Nannyville residents in St Andrew are now equipped with the power of connectivity as they have now received free Wi-Fi courtesy of the Universal Service Fund (USF).

A community Wi-Fi launch event was held on Monday (September 11) to commemorate the milestone, featuring Member of Parliament for St. Andrew South Eastern Julian Robinson; and USF chief executive Dr. Daniels Dawes.

Inspector Shantae Coddington from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and Joie-Ann Mills, community development officer from the Social Development Commission (SDC) were also in attendance.

The introduction of free Wi-Fi in Nannyville signifies a significant stride toward bridging the digital divide within the community. This development will empower residents with access to education, economic opportunities, and enhanced communication.

MP Julian Robinson acknowledged the significance of this initiative, stating, “I have seen the pace at which the USF has rolled out these Wi-Fi hotspots and its fast; the internet is becoming a public good. There is really no excuse not to access the internet, or any excuse of no device as it is of no cost to the community of Nannyville or those who will use it.”

Dawes expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, “The Universal Service Fund remains committed to ensuring that all Jamaican communities have unfettered access to the digital realm. Nannyville serves as a shining example of our dedication to connecting people and reducing the digital disparity.”

Coddington encouraged the Nannyville residents to use the free wi-fi responsibly.

“Parents need to safeguard their children and they communicate with. Children, do not share your passwords or login with anyone and do not agree to meet up with anyone online; be careful of how you utilize this free Wi-Fi,” she contended.

Mills, underscoring the pivotal role of community engagement in making this project a reality, remarked, “Community involvement has been pivotal in the successful implementation of this initiative. We eagerly anticipate witnessing how Nannyville residents will utilize this resource for the betterment of the entire community.”

The free Wi-Fi service is accessible to all residents and visitors in Nannyville, making it a valuable resource for education, business, and community engagement.

This initiative is fully aligned with the USF’s mission to promote universal access to information and communication technologies throughout Jamaica.