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Grenada 50th Anniversary of Independence

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Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicosIslands, February 14, 2024 – On Wednesday February 7th, Grenada celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Independence under the theme “One People, One Journey, One Future”. 

Before Grenadians take part in independence day celebrations, they participate in National Colours Day, the day before independence where nationals come out wearing the colors on the country’s flag, red, green and yellow. 

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Bliken in a release from the U.S.  Department of State wished Grenada a “Happy Independence Day.” 

He also recognized the country’s hard work towards independence saying, “Grenada has worked hard to achieve its current position as a secure, democratic stalwart upon which other countries in the region and the United States can depend.”

A day before, February 6th, 2024, islanders convened at the Grenada Houses of Parliament for a momentous joint sitting of the Lower and Upper Houses, in honour of our 50th anniversary of Independence.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Grenada reported that “we were privileged to welcome His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, who conveyed best wishes and congratulations from the Ghanaian people on our Golden Jubilee.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his delegation for joining us, and to the students and all other attendees of this special joint session.”

And the big, national celebration was a stunning showcase for the country in its Golden year.

The monumental celebration of Grenada’s 50th anniversary of Independence at the National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, 7th February 2024, filled our hearts with immense pride and gratitude. It was more than just an event; it was an exuberant tribute to the essence of who we are – a unique, proud, and resilient people, forever thankful for the remarkable journey we’ve traveled together.

Grenada’s government remarked, “The Military Parade and Cultural Show stood as exceptional representations of our diverse and vibrant nation. Our heartfelt commendations to all who participated, showcasing the richness of our culture.”

Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Cecile La Grenade, delivered greetings from King Charles III, offering congratulations and well wishes. In his greetings, King Charles III expressed profound admiration for our nation-building efforts over the past five decades, recognising Grenada’s distinct place in the world.

Prime Minister, Honourable Dickon Mitchell, in his address, urged Grenadians to be stronger, more determined, and more united in our shared goal of making Grenada an even better place.

Special invited dignitaries included: President of Ghana, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason of Barbados; Prime Minister of Dominica, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit; Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Hon. Philip J. Pierre; Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Vice president of Venezuela, H.E Delcy Rodríguez, as well as our esteemed Cabinet Ministers, His Majesty’s Opposition Leader, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell; ECCB Governor Mr. Timothy Antoine, Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules.

Heartfelt thank you were extended by the Government to the members of the National Organising Committee, for your tireless dedication and hard work in orchestrating this magnificent event. Your efforts have left a profound impact on this momentous occasion.

“Together, let us carry the spirit of unity, pride, and determination forward to build a brighter and stronger Grenada, beyond 50.”

Caribbean News

Widow’s Testimony Recounts Night Haiti President Was Killed

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MIAMI, Florida — Emotional testimony from Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has given jurors in a U.S. federal courtroom a chilling account of the night gunmen stormed the presidential residence and killed the country’s leader.

Martine Moïse took the stand this week in Miami as part of the ongoing trial of several men accused of helping plan and finance the July 7, 2021 assassination, a crime that plunged Haiti into political crisis and remains only partially solved.

She told the court that armed men forced their way into the president’s private home in the hills above Port-au-Prince during the early morning hours, firing multiple shots at her husband while she lay beside him. She testified that she was also wounded in the attack and survived by pretending to be dead until the gunmen left the room.

According to prosecutors, the plot involved a group of foreign mercenaries, including former Colombian soldiers, along with Haitian and Haitian-American suspects. Investigators say some of the men believed the mission was to detain the president, but the operation turned into an assassination.

The Miami trial is focusing on the alleged role of South Florida businessmen and others accused of organizing or financing the plan, part of a wider international investigation that has stretched across several countries.

More than four years after the killing, the question of who ultimately ordered the assassination remains unanswered, with suspects still in custody in both Haiti and the United States as the case continues to unfold.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Jamaica Joins Afreximbank Agreement, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Partnership

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CARIBBEAN — Jamaica has become the 13th CARICOM member state to accede to the African Export-Import Bank Establishment Agreement, further strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

The development was confirmed during the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, where an Afreximbank delegation led by George Elombi and Kanayo Awani met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to advance cooperation.

Prime Minister Holness thanked the bank for its support following Jamaica’s recent hurricane, noting that Afreximbank financing helped restore critical infrastructure including water, electricity, sewage systems and roads, while also assisting reconstruction efforts aimed at building stronger resilience to future disasters.

The meeting also focused on broader development opportunities tied to Jamaica’s membership in the agreement. Discussions included rebuilding and modernising infrastructure such as railways, hospitals and other public facilities, while strengthening regional transportation and trade networks to improve the movement of people and goods across the Caribbean.

Afreximbank has been expanding its presence in the Caribbean as part of its strategy to connect Africa with the region often referred to as “Global Africa.” The bank has already committed billions of dollars in financing and trade support to Caribbean economies in recent years, including funding for infrastructure, trade facilitation and private sector investment.

By joining the agreement, Jamaica gains expanded access to Afreximbank’s financial instruments, technical support and trade networks designed to promote commerce between Africa and CARICOM states.

Regional leaders say the growing partnership could unlock new opportunities in areas such as trade, logistics, tourism, manufacturing and cultural exchange, strengthening economic cooperation between the two regions with deep historical and diaspora ties.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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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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