Jamaica Fire Brigade Gets Computers from USF
By: , February 5, 2025
Photo: Dave Reid
Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Commissioner, Stewart Beckford (second left), receives a computer hard drive from Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Service Fund (USF), Charlton McFarlane (second right), part of 20 desktop computers and two printers presented to the JFB on February 4 at the JFB’s Kingston headquarters. Also pictured are Deputy Commissioner, JFB, Kevin Haughton (left); and Financial Controller, USF, Andrew McRae.
Photo: Dave Reid
Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Commissioner, Stewart Beckford (left) and Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Service Fund (USF), Charlton McFarlane, examine a new printer, part of the donation of 20 desktop computers and two printers to the JFB by the USF. The items were handed over on Tuesday (February 4) at the JFB’s Kingston headquarters.The Full Story
The Universal Service Fund (USF) has donated 20 desktop computers, and two printers to the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), valued at more than $5.5 million.
The items will be distributed to fire stations islandwide and will play a critical role in improving the agency’s service delivery.
Addressing the official handover ceremony on Tuesday (January 4), at the JFB’s Kingston headquarters, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the USF, Charlton McFarlane, said the donation underscores the Government’s unwavering commitment to modernising public-sector operations through strategic collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies.
“This initiative represents a significant step towards modernising the Brigade’s processes and strengthening service delivery,” he said.
Mr. McFarlane said the donation is consistent with the Government’s commitment to leverage technology for greater efficiency and service excellence.
“It also aligns with our broader vision of fostering a knowledge-based digitally empowered society, where technology serves as a catalyst for improved public-sector performance. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders to modernise Jamaica’s digital infrastructure,” he noted.
“Through partnerships like this, we continue to support national development by integrating digital solutions into essential services, thereby making them more efficient and responsive to the needs of the people of Jamaica. The JFB, charged with the responsibility of protecting life and property from disasters – natural and manmade – has identified the need for ICT support to enhance its operations,” the CEO added.
Commissioner, JFB, Stewart Beckford, said the donation will assist in the agency’s transition to digitising its operations, particularly its administrative activities, which is mostly paper-based.
Citing the USF’s islandwide broadband project, Commissioner Beckford said the agency will also benefit from this initiative as it seeks to modernise its operations.
“As we move to integrate more ICT in our operational activities and administrative operations, the donation is, indeed, welcome. These computers will hasten our efforts to be fully digitised by 2030,” he said.