Haughton wants harsher fines, special task force to tackle cable theft
Published:Monday | March 10, 2025 | 3:17 PM
Opposition spokesman on Science, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Dr Andre Haughton, is calling for stronger protection for Jamaica's telecommunications infrastructure, including harsher fines for cable theft and a special task force for telecommunications security.
His call follows last week's service interruptions to customers of the two major telecommunications providers, Digicel and FLOW, following damage to cables by vandals.
“The PNP strongly condemns this act and views it as a serious threat to Jamaica's progress and national stability,” said Haughton said in a media release on Monday. “This incident highlights a dangerous vulnerability in our telecommunications infrastructure. Disruptions like this not only threaten economic productivity but also erode confidence in Jamaica's ability to sustain a resilient digital economy.”
Haughton further stressed that Jamaica has made great strides in digital entrepreneurship and economic modernisation, but such attacks pose a direct risk to the country's development. He said the Opposition People's National Party stands ready to support legislation and other countermeasures to protect Jamaica's digital future.
He is calling for greater government accountability on the National Broadband Network.
"The US$237 million national broadband network was announced to expand affordable Internet access, yet there has been little transparency on its progress. The government must provide clear updates and tangible results on this initiative," he said.
He also called for the urgent establishment of a dedicated task force to work with telecoms providers, implementing stronger security measures to prevent vandalism and improve emergency response times for infrastructure repairs.
In addition, he wants harsher penalties for cable theft and vandalism.
"The financial incentives for cable theft far outweigh the current penalties. Laws must be strengthened to significantly increase fines and punishments, making it clear that damaging Jamaica's digital infrastructure will not be tolerated," he added.
He said Jamaica's growing digital economy requires proactive investment, stronger enforcement measures, and a clear commitment to resilience as without immediate action, future disruptions could cause even greater economic damage.
"Stable Internet access is essential for both the public and private sectors, supporting everything from education and e-commerce to healthcare and financial services. Additionally, many young Jamaicans have leveraged the Internet for financial independence as TikTok content creators, ride-share operators, YouTubers, and remote workers. The responsibility for protecting the country's telecom infrastructure must not rest solely on service providers - a coordinated national response is necessary," Haughton charged.
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