Caribbean News
CARPHA Supports St. Vincent and the Grenadines for CELAC and Cricket World Cup
March 9, 2024 – The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) conducted an integrated mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to strengthen surveillance, early warning and response, laboratory, health and food safety capacity in preparation for the 8th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on March 1st and the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 Mens’ World Cup in June. CELAC welcomed 33 Heads of State and Governments, their respective delegations and regional agency representatives.
The CARPHA mission, led by Dr. Lisa Indar, Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control (SDPC),
comprised persons from several CARPHA departments, Ms. Angela Hinds, Head, Health Information, Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response (HCE), Dr. Laura-Lee Boodram, Head, Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Dr. Michelle Hamilton, Head of Laboratory Services and Networks (LSN), Mr. Shane Kirton, Programme Manager, Environmental Health and Sustainable Development (EHSD), Drs. Maurice Frank and Jarelle Branford, Technical Officers, HCE, Mr. Keston Daniel, Epidemiologist, Regional Tourism and Health Program (THP) and Mrs. Danielle Gordon-John, Senior Laboratory Technologist.
Dr. Simone Keizer Beache, Chief Medical Officer (SVG), remarked “The integrated CARPHA SDPC in-country mission took place during the preparations for SVG’s hosting of the CELAC Summit. The schedule was challenging given the competing demands, but the willingness and flexibility of the CARPHA team and the recognition of its importance by the SVG team led to a successful mission. We strongly recommend that all CARPHA Member States take full advantage of the capacity building opportunities on offer.” Dr. Lisa Indar indicated, “The wide scope of activities executed by CARPHA covers many facets of strengthening overall public health surveillance and action. It’s the first of a series of visits for host countries for the ICC T20 Mens’ World Cup toward building regional capacity to prepare CARPHA Member States to mitigate against possible public health threats.”
Key outcomes of this mission included:
- A 2-day workshop on Communicable Diseases Surveillance for Health Workers conducted with 37 participants across the health sector to understand case definitions and timely reporting to the central level.
- Conduct of a National Risk Assessment for mass gatherings, in collaboration with PAHO, using the WHO/PAHO Mass Gathering Risk Assessment Tool. The results of the risk assessment will be used to guide preparation and response for the upcoming ICC T20 CWC.
- A desktop simulation exercise with 34 participants, including public health nurses, environmental health officers and law enforcement. This exercise tested how participants responded to multiple public health scenarios during mass gathering events and identified gaps/challenges of the same.
- Rapid response training for 17 public health professionals, including persons from the security/defense force and the National Emergency Management Organisation. The training reviewed scenarios that necessitated mounting a response to a public health emergency by rapidly dispatching a multidisciplinary team to investigate and implement mitigating measures to contain the situation.
- Mass gathering surveillance training, conducted for 16 key public health staff of the MOHWE, including the CMO and national epidemiologist. An all-hands-on-deck approach was taken emphasizing the need for daily and real-time reporting, monitoring, response, coordination and communication.CARPHA regional mass gathering syndromic surveillance system (MGSS) was detailed, including national surveillance, tourism-based surveillance and the new module developed for mass gatherings. Nurses at the health command centre for the CELAC summit were also trained and registered on MGSS.
- Training on Food and Environmental Health safety during mass gatherings for 82 food handlers, including those who were providing the catering for the CELAC summit. The training focused on ensuring all food handlers are equipped with the appropriate knowledge and tools to prepare, cook, store and serve food to guestsat the establishments and in a Mass Gathering setting.
- Training in Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, conducted for 50 individuals in the hospitality sector with an additional focus on specificities of Mass Gatherings. The session aimed to build capacity to quickly identify and respond to cases of Infectious Diseases and included participants from the hotel, food, and beverage sectors some of which were working closely with the CELAC summit and will be working with the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
- Assessments of the laboratory network of SVG for optimization of laboratory services available in-country.
Training in testing for priority pathogens during an emergency response and/or mass gathering was conducted for seven laboratory staff of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and the Molecular Laboratory. Protocols were also developed for the operations of an integrated laboratory service, supported by a Mobile Testing Team from CARPHA. - The CELACsite visit, inclusive of the mobile emergency operations centre (EOC) and its facilities, was conducted by the CARPHA and MOHWE team.
These workshops proved instrumental in identifying and addressing various challenges. This joint mission has strengthened SVG’s surveillance and response capacity and preparedness to effectively anticipate and manage potential challenges, ensuring a seamless and secure CELAC and T20 CWC tournament experience for all.
CARPHA and SVG continue to work toward supporting SVG’s preparation for these large-scale mass gathering events. The CARPHA team provided support to SVG for the CELAC summit on March 1st as follows: (i) support at National Laboratory (ii) support at health EOC (HEOC) and (iii) support at the health command site at Sandals.
This CARPHA mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines was made possible through the World Bank via the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Regional Health Project.
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.
