WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Universal Service Fund (USF) has launched 19 community and public Wi-Fi sites across Westmoreland, providing thousands of residents with free internet access through its Connec’ Di West Road Tour initiative.

In a release, the USF said the Westmoreland leg of the tour, held on June 5 at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, marked the start of a three-parish campaign that will see the launch of 65 Wi-Fi sites across Westmoreland, St James and Hanover.

The agency said the infrastructure in Westmoreland is expected to provide approximately 4,750 residents with free internet connectivity, while the western rollout is projected to serve nearly 15,000 people across the region.

According to the USF, the road tour forms part of its efforts to expand digital access, increase awareness and use of community Wi-Fi services, and bring government and support services directly into underserved communities. Residents attending the events can access government services and registrations, receive assistance related to social benefits and community concerns, query utility bills and payment arrangements, and participate in entertainment and interactive activities.

Speaking at the launch, USF Chief Executive Officer Charlton McFarlane highlighted the importance of internet connectivity, particularly following the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa.

“As many of us know, western Jamaica was significantly impacted by Hurricane Melissa, affecting infrastructure, communication, and connectivity across communities. In moments like these, we are reminded that internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is an essential service,” said McFarlane.

“We understood the urgency of restoring these communities first because connectivity impacts education, emergency communication, healthcare access, business continuity, and the ability for families to remain informed during times of crisis. Restoring these Wi-Fi sites was not simply about technology; it was about restoring opportunity, communication, resilience, and hope,” he added.

McFarlane also acknowledged challenges in maintaining connectivity infrastructure in rural communities, particularly due to adverse weather conditions and lightning activity. He noted that the Whithorn Wi-Fi site was recently restored after sustaining severe damage during a storm earlier this year.

“The USF acted swiftly to restore the Whithorn site, investing approximately $2 million to bring connectivity back to the community. While outages may occur from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances, our commitment remains unwavering. We will continue to respond promptly to restore services for the people of Jamaica,” he said.

Among the sites highlighted was the Savanna-la-Mar Wi-Fi network, one of the largest in the parish, which can accommodate up to 500 users simultaneously through five access points located throughout the town.

Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central Dwayne Vaz said the impact of Hurricane Melissa underscored the need for reliable internet access.

“I think it was after Melissa when people realised they were taking connectivity for granted. When we lost connectivity, persons were scrambling to find ways to get connected so they could know what was happening. It showed us how important it is to stay connected,” Vaz said.

“What the Universal Service Fund is doing for communities across the parish, is to give us free Wi-Fi where we can go in our communities and connect without having to pay any form of money,” he added.

The USF said the initiative demonstrates the value of collaboration among government agencies, municipal corporations, sponsors, utility providers and community stakeholders in delivering services directly to residents.

The remaining stops on the Connec’ Di West Road Tour are scheduled for June 19 in Montego Bay, St James, at Sam Sharpe Square, and June 26 in Lucea, Hanover, at the Lucea Bus Park.