HISPASAT SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY FOR SCHOOLS, PUBLIC ENTITIES IN REMOTE AREAS
By: , January 8, 2026
Photo: Okoye Henry
Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley (second left, background); Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon (third right); and Minister of State in the Education Ministry, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford (second right), share a photo opportunity with students of Carmel Primary and Infant School in Westmoreland on Tuesday (January 6), after presenting them with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) toys. They are joined by Principal of the school, Ushae Daley-Bromfield (left), and Regional Director for Region Four, Dr. Michelle Pinnock (right).The Full Story
The Government will provide Hispasat satellite connectivity to remote schools and other critical public institutions impacted by Hurricane Melissa through assistance from the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Government.
Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, who made the disclosure, said that approximately 60 satellites will be distributed to essential institutions across the country for an initial six-month period to address connectivity challenges.
“We have earmarked them for critical institutions such as the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), which is all over the country, in remote areas as well, assisting with the relief and the response effort. A number of government entities, such as the Jamaica Fire Brigade, health centres and hospitals, are in remote areas that need connectivity, and of course, schools,” he pointed out.
Dr. Wheatley was accompanying Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, on a tour of hurricane-affected schools on Tuesday (January 6), including Carmel Primary and Infant in Westmoreland, which will be among the first institutions to receive the technology.
Dr. Wheatley pointed out that Hispasat utilises geostationary orbit satellites, which differ from low-lying satellite systems like Starlink. This makes for a more resilient connection that is highly secure, making them suitable for emergency response.
“So, this special satellite intervention was made to ensure that the satellites are so aligned that wherever they are in Jamaica you have optimal connectivity,” he pointed out.
In addition to restoring connectivity, the Government is advancing student engagement through its Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative.
Dr. Wheatley said that specially designed STEAM toys are being distributed to children whose learning has been interrupted.
He indicated that the toys are to stimulate creativity, critical thinking and innovation, while helping students re-engage with learning in a meaningful way.
“They are not just gifts for the purpose of playing with or for cheer but to stimulate their minds as well. So, the STEAM toys are geared towards that, [and] this is part of the engagement process as well,” Dr. Wheatley underscored.
