Digital Jamaica is also the first bilateral EU Global Gateway Flagship Programme to be signed in the Caribbean, and is strategically designed to address Jamaica's pressing digitalization challenges relating to access and capacity, over the next four years. The program will focus on building the competence of educators and teachers in digital skills, bringing Wi-Fi connectivity to public schools and children's homes, and supporting Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in adoption and use of technology for efficiency gains.

Ms. Helena König, Deputy Secretary General for Economic & Global Affairs, European External Action Service, who was at the official hand-over of documents ceremony, said a major aspect of the initiative will be to bring Wi-Fi connectivity to over 1000 public schools, including children’s homes.

 "It will contribute towards on-going government efforts to reduce social vulnerability to the digital divide, particularly among students, including special needs students in unserved and under-served areas.”

Ms. König also shared that the initiative will support the integration of Jamaica's national ICT competency framework for teachers into the curricula of all publicly funded teacher-training institutions.

 “This will build the digital competency of pre-service, new and in-service teachers. This strategic targeting of the foundation of education is vital for Jamaica to achieve its goal of a knowledge-based society and a digitally competent labour force,” she stated.

Global Gateway, the EU’s cooperation with partner countries in support of their own strategic autonomy, mobilises investments via a Team Europe approach to drive transformation in digital, climate, energy, transport, health, and education sectors worldwide.

Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister without Portfolio (Skills & Digital Transformation) highlighted the transformative value of the programme.

“This initiative aims not only to transform the technological landscape of Jamaica but to empower our citizens by enhancing access to information, promoting digital literacy, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

She stressed that: “Nations with a digitally literate populace are more competitive in the global arena, attracting investments, fostering technological advancements, and driving economic growth. In essence, digital skills are not merely tools for individual advancement; they are foundational to a nation's resilience, adaptability, and prosperity in an interconnected world.”

EUDEL, Jamaica

Digital Jamaica will be implemented by the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth and the Ministry of Industry Investment and Commerce.

The launch event was hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on Tuesday, (October 10), in the presence of several high-level government officials. Among them were Hon. Fayval Williams, Minister of Education and Youth; Hon. Alando Terrelonge, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Mrs. Sancia Bennett Templer, Permanent Secretary, representing Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce. H.E. Marianne Van Steen and Ambassadors of the four EU Member States having an Embassy in Jamaica: Spain, France, Germany and Belgium were also present.