USF clarifies role in Tablet in Schools programme

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Universal Service Fund (USF) has moved to clarify its role in it the Tablet in Schools programme, following concerns raised by Member of Parliament for Kingston East and Port Royal, Phillip Paulwell, regarding the pace of device distribution to students.

In a press release, the USF said while it shares the goal of getting technology to Jamaican students, it is not the driver or the implementing agency for the programme.

The fund said its role is to provide financial support to e-Learning Jamaica, which has responsibility for executing and implementing the initiative. The USF said it currently provides approximately $700 million annually to e-Learning, with funding paid directly to the agency.