A sub-sea fibre-optic cable system valued at some US$80 million, which links Jamaica to South America and the United States, was launched on Wednesday by Flow Jamaica at its Cable Station at Morant Point, St. Thomas.

The new Cable Station, which will be used for the distribution of services to residents of St Thomas, was also commissioned into service. 

In his remarks at the launch, Minister of Energy, Mining and Telecommunications, Clive Mullings expressed appreciation for the investment that Flow has made in the country and for assisting the process to move Jamaica to first world status.

He said that the broader connectivity would allow Jamaicans to be part of what is happening in the cutting edge area of telecommunication. "Today is a signal indication of Flow's commitment to this level of connectivity," he stated.

The Minister further praised Flow for coming forward when the Government called for proposals in 2005, after Hurricane Ivan had damaged the country's only sub-sea cable system, which was provided by Cable and Wireless. Flow was granted one of two licences to build and operate sub-sea cable systems from Jamaica to the rest of the world in January 2005.

"You stepped up to the plate and you have allowed us now to be connected by virtue of your cable going to Columbia and now also to Florida. It means that Jamaica .is open for business in the globalised world," he stated.

Mullings said the growth of the sector will provide opportunities for economic and educational advancement through information and communication technology.

Chief Executive Officer at Flow Jamaica, Richard Pardy, said that the laying of the network was a culmination of a vision to provide Jamaica with needed international connectivity.

Pardy said the network was important, as it will help to promote businesses, schools and social and community groups. "This is one of the basic building blocks that we have provided today," he stated.

- JIS