Speaking to The Gleaner earlier this week, Richard Pardy, Flow's Chief Executive Officer, said the channel would be similar to its existing Channel 12 in the Bahamas.

Mr. Pardy said Flow would be committed to local programming.

"Absolutely, for two reasons.  Firstly, it is the right thing to do and secondly it's productive and our competitors, the satellites, they will not be able to offer such content as we can.  It is simply good business," he emphasised.

Flow, which launched its broadband Internet service on Wednesday, intends to offer a range of different packages with its top package offering more than 250 channels and the lowest 40-50 channels at $650 per month.  Flow is a brand name for the CARICOM-based and part Michael Lee-Chin-owned Columbus Communications Inc.

RUNNING THROUGH THE CARIBBEAN

Flow operates via Columbus Communications Inc.'s Fibralink submarine fibre-optic cable which runs through the Caribbean from Florida to Jamaica via the Dominican Republic.

It offers voice, data and video broadcasting services.

Initially, the company is only serving the business market but will announce its residential service schedule in May for which the laying of cable has already begun.

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