Liberty Caribbean ready for hurricane season

Liberty Caribbean says it is fully prepared for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season and has strengthened its networks and emergency response capabilities across the region following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica last year.

The company, which operates Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, announced its state of readiness as the hurricane season officially began on June 1.

Liberty Caribbean Chief Executive Officer Inge Smidts said the experience of Hurricane Melissa reinforced the importance of resilient communications infrastructure throughout the Caribbean.

“Hurricane Melissa reminded us once again that connectivity is far more than technology. In moments of crisis, it becomes a lifeline for families, businesses, emergency responders, and governments,” Smidts said.

“The lessons from that experience have further strengthened our resolve and accelerated our investments in network resilience, operational preparedness, and recovery capabilities across the region. We remain committed to ensuring our customers and communities can rely on us when it matters most.”

The telecommunications provider said it has spent the past year making strategic investments to strengthen its networks and improve disaster resilience in several markets.

In Jamaica, those investments included enhancements to its mobile network, expanded spectrum capabilities, improved transport diversity, strengthened infrastructure, additional backup power systems and other redundancy measures designed to improve reliability and speed up recovery efforts following severe weather events.

The company also conducted simulation exercises, emergency response drills, fuel and logistics planning, and cross-functional coordination activities across its operating markets to ensure teams can mobilise quickly if needed during the hurricane season.

Smidts said Liberty Caribbean remains focused on building more resilient systems capable of supporting communities before, during and after emergencies.

“Our teams have worked tirelessly to modernise our infrastructure, strengthen operational readiness, and improve how we respond during emergencies. While no network is immune to extreme weather events, our focus remains on building stronger, smarter, and more resilient systems capable of supporting the Caribbean through disruption and recovery alike,” she said.

The company issued its preparedness update as forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year.

According to NOAA, there is a 55 per cent chance of a below-normal season, a 35 per cent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 per cent chance of an above-normal season.

Forecasters predict between eight and 14 named storms during the season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Of those storms, between three and six are expected to develop into hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes classified as Category 3, 4 or 5 systems.

Smidts said Liberty Caribbean’s role extends beyond providing communications services.

“We understand the responsibility that comes with serving the Caribbean. Our commitment extends beyond connectivity alone. It is also about supporting the resilience of the communities we serve and standing beside them before, during, and after times of crisis,” she said.

The company also encouraged customers and businesses across the region to review their hurricane preparedness plans and stay informed throughout the season.