KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will begin to airlift Starlink internet devices into select communities on Thursday, according to Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, Daryl Vaz.

“Starting today, the JDF [Jamaica Defence Force] is airlifting Starlink units and generators into isolated communities to establish community wifi hubs and support humanitarian operations,” he said at a press conference Thursday.

In addition, the Universal Service Fund (USF) is deploying Starlink satellite solutions, starting with Bethel Town, Westmoreland and rolling out 15 installations over the next week, while mobile units are being deployed to provide wifi and charging stations in affected communities, the minister revealed.

“Over the next six weeks, the USF aims to deliver at least 90 community connectivity solutions in the affected areas, meaning people will be able to stay in their affected communities and communicate,” Vaz said.

The minister also appealed to the non-government organisations and government agencies that had received Starlink in the first batch of 600 units, (400 fixed and 200 mobile) to activate them with immediate effect.

“I am making a public appeal to those government agencies, entities, NGO’s that are being allocated these; they are of no use unless they are activated, and I cannot get more if Starlink sees that there is no activity on the 600. As of yesterday, there was about 30 per cent. I am calling on all…who have received these to please instruct for immediate installation and activation,” he said.

In addition, while the fuel supply network is stabilising quickly, according to Vaz, the government is deploying 10 mobile fuel stations on Monday, guided by the JDF and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

The stations will be able to set up and operate on generators, and will sell kerosene as well, Vaz said.

– Dana Malcolm