Palace Amusement Parking Lot on Friday, December 6.

At the ceremony, the Universal Service Fund (USF) was joined by distinguished guests, including Kaydian Smith Newton, Principal Director, Telecommunications at the Ministry of Energy, Science, Telecommunications & Transport; Julian Robinson, Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Eastern; and Mark Golding, Opposition leader and Member of Parliament for St Andrew South.

Each speaker underscored the transformative potential of affordable, accessible internet for communities, emphasising how the initiative will help bridge the digital divide and provide critical resources for education, business, and communication.

“This Wi-Fi initiative represents more than just internet access. It’s about unlocking opportunities for the people of Crossroads and beyond, providing them with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” said Golding. “This is just the beginning, and we [and the USF] are committed to bringing this connectivity to even more communities across Jamaica.”

In his remarks, Robinson urged students to use the internet responsibly, while also reminding parents to guide their children as they access this valuable new resource. His call to action emphasized the importance of balancing technology use with responsible oversight.

The event also included a heartwarming donation to the Central Branch All-Age School from the USF. Three desktop computers were donated to the school, enhancing both the educational experience for students and the teaching capabilities of staff. The school’s principal, Michael Sutherland, expressed his deep gratitude for the contribution, recognising its importance for the school’s academic development.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous donation,” said Sutherland. “The computers will make a world of difference for our students, providing them with the technology they need to excel in today’s digital world. We thank the USF for their continued support.”

The ceremony also recognised two exceptional students from Central Branch All-Age School for their achievements in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams. Lenya Sharpe and Shaqueal Wilson received Samsung Galaxy tablets for their hard work, and academic excellence. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers, proving that with dedication and the right resources, every child can succeed.

In his address, Jaime Robinson, Director of Projects at the USF, emphasised the broader vision behind the initiative:

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our mission to expand broadband access and promote digital literacy across Jamaica. The Crossroads’ Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi project is just one of many steps we are taking to bring high-speed internet to underserved communities. By doing so, we are creating new avenues for education, economic development, and social inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age,” he said, explaining that the USF has established over 30 Connect Ja Public

The Wi-Fi, which is designed to provide access in townships and parks, spans approximately five square miles, spanning a radius covering Slipe Road, Marescaux Road, Caledonia Crescent, Retirement Road, and Studio One Boulevard.

The launch of the Crossroads’ Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi initiative is a significant milestone in the USF’s broader goal of connecting Jamaica’s communities to the digital world. This initiative will empower residents by providing them with the tools to improve their quality of life and unlock new opportunities for growth and development.