Former RGD boss takes charge at USF

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has announced the appointment of Charlton McFarlane as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective today, more than seven months after the death of previous CEO, Dr Daniel Dawes.

Dawes was found unresponsive at his home on May 24 last year.

In a statement, the USF noted that Dawes was deeply committed to advancing Jamaica’s digital transformation, and his sudden loss had left a significant gap at the organisation’s helm.

During the interim, the Fund was led by its financial controller, 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 said it was confident that McFarlane’s vision and expertise would continue the progress set by Dawes and lead the USF into its next phase of growth and innovation.

According to the USF, McFarlane brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, and innovation from his previous role as CEO of the Registrar General’s Department (RGD).

McFarlane’s tenure at the RGD ended at the expiry of his contract on May 2 last year.

Days earlier, he pleaded guilty to charges of failing to file statutory information by April 13, as had been required by a notice of the Integrity Commission Act. He was also charged with four counts of failing, without reasonable cause, to furnish the commission with a statutory declaration for periods ending December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

After he paid the relevant fines and submitted all outstanding income and assets declarations, the Integrity Commission later in May indicated that McFarlane had been deemed to be in compliance with the law.

The Integrity Commission charges did not appear to impact the view of McFarlane at the RGD as there were tears, hugs and handshakes as staff bid farewell to him on his final day, expressing their love and appreciation for his stewardship.

His new appointment has now been cited by the USF as a key step in the Fund’s mission to deepen Jamaica’s digital transformation and provide access to affordable technology services for all Jamaicans.

Reacting to his appointment, 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,” he said.

“Be ready for cutting-edge, highly creative, forward-thinking solutions to build a digital futuristic society.”

The USF said 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 said.

The Fund said it was looking forward to 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.