Telecommunications Minister Pays Tribute to Late USF CEO
By: July 2, 2024 ,The Full Story
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Universal Service Fund (USF), Dr. Daniel Dawes, made a significant contribution to Jamaica’s technological advancement.
“Under his remarkable leadership, the USF navigated through some of the most challenging times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Dawes immediately understood that technology was not a tool, but a vital resource, and responded to the Government’s call by rapidly increasing access to Wi-Fi hotspots in 105 communities. This provided essential connectivity for students, entrepreneurs and employees,” he said.
Mr. Vaz was paying tribute to Dr. Dawes during a funeral service held at the Holiness Born Again Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on June 29.
Hundreds of mourners, including family, government officials, colleagues and community members attended the service.
Under Dr. Dawes’ leadership, the USF made remarkable strides in bridging the digital divide across the nation with the establishment of 23 public and 317 community Wi-Fi hotspots.
His efforts further supported the creation of over 300 Community Access Point (CAP) facilities, bringing internet access and ICT services to schools, community centres, and local institutions.
Additionally, Dr. Dawes, through the USF, initiated training programmes for over 900 unattached youth in coding and ICT to enhance their employability and digital skills.
His initiative to award laptops to top Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students from each parish was highlighted as a testament to his belief in empowering the next generation.
Minister Vaz announced plans for a scholarship fund for children in memory of Dr. Dawes, and pledged a personal contribution of $250,000 to launch it.
“I’ve already had discussions with my Permanent Secretary and the [new] Chairman of the Universal Service Fund, and we are going to work out a scholarship fund for children in memory of Dr. Daniel Dawes,” Mr. Vaz outlined.
“So, [in time], we [Government] will be able to better share the particulars [of the scholarship] which is something that we want to sustain, not for a year, not for two years, not for five years, but ongoing in memory of Dr. Daniel Dawes who always wanted to help the less fortunate and had a passion for children,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, also pledged an additional $500,000 from his constituency.
Mr. Bartlett cited Dr. Dawes’ dedication to “people development and upliftment”, noting that his legacy will live on.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, also lauded Dr. Dawes’ authentic and passionate approach to his work, highlighting his relentless drive to improve the lives of those around him.
“The Daniel you see is the Daniel you get, [and] whenever you went to his turning on sessions for Wi-Fi, he would ensure that the children that came left with something. So, he was impactful, authentic and kind,” Mr. Green said.
Dr. Dawes, who passed away on May 24 at the age of 60, also served as Managing Director of the Transport Authority and Chief Food Inspector at the Ministry of Health.
“Every cultural event that was organised through the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), he worked with them. He was truly a Jamaican, truly a passionate and dedicated individual. We are here, not to mourn his passing, but to celebrate [his life],” Minister Grange said.