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Volunteers Plant 300 Trees at Dunn’s River Watershed for World Earth Day

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Montego Bay, Jamaica, April 23, 2025 – In a dynamic show of environmental stewardship, more than 50 volunteers converged at the Dunn’s River Watershed in Bogue Estate, St. Ann, to plant 300 trees in celebration of World Earth Day on Tuesday (April 22).

The initiative, jointly spearheaded by the Sandals Foundation, Forestry Department and Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), highlighted the vital importance of conservation in safeguarding the island’s natural environment and bolstering its tourism industry.

The volunteers, including 35 team members from Sandals and Beaches Resorts and 20 JFB firefighters, planted Blue Mahoe, Jamaica’s national tree, Cedar and Bitter Damsel seedlings.

These trees were chosen for their adaptability and significance to the local ecosystem.                                                                                                                                                                                Forest Manager at the Forestry Department’s Northwestern Region Office, Ian Wallace, told JIS News that the exercise not only honoured the environment, but also emphasised the critical role of conservation within Jamaica’s forest reserves.

“Earth Day reminds us of what the environment gives to us and why we must protect it. Bogue II is a 455-hectare forest reserve, used exclusively for conservation and education. Activities like these help to maintain the forest’s pristine condition while engaging the public in environmental stewardship,” he said.

Mr. Wallace warned against the illegal removal of trees, emphasising the potential long-term damage to tourism, water security and biodiversity.

“It is important for us to be mindful that whatever happens here in a negative way will impact the coastline very shortly. So it is important for us to understand that negative activities inland will affect the tourism product,” he underscored.

The event also highlighted the importance of corporate involvement in environmental preservation.

General Manager for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Gary Holgate, said the tree-planting initiative, which began in 2017 under the leadership of the Sandals Foundation, has grown steadily over the years.

He shared that since the programme’s inception, more than 3,000 trees have been planted in the forest reserve, underscoring the organisation’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Even during COVID-19 lockdowns, we continued planting. Today (Tuesday), 35 of our team members joined the effort, many on their day off,” Mr. Holgate added.

Noting that the undertaking is “the genesis of real change”, the General Manager maintained that “every company should be part of this movement to ensure future generations inherit a healthy environment”.                                                                                                                                                                                           For her part, JFB Assistant Commissioner in Charge of Area Two, Julian Davis-Buckle, said the event aligns with the Fire Brigade’s broader environmental protection goals.

“For us as firefighters, we believe that conservation of our environment is very important. It helps us as firefighters, because we are approaching the bushfire season and we understand, when these trees are burned and not replaced, the detriment it can have on our environment,” she noted.

Firefighter, Brittania Walker, described the event as a meaningful first for her.

“I planted three trees, and it’s my first time doing so; it felt great to contribute in such a tangible way,” she shared.

Earth Day, which has been celebrated on April 22 each year since 1970, serves to promote environmental protection and awareness.

The year’s observance was held under the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’.

 

CONTACT: NICKIETA STERLING

Photo Captions:

Header: Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Assistant Commissioner in charge of Area Two, Julian Davis-Buckle (left), and Secretary at the JFB Area Two office, Racquel Reid (centre), assist 10-year-old Shanoya Buckle with planting a tree during the Sandals Foundation’s Earth Day initiative at the Dunn’s River Watershed, Bogue Estate, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on April 22.

1st insert: Regional Public Relations Manager for Sandals Ocho Rios, Lyndsay Isaacs (left), along with (from second left) General Manager, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Gary Holgate; Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Assistant Commissioner in charge of Area Two, Julian Davis-Buckle, and Forest Manager at the Forestry Department’s North West Regional Office, Ian Wallace, plant a tree during the Sandals Foundation’s Earth Day initiative at the Dunn’s River Watershed, Bogue Estate, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Tuesday (April 22).

2nd insert: Forest Manager at the Forestry Department’s North West Regional Office, Ian Wallace (right), interacts with (from left) General Manager at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Gary Holgate, and Regional Public Relations Manager for Sandals Ocho Rios, Lyndsay Isaacs, during the Sandals Foundation’s Earth Day initiative at the Dunn’s River Watershed, Bogue Estate, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on April 22.

Photos by Nickieta Sterling

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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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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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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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