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Caribbean Port Management Workshop 2018

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#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2018 – Grand Turk – Caribbean Port Management Workshop 2018: Mega-hurricanes, new technologies and Regional Disaster Assistance Network dominate topics

In less than four months since the passing of the last of the five devastating hurricanes of 2017, representatives of the broader Caribbean maritime community gather in Panama on January 22, 23 and 24 to discuss the type and nature of the destruction; and, what technologies, systems and networks are now necessary to deal with future tropical hurricanes.

Registration of participants began this week for the inaugural Caribbean Port Management Workshop, being held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Panama.  The three-day event, organized and presented by the Port Management Association of the Caribbean, Portside Caribbean and Caribbean Maritime University, has attracted the attention of a number of regional organizations.  Coming soon after the historically violent hurricane season of 2017, this year’s Workshop provides an early opportunity to analyse and initiate plans and strategies ahead of 2018’s tropical storms.

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Already, a number of cruise and cargo ports and terminals around the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico have registered or have indicated intentions to participate.  Representatives of cruise ports and cargo terminals that were recently affected by destruction of land and port assets will share and analyse the type nature of port infrastructure damage and how defensive systems performed or failed under the onslaught of 2017’s mega-hurricanes.  This opening workshop session is a prelude to a broader discussion to take place on the second day of Workshop 2018.

 

INTEGRATED REGIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE AND RELIEF NETWORK

In the broader discussion, a plenary on January 22, participants will discuss coordination o assistance and relief efforts following major disasters and, specifically, the building of an integrated Regional Disaster Assistance and Relief Network operating across the Caribbean region.  Already, representative from organizations, including the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre, CBCL Consulting Engineers Limited, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), American Salvage Association, Oil Spill Response Ltd., T & T salvage, Panama, DHI.  The Inter-American Committee on Ports (OAS-CIP), the American Association of Port authorities (AAPA), the Gulf Ports Association of the Americas, and the Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH) have registered or confirmed intention to attend.

Workshop 2018 will begin, after formalities with Tropical Hurricanes:  Recent Phenomena – Impacts, Destruction and Outlook.   This will be presented by the Regional Chair of the world Meteorological Organization, Dr. Albert Martis.  This will be followed by accounts and recollections of what exactly happened in 2017, as Caribbean port managers show and tell stories not reported by news media but which are vital for the planning and development of sustainable port facilities.  Of special interest also is a presentation entitles A Regional Lifeline, by Dr Carlos Manuel Gomez Rudy, Administrator of the massive resource facility of the Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, now under construction in Panama.

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DESIGNING, SUSTAINING, EXPANDING HARBOURS AND PORTS

The 2018 Caribbean Port Management Workshop will have three tracks (of workshop presentations) over its first two days.  A total of 19 Workshop sessions will be presented in the three tracks.  Two tracks will run simultaneously on Day 1, giving participants a choice of reviewing the latest satellite-based technology and systems for designing, sustaining or expanding harbours and port facilities or, otherwise, addressing disaster management and response strategies.

Day 2 will bring all participants into the discussion to establish a region-wide disaster assistance/relief network.

On Day 3, participants will leave the classroom setting at the Sheraton Hotel to visit three facilities, including the expanded Panama Canal and particularly its awesome new set of locks.  This will be followed by a visit to the award-winning Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) to see the latest in port operations technology and systems.

MIT is hosting the 2018 Caribbean Port Management Workshop in Panama.  []  more information at Port Management Association of the Caribbean.  www.pmac-ports.com  CONTACT:  Mike Jarrett,portside@mikejarrett.net

 

Release: TCIG

 

 

 

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Mottley Sworn in After Historic Clean Sweep in Barbados Election

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Barbados, February 12, 2026 – Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley was this afternoon officially sworn in for a third consecutive term, hours after delivering one of the most emphatic election victories in Caribbean political history — another complete capture of all 30 seats in Barbados’ House of Assembly.

The ceremony, conducted by President His Excellency Lt. Col. The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, marked the formal start of a new administration following the February 11, 2026 general election, which returned the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to power with a renewed and overwhelming mandate.

In a statement after taking the oath, Mottley said she accepted the responsibility “with humility and resolve,” thanking the people of Barbados for placing their trust in her leadership once again and urging national unity as her government begins its new term. Attorney Wilfred Abrahams was also sworn in as Attorney General.

The result is historic not only for its scale but for its consistency. This is the third straight general election in which the BLP has won every constituency, reinforcing Mottley’s dominance in national politics and extending an unmatched era of one-party control in the modern democratic period.

Voting day unfolded under the watch of a CARICOM Election Observation Mission, led by Antigua and Barbuda’s Supervisor of Elections Ian Hughes and supported by senior electoral officials from Belize and Jamaica. The team engaged key institutions ahead of the poll and monitored the process across the island.

Regional leaders were swift in their congratulations.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali described the outcome as “emphatic and historic,” saying the clean sweep reflected how deeply Mottley’s leadership has connected with Barbadians and expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two countries.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness also hailed the victory, noting that her re-election provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation within CARICOM and advance shared regional priorities.

The scale of the win again leaves Barbados without a parliamentary opposition, a reality that has become a defining feature of the political landscape since 2018. Supporters argue the repeated mandate reflects public confidence in Mottley’s stewardship of economic reform, climate diplomacy, the transition to a republic, and Barbados’ expanding global influence.

Now, newly sworn in and backed by another unanimous parliamentary majority, Mottley begins a third term with both extraordinary political capital and equally high expectations at home and across the region.

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Liberty Caribbean Committed to ‘Elevating Region’ at CANTO  

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Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad & Tobago

Liberty Caribbean is Diamond Sponsor of CANTO Connect 2026 and 42nd AGM

 

Port of Spain, TRININDAD & TOBAGO (February 1, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow. Liberty Business and BTC, has reaffirmed its commitment to turning regional connectivity into measurable economic and social outcomes as Diamond Sponsor of CANTO Connect 2026 and its 42nd Annual General Meeting.

CANTO is the leading regional body that brings together telecommunications operators, ICT providers, regulators, governments, and industry partners to support the development of the Caribbean’s digital and communications landscape.

Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad & Tobago delivered the sponsor’s address on behalf of Liberty Caribbean.

“The work of laying fibre and lighting towers is done; connectivity is now our foundation,” she said.

“The real task before us is to translate that foundation into innovation, productivity and prosperity for our people. Intelligent connectivity, such as networks designed for 5G, AI and IoT, will be the platform for smarter public services, more resilient systems and scaled opportunities for Caribbean entrepreneurs.”

Martin-Sulgan emphasised that infrastructure alone will not deliver sustainable progress.

“Digital progress must become digital prosperity. That means creating career pathways for young people, helping local businesses scale and ensuring citizens across our communities can fully participate in the digital economy. A connected Caribbean should also be a confident, creative and globally competitive Caribbean,” she said.

Liberty Caribbean is represented by a senior delegation at CANTO Connect to support the conference objectives of aligning policy, investment and execution across the region under this year’s theme ‘Elevate the Caribbean – From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness’.

Liberty Caribbean’s delegation includes Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer; Desron Bynoe, VP and General Manager, Flow Barbados; Susanna O’Sullivan, VP and General Manager, North Caribbean; Marilyn Sealy, Senior Director, Head of Communications; Dominic Boon, VP, People; Daniel Neiva, Chief Commercial Officer, B2B; Bradley Ramcharan, Director, B2B, Trinidad & Tobago; Yolande Headley, Country Manager, Dutch East Caribbean; and Jade Reymond, Country Manager, Flow Anguilla.

Martin-Sulgan thanked CANTO’s local secretariat for convening the forum and urged delegates to convert conversation into action.

“If we align policy, capital and capability, the Caribbean can move from connectivity to competitiveness. Liberty Caribbean will continue to invest in resilient networks, nurture homegrown talent and partner to deliver measurable social and economic value across our markets,” she said.

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