Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Entrepreneurs targeting potential opportunities from impending ban on plastics
#Kingston, December 26, 2018 – Jamaica – A group of enterprising young entrepreneurs has been gearing up to fill the void anticipated from the impending Government ban on single-use plastic items, which is slated to take effect on January 1, 2019.
The operators of the fledgling business entity, Those Creative People Tings (TCP Tings), which is known for its signature line – ‘One Bag Ah Tings, have created stylish tote bags to replace plastic or ‘scandal’ bags, commonly used by shoppers.
The bags, which were launched recently, are being marketed under the company’s ‘Scandal-Free’ line, and provide consumers with a trendy and durable alternative to scandal bags. They sport a range of interesting branding depictions, which is anticipated will serve to bolster the Government’s drive to withdraw plastic bags from the market. These include: ‘Nuh Inna Di Scandal’, ‘Scandal Free Life’, and ‘Not Ah Scandal Bag’.
The dynamic four-member team, whose products can be viewed and purchased on their website – www.tpctings.com – comprises: Founders and Creative Directors, Kia Moses and Jordan Moses; Creative Coordinator and Copywriter, Lindsey Lodenquai; and Partner and Director of Operations, Marc Gayle.
Mr. Gayle says the ‘scandal-free’ bag line has received positive public feedback, citing a recently held Moda Market in Kingston where the product was introduced, among the testing grounds.
“We tested it there and the reaction was crazy, we were completely sold out on the first run. We have customers begging for more bags. We have received great feedback from our customers that our totes are durable and can hold a [fairly sizeable] amount of things,” Mr. Gayle tells JIS News.
He says team has taken steps to ensure that none of the company’s products negatively impact the environment, noting that the members are environmentally conscious, which influences their operations.
“We do what we can and, as we grow, we’d like to do a lot more. Part of our proceeds from the sale of our classic totes collection is donated to the ongoing ‘Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica’ campaign,” Mr. Gayle informs.
He further indicates that the company tries to exercise its environmental responsibilities by limiting the use of plastic in its production process.
“One of the things that we’ve debated amongst ourselves is not using plastic in our packaging. So we decided, early, to use cloth strings and paper tags to label our bags as well as package them in paper bags,” Mr. Gayle outlines.
While acknowledging that this is costlier and more labour intensive, he says this, nonetheless, upholds the principle of their products being environmentally friendly.
“We are extremely supportive of the proactive measure the Government is taking to put our environment first and steer the country towards a more sustainable future,” he adds.
Mr. Gayle says the group is concerned about the extent of pollution caused by plastics, and how some persons in the society have become lackadaisical in their approach to solid waste disposal, particularly plastics.
“As a small island, we are threatened by man-made single-use plastic containers. This threatens our fisheries, the livelihood of fishermen and the blue economy,” he shares.
The group is hopeful that once the plastic ban is implemented, the market will realign and raw materials to produce alternatives will be widely accessible locally at competitive prices.
Mr. Gayle says the company remains committed to being environmentally conscious and eco-friendly and, in that regard, plans to extensively expand its product line over the next five years. They also commend the Government and encourage other businesses to embrace and capitalise on the changes and opportunities that the ban generate.
“We’re deeply sympathetic towards businesses whose operations will be affected by the ban. However, change is coming with the new legislation so don’t be closed minded. Keep your eyes open and look at alternatives because even if you don’t see them today, you’re going to see a lot more of them in the coming years,” Mr. Gayle states.
He also encourages the Government to heighten its responsiveness to and prioritisation of environmental preservation, while incorporating wide-scale stakeholder involvement in the process.
Release: JIS
By: Colleen Dawkins
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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