August 11, 2025

Celebrating the steelpan’s cultural power

MPE President Bevan Springer is pictured with Tourism Trinidad officials, international journalists, and pan players at the Invaders Steel Orchestra Panyard during a 2023 media visit to Trinidad.

Today we celebrate the rich rhythm and cultural legacy of the steelpan — the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century. 

Recognized by the United Nations for its power to foster inclusive societies, support mental well-being, and empower youth, the steelpan is more than music — it’s a symbol of innovation, resilience and Caribbean pride.

From the streets of Trinidad and Tobago to global stages, the sound of the pan continues to unite and uplift communities. On this World Steelpan Day, let’s honor its cultural significance and its role in sustainable development and the creative economy.

Play on T&T! Play on Caribbean!

Dominican Republic joins as FCCA Presidential Partner

FCCA President Adam Ceserano addresses President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado during the signing ceremony last week in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) have formalized a Presidential Strategic Partnership Agreement, reinforcing the country’s growing leadership in Caribbean cruise tourism.

The signing, which included President Luis Abinader, Tourism Minister David Collado, and FCCA President Adam Ceserano, celebrates the Dominican Republic’s exceptional growth in the sector and confirms the country as host of the prestigious PAMAC Destination Summit 2026.

Running through December 2026, the agreement aims to increase cruise passenger arrivals and investment while creating a national strategy to employ Dominican talent in the cruise industry. It also facilitates private meetings with cruise executives to develop local services, products and sourcing opportunities.

“This partnership reflects the Dominican Republic’s strong momentum in cruise tourism,” said Ceserano, praising the country’s commitment to long-term growth and global competitiveness.

Full steam ahead: Turner joins LATTE to stir the U.S. travel scene

Matt Turner

Respected travel journalist Matt Turner, well known for his extensive coverage of the Caribbean, has joined LATTE Luxury News — an Australian publication focused on luxury leisure travel — as Editor of the soon-to-launch LATTE US.

Turner, who recently led the editorial strategy across digital and print platforms for U.S. publisher Questex — including Luxury Travel Advisor, TravelAgentCentral.com, and MeetingSpotlight.com — will now oversee coverage of the global luxury travel industry for the American B2B market. His audience will include luxury travel advisors, cruise executives, hoteliers, tour operators, DMCs, and other key stakeholders.

He is pictured here during the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2022.

Photo flashback to CWNY 2025

We flash back to Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY) this summer, when the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) honored the achievements of outstanding women across the region’s tourism sector during its second annual Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards. Pictured here, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson is visibly moved upon hearing her name announced, before receiving the Minister of Tourism award from CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper.

Quotable Caribbean

“Caribbean women do not just survive storms. We thrive in them. We plant roots in them. We raise families in them. We uplift others in them — and we still find time to look fabulous doing it.” — Teri Helenese, U.S. Virgin Islands Director, State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative

Proverbially West Indian

“Every day bucket a-go a well, one day de bottom a-go drop out.” (Jamaica)

This well-known saying serves as a warning about the risks of overuse and complacency. Just as a bucket lowered into a well day after day will eventually wear out and lose its bottom, any situation, resource or relationship stretched beyond its limits without care or attention is bound to break down. It’s a timeless call for balance, caution and respect for the things we depend on.

Medical Moment

World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28, raising global awareness about the persistent threat of rabies and the urgent need for prevention.

Rabies remains a significant public health issue, with cases reported in over 150 countries across every continent. The virus, primarily transmitted to humans through dog bites, causes an estimated 60,000 deaths worldwide each year.

The date also commemorates Louis Pasteur, whose groundbreaking work led to the development of the first rabies vaccine. 

Organized by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization, World Rabies Day promotes action to protect both people and animals.

This year’s theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” underscores the shared responsibility in preventing rabies. From vaccinating pets and raising public awareness to equipping health workers with training and resources, everyone has a role to play in ending rabies.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.

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