KINGSTON, Jamaica — Residents of Cockburn Gardens and surrounding communities in St Andrew West Central now have free access to the internet, following the launch of a community Wi-Fi initiative by the Universal Service Fund (USF) on Thursday.

The launch marks another step in the USF’s mission to bridge the digital divide across Jamaica, with the agency investing approximately $2.5 billion annually to improve digital access islandwide. Three Wi-Fi hotspots were unveiled in Cockburn Gardens, each spanning 300 metres and capable of supporting 300 to 400 users.

Residents of Mall Road, Drewsland, Rhoden Crescent, and Tower Hill will also benefit from the initiative, which includes seven repeaters spread across the constituency. The project was carried out in partnership with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who also serves as Member of Parliament for St Andrew West Central.

Residents and officials gathered at the Dupont Primary and Infant School to witness the official launch. Charlton McFarlane, chief executive officer of USF, opened the ceremony with a personal reflection.

“I grew up in Cockburn Gardens. I am a proud product of Cockburn Gardens and if anything… if a boy from the inner city of Cockburn Gardens can today stand before the citizens of Cockburn Gardens as the head of a government entity it shows that all dreams are possible. So today is a personal occasion for me,” McFarlane said.

He continued, “It is indeed about providing digital access that will power all of our dreams. This moment belongs to the people of Cockburn Gardens, it belongs to the youth who want to start online hustle, it belongs to the students who are back in the class and just need stable internet to pass their PEP (Primary Exit Profile) and CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council). It belongs to the single mothers who are building small businesses from the phone that they have in their hand that’s who we are doing this for.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness speaking at the Cockburn Gardens Community Wi-Fi launch (Photo: Karl Mclarty).

McFarlane encouraged residents to embrace the opportunity, saying, “Log on and get plugged in, plug into learning, plug into building something of your own, plug into showing the rest of Jamaica and the rest of the world that your constituency does not define your potential.”

Senior Superintendent Damion Manderson also offered his support, praising the USF’s efforts to connect underserved communities.

“I must commend the Universal Service Fund for your continued partnership with communities like these, to ensure that we bridge the digital divide and get our community, get our people connected with the rest of the world so that we not just catch up but get ahead and ensure that our communities are prosperous,” Manderson said.

“The communities we serve are rich in potential and the technology that we are now being introduced to, these public Wi-Fi access service [serve] as tools to unlock the rich potential. As law enforcement, we are actively aware that where communities are served by these levels of technology, it acts as a bridge. In fact, it provides knowledge and skills building and connects our community to the rest of the world. It provides a shift in the trajectory from vulnerability to opportunity.”

He affirmed, “I stand here this afternoon affirming with you that the Jamaica Constabulary Force supports and stands with this and all the other public Wi-Fi launches across the country because indeed it acts as a good for the community and if it is a good for the community then of course it is with our support.”

Prime Minister Holness, in his address, underscored the growing importance of internet access in all areas of life.

“The internet is like a physical marketplace that everyone wants to have access to, but if you do not have the connectivity, then it is as if you are deprived of the potential of this incredible marketplace,” Holness said.

He noted that while internet use is not yet compulsory by law, the shift towards digital services makes it nearly essential. “Within the next decade, I would say the vast majority, 80 per cent or more of our transactions are going to be in a digital format and more of our citizens, including our senior citizens, are going to be using digital platforms,” he said.

Holness also highlighted the need for increased digital literacy, particularly as more government services move online. “I want to commend the Universal Service Fund. They have really, in the last couple of years, expanded their services. This is not a concept of this Government … but we have certainly put the resources behind it and we have expanded it significantly.”

He concluded by reiterating the Government’s long-term goal of full internet access and coverage across Jamaica and implored the residents to make use of what they have been given.