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Essequibo Coast now has 87% access to clean, treated water

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  • $1.2B Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant commissioned by President Ali
  • Third plant to be commissioned under the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme (CWTIP).

 

Guyana, June 4, 2025 – With the commissioning of the massive $1.2 billion Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant in Red Village Onderneeming, Region Two, the Essequibo Coast now enjoys  87 per cent access to clean, treated water — a significant increase from just 40 per cent.  His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali  joined scores of delighted residents on Friday to commission the new, state of the art, plant that is designed to treat 10 million liters of water per day (MLD).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Designed and constructed by Toshiba Water Solutions, it is the third major plant to be commissioned by the government under the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme (CWTIP).  Some 18,000 persons from villages like Supenaam, Good Hope, Spring Garden, Good Intent, Aurora, Makeshift, Dryshore/ Warousie, Hibernia and Fairfield among others, are being served by the massive plant.

In his feature address before the unveiling of the plaque, President Ali said that a modern Guyana must be built on improved social services like education, health, roads, housing, and especially clean water.  The government’s current goal is to ensure that by the end of the decade, all Guyanese, from the coastland to the hinterland, have access to 100 per cent treated water..

“This is what people-centered governance looks like: investing in infrastructure that directly improves people’s lives,” the president underscored.

This includes constructing seven new water treatment plants under the CWTIP programme to eliminate the reddish, metallic water that many residents have endured due to high iron content in groundwater.

“We are not content with just giving you water at the better pressure. We want to give you water that is safe, that is clear, that is drinkable, that is healthy. Water that transforms all the indicators of a healthy and good life,” he affirmed.

Additional Investments

President Ali said the government has invested over $2.5 billion in water infrastructure in Region Two between 2020 and 2025. This includes the newly commissioned water treatment plant.  Additional investments include two new wells and expanded access in previously neglected communities along the Pomeroon River, bringing first-time potable water to over 2,500 people.

A second major water treatment plant will be constructed at Mariah’s Delight, addressing the longstanding issue of poor water quality between Walton Hall and Charity.  It is scheduled for completion by June 26 and will serve thousands of Essequibo residents. A massive $1 billion investment will be made to make this a reality.

“We are not stopping here. From Mariah’s Delight to the Pomeroon, the transformation continues because the people of Essequibo deserve the very best,” the president declared.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Shaik Baksh in his remarks said this massive project is a symbol of progress, presence and the people’s power. He attributed the project’s realization to President Ali’s vision and push.  He explained that new wells were drilled by Morris Jeffrey and the GWI Well Services team at the WTP compound to supply adequate water for treatment and distribution.

According to him, this will now serve new home owners in the housing scheme currently being developed in this area.

“This is how the Government of Guyana cares for you the people of Essequibo [and] those across the length and breadth of Guyana,” he affirmed.

Residents React To Clean Water

The Department of Public Information (DPI) gathered feedback from Essequibians shortly after the commissioning ceremony, who sang praise to the government for bringing a much-needed relief.

One of them was Nadia Seeram who said the water quality in the past years was poor.

“It was very dirty, smelly [and] red,” she said, adding that, “it destroys the toilet bowl and so. I am very happy now and I would get a lot of savings in my pocket because I don’t have to buy this bright bowl and all the cleaning agents.”

Sandra (only name given) shared similar sentiments.  She said, “Everything is so clean; no red water and we are so happy about it.”

Regional Chair Vilma DaSilva also welcomed Onderneeming’s new water treatment plant, describing it as a significant achievement for the region.

“We have lots more to celebrate,” she declared, highlighting the scope of investments and transformation currently underway in Region Two

Project’s background

The Government of Guyana has invested $40 billion to construct seven new large water treatment plants in coastal communities like Onderneeming under the CWTIP programme.  The aim is to increase access to treated water by 90 per cent by the end of 2025x,

In addition to new plants, the government is upgrading twelve existing plants and installing 200 kilometre (km) of transmission mains to improve water quality, continuity of service and level of service in Regions Two, Three River, Four, Five and Six. Also, 18  small water treatment plants are also under construction in Regions Two, Four, Five and Six.

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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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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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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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