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TCHTA Reveals Stunning Cover for Destination 2023 Magazine

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#TurksandCaicos, February 6, 2023 – The 17th edition of the TCHTA Destination Turks and Caicos Islands Magazine was unveiled during a mid-morning launch at the Coral Pavilion in Leeward, Providenciales.

The organization welcomed tourism partners, association members, advertisers, writers, and supporters to be the first to see the magazine’s latest breathtaking cover.  And it is indeed spectacular.

Event attendees released audible gasps at the unveiling of the cover photo, which displayed a majestic blue hole off the island of Middle Caicos.  The image, shot by Agile Levin of Visit TCI, showed off the beauty of the hole and its enormous size, highlighted by the dotting of kiteboarders displayed just beneath it.

The “About the Cover” article, written by magazine Head Writer Sonia Omega Simmons of SOS Media, reveals just how magnificent the water feature is, touted to be nearly 2000 ft in diameter.

“Every year we wonder how the creative team could possibly top the year before, and somehow, they do!”, stated a beaming Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA. “Cover to cover, this magazine is not only filled with breathtaking images of the undeniable beauty Turks and Caicos offers, but the stories draw you in, and make you want to explore every inch of these islands, even as a resident.” She continued, “I am especially proud to see that we had an even bigger response from local writers this year, and every piece is captivating.”

The TCHTA publication is the premier luxury magazine for the Turks and Caicos Islands, placed in rooms throughout the country for visitors to enjoy and take away as a treasured keepsake. Its highlights of the best accommodations, activities, dining, wellness and destination wedding providers have earned it the designation of “The Destination Guide” over the years. It is a trusted resource for visitors wanting to explore everything these islands offer.

Giving insight into the magazine’s reach, Karen Whitt, TCHTA Board Director and Marketing Chair shared, “As of last year, the magazine not only has placement in resort rooms, but we’ve made it accessible to those planning to travel here even before they arrive on island. This has given our advertisers a distinct edge as their product gets more visibility by travellers in the decision-making stage”.  She added, “We showcase the magazine on every marketing trip for the destination. It is accessible by QR code on compact tent cards and is gifted to travel partners on USB drives compatible with all mobile devices. We do our best to ensure this stunning magazine, its incredible stories, and our world-class offerings are seen by all.”

Themed this year to focus on Eco-tourism in the destination, the magazine highlights eco-friendly developments, farm-to-table dining experiences, ‘buying local’, Voluntourism, and insight into how travellers can enjoy Turks and Caicos responsibly.

Honourable Josephine Connolly and Permanent Secretary Wesley Clearveaux attended the launch representing the Ministry of Tourism. The duo joined TCHTA CEO Stacy Cox and TCHTA President Trevor Musgrove to unveil the cover.

Musgrove shared his excitement for the piece, “This is something the entire country can certainly be proud of. It is beautifully executed, looks and feels like no other magazine in the country, and I am especially excited to see our local talent featured throughout its pages.” He continued, “We couldn’t do this each year without the support of our members, and so we extend our thanks to them. To our member photographers, the magazine is only as stunning as it is because of their incredible work. I have no words that adequately describe how proud I am of Stacy and the team for managing this from start to finish. What they have done is nothing short of exceptional.”

Erin Patrick of EP Designs once again provided the creative direction and design for the magazine, with Nicholette Thomas and Sonia Omega Simmons as co-editors.

The team invited the Turks & Caicos National Trust, the DECR, and Philip Shearer of Big Blue Collective to pen special pieces dedicated to protecting the country’s tourism product.

Alongside Head Writer Sonia Omega Simmons, this year’s section writers were Dr. Carlton Mills, Jayne Baker, L. T. Bourne, Levenia Bishop, Evangelia “Lia” Jardine, Lavern Skippings-Reynolds, and Lorraine Kenlock. Paradise Photography, Brilliant Studios, Visit TCI, and Eye Spice provided photography.

The Source hosted the gathering at the Coral Pavilion, with attendees transported to the villa courtesy of Grace Bay Car Rental’s newest Tesla fleet. The poolside and ocean views were a fitting backdrop for the beautiful event. Now officially launched, Destination 2023 is on its way to accommodations and businesses throughout the country and can be viewed in its entirety on the home page of the TCHTA website: www.turksandcaicoshta.com.

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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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