Universal Service Fund Gets New CEO

The following is a Press Release From The Universal Access Fund:

Charlton McFarlane

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Charlton McFarlane as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 6, 2025.

This appointment follows the untimely passing of the previous CEO, Dr. Daniel Dawes, who died on May 24, 2024, after being found unresponsive in his home. Dr. Dawes was deeply committed to advancing Jamaica’s digital transformation, and his sudden loss has left a significant gap at the organization's helm. 

During the interim, the Fund was led by its Financial Controller, Mr. Andrew McRae, who stated, “It was a privilege to lead the agency through this transitional period, and I extend my best wishes to Mr. McFarlane as he embarks on his tenure.”

The Board of Directors is confident that Mr. McFarlane's vision and expertise will continue the progress set by Dr. Dawes and lead the USF into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Mr. McFarlane brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, and innovation from his previous role as CEO of the Registrar General Department (RGD).  His appointment is a key step in the USF’s mission to deepen Jamaica’s digital transformation and provide access to affordable technology services for all Jamaicans.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr. McFarlane expressed his excitement about taking on this critical role. 

"I'm really looking forward to joining the USF team. I'm particularly excited about finding innovative ways of deepening Jamaica's digital transformation through the Fund," Mr. McFarlane said. 

He continued, "Be ready for cutting-edge, highly creative, forward-thinking solutions to build a digital futuristic society."

Mr. McFarlane’s leadership is expected to bring fresh insights and strategies to drive the Fund’s ongoing initiatives and further strengthen its commitment to enhancing Jamaica’s digital infrastructure. His appointment comes at a pivotal time, with numerous projects aimed at increasing digital connectivity across the island, including Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi and Community Wi-Fi launches, as well as other transformative initiatives in the pipeline.

The USF looks forward to Mr. McFarlane’s leadership and continued success in fulfilling its mandate to improve access to communication services and contribute to the economic development of Jamaica through digital inclusion.

The Universal Service Fund is an Agency under the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport mandated to ensure access to information and communication tools to facilitate development. In 2005, the USF began operation as the Universal Access Fund Company Limited following a Ministerial Order which mandated that all domestic telecommunications providers are obligated to collect a universal service levy on all inbound telephone calls.

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