USF Restores Westmoreland’s 19 Wi-Fi Sites

Residents across Westmoreland are once again benefiting from free public internet access, following the restoration and upgrade of the 19 Wi-Fi sites by the Universal Service Fund (USF) in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The achievement was highlighted during the USF’s ‘Connec Di West’ Road Tour stop at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar recently, where stakeholders were updated on efforts to strengthen digital connectivity throughout the parish.

Chief Executive Officer of the USF, Charlton McFarlane, said the agency moved swiftly to rebuild internet infrastructure after the hurricane caused widespread damage to connectivity systems across the island.

“Over 90 per cent of our sites across the island were destroyed,” Mr. McFarlane disclosed. He pointed out that while affected communities required food, clothing and shelter in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, access to communication quickly emerged as another critical need.

“They wanted Wi-Fi because they wanted to connect with their loved ones both in the other parts of the country and overseas,” he pointed out.

Mr. McFarlane reported that the restored sites, which are powered by solar energy, have been upgraded with satellite technology, making them more resilient during emergencies.

Mr. McFarlane informed stakeholders that the restoration project involved an investment of approximately $38 million and directly benefits more than 4,700 residents, while indirectly serving more than 15,000 persons across the parish.

He said that the USF continues to bear the recurring operational costs associated with maintaining the service.

Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar and Chairman of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, Councillor Danree Delancy, commended the USF for expanding access to digital services throughout the parish.

He noted that the parish’s 19 public Wi-Fi sites include the largest facility at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, which can accommodate approximately 500 users simultaneously.

Mayor Delancy highlighted the positive impact of the Wi-Fi hotspot at the Bethel Town Recreational Park, where students and other residents regularly utilise the free service.

“I want to see this service expanded into more communities across the parish,” Mr. Delancy said.

The Mayor underscored the Corporation’s commitment to supporting future initiatives aimed at improving digital access and connectivity for residents.

“We at WMC stand ready to partner with USF in whatever way possible as long as it will be beneficial to the people of this lovely parish called Westmoreland,” he said.