Durrant Pate/Contributor

The European Union (EU) today launched a digital transition programme for Jamaica, which will connect schools, universities and homes to high-speed Internet.

The programme falls under the EU’s Global Gateway, which is an innovative programme to increase inclusive access to and use of Information Communications Technologies (ICT) across the country, in support of the country’s transition towards a digital economy and society.

The digital transition programme’s objectives are two-fold; one to connect Jamaicans with improved broadband access while providing those working and learning in the education section with training in digital skills.

Secondly, the programme contributes to Jamaica’s national digital plan, which includes addressing the digital divide in rural areas, facilitating access to education and also technological innovation for the private sector. 

€9.5 million in direct budgetary support

Under Global Gateway, the EU’s positive offer to deliver trusted and sustainable connections for partner countries, the Digital Jamaica programme will “connect” the island through €9.5 million in direct budgetary support to the Jamaican government. This will support the installation of Wi-Fi networks in schools and the training of teachers on digital skills.

It is expected that a national training programme will inspire a strong trickle-down effect with students who will make greater use of digital tools. In order to further bridge the digital divide, the EU will facilitate and support private investments in the Jamaican digital sector, particularly in areas so far underserved or unconnected across the country.

The launch took place in Kingston this morning in the presence of a number of Jamaican government ministers. They include Minister for Skills and Digital Transformation, Dr Dana Morris Dixon; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill; and Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams. The EU was represented by the deputy secretary general of the European External Action Service; Helena Konig and Team Europe ambassadors.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said in a message commending the programme: “I am proud to launch the Digital Jamaica programme. In order to thrive in tomorrow’s working world, young people need strong digital skills and access to high quality internet. With this programme, we are connecting Jamaica’s youth to broadband and providing them with the skills and education they need to succeed in the future. This is what our Global Gateway investment strategy is all about: delivering sustainable hard infrastructure and providing through soft infrastructure citizens with the skills and tools they need to benefit from it.”