Flow’s parent company highlights the value of its employee-first policies

Caribbean businesses are being called to place greater emphasis on people-first initiatives that prioritise employee well-being, growth, and inclusion. 

This message was at the forefront of a recent People Leaders Breakfast Meeting hosted by leading telecommunications provider Flow, in collaboration with the Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC).

Held at the Hilton Barbados, the forum brought together human resource leaders, union representatives, and industry professionals for a forward-looking dialogue on workplace evolution in the Caribbean.

Kerry Scott, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Liberty Latin America – the parent company of Liberty Caribbean – delivered the feature address and shared the company’s strategic commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering culture through its five core values of Risk Taking, Respectful, Honest, Hardworking, and Disciplined.

“Our guiding principles are not just words on a wall – they are the compass for how we lead, how we support our teams, and how we show up for each other every day. When our people are supported, empowered, and respected, they can truly thrive, and so can the business,” she said. 

Scott outlined a range of progressive people-first program, including leadership development for senior leaders, agile performance frameworks, flexible paid time off, enhanced parental leave, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP). She also highlighted the company’s pioneering gender-based violence (GBV) policy and an ongoing focus on inclusive practices.

“We recognize that life doesn’t stop when work begins. That’s why we’ve built flexibility into our policies – to give our people the space to care for their families, their well-being, and themselves without sacrificing professional growth,” she said. 

Wayne Sobers, Barbados’ Chief Labour Officer (Ag.), also delivered an address and praised Flow for its leadership in workplace standards. 

“Flow continues to distinguish itself by oftentimes going beyond statutory requirements. Their people-first policies set a benchmark for Barbados and serve as a model for how companies can foster more human-centered, resilient organisations,” he said. 

The forum also featured a lively fireside chat moderated by Paula Walcott, Chief People Officer, Sagicor Life that included Sobers, Shawn Knight (President General, Barbados Workers’ Union), Sanella Sanford (Second Vice President, BEC), and Dominic Boon (VP, People, Liberty Caribbean). 

The panel discussed emerging HR priorities, including flexible work, engaging Gen Z, and integrating AI tools in the workplace.

Desron Bynoe, VP and General Manager, Flow Barbados, said, “This forum reaffirms our belief that investing in people is not just the right thing to do, it’s also the smartest, and we’re proud to be leading that conversation in Barbados and across the region.

When we listen to our teams, support their development, and foster an inclusive culture, we unlock their full potential and that drives bona fide business success and sustainable growth.” 

At the conclusion of the event, Esther Tull, Manager, People Business Partner, Flow, received a special award for her 39 years of unbroken service to the company. (PR)

Government has announced major improvements in the health care sector that would see an expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s (QEH) capacity by 40 per cent, and upgrades to the island’s polyclinics, including construction of two new ones.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made the disclosure about the efforts to improve efficiencies in the sector at the official opening of Bayview Hospital’s Urgent Care Facility, yesterday.

Speaking to the planned expansion at the hospital, Ms. Mottley shared that over the last four months, Government had been in discussions with a Chinese company on the project, which she described as the largest expansion of the Martindale’s Road, St. Michael plant, since its construction.

The Prime Minister added that Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, is expected to make a Ministerial Statement in Parliament “in the near future” to provide more details on the QEH expansion project.

Regarding the polyclinic upgrades, Ms. Mottley shared that Government had entered a partnership with the Saudi Development Fund to finance the construction of two new polyclinics – Randal Phillips Polyclinic at Oistins, Christ Church, and Eunice Gibson Polyclinic, at Warrens, St. Michael, and the refurbishment of others.

One notable feature at Randal Phillips, she said, would be its capacity to have up to 25 beds to alleviate the pressure on the main hospital during health emergencies.

“The combined investment with the construction of two new polyclinics, and with the significant expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, plus the upgrade of the existing polyclinics, plus the commitment to purchase over $140 million in equipment for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the first tranche of which has already started, is a testament to the extent that the Government is committed to upgrading the quality of healthcare in Barbados for Barbadians…, “ Ms. Mottley stated.

She also touched on efforts to improve cancer care, including the commissioning of a linear accelerator at the QEH to improve cancer treatment and installation of a PET CT Scan at Bayview Hospital in the coming months.             

Following the event, Ms. Mottley toured the facility with Bay View Hospital officials. (PR/GIS)

The Central Bank of Barbados has officially launched its summer internship programme, welcoming 30 tertiary-level students of diverse specialisations.

“We are proud to welcome this year’s interns, who represent the next generation of professionals,” said Novaline Brewster, Director of Communications, Information and Outreach at the Bank. “We are excited to see the many ways they will grow and contribute during their time with us.”

This group of regional emerging professionals have been placed in departments relevant to their course of study. Through mentorship from experienced staff and access to networking opportunities, they will have the chance to develop their skills and gain valuable exposure to the world of work.

Christopher Pollard, who recently completed his LLB studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona, shared his appreciation for the chance to explore his interests. “I think this is an amazing opportunity as it allows me to interconnect economics and law, which I have a passion for.” Pollard continued, “I believe that the three months will be very busy but at the same time an enjoyable experience.”

Over the course of the summer, the interns will be a part of a number of activities, such as workshops, team building exercises and seminars, which aim to equip them for the ever changing world.

The Central Bank of Barbados’ summer internship programme, which has been ongoing for more than two decades, is part of the Bank’s outreach efforts, which include support for education. Other initiative include two scholarships for economics students at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill and sponsorship of a secondary school student to attend the Students Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), an annual four-week residential programme. (PR)