CAP Programme to be reviewed – Minister Paulwell

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, says the Ministry will be undertaking a comprehensive review of all  242 Community Access Points (CAPs) across the island.

He made the announcement at the official opening of the Flanker Resource Centre in St. James on January 29.

Minister Paulwell said that those facilities that have not been performing “up to scratch” will be replaced by new centres “that have been standing in line and waiting for some support.”

“We have to ensure that the people, who are running these centres, are held accountable. We have over 100 communities that are asking for our assistance. We are not going to put money into something that is not working,” he pointed out.

The establishment of the CAPs is part of the Government programme to provide Jamaicans will access to the internet at minimal or no cost, to facilitate research, education, bill payment, business, communication, marketing, and social networking.

It is funded by the Universal Service Access Fund (USF), which has a mandate to stimulate and accelerate the deployment of broadband services across the island.

The USF has generated $13 billion in revenue from international telephone calls terminating in Jamaica, since its establishment in 2005, to carry out its work.

Under the USF, information communication technology (ICT) platforms have also been established at some 200 secondary schools, and post offices and libraries. The Tablets in School initiative is also being funded by the USF.

“The Fund has been very pervasive,” Mr. Paulwell said. “We are in every nook and cranny of the country,” he pointed out.

Mr. Paulwell said the objective is to provide access to technology to foster development.

“Science and technology affect everything that we do. Throughout Jamaica, regardless of the community, our aim is to ensure that all our people have access to the latest in technology,” he added.

The Flanker Resource Centre was established by the USF at a cost of $3.7 million. It is equipped with 18 computers.

Minister Paulwell urged residents to make good use of the facility, through which they will be able to access free internet.