Caribbean News
Jamaica’s Capacity to Produce Medical-Grade Oxygen Gets Big Boost
#Jamaica, March 18, 2022 – Jamaica’s ability to produce medical-grade oxygen has been further bolstered with the commissioning of IGL Limited’s pressure swing absorption (PSA) plant at Ferry, St. Catherine. The plant was developed at a cost of nearly $100 million.
The facility was formally commissioned into service by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, who represented Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, during a ceremony on Wednesday (March 16).
The plant’s development will boost IGL’s production capacity for oxygen by more than 40 per cent.
Its introduction will reduce the risk of supply disruptions previously occasioned by the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection surges and serve to mitigate similar occurrences in the event of other high-demand situations.
The new plant complements the existing air separation unit that manufactures liquid oxygen and nitrogen, which was built in 2018.
This expansion now positions IGL to be an exporter of medical-grade oxygen, among other industrial gases, and a net earner of foreign exchange for Jamaica.
Senator Hill, who was the keynote speaker, lauded IGL’s management, led by Managing Director, Peter Graham, noting that “our health sector and economy will undoubtedly benefit from this investment”.
Senator Hill pointed out that prior to IGL making oxygen available, Jamaica relied on imports to supply the commodity, particularly to hospitals.
He posited that the full value of having the commodity available locally was amplified during the pandemic, “as the global supply diminished and many countries scrambled to fill the very heightened demand occasioned by the virus”.
“As our nation grappled with the coronavirus and oxygen was needed to save our lives… IGL stepped up. Your
responsive leadership and dedicated service was noticed and appreciated by many, many Jamaicans… . I would dare to say, all Jamaicans,” the Minister added.
Senator Hill, who noted oxygen supply challenges experienced during the course of the pandemic, pointed out that IGL, through “firm commitment and with a strong sense of service”, was able to address these “in a very timely manner”.
“Your quick and careful action went a long way to help control Jamaica’s mortality rate and reduce the stress occasioned by the pandemic. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend sincere appreciation to you and your staff who have ensured that this critical commodity was delivered to our hospitals across the island,” he added.
Senator Hill reaffirmed the Industry Ministry’s commitment to assist local businesses to grow and expand their operations to supply domestic and export markets, while emphasising that “[now] is the time to invest… in Jamaica”.
Also attending the commissioning of the plant was Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Daryl Vaz.
In his remarks, he said the occasion of the commissioning “should be marked with celebration”.
“This feat is not one to be taken lightly, especially in the face of the pandemic, which continues to cause significant strain on resources of many organisations,” he noted.
He emphasised that IGL’s development of the plant “speaks to sound vision and good leadership as well as a deep commitment to Jamaica and its people”.
In this regard, Mr. Vaz said IGL should be lauded for its effort, while describing Mr. Graham as a “true son of the Jamaican soil”.
Mr. Graham said IGL, in recognition of the importance of the entity’s products to Jamaica, proceeded with the programmed investment and expansion of its operations, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the decision as “important and significant”.
He also hinted that the expansion forms part of IGL’s vision of building out a high-tech industrial park, featuring cutting-edge state-of-the-art technology that would form the nucleus of what he described as the ‘New Ferry’.
IGL’s Chairman, Bevon Francis, said the commissioning was a “historic occasion” for the entity, coming in its 60th year of service to Jamaica.
“This is all the more significant in the context of Jamaica’s celebration of 60 years of Independence,” he added.
Mr. Francis noted that over the past six decades, IGL has grown and, in the process, earned the “coveted reputation” as Jamaica’s leading distributor of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and primary manufacturer and distributor of industrial and medical gases.
He maintained that IGL is a manufacturer, distributor, and valuable member of the industrial sector, and employer of more than 438 team members, adding that ‘we have grown steadily over the years, and we are still in expansion mode”.
Among the guests was Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives, Anthony Hylton, who delivered brief remarks.
Contact: Douglas McIntosh
Release: 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.
