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PISLM and Grenada Sign Historic Host Country Agreement

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Hon. Lennox Andrews and Mr. Calvin James sign the Host Country Agreement 

ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA- JUNE 19, 2025- The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), has successfully signed a Head Quarters Agreement with the Government of Grenada. This historic signing cements the Spice Isle, as the hub for the operations of the InterGovernmental Organisation (IGO), which will lead coordinated action and implement projects that will improve sustainable land and soil management within Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS).

Minister Hon. Lennox Andrews and Hon. Adrian Forde

The agreement was signed at the PISLM’s High Level Ministerial Gala, on Tuesday 17th, June 2025, at the Radisson Resorts Grenada, by the outgoing Executive Director Mr. Calvin James and Grenada’s Minister responsible for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Minister of Economic Development and Planning, Agriculture and Lands, Forestry and Blue Economy- Hon. Lennox J. Andrews.                                                                                                                                                                                                       The signing was witnessed by Hon. Adrian Forde- Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy of Barbados (incoming Chair of the PISLM Ministerial Council), Hon Kerryne James- Minister for Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy and Hon. Vaughn P. Miller- Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources of the Bahamas; along with focal points for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and key stakeholders.

Delivering feature remarks at the Ministerial Gala, Andrews commended the organization for its work in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He described the signing as, “A demonstration of our commitment to sustainable land management.”

“It puts us in an obvious position where we can be recognized as a country that takes climate change and land degradation seriously,” he added.

Hon .Kerryne James, Hon. Vaughn Miller and Mr. Calvin James

The PISLM which officially became an Inter-Governmental Organization, one year ago, has been strengthening sustainable land and soil management across the Caribbean Small Island Developing States, through several projects including, Phase I of the CSIDS-SOILCARE Project and the Strengthening Resilience of Agricultural Lands and Forests in Dominica in the Aftermath of Hurricane Maria.                                                                                                     Reflecting on the two decades spent developing the organization into the premier Inter Governmental Organization responsible for land and soil, with a mandate to help countries meet their obligations under the UNCCD and land and soil areas of the Barbados Programme of Action, outgoing Executive Director Mr. Calvin James,  expressed gratitude to the Governments of Trinidad and Tobago and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, that served as host countries.

“Their contributions set the stage for what we call Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique phase and a new chapter for the PISLM. We hope that this phase will take us to where we ought to be in terms of positioning sustainable land and soil management in the environmental spectrum.”

Mr. Calvin James

The establishment of the PISLM Headquarters in Grenada will enhance coordination among Caribbean SIDS, provide a centralized platform for Small Island Developing Stations (SIDS) collaboration, and attract regional and international investment for sustainable land management solutions.                                                                                                                                                                       The office will become the hub for the implementation of several key projects such as the Caribbean LDN Transformative Project, which would be done in collaboration with the Inter American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture, the Caribbean Sand & Dust storm Initiative, launch of Phase II of the CSIDS SOILCARE Project and the Caribbean Drought Initiative in collaboration with the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean.

PISLM extends its appreciation to the Government of Grenada, for their unwavering support in making this historic achievement a reality.

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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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