UPC on CARICOM Radar
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is keeping a close eye on the proposed merger of UPC and Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC). The merger, which was announced in April, has raised concerns among CARICOM member states that it could lead to a concentration of media ownership and undermine the region's media diversity.
According to sources, CARICOM has been monitoring the situation closely and has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the merger on the region's media landscape. In a statement, CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque said:
"CARICOM has been following the developments in the telecommunications sector in the region, including the proposed merger. We are concerned about the potential impact on the media landscape and the need to ensure that the region's media diversity is maintained."
In response to the concerns, UPC has stated that it is committed to maintaining the region's media diversity and will work to ensure that the merger does not result in the loss of jobs or the reduction of services.
However, some critics have expressed skepticism about UPC's commitment to media diversity, citing the company's history of reducing services and laying off employees in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, CARICOM will be closely monitoring the developments and taking steps to ensure that the region's media diversity is protected.
Author's Note: This situation raises important questions about the role of media in the Caribbean region and the need for strong regulatory frameworks to protect media diversity.