Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a technical assistance grant to Jamaica’s Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) to advance the development of national emergency communications infrastructure. The goal of the assistance is to strengthen the country’s ability to adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change. MSET selected Virginia-based Winbourne Consulting, LLC, to perform the assistance.
“The Caribbean is disproportionately impacted by climate change. Natural disasters and storms are growing in intensity, requiring island nations like Jamaica to seek climate adaptation solutions,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This grant will identify innovative U.S. solutions and technology to support Jamaica’s efforts to protect its most precious asset – its people.”
USTDA’s assistance will guide the creation of a consolidated emergency communications system and include recommendations for technological and operational upgrades to improve the country’s emergency response capabilities. The assistance will assess options for upgrading Jamaica’s IT infrastructure and telecommunications networks, the establishment of a single 9-1-1 emergency number, and a unified emergency response system.
Jamaican Minister for Science, Energy, and Technology, Daryl Vaz, noted: “The establishment of a single 9-1-1 emergency number, and a unified emergency response system will be a game changer for Jamaicans and visitors alike. The unification of our emergency response system will enable anyone in Jamaica, when calling for help, to access a one-stop service which would get the right responders to the right place and with the most efficient use of resources. This project is in keeping with the Government of Jamaica’s continued emphasis on transformation to improve the lives of Jamaicans.”
This activity supports U.S. government priorities, including the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030), and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
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