Cockpit Country Pilot Project (2023)

The pilot program installed Starlink broadband at a Maroon primary school in Cockpit Country, restoring communication, online learning, and access to resources for teachers and families. The project proved that digital connectivity which brings dignity and opportunity — even in Jamaica’s most remote communities — and became the foundation for JRF’s national rollout initiative.

Phase 1 — Connectivity, Education & Literacy
Equip 50 rural schools with Starlink broadband, creating community connectivity hubs and offering adult literacy training with HEART/NSTA Trust. Train local youth ambassadors to maintain hubs and support digital education. (ROM: US $525K – $550K)

Phase 2 — Verified Relief Platform
Develop a privacy-first biometric system to verify and track emergency micro-grants for food support and shelter repairs, with data-protection audits under Jamaica’s Data Protection Act (2020). (ROM: US $750K – $900K)

Phase 3 — National Rollout & Integration
Scale to 250 + schools and community centers, train hundreds of digital ambassadors, and partner with NIDS, NHT, and USF for long-term resilience. (ROM: US $3.0M – $3.8M)