The Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications will be going to procurement shortly for the acquisition of 100 new buses for the second phase of the National Rural School Bus Programme (NRSBP). Portfolio Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said that the additional units will expand the programme’s reach into rural communities. The NRSBP was launched in September 2025 with the rollout...

Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has underscored that resilient digital infrastructure in the Caribbean is no longer optional but fundamental to national development, security, and economic stability. He was speaking during the 31st staging of the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG 31) Forum, held on Tuesday (April 14), at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston....

With the increase in severe weather events impacting the island, utility providers are being urged to incorporate disaster preparedness into their operational and financial models. The call comes from Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, who says this should include mechanisms such as insurance coverage for critical infrastructure; investment in catastrophe or resilience bonds; emergency contingency; strengthened infrastructure;...

Renovation works are now under way at the Negril Post Office in Westmoreland as the Post and Telecommunications Department moves to restore and modernise the facility. Senior Director of Corporate Services at the Department, Carol Saunders Hammond, told JIS News that rehabilitation activities started on February 18 and are projected to be completed within three to six months. She noted...

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is working to finalise the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) in the coming months. Director General, Ansord Hewitt, said that the entity is collaborating with the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications and other stakeholders to develop the plan, which sets out the telecommunications-supported activities required during disasters or emergencies. It outlines the roles...

The Universal Service Fund (USF), through its ‘Connec’2Recovery’ programme continues to drive restoration of public internet infrastructure damaged during the hurricane. The initiative targets the recovery of 419 public connectivity sites islandwide, including community and public Wi-Fi sites. “So far, out of a total of $863 million, $443 (million) has already been committed and the procurement activity remains active. Completion...

The Mocho Post Office in Clarendon will resume operations at its original location in Cedars District on Friday, February 20. Operations at the facility were temporarily relocated to the Four Paths Post Office on Lawson Boulevard in the Parish, after the building sustained damage during the passage of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Senior Director of Corporate Services at Jamaica Post,...