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Ministry of Health and Human Services observes World Obesity Day and Shines a Spotlight on Health Challenges and Solutions

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Grand Turk – March 4 marks World Obesity Day, a global initiative shedding light on the pressing issue of obesity and its implications on health and well-being. In the Caribbean, a region rich in diverse cultures and traditions, food holds a profound significance within family life. From the passing down of traditional recipes through generations to the cherished gatherings around the dinner table, food is deeply embedded in Caribbean culture.

Families and friends often come together for lavish dinners, holidays, birthdays, graduations, and various social occasions, where food takes center stage. However, amidst the festivities, little attention is often paid to the potentially harmful impact of our dietary choices and ingredients used in meal preparation. Meals are often high in fat, sugar, and salt, in large portions. 

As the Turks and Caicos Islands and other Caribbean nations continue to modernize, there’s a noticeable shift away from traditional diets based on plants, whole grains, beans, and fish. Instead, diets increasingly consist of processed sugars, fats, and high levels of salt. Moreover, there’s a concerning trend towards sedentary lifestyles, with reduced physical activity or exercise and prolonged sitting. 

Childhood obesity and poor dietary intake among children are emerging as significant concerns in the region. Weight discrimination and stigma further compound these issues, presenting substantial negative consequences for individuals struggling with obesity. The fear of facing discrimination and weight-related stigma may deter individuals from seeking medical assistance and pursuing healthy weight loss journeys. This reluctance can exacerbate health risks and create barriers to accessing essential healthcare services. 

Dr. Brittney Jones, PAHO/WHO Technical Officer, Noncommunicable Diseases, Risk Factors and Mental Health indicates that “Obesity is a health condition that requires a multi-dimensional set of actions to support and sustain healthy lifestyle changes. Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables and reducing the consumption of sugary, salty and fatty foods and beverages, and increasing physical activity are critical to achieving healthy weight and quality life.” 

In light of World Obesity Day, it is crucial to raise awareness and take action to address obesity in the Caribbean. To combat obesity effectively, concerted efforts are required across various sectors:

  1. Schools:
  • Introduce more fruits and vegetables
  • Reduce sugary drinks 
  • Promote physical activity and reduce screen time 
  1. Communities:
  • Organize health awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of balanced diets and regular exercise
  • Take part in Let’s Move TCI 
  • incorporating more fruits and vegetables into traditional dishes
  • swapping fried foods for baked or boiled foods, 
  • reducing the sugar and salt in favorite recipes
  • Establish community and backyard gardens to increase accessibility to fresh, nutritious foods
  • Managing stressful life events
  • Increasing the duration of quality sleep
  • Paying attention to food labels to avoid high salt, sugar and fats in foods
  1. Workplace:
  • Introduce workplace wellness programs incorporating nutritional guidance and fitness activities
  • Encourage increased physical activity such as taking the stairs versus the elevator, introducing fitness breaks during work meetings
  • Provide resources and support for employees seeking to improve their overall health and well-being

Together, let’s work towards a healthier future for all, where nutritious food and active lifestyles are accessible and celebrated in the Caribbean and beyond. The ideal strategy for combating obesity involves collaboration among individuals, communities, governments, and various stakeholders to embrace healthier lifestyle practices. Everyone needs to take part in organizing and participating in initiatives that promote healthier cooking and dietary habits, as well as encourage active lifestyles.

Caribbean News

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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Caribbean News

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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Caribbean News

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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