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SOTIC 2024 Kicks Off in Grand Cayman: Caribbean Tourism Leaders Gather to Drive Sustainable Growth and Innovation

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GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands (September 5, 2024) – The Caribbean tourism industry is gearing up for a dynamic week of discussions, insights and networking as the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) commences in Grand Cayman. Themed “Caribbean Tourism: Fueling our Lifeblood”, SOTIC 2024, hosted by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Ministry of Tourism and Ports, will delve into the critical issues shaping the region’s tourism landscape and explore innovative strategies for sustainable growth.

The meetings, taking place from September 2 to 6 at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, include business sessions of the CTO Executive Committee, Board of Directors and the Ministerial Council. The two-day SOTIC conference, starting on Wednesday, will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, panelists and experts who will share their knowledge and perspectives on a wide range of topics. Key themes include:

  • Sustainability: The conference will address the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection and social responsibility. Sessions will explore innovative solutions for reducing carbon footprints, conserving natural resources, and supporting local communities.
  • Technology and Innovation: The transformative power of technology in the tourism industry will be a central focus. Discussions will revolve around artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital marketing strategies that can enhance the visitor experience and drive efficiency.
  • Aviation and Connectivity: The crucial role of air travel in facilitating tourism growth will be examined. Industry leaders will discuss challenges and opportunities related to airlift, route development, and regional collaboration.
  • Cruise Tourism: The conference will analyze the evolving cruise sector and its impact on Caribbean destinations. Topics will include port infrastructure development, sustainable cruise practices, and community engagement.
  • Leadership and Legacy: The conference will also celebrate the achievements of women in tourism and explore strategies for fostering leadership and mentorship within the industry.
  • Business Continuity Planning: SOTIC 2024 recognizes the importance of preparedness in the face of disruptions. This session will provide insights into strategies and best practices for mitigating disaster risks and ensuring the resilience of tourism businesses and the residents of the region.

“SOTIC 2024 provides a vital platform for Caribbean tourism stakeholders to come together and chart a course for a resilient and prosperous future,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General & CEO, who will moderate the session on leadership and legacy featuring Ministers of Tourism from the Turks and Caicos Islands (Minister Josephine Connolly); Tobago (Secretary Tashia Burris); and the British Virgin Islands (Junior Minister Luce Hodge Smith). “We are excited to welcome delegates from the Cayman Islands, across the region, and around the world to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration,” she added.

The conference program includes keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking events. Headline speakers include Anton Edmunds, General Manager, Country Department Caribbean Group at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and Janelle Hopkin, President and Managing Director of the renowned Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada.

Tropical Shipping is the title sponsor for the 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress, a major highlight of this year’s conference, being held on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

The “Tropical Shipping 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress” underscores the logistics company’s commitment to fostering youth engagement in the Caribbean tourism industry. The partnership between Tropical Shipping and the CTO supports the event’s goal of stimulating greater awareness and excitement about tourism among the region’s young people. Other sponsors of the Youth Congress include Carnival Corporation & plc in partnership with Acordis International Corp, and Winged Whale Media.

Caribbean News

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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Caribbean News

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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