What began in February 2025 as a collaborative project among three engineering students at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), has quickly evolved into a business focused on advancing food security at the institution and in the nearby market. The student-led venture, drawing on expertise from both engineering and agriculture, was officially registered as Agrosphere Enterprise Limited in November 2025...

As the Government of Jamaica advances its vision of a fully digital society, the need for accessible and inclusive internet access continues to grow. Launched in 2020 through the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, the Universal Service Fund (USF) Community Wi-Fi Programme is bridging the digital divide by providing free internet access to underserved communities across the island. The...

As Jamaica works to strengthen its food production systems and recover from the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, advanced plant science is quietly playing a vital role—ensuring farmers have reliable access to clean, healthy, and abundant planting material. One of the leading methods driving this effort is tissue culture technology, applied locally by the Scientific Research Council (SRC) to rapidly...

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is employing a hybrid approach, utilising both traditional as well as satellite and solar technology solutions, to restore community and public Wi-Fi sites that were damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Melissa. Chief Executive Officer of the USF, Charlton McFarlane, tells JIS News that the objective is to make the USF’s Wi-Fi infrastructure more resilient to...

At just 24 years old, Chad Campbell is proving that technology and determination can transform agriculture. Through his business, C.N.C Hydroponics Estates, which he started on his rooftop, he produces fresh leafy greens year-round, currently focusing on lettuce. Mr. Campbell told JIS News that he identified a gap in the market caused by Jamaica’s unpredictable weather. “Farmers weren't able to…produce...

This Christmas, the Universal Service Fund (USF) is giving hope to young learners through its Connect-A-Child initiative, which is designed to equip high-achieving students in need with brand-new tablets. With an investment of more than $15 million, the USF is distributing 630 devices, 10 in each constituency, throughout December. The initiative, which targets Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students, was introduced...

The inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Empowerment Workshop, held recently for more than 2,000 senior citizens, was hailed as a bold declaration that Jamaica’s older adults are preparing to step confidently into the digital era, with national institutions rallying to ensure inclusive support at every stage. The semi-virtual forum was hosted by the Broadcasting Commission, the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), the...

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has become more than just a policy instrument or a funding mechanism in Jamaica. It is a national entity that has expanded digital access, inclusion and opportunities across the island. From its origins 20 years ago to its current prominence, the USF’s history is a narrative of vision, partnership, and a strong determination to ensure...