MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, said he is surprised and saddened by the passing of Dr Daniel Dawes, chief executive officer of the Universal Service Fund (USF).

“Jamaica has lost a great public servant. Dr Daniel Dawes, up to the time of his passing, was an astute leader in the technology field, leading the charge at USF since 2019,” Mayor Vernon said in a release on Saturday.

He added that the city of Montego Bay and the municipality of St James have benefited significantly from Dr Dawes’ instrumental role in establishing several Community Hot Spots (Free Wi-Fi) and access points.

“Dr Dawes’ fingerprints remain visible across several St James communities where residents are now able to access free Wi-Fi for work and/or study. As a visionary, Dr. Dawes was always on a mission to bring technology closer to the citizens, bridging the technological gap that existed,” he continued.

“The work of this great Jamaican will live on. On behalf of the St. James Municipal Corporation and the people of St. James, I want to extend sincere condolences to members of his family, the staff at the USF, and to his many friends and associates.”