Many Starlink devices acquired by government following Melissa remain in storage – AG

Many of the Starlink devices acquired by the government for distribution in the aftermath of hurricane melissa remain in storage and unused.

This was revealed in a report from the Auditor General which was tabled in Parliament yesterday.

The Auditor General explained that the audit of Hurricane Melissa relief was undertaken to determine whether activities were executed with due regard to transparency and accountability.

The report focused on the oversight responsibilities of the National Disaster Fund Committee, procurement activities from the national disaster fund, acquisition and distribution of Starlink devices and inventory and stores management.

The Starlink devices were delivered to the office of the commissioner of police on November 14, 2025.

The AG said the review determined that 120 devices were distributed among 17 entities.

Of these, 13 entities confirmed receipt of a total of 86 devices.

Physical inspections conducted at 8 entities revealed all 41 issued devices remained unused and in storage.

Additionally, 5 entities did not record the Starlink devices in their asset inventories, while 3 Municipal Corporations reported that the devices had not been entered into municipal inventory listings but were issued directly to the respective councillors.

Conversely, the Jamaica Customs Agency indicated that, although the agency received 3 devices, measures are being implemented to render them operational.

The agency further informed that the devices power supplies are of European specification, necessitating the replacement of power adapters to meet local requirements at an additional cost.

The AG said upon examination of 41 devices, it was observed that all units were equipped with European two-pin electrical plugs, requiring adapters for use.

As of January 6, 2026, 80 out of 200 Starlink devices remained in storage at the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Among the AG’s recommendations is that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, (ODPEM) should immediately implement a structured deployment and activation plan for all star link devices acquired for emergency response operations.

This plan should include clear criteria for allocation based on priority needs, assignment of responsibility for device activation, and documented procedures for monitoring usage and effectiveness.