Caribbean News
US $6.45Million GOJ/UN Project to be implemented in Kingston and Claredon
#Jamaica, March 21, 2018 – Kingston – The standard of living of 43,000 residents of Northern Clarendon and Western Kingston is expected to significantly improve under a US$6.45 million project to be jointly implemented over the next three years by several United Nations (UN) agencies in partnership with the Government of Jamaica and civil society.
The project, dubbed “Strengthening Human Resilience in Northern Clarendon and West Kingston”, is the first such being implemented, and will focus on building resilience in several areas based on extensive assessments of challenges in the targeted communities.
These include limited access to clean and potable water; the inability to effectively mitigate climate change and natural hazards; persistent poverty; and lack of access to social services, which the UN has identified as foremost threats to the residents’ welfare.
Consequently, the initiative is tailored to strengthen local and community governance bodies, with youth participation being incorporated to design and oversee interventions; and enhance economic, food and nutritional security by creating a climate-resilient agriculture sector and diversified local economy.
It also aims to improve environmental, health and water security to safeguard communities against preventable illnesses such as waterborne and sanitation-related diseases and ensure efficient and sustainable use of natural resources; and strengthen the institutional capacities of the Government and community stakeholders to mainstream the human security approach in Jamaica’s development strategies.
The human security approach, according to the UN General Assembly, underscores the need for protection and empowerment strategies that are people-centred, comprehensive, context-specific and prevention-oriented.
Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who spoke at the launch at the Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston on March 12, welcomed the project which he said will significantly benefit the residents.
The Minister said he is particularly pleased that the project will target strengthening of local and community governance bodies, as well as address water issues. He further noted that the initiative will complement the activities of agencies already working in the targeted communities, to enhance the lives of residents.
“We are looking forward to the elevation of living standards and the enhancement of human dignity… through this joint programme,” Mr. McKenzie said.
Meanwhile, Chief of the UN Human Security Unit, Mehrnaz Mostafavi, expressed confidence that the project will successfully leverage the human security approach towards a new way of advancing progress on the country’s long-term National Development Plan – Vision 2030 Jamaica.
“By taking an integrated approach to improve water, sanitation and natural resource management, the programme will create synergies of expertise towards environmentally sustainable livelihoods. At the same time, by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities, the programme promotes concrete improvements in the daily lives of the (residents),” she said.
Ms. Mostafavi further noted that by linking elements of protection, inclusion and empowerment, the project provides useful insights and mechanisms for combining policy and community-level efforts to realise the outcomes of Vision 2030.
“We are happy to help strengthen efforts to mainstream human security as part of development planning in Jamaica,” she added
Ms. Mostafavi also expressed the hope that the project will provide practical guidance on how the United Nations system can strengthen its integrated support to disaster-prone communities in their implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The SDGs are 17 global goals set by the UN which focus on addressing wide-ranging social and economic development issues. These include poverty, hunger, education, climate change, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, the environment and social justice.
UN Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, Bruno Pouezat, said in formulating the project, “we (not only) consulted with Government, but also visited communities to listen to their concerns and make sure to incorporate them for action”.
May Pen’s Mayor, Councillor Winston Maragh, also welcomed the project “wholeheartedly”, noting his satisfaction that it will deal with the main challenge of water accessibility.
“We are really grateful for such a project, and we look forward to working with the entire team,” he said.
Funding for the project includes US$2.94 million being provided by the Government and US$1.65 million from the UN bodies through the UN Trust Fund for Human Security.
The local partners are: the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Planning Institute of Jamaica, Social Development Commission, Rural Agricultural Development Authority, Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, Clarendon Municipal Corporation, and Clarendon Parish Development Committee.
The UN partners are: the UN Trust Fund for Human Security; Food and Agriculture Organization; Pan American Health Authority; United Nations Development Programme; United Nations Environment Programme; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; UN Women; and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.
By: Elecia Smith (JIS)
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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
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.
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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