August 25, 2025

Guyana and Jamaica preparing for the polls

Two of the Caribbean’s largest democracies are preparing for high-stakes contests next month, as Guyana and Jamaica head to the polls in early September to decide their political futures.

On September 1, 2025, Guyana will hold general and regional elections to choose its president, vice president, and all 65 members of the National Assembly. Incumbent President Dr. Irfaan Ali of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is seeking a second and final term after a 33-seat victory in 2020. The opposition, led by Aubrey Norton of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) within the APNU+AFC coalition, currently holds 31 seats. The elections come at a pivotal moment as Guyana navigates the opportunities and challenges of its oil-driven economic boom.

Jamaicans will head to the polls on Wednesday, September 3, with Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness leading the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) into the election against Mark Golding’s opposition People’s National Party (PNP). Voters will elect Members of Parliament in 63 constituencies to serve a five-year term. In the last General Election, held in September 2020, the JLP secured 49 seats to form the Government.

CMEx Leadership Awards set for December

The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) will host the CMEx Leadership Awards Luncheon & Fundraiser on Sunday, December 7 at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami.

This year’s honorees, recognized for their outstanding contributions to tourism, media and business, include:

• Carole Alexis, Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters – Choreographer and Artistic Director, Martinique
• Dave Chang – Senior Vice President, Consumer Sales and Contact Centers, Carnival Cruise Line
• May Ling Chun – Director of Tourism, St. Maarten
• Ronella Croes – Chief Executive Officer, Aruba Tourism Authority
• Laura Davidson – CEO/Founder, LDPR
• Muryad de Bruin – Managing Director, Curaçao Tourist Board
• Cathleen Decker – Co-founder, The Decker/Royal Agency
• Loreto Duffy-Mayers – Tourism and Sustainability Expert, Barbados
• Monique Hamaty-Simmonds – Executive Director, Tortuga Rum Company Ltd., Cayman Islands
• Luce Hodge-Smith – Junior Minister of Tourism, British Virgin Islands
• Janelle Hopkin – President and Managing Director, Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
• Clarisa Jiménez – President & CEO, Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA)
• Vonulrick “Von” Martin – Broadcaster, Producer & Dean, Caribbeana Communications Inc.
• Shomari Scott – Chief Business Officer, Health City Cayman Islands
• Marcus Simmonds – Chief Executive Officer, Tortuga International Holdings Ltd., Cayman Islands

The CMEx Awards is sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc and Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

Proceeds will support educational initiatives that empower Caribbean youth and tourism professionals.

For tickets and details, visit cmexmedia.org

Puerto Rico sets stage for FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show

L–R: Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company; Governor Jenniffer González Colón; Michele Paige, CEO, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association; and Adam Ceserano, FCCA President, at last week’s press conference in San Juan

Anticipation is building as Caribbean destinations gear up to get on cruise lines’ radars at the region’s premier cruise tourism gathering.

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) top brass came together last week for a press conference to promote the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, which takes place in San Juan from October 21–24.

“Hosting the FCCA Conference this October places Puerto Rico at the forefront of the region’s cruise industry and highlights our capability to host major conventions,” said Governor Jenniffer González Colón, who participated in the press conference. “The Conference will strengthen ongoing initiatives to grow our cruise sector, which generates over $170 million in economic activity. We will continue to support the Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s efforts to expand the industry on the island, creating jobs and stimulating economic development.”

“This event represents more than just an open door to the cruise industry, but also a foot in the door with executives who decide where ships call, what sells onboard, and how to invest in destinations and infrastructure,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “With already almost 100 cruise executives confirmed two months before the event, the industry is clearly looking for more business in the Caribbean and Latin America, so now destinations and stakeholders must answer the call. Puerto Rico broadcast their commitment to continue improving their cruise tourism, and we look forward to furthering our work with the private and public sectors to increasing the benefits for Puerto Ricans.”

The FCCA Conference & Trade Show will feature a robust agenda with one-on-one meetings, workshops led by cruise leaders and successful stakeholders, and networking functions designed to strengthen partnerships — all while showcasing the best Puerto Rico has to offer.

For more information and registration, visit www.FCCAConference.com.

Photo Flashback: In The Bahamas before the Pandemic Pause

Caribbean tourism leaders — Barbados hotelier Patricia Affonso-Dass, then President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, and Joy Jibrilu, then Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation — at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in The Bahamas in 2020, just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quotable Caribbean

“Let us equip, empower and enable our young people to lead, and partner with them, not only as beneficiaries of development, but as architects of a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future.” — Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General, CARICOM

Proverbially West Indian

“Mouth open, story jump out.”

In the vibrant lexicon of Caribbean sayings, “Mouth open, story jump out” is a vivid warning about the consequences of careless speech. It cautions that once a word, rumor or sensitive detail escapes — whether by accident or design — it takes on a life of its own and cannot be taken back. The phrase speaks to the irreversible nature of verbal communication. 

In the professional world of news and business, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of discretion and strategic messaging. A single offhand comment can spark unintended consequences, while a moment’s lapse can compromise hard-won trust. The lesson is clear: think before you speak, because your words — and your reputation — travel far.

Medical Moment

Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October unites citizens around the world in raising understanding and supporting people diagnosed with the disease. 

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Global Cancer Observatory, breast cancer was the most common cancer among women in 157 of 185 countries in 2022. In the Caribbean, it ranks second among all cancers, affecting nearly 15,000 people and causing almost 6,000 deaths each year. 

Globally, it accounted for about 2.3 million new diagnoses and more than 670,000 deaths in 2022, making it the second most common cancer overall. During the month, individuals are encouraged to assess their personal risk, perform regular self-examinations, and schedule timely screenings.

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