From left to right: Mr. Carlton Thomas, Competition Analyst, Ms. Kalifa Clarke, Research Officer, Ms. Ann-Marie Grant, General Manager and Mr. Alrick Livingston, Competition Analyst
The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) participated in the 20th Annual Conference of the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR), held in Trelawny, Jamaica from April 27 to May 1, 2026, under the theme "Navigating Caribbean Regulatory Challenges: Opportunities, Innovations and Collaborations."
Two members of the FTC's Competition Bureau delivered presentations during plenary sessions and also served as panellists in discussions on "Restoring Trust in the Telecoms Network" and "Transforming Water Management: Regulatory, Economic, and Cultural Strategies for Sustainable Water Security."
The presentations, titled "Fostering Competition in CARICOM Telecommunications Markets: Encouraging Fair Competition for Innovation and Consumer Benefit" and "Climate Change and the Economic Impact of Wastewater Reuse," were delivered by Ms. Kalifa Clarke, Research Officer, and Mr. Carlton Thomas, Competition Analyst, respectively.
Ms. Clarke's presentation drew on joint research conducted with Mr. Alrick Livingston, Competition Analyst. The research examined how optimizing infrastructure sharing and improving wholesale access can enhance competition in Caribbean telecommunications markets, which are increasingly characterized by natural duopoly conditions.
Mr. Thomas's presentation was based on research undertaken by Mr. Shavanne Smith, Research Officer, which explored international experiences in the reuse of wastewater for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes, and assessed its economic implications in the context of climate change.
Also in attendance were Ms. Ann-Marie Grant, General Manager, and Mr. Alrick Livingston.
The FTC's participation supported its mandate by strengthening engagement on regional regulatory issues, enhancing collaboration with utility regulators, and contributing to the promotion of competitive and sustainable utility sectors across the Caribbean. Insights gained will inform the Commission's ongoing work.