Caribbean News
Trust Fund Assessments of Primary School Children Highlights Opportunities for Government Sint Maarten to Strengthen Education
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, October 16th, 2024 – The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) recently presented the results of assessments of primary school students to stakeholders as part of ongoing educational consultations. The Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA), conducted over the past year, have given the Government of Sint Maarten insights into pupils’ reading and math skills across the island. These consultations are part of the Trust Fund’s Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP), which aims to help restore and strengthen the island’s education system following the damage caused by Hurricane Irma and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (MECYS). While the FRLP mainly focuses on repairing the Charles Leopold Bell School, Sister Marie Laurence School and the Sint Maarten Jubilee Library, the assessments offer further opportunities to improve literacy and numeracy for children in these restored learning environments.
Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Lyndon Lewis stated that the government is committed to using the data from the assessments to shape the future of early education in Sint Maarten, “The EGMA and EGRA assessments provide us with an invaluable snapshot of where our students are today and where we need to focus our efforts. With this data, we are better equipped to tailor our education strategies to meet the needs of every child in Sint Maarten. By investing in teacher training, enhancing the curriculum, and supporting students at home and in the classroom, we are committed to ensuring that every child has the tools they need to thrive academically and in life.” 
Group three (Grade one) pupils typically aged seven to eight from 17 primary schools across Sint Maarten made up the study; The assessments tested children’s proficiency in Math, Reading, Comprehension, and Dutch. EGMA tests focused on skills like number identification, addition, subtraction, and problem-solving. EGRA assessments evaluated letter and word recognition, reading comprehension and understanding of phonemes. Results were categorized into three levels: mastery, developing, and emerging. Students at the mastery level demonstrated a strong understanding of concepts and skills, and showed they were ready for advanced challenges. The developing group had some knowledge but needed support to reach mastery while students in the emerging category were in the early stages of acquiring the necessary skills for their grade level and would benefit from re-teaching and practice.
The assessments indicated that many students were below the mastery benchmarks, instead falling into the developing and emerging categories. For example, only 6% of pupils achieved mastery in oral reading fluency; the benchmark is 50+%, while 11% reached mastery in numeracy based on their addition speed; the benchmark is 56+%. However, data varied by school, with some schools reporting more than 80% of pupils had mastery in literacy whilst other schools had scores as low as 36%. The report also showed that student performance was affected by teaching methods and support at home. Teachers who used a mix of teaching styles, explained lesson goals clearly, and reviewed lessons often saw better results. More than half the students said they had little or no help with homework and family income also played a role in learning outcomes. Additionally, the assessments found close to three-quarters of students used tablets, suggesting that technology could be a tool to improve learning.
Sidonia Lacorbiniere-Hodge, ECYS Department Head of Education stated, “This marks a significant milestone for MECYS in assessing student learning within the Primary Education Cycle. This assessment provides valuable insights for school boards, school management and education staff into student performance in Group three in 2023, particularly for this group of students whose education was disrupted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. We look forward to continued collaboration with all partners in utilizing standardized assessment results to inform strategies to meet each student’s developmental needs.”
This long-term commitment to enhancing literacy and numeracy aligns with St. Maarten’s broader educational objectives. Through assessments like EGMA and EGRA, the government aims for the island’s education system to meet the needs of students from an early age. This will ensure they have the foundation needed to succeed academically and beyond. The NRPB is implementing the FRLP project on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten under the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is managed by The World Bank and financed by the Dutch Government.
INSET: EGRA/EGMA results presentation, September 12th at Simpson Bay Resort
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.
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