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EXPO JAMAICA TO FEATURE TECH SERVICES PROVIDERS

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KINGSTON, April 2 (JIS): Expo Jamaica 2025 will feature exhibits by 10 information and communications technology (ICT) providers as organisers place greater focus on the technology services sector this year.

These export-ready firms, which have benefited from support through the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) Export Max programme, will be connected with relevant international buyers as they seek out new markets.

Export Max is designed to strengthen exporters and export-ready Jamaican companies through business development and market penetration support.

Speaking with JIS News, Executive Director of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Kamesha Turner Blake, notes that, historically, the expo has focused on manufacturers and exporters, but “we have now started focusing on our service providers”.

“This is the year that we modernise the show. We have been working very hard to look at the experience of the show and to increase our focus on technology and innovation,” she says.

“We know that the Jamaican brand is associated with quality services, so this year’s expo will feature a Tech Village, and that will be put on through the JAMPRO Export Max programme,” she informs.

Dubbed the largest and most influential exhibition and trade show in the English-speaking Caribbean, exclusively showcasing Jamaican-made products and services, Expo Jamaica brings together buyers and suppliers to network and do business.

This year’s event will be held from Thursday (April 3) to Sunday (April 6) at the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

The four-day tradeshow, under the theme ‘Global Partnership, Local Impact: Advancing Jamaica’s Reach’, is organised by the JMEA in partnership with JAMPRO.

It will feature 260 exhibitors in the areas of food and beverage, fashion, technology, professional services, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, art, as well as product displays, demonstrations, and exclusive deals.

A record 771 buyers will be participating in the event, surpassing the target of 700. The number incudes 352 international buyers from more than 25 countries, including Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Chile, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Ghana, Oman, Macedonia, Senegal, India, and China.

Expo Jamaica 2025 will include repeat buyers from overseas, reinforcing the global interest in ‘Brand Jamaica’ and Jamaican goods and services.

On Thursday and Friday, JAMPRO will facilitate networking sessions between buyers and suppliers, with targeted initiatives for new and emerging markets.                                                                                                                                                                    The expo will be open to the public on Friday between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Chairman of the Expo Jamaica Organising Committee, Aswad Morgan, tells JIS News that more than 20,000 persons are expected to attend the tradeshow over the four days.                                                                                                                                                                             Mr. Morgan notes that matching buyers and sellers based to their specific needs continues to be the focus of the showcase, with the objective of generating solid business relationships.

“We have made sure to do a lot of matchmaking to make sure that everybody connects and at the end of the day, the real reason we are there is to do business and to make sure that a solid connection is made,” he says.

Mr. Morgan notes that this year the Expo will feature several new, innovative products and services.

“We are going to have a lot more of the smaller to medium-sized companies on display with their own new products,” he says.

“A lot of these companies have big, export ambitions or desire to take their goods overseas; we are going to see a lot of that on show… .  We always try to increase and improve all facets of the show. This is the platform to introduce all new products and test the market,” he adds.

Vice President of Exports, JAMPRO, Sonja Linton, says Expo Jamaica directly aligns with the entity’s strategic objectives to actively enable and increase exports and proactively seek to facilitate investment projects and linkages, by connecting local businesses to international markets and opening new avenues for Jamaican products.

She notes that approximately 50 per cent of the Export Max cohort seven beneficiaries will be participating in the tradeshow.

“Part of helping these companies is enabling them to access overseas markets. Expo Jamaica is the largest trade show of its kind in the Caribbean. Our Export Max cohort seven participants, including the tech firms, will be showcasing at Expo Jamaica. We will have members there holding booth spaces and showcasing their brand to the world. It will be a great opportunity to connect with local as well as international buyers,” she says.

Expo Jamaica is a dynamic platform for fostering international partnerships and showcasing Jamaica’s economic potential.

This year, it is anticipated that there will be record-breaking participation from exhibitors, buyers and consumers, demonstrating the vibrancy and potential of Jamaica’s manufacturing services and export sectors.

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill (third left), joins in displaying the Expo Jamaica 2025 logo at the recent media launch of the event at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. From left are Executive Director of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Kamesha Turner-Blake; President of the JMEA, Sydney Thwaites; Chair of the Expo Jamaica Committee, Aswad Morgan; and Deputy President, JMEA, Kathryn Silvera. Expo Jamaica will be held from Thursday (April 3) to Sunday (April 6) at the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

 

Photo Contributed:

Expo-Jamaica-new-logo

The Expo Jamaica 2025 logo

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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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