Connect with us

Caribbean News

CARPHA Partners with SE-COMISCA to Foster Deeper Health Synergies between Central America and the Caribbean

Published

on

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobagoa:  On 5 February 2025, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has formalised a significant partnership with the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA) through the signing of a five -year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  This collaborative effort aims to foster deeper health synergies between Central America and the Caribbean.

The MOU was signed by Dr Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA and Dr. Alejandra Acuña Navarro, Executive Secretary of COMISCA, at the Courtyard Marriott in Trinidad.

Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA, stated  “The Memorandum of Agreement between CARPHA and SECOMSICA confirms our commitment to deepen solidarity to improve public health support, build stronger and closer relations, and coordinate on areas of mutual interest in advancing progress towards the achievement of tangible results of regional and international health agendas. This is important because the Caribbean faces a number of challenges, including climate change, chronic diseases, non-communicable diseases, and emerging and reemerging health emergencies that can impact health security. By working together, CARPHA and SE-COMISCA can better address the challenges facing our regions and improve the lives of our people.”

Dr. Alejandra Acuña, Executive Secretary of SE-COMISCA acknowledged “Today, we are witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). This strategic milestone in biregional cooperation will help to strengthen health systems in both regions. This agreement formalises the mutual commitment of both institutions to promote a comprehensive approach to public health. It also facilitates the implementation of joint initiatives in health surveillance, response to health emergencies, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices. In a global context where cooperation is key to facing emerging health challenges, this instrument establishes a framework for action that will favour the articulation of efforts, the optimisation of resources and the development of innovative projects and strategies that contribute to the well-being of the populations of both regions”.

In 2023, CARPHA led the launch of the Joint Sub-Regional Collaboration in Health with SE-COMISCA, to promote the exchange of knowledge, best practices and lessons learned to improve health. CARPHA facilitated a webinar series entitled ‘Sharing of Expertise, Experiences, and Lessons Learned to Improve Health Outcomes.’ The initiative was supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development (AECID) under the CARICOM Spain Project entitled ‘Health System Strengthening for CARICOM Member States to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic and other Emerging and Re-Emerging Threats’.

The purpose of this MOU is to improve collaboration and dialogue between CARPHA and SE-COMISCA on public health to advance the objectives of the Revised SICA-CARICOM Plan of Action 2022 and the Joint Declaration of San Pedro, IV Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and of the Central American Integration System (SICA).

Bringing remarks virtually Dr. Armstrong Alexis, Deputy Secretary-General, CARICOM stated “This symbolic ceremony signifies the commitment to enhance interagency partnerships for public health services delivery in the Caribbean.   Through the Agency’s dedicated efforts, citizens of this region have derived considerable benefits from interventions that have increased our stock of regional public goods.  Signing this MOU sets the basis for further solidifying the significant role that CARPHA plays in strengthening health systems across our interconnected yet vulnerable region.”

Delivering remarks, Her Excellency María Cristina Pérez Gutiérrez, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Trinidad and Tobago stated “Spain has made health a central pillar of our engagement with both the Caribbean and Central America, and we continue to work alongside our partners to ensure that no one is left behind. This initiative to link CARPHA and SE-COMISCA comes at a crucial time, as it creates an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and enhance regional cooperation in public health.”

Under this agreement, CARPHA and SE-COMISCA are committed to collaborating on several key initiatives.  The organisations will seek to:

  • Strengthen immediate and long-term public health support for improved pandemic preparedness, response and disease prevention.
  • Enhance the benefits derived from the procurement of drugs and other sanitary technologies in the ministries and other institutions of health in the Member States of COMISCA and CARPHA. This will be achieved by promoting the use of pool procurement mechanisms with competitive pricing such as the “Negociación Conjunta COMISCA®”.
  • Dialogue and exchange of best practices on existential health threats such as AMR, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially heart disease, obesity, and cancer; Communicable diseases, especially HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis; and the promotion of joint strategies for the development and strengthening of health sectors.
  • Support the results of the 2023 UN Declaration on Universal Health Coverage, to promote the fight against these diseases and seek support for actions aimed at achieving global consensus in this area, to attain tangible results by the international community.
  • Develop and disseminate a Technical Annual Report on the CARPHA and SE-COMISCA Joint Collaboration in Health.

The Honourable Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness of Belize remarked “Today’s signing marks a pivotal step in regional collaboration.  By uniting the Caribbean and Central America, we enhance our collective ability to tackle public health challenges, ensure access to essential medicines and building resilient health systems.  Together, we are committed to advancing health equity, securing a healthier future for our regions.”

“The purpose of this MOU is to foster improved collaboration and dialogue between CARPHA and SE-COMISCA, advancing the objectives of the Revised SICA-COMISCA Plan of Action and the Joint Declaration of San Pedro. By working together, we aim to deepen solidarity for pandemic preparedness, enhance procurement mechanisms, and exchange best practices on critical health threats,” stated The Honourable Phillip Telesford, Chair of CARPHA’s Executive Board and Minister of Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs, Grenada.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Román Cordero Mojica, Project Portfolio Unit, SE-COMISCA stated, “I am confident that the work of both institutions will be strengthened by today’s definitions and that this will benefit the health and wellbeing of the people of Central America and the Caribbean.”

Ahead of the signing the SE-COMISCA team visited CARPHA’s Headquarters and met with CARPHA’s Executive Management and technical teams to discuss technical areas including Disease Risk Management, HIV, Research, and Laboratory. The visiting team also toured the CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory.

Photo Caption: 

Standing left to right: Dr Horace Cox, Assistant Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control CARPHA; Dr. Mark Sami Corporate Services Director CARPHA; Her Excellency María Cristina Pérez Gutiérrez, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Trinidad and Tobago;   Ms.Ginnette Morales, Head of Cabinet, SR-COMISCA;  Mr. Román Cordero Mojica, Project Portfolio Unit, SE-COMISCA; Seated: left to right: Dr Lisa Indar, Executive Director CARPHA; Dr. Alejandra Acuña Navarro, Executive Secretary of COMISCA

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Caribbean News

Mottley Sworn in After Historic Clean Sweep in Barbados Election

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Committed to ‘Elevating Region’ at CANTO  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING