Caribbean News
National Heroes Park to Receive Facelift
#Jamaica, May 30, 2022 – The area reserved at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston for interring Jamaicans making outstanding contributions to the country is to receive a facelift that transforms the historic site into a space better reflecting the nation’s appreciation for these persons.
This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who indicated that “very soon this park will be quite different; very soon this park will be befitting of the heroes we have laid to rest here.”
He was addressing a floral tribute ceremony at the facility on Saturday (May 28) to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister, the late Most Hon. Edward Seaga.
Among the persons interred at the Park are National Heroes and former Prime Ministers.
Mr. Holness noted that no Jamaican could be satisfied to see the facility in its current state, “dotted with garbage piles all around.”
“So, in short order [after the facelift], I’m sure Mr. Seaga [would] be very happy, so too all the other Heroes, Prime Ministers and great Jamaicans who we have laid to rest here, that this will truly be a symbol of accomplishment of their desires for this nation,” he said.
The Government previously announced plans for the redevelopment of the wider National Heroes Park, which involves the construction of a new Parliament building on a section of the 50-acre property. This forms part of a master plan to redevelop downtown Kingston.
Meanwhile, Mr. Holness, in reflecting on Mr. Seaga’s life and work, hailed him as a leader “who truly believed in democracy and the institutions of democracy.”
He noted that this was exemplified in the 1980s when, for a period, there was no parliamentary Opposition, pointing out that “there could never be a question that any of our democratic institutions were undermined during this
period.”
“Mr. Seaga went overboard… in many instances to make it… clear that his Administration during that time would do everything to preserve democracy, including making innovations in the appointment of the Senate and other such innovations in government to protect our democracy,” the Prime Minister stated.
Mr. Holness noted that Mr. Seaga’s work and service, as one of the original framers of Jamaica’s Constitution and leading constitutional reform over a number of years, was also symbolic of his strong belief in democracy.
“He was… a critical and pivotal figure at the point of our Independence; he was truly a father of the nation and indeed a father of our democracy,” he said.
Prime Minister Holness also recounted Mr. Seaga’s zest for development, noting that he was instrumental in developing Ocho Rios, Negril, New Kingston, and downtown Kingston.
“We look at West Kingston as well, and we recognise [that] Tivoli [Gardens] was the product of Mr. Seaga’s mind; his thinking of trying to socially engineer a community and development. So that dream, 50 years hence, needs to be re-visited and completed,” he said.
In his tribute, Minister of Local Government and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Kingston Western, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said “Jamaica has lost a great son” adding that “his name will [continue to] echo right across [the country].”
He pointed out that Mr. Seaga’s name is synonymous with local culture, noting that thousands of young people across the country, were afforded opportunities to be exposed culturally due to the late former Prime Minister’s efforts through Jamaica Festival.
Mr. McKenzie informed that at this time of year, the constituency of West Kingston customarily reflects on Mr. Seaga’s life and work with the staging of several events.
He noted that a youth forum was held in the constituency, where young people spoke about building on the legacy of the former Prime Minister.
“Last night (May 27) in Tivoli, we had an evening of excellence, where the cultural ‘barn yard’ of West Kingston, representing the various schools and institutions, performed,” he said.
Mr. McKenzie said other slated activities included a wreath-laying involving representatives of the constituency on Sunday (May 29)
[The constituency] will be back here tomorrow [May 29] morning for a wreath-laying ceremony… because we can never forget what Edward Seaga did for the people of West Kingston and we are eternally grateful,” he said, adding that a gospel concert was also slated to be held.
Mr. Seaga, who died at age 89 on May 28, 2019, represented the constituency of West Kingston from 1962 until his retirement from active politics in 2005. He had the distinction, then, of being the longest-serving MP in the history of Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Photo Captions:
Header: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, prepares to place a wreath at the shrine of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, during a floral tribute ceremony at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Saturday (May 28). The ceremony was held to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Mr. Seaga, who was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister.
1st insert: Minister of Local Government and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Kingston Western, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, places a special floral arrangement on behalf of the constituency, at the shrine of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, during a floral tribute at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Saturday (May 28). The ceremony was held to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Mr. Seaga, who was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister. Mr. Seaga represented Kingston Western from 1962 until his retirement from active politics in 2005.
2nd insert: The Most Hon. Carla Seaga, widow of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, lays a wreath at his shrine during a floral tribute ceremony at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Saturday (May 28). The ceremony was held to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Mr. Seaga, who was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister.
3rd insert: Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, pauses to reflect after placing flowers on the shrine of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, during a floral tribute ceremony at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Saturday (May 28). The ceremony was held to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Mr. Seaga, who was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister.
Release: JIS
Contact: Alecia Smith
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.
