Connect with us

Caribbean News

Over 200 Police Officers Complete Landmark Sandals Corporate University Leadership Training  

Published

on

Jamaica, April 11, 2025 – In a landmark collaboration between law enforcement and Sandals Resorts, 210 senior officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have successfully completed an intensive leadership training programme designed and delivered by the Sandals Corporate University (SCU).

Their achievement was celebrated on Thursday, March 13, at Sandals Montego Bay, marking a significant step in strengthening leadership within the force and reinforcing the critical link between security and Jamaica’s tourism industry.

Spearheaded by Sandals and Beaches Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, the leadership training programme was developed through discussions between the JCF and the tourism business community in St. James to enhance leadership skills within the force.

The intensive training session equipped JCF officers with key leadership and self-development principles, strengthening their ability to lead effectively within their ranks and engage with the public.

This first cohort represents the successful completion of the pilot phase, which trained over 50 percent of the leadership team of 400 officers from the Area One division—comprising Trelawny, St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland. The training was conducted over 10 days, from November 11, 2024, to January 9, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang commended the Sandals Corporate University and highlighted the reduction in crime that Area One is now experiencing.

“Area One has seen the largest reduction in homicides this year, particularly over the last eight weeks,” Dr. Chang stated. If this trend continues, the area will have recorded just over 100 homicides across all four parishes this year—compared to last year, when St. James alone exceeded that number.

Meanwhile, the Security Minister also applauded the SCU, emphasising what he indicated was its growing national significance.

“Knowing the history of Sandals, I am confident that the Sandals Corporate University will soon become one of Jamaica’s most important educational institutions. It is a pleasure and a privilege to have the police force being part of the groups that are working with the Sandals Corporate University,” Dr. Chang said.

The Importance of Security in Tourism

Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake added that the SCU’s initiative underscores the importance Sandals places on security in the tourism industry.                                                                                                                                                                                                 “I want to acknowledge the visionary leadership of Sandals and the wider St. James tourism business community for this outstanding example of corporate responsibility and their deep understanding of security’s role in protecting this essential industry,” Commissioner Blake stated.

During the event, Sandals’ Executive Chairman, Stewart presented the graduating officers with their certifications, stressing that the programme is not just about learning new concepts, it’s about transforming leadership in Jamaica.

“Your leadership will continue to shape the future of this country,” Stewart told the JCF leaders. “Tourism is a key pillar of our economy, and the JCF’s role in safeguarding this sector is absolutely paramount. This ecosystem thrives on the linkages we create, and I am privileged to work alongside individuals committed to making Jamaica a better place through collaboration between the private sector and policymakers.”

With the successful completion of the pilot phase and 210 JCF leaders now trained and certified, Senior Corporate Director of the Sandals Corporate University Dr. Luz Longsworth announced that SCU is advancing to phase two. This next stage will facilitate training for additional leadership team members as well as rank-and-file officers, guided by findings from a training needs assessment.

SCU is the educational arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, providing team members across nine countries in the region with opportunities for academic and professional growth. Through partnerships with internationally recognised universities, professional organisations, and local educational institutions, SCU offers programmes ranging from basic hospitality training to structured learning pathways that can ultimately lead not only to higher education degrees but also to community development.

 

Captions

Header – Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart, presents Assistant Commissioner of Police and Area One Commander Glenford Miller with his certificate for completing Sandals Corporate University’s leadership training programme.

1st insert – Seated in front of a group of officers from the Area One division who completed the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) leadership training programme are (L-R): Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart, Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake, Senior Corporate Director of SCU Dr. Luz Longsworth, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke.

2nd insert – Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang speaks during a ceremony recognizing 210 members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Area One division who completed a leadership training programme by Sandals Corporate University.

3rd insert – Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake delivers remarks during a ceremony recognizing 210 members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Area One division who completed a leadership training programme designed and delivered by the Sandals Corporate University.

4th insert – “Tourism is a key pillar of our economy, and the JCF’s role in safeguarding this sector is absolutely paramount.” — Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart.

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