Gov’t Gets Support to Boost Internet Access and Provide Clean Energy

The Government of Jamaica is receiving support from the United States Government to increase access to the Internet in rural parishes and implement clean, sustainable energy initiatives in the country.

The support comes through two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed on Wednesday (January 21) at the PCJ auditorium in Kingston.

The first MoU seeks to make use of unused television (TV) band spectrum, otherwise called TV white spaces (TVWS), to improve the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. TVWS are vacant frequencies in between regular broadcast TV channels, and these will be used to provide wireless data connectivity to remote communities.

It will begin with a pilot project for six months, which will be used to accommodate Internet bandwidth connectivity and adoption among stakeholders.

The second MoU outlines a programme of technical collaboration on the implementation of clean energy activities in Jamaica.

Under the agreement, the Government of Jamaica will provide the necessary access to data, personnel and information to facilitate the project, while the United States Government will provide technical assistance, training and support to Jamaica and energy sector entities, in the completion of the work.

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, said the two MoUs are critical to the sustainable development and growth of the country.

“The agreements must not be judged on their material value alone, but their qualitative value and the tremendous contribution that they can make to the development of our human resources and the impact that they can have on our environment and equally valuable resources,” he noted.

Citing the agreement to explore unused TVWS, Minister Paulwell said the initiative “harmonises with our policy of utilising technology to enhance access to health care, education and training and in general to be an active participant in e-governance and e-commerce.”

“The exploitation of this technology will help us to ensure that no community, no matter the terrain, no matter how remote will be left behind,” he added.

In his remarks, US Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G. Moreno, said the MoUs will strengthen the relationship between the countries in two critical areas.

“The first, Jamaica Connects, will bring our two Governments together with Jamaican and US businesses to expand Internet access to underserved communities across the island,” Mr. Moreno said.

He lauded the Government for enacting reforms and liberalising the ICT sector resulting in the explosion in Internet connectivity across the island. “I want to strongly commend your efforts and encourage you to continue until there is universal access for all Jamaicans to reliable and affordable broadband,” he added.

Turning to the MoU to support clean energy activities, Ambassador Moreno said the agreement, which falls under President Barack Obama’s climate action plan, is important in helping the country reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and help combat the threats from global climate change.

“With this MoU, our Governments will work together to: establish the framework for clean energy development, optimise integrating renewable into the grid and accelerate private sector investment in clean energy,” he pointed out.

Ambassador Moreno said the US Government believes that Jamaica has the opportunity to become a global leader in climate change.

“While not a major global carbon emitter, by establishing a clean energy economy, Jamaica has the potential to become both a moral voice for change, and a practical model others can follow,” he contended.

The signing ceremony also included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Hillary Alexander; Chief Executive Officer of Universal Service Fund (USF), Hugh Cross; Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Denise Herbol; Jamaica Country Manager for Microsoft Corporation, George Corbin; and Chief Executive Officer of NetHope Inc, Lauren Woodman.