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37 Jamaicans Receive 2025 G-G Achievement Awards

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Kingston, June 26, 2025 (JIS): Thirty-seven Jamaicans, who are making significant contribution to their communities, particularly in areas of leadership and academics, have been presented with the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) for 2025.

The prestigious award is bestowed on persons in various age categories who are impacting community and national life, despite facing challenges.                                                                                                                                                                             Among this year’s award recipients are veteran educator and President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Dr. Mark Smith; Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Senior Reporter Garfield Angus, and founder of the Free Your Mind Foundation, Dr. Melissa Flinch.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in his address at the awards ceremony held at King’s House on Thursday (June 26), noted that the persons recognised, who are from various backgrounds, serve as a reminder “that when we nurture excellence and act with purpose, we shape a future defined by meaningful impact”.

“All 37 of today’s awardees remind us that excellence is not an accident. It is cultivated often against great odds, and it flourishes when grounded in service to others,” he said.

He noted that the journeys of the award recipients reflect courage, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to service.

The Governor-General encouraged them to continue to impact lives through meaningful work.

“The recognition bestowed on each one of you today is not the end of your civic journey but it is a powerful catalyst to press us forward,” he told the recipients.

Referencing the event theme, “Igniting Brilliance: Where Excellence Meets Impact”, he noted that it is a powerful reminder that true brilliance is not simply about talent or personal success but about using their gifts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Manchester’s award recipient in the 25-35 age group, Dr. Melissa Flinch, who responded on behalf of her fellow honourees, noted that in a world that often feels dark “days like these remind Jamaicans of their God-given ability to leave an indelible mark on the world”.

She emphasised the importance of ordinary Jamaicans choosing every day to make extraordinary impact in their communities, parishes and nation.                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Flinch noted that programmes such as the GGAA are necessary to keep the light of hope and determination alive.  She encouraged her fellow award recipients to continue to rise against the odds, igniting brilliance and inspiring excellence.

The GGAA award was established in 1991. It recognises and honours outstanding Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican heritage for their contributions to national development, thereby promoting a culture of excellence and national pride across Jamaica and the diaspora.

The GGAA is part of the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE), aiming to celebrate individuals who demonstrate service above self and influence national life.

 

Contact: Donique Weston

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Header: Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (fourth right, seated); and Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Lady Allen (third right, seated) and Custodes, share a photo opportunity with the 2025 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) recipients. The GGAA recipients were recognised at an awards ceremony held at King’s House on Thursday (June 26).

1st insert: Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, addresses the 2025 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) ceremony, held at King’s House, on Thursday (June 26).

2nd insert: Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (left), makes a presentation to Manchester’s awardee in the 25-35 age group, Dr. Melissa Flinch (centre) at the 2025 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) ceremony held at King’s House on Thursday (June 26). Sharing the moment is Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Lady Allen.

3rd insert: Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (left), presents Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Senior Reporter, Garfield Angus, with his award at the 2025 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) ceremony, held at King’s House on Thursday (June 26). Mr. Angus was the St. Catherine awardee in the over 35 age category. In the background are the St. Catherine awardees for the 18-24 years category, Shamoi Brown (second left) and in the 25 to 35 years category, Sherika Perkins.

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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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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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