Caribbean News
Jamaica’s CARICOM Chairmanship to focus on People, Partnerships & Prosperity
Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaica will be leading dialogue and action under the theme ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’, when the country assumes chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on July 1, 2025.
This was revealed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, during a briefing with the diplomatic corps at the Ministry’s offices in downtown Kingston on Tuesday (June 3).
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, will assume the CARICOM chairmanship from Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Mottley. Dr. Holness will serve for a six-month period up to December 31, 2025, when he will hand over the reins to the Prime Minister of St. Kitts-Nevis, Hon. Terrance Drew.
During his chairmanship, Dr. Holness will host the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which will bring together CARICOM member states, associate member states, representatives from regional bodies and specially invited guests.
Senator Johnson Smith outlined that the meeting will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, from July 6 to 8. She also unveiled the official logo of the conference, which features Jamaica’s national bird – the hummingbird, the colours of the Jamaican flag and the signature blue of CARICOM.
The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that the theme of Jamaica’s chairmanship, which will take centre stage at the 49th conference, “was
chosen to ensure that we are able to address the challenges and opportunities of our time within the four pillars of our community – economic integration, human and social development, foreign policy coordination, and security”.
Senator Johnson Smith outlined, further, that Jamaica intends to place emphasis on how the community can deepen its collaboration within the context of a dynamic global environment to advance shared developmental goals.
“One particular area of focus for us will be security as we seek to increase focus on transnational organised crime, especially gangs, and how we enhance collaborative measures to tackle this widespread issue,” she stated.
“While the plans form part of a long-term strategy, we anticipate that any immediate progress in this area will also contribute to the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Haiti, and address their issues of heightened gang activity, which has exacerbated their multidimensional crisis,” she added.
The Foreign Affairs Minister shared that Jamaica will be holding a security technology expo alongside the 49th regular meeting.
“We are taking the opportunity to showcase the significant strides made by Jamaica in crime fighting, thanks in large part to partnerships and to the strategic use of technology,” Senator Johnson Smith said.
She explained that the security expo will be open to delegates and their technical teams, allowing for the sharing of tools and best practices.
Mrs. Johnson Smith also highlighted that the conference will be preceded by the 18th CARICOM road race, which will be held on July 5 in observance of CARICOM Day.
“Teams from across the region will be participating in this 10K or 5K run and walk, which is linked to the region’s continued promotion of healthy lifestyles among our population to tackle non-communicable diseases and promote health and wellness,” the Senator informed.
The road race will be followed by the opening ceremony and welcome reception for the 49th regular meeting, hosted by Prime Minister Holness, on July 6.
“On the 7th and 8th of July, our main business sessions will take place, and we will, in that context, deliberate on the important priorities of the region,” the Minister said.
Matters to be discussed in the closed sessions include the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), climate change and climate financing, food and nutrition security, regional security issues including the situation in Haiti and regional approaches to transportation, education, digitalisation, telecommunications, population issues and education transformation.
The key outcomes of the 49th Regular Meeting will be presented in a press conference at the end of the closed sessions.
CONTACT: DONIQUE WESTON
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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
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.
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.
