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JAMAICA: Salt Spring Resident Grateful For New Home

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#MontegoBay, May 25, 2021 – When 47-year old Julie Ann “Bubbles” Sterling received word that she was the recipient of a three-bedroom house, courtesy of the Government’s National Social Housing Programme (NSHP), she could not contain her emotions.

The resident of the inner-city community of Salt Spring, St. James, simply started crying and hugging any and everyone in sight… whether friend or stranger, on receiving the happy news.

“I am grateful for this house… based on where I am coming from and where I am at now. I have to give God thanks for everything that has happened over the past months… and the past years. This is so overwhelming… there is not enough words for me to express,” Ms. Sterling told JIS News, while holding back tears.

“It was very rough, very rough. At one point I even dropped through the floor, but God is God and I appreciate what the Prime Minister has done and the Member of Parliament, Heroy Clarke and my Councillor caretaker,” she added.

Prime Minister, the Most. Hon. Andrew Holness, handed over the keys of the three-bedroom dwelling, which was constructed at a cost of $9 million, to the family of 10 on May 21.

Ms. Sterling, noted that while she knew her situation, which includes being the caregiver for her sickly 84-year-old mother, two children, sister and five nieces was bad, she was also cognisant that there were other competing applicants with similar problems.

She stated that her neighbours and other community persons have been very supportive, taking joy that her situation has changed for the better.

Resident of Norwood, St. James, Joseph Lloyd, said he has known Ms. Sterling for more than 30 years and that a more deserving recipient “would not be easy to find”.

“Everyone who knows Bubbles… knows that she is a people person and an asset to her community. I am not sure you will find anybody who would have anything bad to say about her or who would think she wasn’t a deserving recipient. She has been through a lot and truly deserves this lucky break,” Mr. Lloyd stated.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness said it is the duty of Ms. Sterling to care for the house.

“I know Julie is very grateful for this… very thankful. The house is free to you…you are not going to pay anything for it, but the house is not free. The house is paid for by taxpayers’ resources, so you have an obligation to take care of the house… to ensure that the surroundings are kept clean… that if anything breaks, you fix it as quickly as possible,” Mr. Holness said.

“The people around you might have similar challenges, but you who would have benefited must carry a positive message to them… you must encourage them… tell them that their day will come,” he added.

The NSHP is being administered by the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) programme.

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has oversight for the NSHP, which is administered by the NSHP Secretariat.

A total of 316 applications have been received from Members of Parliament across the 63 constituencies. Of the 316 received, 224 have been approved by the NSHP’s Project Oversight Committee. 

By: Garwin Davis

Release: JIS

Photo Captions:

Yhomo Hutchinson Photos

Header: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (left), cuts the ribbon at the handover of a three-bedroom dwelling to Julie Ann Sterling (right), under the National Social Housing Programme in Salt Spring, St. James Central, on May 21. 

1st insert: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), in discussion with Julie Ann Sterling (left), recipient of a $9-million housing solution under the National Social Housing Programme in Salt Spring, St. James Central, on May 21.  The Prime Minister was touring the house with Ms. Sterling after handing over the unit. 

2nd insert: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre), in discussion with Julie Ann Sterling (left), recipient of a $9-million housing solution under the National Social Housing Programme in Salt Spring, St. James Central, on May 21.  The Prime Minister was touring the house with Ms. Sterling after handing over the unit.  Sharing the moment at right is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Audrey Sewell.

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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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