Connect with us

Caribbean News

Paradise is in Trouble says UN Sec-Gen at CARICOM Meeting in Barbados

Published

on

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

 

Barbados, February 21, 2025 – There is trouble in paradise, and it has not escaped the attention of the United Nations, as Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General on Friday (February 21) commended host prime minister for her unerring words as he acknowledged what is an unequivocal truth for the Region; “wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes.”

Barbados is host country to the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community and Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados set and unapologetic tone for the session which was held from February 19-21.

“The only way we will make it through these difficult times, is if we are prepared to be more unified and bolder than ever,” said Mottley, chairperson of the CARICOM.

The Secretary General pointed to socio-economic fall out from a string of existentially threatening events, none of which originate within the Caribbean region.

“Geopolitical tensions fuelling uncertainty. The scarring effects of COVID-19 leaving a trail of socio-economic crisis. Soaring debt and interest rates, on top of a surge in the cost of living.  All amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds and blowing holes through your national budgets.  And all as you remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.”

It was a central point when host, Mia Mottley spoke to the audience assembled at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

“You have heard everybody on this platform this evening and what is clear is that it cannot be business as usual.  We have come to Bridgetown, in this year of 2025 at a time when the world is reeling,” she said pointing to the heartfelt expressions already delivered by immediate past chairman of CARICOM, Dikon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada.

“We know what it is, each summer, to have to hold our breath and to wait and to hope that this is not going to be our turn.  We know firsthand, how the world has become an awful place since the pandemic, where all of the warts and all of the scars and all of the cuts have become very, very clear and open for all to see and where effectively, the world has said ‘might is right’ and where small states are often excluded because our orders are too miniscule to command attention.”

Guetteres sided with the plight echoing from the CARICOM pulpit at the opening ceremony, listing three area which stack up as top priorities.

“I see three key areas where, together, we must drive progress. First, unity for peace and security.  Second, unity on the climate crisis.  Because, third, we need unity for sustainable development.”

Haiti, and its years of unrest and chaos, which is now fuelling a deadly humanitarian crisis absorbed the lion’s share of the Sec-Gen’s attention in terms of security for the region.

“CARICOM, and the Eminent Persons Group, have provided invaluable support.  We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections.

And I will soon report to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Haiti, including proposals on the role the UN can play to support stability and security and address the root causes of the crisis.”

While an announcement to restore this fledgling democracy through a general election in November has been made, there is doubt expressed that Haiti is progressing enough to hold a national poll.

“It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one that we have presented for Somalia, in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary to put the force in place. And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.

And if the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive.”

A multi-national force deployed to Haiti has had some impact, but those looking on had higher hopes for the Kenyans, Jamaicans, Bahamians and others are fighting against ruthless gangs on the ground.  A mission which is estimated to cost $600 million has also not been fully funded; it is said over 5,600 have been killed and more than a million people are displaced.

Many have lost hope and see peace for the Republic as elusive, even as leaders press on.

“I urge you to continue your work and advocacy to tackle the weapons and drug trafficking that is fuelling violence across the region, including through prevention.”

Crime has been spurned by gun and illicit drug trafficking in the islands; all recording harrowing murder tolls with crippling spikes in violence.  The Secretary General pointed to the push and pull factors sustaining these nefarious industries and the countries where these items, which are outlawed in the Caribbean, are coming from and to where they are going.

“Without their cooperation, we will never be able to win this battle, and the people of the Caribbean are paying a heavy price for the lack of cooperation that unfortunately, we still face,” said Guterres.

Adaptation, in the face of a changing climate is expensive and for the low-lying lands of the Caribbean region, there is an urgency for funding which must remain in the spotlight, according to the UN boss.

“This year, countries must deliver new national climate action plans, ahead of COP30, that align with that goal, with the G20 – the big polluters – leading the way. This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions.”

Despite the hearty pitches and persuasive presentations, the effort to fulfill financing commitments to push back against climate change continues to gain little traction.  A shift in presidency in the US is expected to further stifle progress to hit the targets agreed upon in the Paris Treaty.

The Secretary General admonished the small island developing states to “seize the benefits of clean power.  To tap your vast renewables potential and to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports. But this requires finance.”

Guterres informed, “We need confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at COP29 will be mobilized.  And we need the world to get serious in responding to the disasters that we know will keep coming.”

But climate change funding is not the only area in need of resources, according to the secretary general.

“Globally, the Sustainable Development Goals are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered.  Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change – pioneering bold and creative solutions.  And the Pact for the Future agreed last year, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, now 3.0, marks significant progress – and I thank you all for your support.  The Pact commits to advancing an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.”

The UN also believes debt recovery is a mammoth of a mountain standing between financial stability and unending debt for the Small Island Development States.  The disparities are now legendary, and the changes are slow-going.

There was some advice and assurances offered by the secretary general, one of the specially invited guests at that 48th Regular Meeting.

“A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force. I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promise.  And I can guarantee that the United Nations and myself are with you, and will remain with you, every step of the way.”

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