KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz has urged greater international support for resilient telecommunications and reliable emergency communications, pointing to Hurricane Melissa as a reminder that connectivity can mean the difference between life and death.

Delivering Jamaica’s policy statement at the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, Qatar, Vaz said the country’s experience underscored the need to strengthen communications infrastructure and provide alternative ways to stay connected during natural disasters.

“Hurricane Melissa, a category five hurricane, the most catastrophic hurricane on record to hit Jamaica’s shores, would only be remembered for its devastation if we ignored its primary lesson – the lesson that reliable emergency communications, supported by resilient telecommunications infrastructure and alternative connectivity solutions, saves lives,” he said.

Vaz called on the ITU to deepen its support through technical assistance, capacity-building, knowledge-sharing and investment partnerships. He also emphasised the importance of early warning systems, particularly for countries vulnerable to extreme weather events.

“Our experience has also taught us that a connected people is an informed people; and an informed people is a resilient people,” he said.

The minister placed disaster resilience at the centre of a broader appeal for universal and meaningful connectivity, arguing that access to telecommunications is fundamental to national development.

“It is important, because connectivity is no longer about access to technology; it is fundamental to economic growth, social inclusion, sustainable development and national resilience,” Vaz said.

Highlighting Jamaica’s progress, he reported that more than 400 community Wi-Fi hotspots and public access points have been implemented across the island, serving more than 200,000 active daily users.

He said these facilities were creating opportunities for more Jamaicans to participate in the digital economy and help shape the country’s digital future.

However, Vaz argued that connecting people who remain offline requires a clearer understanding of the barriers they face, alongside national and international resources directed towards overcoming them.

With more than two billion people globally still unconnected, he urged countries to take bold steps to expand digital inclusion.

Vaz also reaffirmed Jamaica’s candidature for a seat on the ITU Council, linking the bid to the country’s commitment to advancing connectivity and resilience through international cooperation.

“For this reason, Jamaica welcomes open dialogue, with a view to building consensus around these priorities, and our candidature for a seat on the ITU Council, reflects our commitment to these shared objectives,” he said.

Jamaica also contributes to regional telecommunications preparations through Spectrum Management Authority Managing Director Dr Maria Myers-Hamilton, who serves as a vice-chair of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission’s (CITEL) working group preparing for World Radio Communication Conferences.

“Jamaica stands ready to work with all Member States, and it would be our distinct honour, as a member of Council, to work collaboratively to create a digital future that is inclusive, affordable, resilient, secure and sustainable,” Vaz concluded.