Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James now has access to free public Wi-Fi, following a collaboration between the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).
The initiative, which was launched at the facility on December 15, forms part of the Government’s broader effort to create comfortable and connected spaces for the public.
The public Wi-Fi will allow for more than 200 residents to simultaneously access high-speed service, while at the facility.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, said Harmony Beach Park is a comfortable spot for the people of St James.
“We [government] have to move to ensure that other areas in Jamaica have this kind of environment…so that students and members of society can feel relaxed. The students can also do their homework at the [park] because the internet is here. It creates a stimulating environment,” he stated.
Chang also highlighted ongoing efforts to build and modernize parks island-wide, pointing to a $3 billion project in Portmore, as well as plans for downtown Kingston and Hope Pastures.
“This kind of work [like here at Harmony Beach Park] cannot be done overnight. It took some time to design [but] the Government is putting in the resources and the effort so that we can develop these across Jamaica and allow every Jamaican to not only have equity in this country, but can find a space where they can relax,” Chang explained.
General Manager of the UDC, L Robert Honeyghan, said the Wi-Fi initiative at Harmony Beach Park goes beyond connectivity, as it also creates inclusive and sustainable development for all Jamaicans in the digital age.
“This initiative aligns with the vision for Jamaica’s future, a future where every citizen has access to the tools and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly connected world,” Honeyghan stated.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer at the USF, Daniel Dawes, said the endeavour was a major milestone, noting that the USF has financed some 21 public Wi-Fi locations across Jamaica, including popular areas such as Emancipation Park and National Heroes Circle.
In addition, all major townships such as Savanna-la-Mar, Lucea, Falmouth, Sam Sharpe Square now have access to free public wi-fi connectivity.
“To date, we would have also executed 317 community Wi-Fi. We would have spent approximately $1 billion to execute these projects,” Dawes said.
“We will continue to do what we must…just to make sure that our country is provided with this closure in terms of availability, accessibility and affordability of the internet service,” he added.
Also in attendance were Members of Parliament for St James, councillors, and other stakeholders.
Source: Jamaica Observer
