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JIS STAFF WELCOMES SEXUAL HARASSMENT TRAINING

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KINGSTON, February 29 (JIS): Jamaica Information Service (JIS) employees, who benefited from a recent sexual harassment sensitisation session, say they are now more aware about what constitutes harassment, how it can manifest in the workplace, and what to do if they experience or witness harassment.

The session was conducted by the Sexual Harassment Investigation Unit in the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), a division of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, to raise awareness and educate workers about their rights and responsibilities as well as to highlight key areas of the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021.

The legislation addresses concerns about sexual harassment that are employment-related, occurring in institutions, or arising in the landlord and tenant relationship.

It contains provisions for dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, schools, correctional institutions, places of safety, nursing homes, medical and psychiatric facilities, among other places.

Under the Act, which came into effect on July 3, 2023, Government bodies and private-sector organisations are required to establish sexual harassment policies and bring these to the attention of workers.

Paul Johnson from the Research and Publications Department says he learned a lot from the one-day hybrid session and has a better understanding of the types of behaviours that may be unacceptable in the workplace.  

He says he is now more careful when engaging with others.

“I am a jovial person, but I know who to pull my jokes with and I will try to be careful… a small matter can be big for some people,” he points out.

Another employee, Navario Barrett, who works in the Digitisation Department, says he also “benefited tremendously” from the training.

Mr. Barrett says he is more aware of how certain habits, such as touching friends when talking with them, could make them uncomfortable.

“I understand that these movements can be seen as sexual harassment, even though you don’t really mean it like that, but I know that for some persons it might feel uncomfortable. So, this [seminar] really is an eye-opener to really know how to approach persons,” he says.

Mr. Barrett notes that the presenter pointed out that both females and males experience sexual harassment. 

“It entails males because they, too, go through these experiences in the workplace. The seminar is a good one, especially at this time. I am very happy and grateful that I was there,” he adds.

Director of Electronic Production, Andrine Davidson, in highlighting the importance of the training, says it is critical to ensure that team members are aware of the legislation, which was implemented to ensure a healthy work environment that is free from harassment and coercion.

“It is important that everyone feels safe and respected and is able to contribute to the productivity of the agency.

“Our commitment to maintaining a workplace that is free from harassment is not just a legal obligation. It is not just because the Government says we should, but it is a moral one, and we value each member of the team and we want to ensure that everyone feels secure,” she says.

Director of Human Resources, David Knight, for his part, indicates that the training will be ongoing, noting that a previous session was held with the management team.

“We will continue since not all our team members are available today. Some are at various assignments and on vacation leave. So, we intend to have other sessions so that we can have a coverage of all our team members,” he points out.

Stating that sexual harassment is a serious workplace issue, Mr. Knight notes that it is not just carried out by men against women, and also occurs between employees of similar rank and status.

As such, he says, it is important that persons are trained to recognise behaviours that are unacceptable in the workplace so that they can take an active role in creating a safe and respectful workplace culture. 

“The training, the sensitisation, the empowerment is very useful,” Mr. Knight adds.

Sexual Investigative Officer, BGA, Resheda Campbell, who was the main presenter, says the discussion session with the JIS team was valuable, noting that the participants “were engaged and interested in the topic”.

“I have no doubt that the JIS staff will be the game changer. They will participate in this cultural shift that we want to establish in Jamaica. The Sexual Harassment Policy is the start of something great and for it to work it takes the involvement of everybody,” she notes.

She said that the BGA will be happy to continue the partnership with the JIS by having other seminars, especially for new employees.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, in a statement in the House of Representatives on February 6, urged employers and heads of institutions to have a Sexual Harassment Policy in their workplaces by the end of June to avoid penalties.

“It is vital that every workplace and institution put in place a policy statement within 12 months of the commencement date of the Act. The effect of this is that no workplace or institution has the luxury of choosing when to effect compliance with this part of the legislation,” Minister Grange noted.

She said that the policy should outline the internal mechanisms and procedures that are available to a worker, client, student, resident, ward, inmate, patient or member, as the case may be, for the making of any complaint relating to sexual harassment and the resolution and settlement of the complaints.

It should explain the disciplinary measures that may be taken in respect of sexual harassment.

It should also include a statement to the effect that the employer, or person in charge of the institution, shall not disclose any information relating to a complainant or circumstances of a complaint to any person, except where the disclosure is necessary for the purposes of investigating the complaint or taking disciplinary action in relation to the complaint.

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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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