Caribbean News
TCI: No date, but Carnival will return with larger ships at an expanded pier; investment announces as $25 million
#TurksandCaicos, June 19, 2021 – Four months from now Grand Turk could be welcoming the biggest names and brands and vessels in cruising, and when the passengers descend upon the island it will be overwhelming in terms of the numbers. What the Turks and Caicos Islands Government hopes and Carnival Cruise Line executives want, is for the experience to be greatly enhanced and far from under-whelming, whenever that day comes.
An $8.5 million Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Carnival Infrastructure Fund will support refurbishment and development to ensure the visitor experience is unforgettable for all of the right reasons. Enhancements in Grand Turk, despite the sizeable cash storage, have been slow, however both parties, on Thursday, re-committed to spending from the fund.
“We have toured the island, we have spoken about how the infrastructure Fund will manage, because of that conversation, I expect that you will see a more orderly and more timely draw down of the funds that will be re-invested. The focus will have to be on the physical, the cultural and the cultural heritage of these islands. This is a fragile environment; we are looking at expanding the tourism product both land-based and cruise-based. The Government will be making significant investment alone or along with Carnival to do everything that we can to preserve the culture and the architecture,” said Hon. Washington Misick, TCI Premier in addressing questions posed at a public meeting held on June 17.
Carnival Corporation’s Senior Executive team flew into Grand Turk for the two-hour meeting with key government leaders, namely: Washington Misick, Premier & Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade; Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs and Member of Parliament for Grand Turk North; Akierra Misick, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development and Josephine Connolly, the Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Environment, Culture, Marine Resources and Heritage.
From Carnival Corporation, there was: Gioria Israel, Sr Vice President of Global Ports for Carnival Corporation; Marie McKenzie, VP of Global Ports and Caribbean Government Relationships; Raquel Mota, Health Environment & Safety manager; David Candib, who managed construction of the port; Franklyn Diaz, is the new ports manager for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos and Desmond Hall, the local Operations Manager.
The high level meeting was held at the Grand Turk Cruise Center around 3 p.m. on June 17, 2021; it was followed by a two-hour walking tour of the capital and on Friday, a meeting was planned with Carnival staff on the island.
“One of the big things we are looking at is how we can provide incentive to encourage investment in the historic district, but also, particularly so in our traditional communities. I am here today to reinforce our relationship and our partnership with Carnival to ensure that once they return we can operate in partnership, in an orderly basis so that everyone who has an interest in the cruise sector can benefit,” said Hon Misick at the meeting.
Areas viewed were South Base; a government zone badly destroyed when hurricanes Irma and Maria battered Grand Turk within a week of each other in September 2017. The delegation, in golf carts, moved along the historic lanes of Duke and Front Streets with stops at Osprey Beach, which led them pass deserted businesses, the unoccupied Welcome Center and the dilapidated buildings, all flanking Columbus Landfall National Park. There was also a walk through Middle Street.
“We are committed to making this the best visitor experience, but also the best experience for those of us who live and work here by redeveloping and repositioning our tourism product to be the best that it could be in any small island. Carnival has demonstrated their commitment during the talks to helping us achieve that.”
The quaint, historic island is the capital of the Turks and Caicos and at less than seven square miles, with a population around 4,800 people (probably less with the loss of the cruise industry), it is predicted cruise calls will bring with them more than double the residency.
“Twenty-three per cent of guests book tours on the ship. That means all of the other guests are available to go on tours or to do whatever activity they may chose, so I believe there is enough business for everyone,” said the Premier.
Everyone, could possibly include a new cruise line and definitely includes expansion of the current gangway at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.
“The overall project of expanding the pier so that we can take the Mardi Gras; that project only is about $25 million. We are ready to commence work. We have worked with Government on some of the permitting, some have already been granted and we are working on the details, explained Giora Israel, Senior Vice President of Global Ports, Carnival Corporation who added: “…that will allow the Mardi Gras come in with two gangways which means we can have people get off the ship very, very quickly. This activity is very important to make sure we can take the ship. There are not many ports that can take this ship, we are delighted to advise you that the Mardi Gras, and its sister ship, Celebration – in about a year and a half from now – they are scheduled to come here.”
The two vessels named by Mr. Isael boast many firsts including being the only LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) powered cruise ships in the Americas and in the case of the Mardi Gras, which arrived at its home port in Port Canaveral, Florida on June 4, 2021 it features the first rollercoaster at sea.
No date was announced about when the cruise industry will reboot for Turks and Caicos and when Carnival Cruise ships will return to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, however, the new PNP Government Administration through the premier assured it is committed to reversing the economic contraction which forced a pause on cruising since March 13, 2020.
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.
