Universal Service Fund (USF) has reaffirmed its commitment to digital inclusion through a $6.5 million sponsorship of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Independence Village for Jamaica’s 2025 Emancipendence celebrations.

This strategic investment will provide free, high-speed Internet access to thousands of Jamaicans attending the festivities, ensuring greater connectivity and engagement throughout the celebration of Jamaica’s 63rd year of Independence.

With thousands of Jamaicans and visitors expected to attend, providing this Wi-Fi ensures that attendees can seamlessly share their experiences, stay updated with event schedules, and engage with digital content in real time.

USF CEO Charlton McFarlane emphasised the significance of the partnership.

“The Independence Village is the gathering of culture, community, and national pride… By providing free Wi-Fi and introducing technologies, like virtual reality, we are ensuring that Jamaicans of all ages not only celebrate together but also connect, learn, and engage with the digital world. Supporting events like this helps us bring technology closer to the people, where it belongs,” he said.

The USF’s support for the JCDC Independence Village reflects its broader mission to bridge the digital divide, empower citizens through technology, and contribute to Jamaica’s vision of a digitally inclusive society.

Meanwhile, the police are advising the public that there will be traffic changes in effect to facilitate the 2025 Independence Day Grand Gala celebrations at the National Stadium and National Arena on Wednesday, August 6.

Starting midday, Arthur Wint Drive will become a one-way. Traffic will flow easterly towards the stadium. Vehicles travelling along Arthur Wint Drive towards Mountain View Avenue will turn left at Roosevelt Avenue, then right at Stanton Terrace.

Residents travelling easterly along Arthur Wint Drive going to the Lofts Apartments will use the slip road at the ticket office.

Residents from Stadium Gardens will be able to leave and enter the community by using Arthur Wint Drive as a one way (easterly only).

All parking must take place off the roadway.

All patrons, motorists, and pedestrians should obey directions given by the police, who will be deployed in adequate numbers to ensure the safety of all.