Caribbean News
FLOW TC Country Manager makes history at Caribbean’s leading ICT Conference
Dominican Republic, July 19, 2017 – Punta Cana – Last Wednesday saw a vibrant and far reaching conversation on Women in ICT, this as the 33rd Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition continued at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana Dominican Republic.
The panel entertained questions from the audience and as such was able to address a wide range of issues. The panel included: Karen Bevans, Director, Belize Tourism Bureau; Janice Sutherland, CEO, Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat, Digicel; Delleriece Hall, Country Manager, FLOW – Turks and Caicos; Anuskha Sonia, CEO, Spang Makandra; and was chaired by the Secretary General of CANTO – Teresa Wankin.
Karen Bevans led the panel with a presentation which looked at the relevance and functionality of ICTs to everyday life as they improve business performance – productivity, profitability; access to services from any location, allow real-time communication, and provide more opportunities for everyone, especially for girls/women. She noted this against the background that ICT was still very male dominated.
Ms. Bevans used her presentation to highlight practical examples in Belize of the positive effects of ICTs in Belize in creating opportunities for women inclusive of tourism, trade, entrepreneurship and online services. She cautioned that the use of ICT can also have negative impacts and that young girls should be careful of what they upload as it can make them vulnerable. In concluding, she stated that: “Women in ICT are still battling gender inequality”.
Delleriece Hall made the timely and potent statement that “Once you put your mind to it, go for it. Sky is the limit! I didn’t have a background in engineering despite managing others who did. We’re all super stars in the Turks and Caicos. I’m the first female CEO of T&C and CWC is 120 years old in T&C.”
Anuskha Sonai also offered words of wisdom stating “It’s not automatic. You have to speak up for the roles you want in the organization. Support of my family was integral in my nontraditional choice”.
Questions which engaged the forum included what are the top three qualities that made you right for the CEO role? Do you see women at the fore of Caribbean ICT or a long way still? Women leading with empathy is seen as chaotic. Thoughts? And Female mentorship is lacking. What are you prepared to do about it? To the last question, the Secretary General excitedly responded: “This forum speaks for itself. Next year expect to see tangible evidence of what we’ve seen here.”
Minister Catherine Hughes, Minister of Public Telecommunications with responsibility for Tourism, Guyana who was in the audience, delivered a vote of thanks to the panel. She underscored the importance of mentorship: “Within CANTO structure, we should create a program to encourage more women to participate in all year round. We are graduating more women in our universities yet women are not being prepared to sit at the table. I compliment all the men that are of great support to their women.”
Hall is the first local female Country Manager in the company’s 119 years of operation and the first local female in the TCI to speak at this level at the Caribbean’s leading ICT Conference.
Hall was supported by her husband, Mr. Lynden Hall, who she highlighted in her presentation as her biggest supporter throughout her career.
Also, in attendance were Kevin Carmichael, Finance Lead, FLOW TC, Audley Gibbs, Network Operations Lead, FLOW TC, Minister of Communications, Hon. Vaden D. Williams, PS of Border Control & Labor, Mrs. Clara Gardiner, and members of the Turks and Caicos Telecommunications Commission.
CANTO is the Caribbean’s premier telecommunications event for industry professionals, academics and regional governments. The Conference ran from the 16th -19th July, 2017.
Press Release: Flow
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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