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Insurance Development Forum and Bridgetown Initiative Announce Strategic Partnership for Resilience Finance Frameworks

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London, UK 5 June 2025 – The Insurance Development Forum (IDF) and the Bridgetown Initiative today announced a strategic partnership at the IDF Summit 2025, aimed at accelerating the integration of insurance into the international financial architecture (IFA) as a key part of the toolkit for enhancing resilience in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).

Climate-related catastrophes are increasing in frequency and impact, with nations most vulnerable to disasters bearing severe economic costs. For the least developed countries, the impact is around 10 times more than in the richest countries as a share of their gross domestic product (GDP). When these or other natural disasters strike, development plans often need to be postponed, and/or hard-won development gains are lost. Strengthening the physical and economic resilience of these economies is essential, not only to withstand the impacts of disasters, but also to unlock greater investment and support their critical development, resilience and growth agendas.

The new public-private partnership seeks to elevate insurance as a central enabler in the global response to climate and other natural disaster risks, with a view to leveraging the full capabilities and functions of the insurance industry in enhancing resilience for vulnerable nations.

In a first step, the new partnership will publish a seminal paper during London Climate Action Week, outlining specific recommendations that different actors across the public and private sectors can implement in order to support this goal. Realising the full potential of insurance requires close collaboration between the industry and across a range of stakeholders, including EMDE governments, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), bilateral donors and regulators.

In a second step, IDF and the Bridgetown Initiative will unite to drive engagement and action to see the recommendations from the paper implemented. This will include both political engagement and technical work.

  • The Bridgetown Initiative will engage with the COP30 Presidency and other critical fora specifically centered on climate vulnerable countries, donor governments and MDBs, to strengthen the inclusion of insurance in the global IFA reform processes
  • IDF will lead the technical design and execution of insurance solutions in countries where the approach proposed in the paper can be demonstrated, and ensure representation of the insurance industry in high-level policy reform platforms.
  • Together, the IDF and the Bridgetown Initiative will advocate with EMDE governments to champion insurance inclusion in global IFA reform processes as appropriate.

The work to develop the paper to be published soon is also supported by the Government of Denmark though the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of its commitment to a wider set of priorities aimed at providing assistance in the development of critical analytical work that can inform its wider strategic engagement. The partnership is further supported by funding from the Quadrature Climate Foundation, a charitable foundation working to build a just, equitable, and low-carbon future.

This joint effort signals a new chapter in action for enhancing EMDEl resilience – one that puts risk management and long-term financial stability at the heart of development finance.

Ekhosuehi Iyahen, Secretary General, Insurance Development Forum, said:

“This partnership brings together the Bridgetown Initiative’s deep, practical understanding of the realities faced by vulnerable countries with the IDF’s technical insurance expertise, global reach, and our combined proven track records of project execution in emerging and developing markets. The upcoming paper will provide a clear pathway to embed insurance within development finance strategies and support countries in strengthening their long-term resilience. We are united by a shared commitment to move beyond theory to implementation.”

Pepukaye Bardouille, Director, Bridgetown Initiative and Special Adviser on Climate Resilience, Barbados Prime Minister’s Office, said:

“For many vulnerable nations, climate disasters are not rare events. They are a lived reality, disrupting lives, economies, and hard-won development gains. The Bridgetown Initiative is working to redesign the international financial system to serve the needs of those on the frontline of the climate crisis. Insurance has a critical role to play in that transformation. This partnership with the IDF brings together tremendous expertise to co-create practical, scalable and affordable solutions that support resilience-building. We are excited to present a more holistic view of IFA reform through this partnership.”

Katherine Stodulka, Programme Director, Quadrature Climate Foundation, said:

“The new climate reality demands bold leadership and a sharper focus on proven tools that can build resilience and accelerate our response to escalating climate risks. Tackling this challenge requires catalytic partnerships across the financial system. This is why we support the collaboration between the Insurance Development Forum and the Bridgetown Initiative. We welcome the upcoming paper and the next phase of implementation, which will help strengthen resilience in countries and communities that are most exposed to climate impacts and often underserved by traditional financial mechanisms to manage risk.”

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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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