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Measures being undertaken to improve access to water for residence of Clarendon

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#Jamaica, October 5, 2017 – Kingston – Several development projects and strategies are being undertaken by agencies of Government and the Clarendon Municipal Corporation to improve access to water for the 246,000 citizens of the parish.  Less than two months ago, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, commissioned the Palmetto Pen/Breadnut Bottom/Rosewell Water Supply Project into service, bringing the commodity into some homes for the first time in 30 years.

A joint venture between the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL), the project was completed at a cost of $38 million, representing savings of $12 million to the NWC on the original cost.  The works involved installation of 3.4 kilometres of pipelines, service laterals and reinstatement of pipeline trenches.

The RWSL, which has been mandated to provide water solutions to communities not covered by the NWC, is constructing a pump station, which will form part of the Southern Clarendon Water Supply Scheme Phase 2, and will serve the communities of Portland Cottage, Shearer Heights and much of Lionel Town.   Director of the RWSL, Audley Thompson, says the pump station is slated for completion during the current financial year.

Phase one of the project included rehabilitation of an existing pumping station as well as the installation of two new vertical turbine pumps, fencing, operators’ amenities and a pumping main.   The supply scheme was designed to serve approximately 17,000 residents, and provisions were made to serve an additional 5,000 residents, in the event of a population growth.   The Managing Director further points to the development of a well in the New Bowens area, which, he notes, allows for service to the nearby Longville Park housing scheme.

In the meantime, the Clarendon Municipal Corporation is looking to find more sustainable methods to address the parish’s water problems by identifying and developing as many community-based sources as possible.   These sources, which include springs and rivers, will have to be assessed by experts from the NWC and RWSL to determine their viability.

Mayor of May Pen, Winston Maragh, says two potential water sources have been identified in Frankfield and Brandon Hill.

“We are going to make sure that the people of Brandon Hill and surrounding communities get water from the sources,” he assures.

Mayor Maragh notes, further, that the Corporation is “far advanced” in sourcing funds for a water project in Thompson Town that will serve over 300 residents.  Meanwhile, more than 1,000 persons from Pennants are to benefit from a $10-million water shop.

The complex, which comprises eight 1,000-gallon water tanks plus administrative offices, is set to open shortly, providing residents with reliable access to water.   Persons will receive three months’ free service, after which a cost will apply.   The facility has capacity for development to serve more than 5,000 persons.

The water-shop concept will see facilities being established island-wide to dramatically improve the availability of potable water for residents in communities and regions of the island usually affected by drought.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says the provision of potable water is part of a “critical mission” being pursued by the Administration under instructions from the Prime Minister.   He informs that funding is being finalised in order to bring the commodity to all Jamaicans, including those in remote sections of the island.

“We will move access to potable water from 55 per cent to near 85 per cent. All Jamaica will have good quality water supply,” the Minister says, noting that in some communities, water-harvesting systems will have to be utilized.

Minster Chang is urging the residents of Rosewell to “make every effort to protect the system”, noting that while the water agencies have a responsibility for management, “the citizens have a responsibility to ensure that it is treated well”.

Under the Palmetto Pen/Breadnut Bottom/Rosewell Water Supply project, the Rosewell Primary School benefited from a new drinking/hand-wash station, and refurbishing of its sanitary facilities.

By: Garfield L. Angus

 

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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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