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Happy Independence Day SVG October 27, 2025 Happy Independence Day to St. Vincent and the Grenadines! As the nation marks 46 years of independence, MPE joins the Caribbean and the wider world in saluting the Vincentian people and celebrating their rich history, vibrant culture and unwavering resilience. May this anniversary be filled with pride and serve as a reminder of the collective commitment to shaping a bright and prosperous future. FCCA Cruise Conference strengthens regional partnerships in San Juan Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, was honored with a token of appreciation for her exceptional work and continued leadership. The award was presented by Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA, and Josh Weinstein, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, during the opening of the conference in San Juan. Last week’s 31st annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was a resounding success — bringing together delegates from across the Caribbean, Latin America, the United States and beyond for a week of meaningful connections, powerful insights, and unmatched networking. The Puerto Rico Convention Center buzzed with energy as government officials, cruise executives, and tourism stakeholders engaged in dynamic panels, productive one-on-one meetings, and interactive workshops. The hosts outdid themselves, delivering exceptional hospitality and showcasing Puerto Rico’s warmth, culture and commitment to excellence. Sessions throughout the week were both impactful and illuminating, covering a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, social media strategy, crisis communications, purpose-driven resilience, homeporting, care and crisis response, and the future of Caribbean and Latin American cruising. From elevating destination experiences and strengthening partnerships to investing in smart infrastructure and developing talent pipelines, the message was clear — collaboration and innovation will steer sustainable growth across the region. At the opening ceremony, Josh Weinstein, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, captured the spirit of optimism sweeping through the industry: “Nowhere is the appetite for cruise travel and the outlook for growth greater than in the Caribbean and Latin America.” Weinstein highlighted that global cruise demand is booming, with 37.7 million passengers projected this year — surpassing pre-pandemic levels by “a whopping 27 percent.” He reaffirmed the region’s leading role in the cruise business, noting, “No other region offers such welcoming, diverse, close-to-home, and high-value itineraries.” He further emphasized that cruise lines and destinations are driving real impact together — fueling local economies, supporting small businesses, and creating jobs across the region. From start to finish, the conference reinforced the power of partnerships and purpose — charting a bright course for the future of the Caribbean and Latin American cruise industry. CTO Tourism HR Conference opens tomorrow The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will host its Tourism Human Resources Conference this week (October 28–31), at Maria’s By The Sea in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, under the theme “The Human Touchpoint: Redefining HR Excellence in Caribbean Tourism”. More than 100 delegates from across the region and beyond are expected to participate, including HR leaders, tourism executives, educators, consultants, students and practitioners. The event will provide a platform to explore the latest HR trends, share best practices, and strengthen skills through targeted sessions and workshops. As the Caribbean’s tourism sector navigates challenges such as talent shortages, shifting workforce models, and evolving employee expectations, the conference will spotlight the need for innovative, human-centered strategies that balance technology, talent and culture. By blending digital innovation with people-first practices, the conference aims to enhance workforce resilience, transform leadership, and reinforce the region’s competitive edge in the global tourism marketplace. CMEx Laureate Spotlight: Luce Hodge-Smith Our spotlight on the 2025 CMEx laureates, who will be celebrated in Miami on Sunday, December 7, at Loews Coral Gables Hotel, continues. Luce Hodge-Smith, a native Virgin Islander, serves as the Fourth District Representative and Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture in the British Virgin Islands House of Assembly, a position she secured in the 2023 general elections. Before entering politics, Hodge-Smith devoted 25 years to public service. She worked at the BVI Tourist Board from 1986 to 1993, before becoming Education Officer for Culture from 1993 to 2006. In 2007, she was appointed the first Director of Culture, a position she held until her retirement in 2018. She later served as Deputy Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority from 2019 to 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, as well as a Certified Director designation. A dedicated community leader, Hodge-Smith has served with numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Hal Jackson BVI Talented Teens Pageant, Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee, BVI Boys Scouts Association, WINBVI, and the ZONTA Club of Tortola. She is also a member and former president of the Tortola Toastmasters Club. The CMEx Leadership Awards is powered by Platinum Sponsor Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. Other sponsors include Barbara Pyle Foundation; Calabash Cove Resort & Spa (St. Lucia); Carnival Corporation & plc; Chukka Caribbean Adventures; Coco Palm (St. Lucia); Comfort Suites Paradise Island (Bahamas); Jade Mountain (St. Lucia); Ladera Resort (St. Lucia); Marketplace Excellence Corporation; Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort (Grenada); Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (Bahamas); Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour (St. Kitts); Rodman Marketing Guru; Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Jamaica); The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission; The Decker/Royal Agency; Tortuga Rum Company; Tropical Attractions; Tropical Shipping; Unique Vacations Inc. (the worldwide representative of Sandals & Beaches Resorts); and Vanessa James Media. Proceeds will support educational initiatives that empower Caribbean youth and tourism professionals. For tickets and details, visit cmexmedia.org. University of The Bahamas appoints Assistant Provost for Tourism and Hospitality Dr. Michelle T. Allen The University of The Bahamas has announced the appointment of Dr. Michelle T. Allen as Assistant Provost for Tourism and Hospitality. In this role, Dr. Allen will provide strategic leadership to advance the University’s mission in tourism and hospitality education, research and industry engagement. Working closely with internal and external partners, she will support curriculum innovation, accreditation, student success, and faculty development — key areas within the institution’s strategic priorities. Dr. Allen, a national of Trinidad & Tobago, brings more than three decades of distinguished experience across the Caribbean and the United Kingdom, including key roles at The University of the West Indies (UWI) and Bournemouth University. A prolific researcher and award-winning academic, she has published extensively on island tourism development, policy networks, and service productivity. Her leadership on the UWI COVID-19 Task Force and the UNDP Future Tourism Project’s Business Adaptation Programme underscored her dedication to innovation and inclusive growth. A member of the Caribbean Tourism Researchers Network and the Caribbean Open Institute, Dr. Allen continues to champion regional capacity-building in tourism data and artificial intelligence. Photo Flashback: Caribbean preps for WTM West Indies cricket legend Gordon Greenidge was a highlight at the Barbados booth at last year’s World Travel Market (WTM) London, signing autographs and drawing tremendous interest. For decades, WTM has been the meeting ground where global tourism leaders, ministers, and industry professionals connect, collaborate, and set the agenda for the industry’s future. As the Caribbean readies to participate in WTM London from November 4–6 at ExCeL, the spotlight will be on celebrating a rich legacy while embracing new opportunities. This year’s showcase will highlight the #TravelPower of collaboration, innovation and shared vision — proving that by working stronger together, the industry can continue to move forward with purpose and impact. Quotable Caribbean “Our Caribbean region is … now facing a multiplicity of threats. We don’t need to look any further than the menacing vessels, military vessels from the United States across the Caribbean Sea, including what is reputed to be the world’s largest warship. These are not times of pirates anymore. This is 2025 and we have cause to be duly concerned because even as that is happening, one of the most dangerous hurricanes for the 2025 Atlantic season is bearing down on our brothers and sisters in the northern Caribbean, (Hurricane) Melissa. We are facing, my friends, an extremely dangerous and untenable situation in (the) Southern Caribbean. And as a people with a tragic history of being subjected to centuries of big power, orchestrated genocide, terrorism and warfare … and as a small state, we have invested tremendous time and energy and effort in establishing and maintaining our region as a zone of peace. Peace is critical to all that we do in this region. And now that peace is being threatened, we have to speak up.” — Mia Mottley, Prime Minister, Barbados Tink Bout It “Shepherding, as I define it, is more than business mentoring; it is life coaching intertwined with business guidance. Entrepreneurs need support not only in strategy and finance but also in resilience and self-belief. A shepherd nurtures both the person and the enterprise.” — Dr. Basil Springer, Director, Marketplace Excellence Medical Moment World Stroke Day will be observed on October 29, with this year’s focus on the Every Minute Counts campaign — a global call to help people everywhere recognize the signs of stroke and take swift action. Remember the signs of stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty — it’s Time to call emergency services. #ActFAST A study published this year in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases highlighted a decline in stroke mortality trends across Latin American and Caribbean countries between 1997 and 2020, thanks to greater public awareness of vascular risk factors and the implementation of effective health policies. However, by 2035, overall death rates are projected to rise again, driven largely by an aging population. The call to action for 2025 includes: Learn the signs of stroke and be ready to #ActFAST. Sign the Global Stroke Action Letter of Support and join the call for governments to commit to #StrokeActionNow. World Stroke Day is a reminder that early action saves lives — raising awareness, preventing disability, and building a future with fewer strokes.
