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)
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, respectfulness, honesty, hard-work, and discipline.
“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 programmes, including leadership development for senior leaders, agile performance frameworks, flexible paid time off, enhanced parental leave, and a robust Employee Assistance Programme. She also highlighted the company’s pioneering gender-based violence policy and an ongoing focus on inclusive practices.
“We recognise 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’ Acting Chief Labour Officer, also addressed the gathering, praising 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-centred, 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 (vice president 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,” Bynoe said.
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)
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