Big wins for USVI in federal tax bill

Teri Helenese

While portions of the new federal tax bill have sparked concern, the U.S. Virgin Islands secured several long-sought victories — thanks to determined, bipartisan advocacy led in part by Virgin Islander Teri Helenese, Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Governor of the Territory.

Key wins include:

• Permanent Rum Cover-Over to ensure reliable revenue
• Improved Opportunity Zones to spur local development

“Let me be clear: these wins did not come easy. Since December 31, 2021, I have fought tooth and nail to get Rum Cover-Over across the finish line. I carry the battle scars with pride — from hundreds of meetings to countless hours educating members of Congress, their senior staff, and policy advisors.”

Helenese praised cross-party collaboration and credited strong relationships: “Relationships matter. Bipartisanship matters. Tenacity matters.”

Though prior efforts stalled under the previous administration, Helenese sees the development as a breakthrough: “This moment reflects something different: a hard-earned victory born not from political alignment, but from grit, endurance, and relentless advocacy across party lines.”

She acknowledged the bill’s limitations and pledged to continue working to advance other key advocacy areas, including Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP: “This bill is not perfect. But it is progress. And it is proof that when we fight smart and stay focused, we can win real, lasting change for the Virgin Islands.”

Barbados to host international tennis meet

Barbados is gearing up to welcome tennis enthusiasts from around the region and beyond for the 2025 edition of the Barbados Friendship Cup, set to take place October 27-31 at the Raymond Forde National Tennis Centre.

The tournament will feature both an Open Tournament and a Senior Tournament, with categories for Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles teams. The event follows a round-robin format and offers total prizes of US $5,000. Registration is US $100 per team, payable upon arrival, and the deadline to register is September 15.

The Senior Tournament is open to male players 45 years and older and female players 35 years and older, offering a platform for seasoned athletes to showcase their skills and enjoy spirited competition in a vibrant Caribbean locale.

For registration and additional details, interested teams should email [email protected] and follow @barbadostenniscup on Instagram for updates.

CTO Secretary-General champions authentic leadership at SHE Leads Conference

Dona Regis-Prosper in Curaçao

Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper has underscored the power of authenticity in leadership, urging women to lead with truth and connection. Her remarks came during the SHE Leads Conference in Curaçao, where she recently delivered keynote remarks.

Speaking to an audience of more than 200 women, Regis-Prosper described the experience as “both meaningful and transformative.”

“I came to share my story, my lessons and my truth — and just as powerfully, I left having learned from the incredible women I met,” she said. “Their warmth, strength and honesty were unforgettable. These women were not only radiant on the outside, but deeply grounded, wise and authentic at their core.”

The conference, which focused on the theme of Authenticity and Trust, brought together women leaders from Curaçao, the Caribbean and North America.

Regis-Prosper emphasized that authenticity must go beyond conversation: “Our interactions reminded me that authenticity isn’t just a concept we discuss — it’s a way of being that we live, embody and pass on to others.”

Photo Flashback: Celebrating Caribbean excellence

A memorable moment from the 2019 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards in Miami — CMEx President Bevan Springer pictured with Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority, as she was honored for her outstanding contributions to Caribbean tourism.

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the annual CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser to Miami on Sunday, December 7, 2025! Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to celebrate excellence in Caribbean tourism, media and community leadership.

Quotable Caribbean

“We are proud of this event’s continued success for attendees and so many throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. The FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show has been the birthplace of everything from new tours to entire destination developments, so we are excited about what this year can bring for all.” – Michele Paige, CEO, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

Proverbially West Indian

“A new broom sweeps clean, but the old broom knows the corners.”

This Caribbean proverb conveys that while new people or ideas can bring fresh energy, it’s the wisdom of experience that best understands the nuances. 

The “old broom” may not shine as brightly, but it knows where to find the hidden dust. In work and life, both innovation and experience have their place — but never underestimate the value of someone who’s been through the trenches and stood the test of time.

Medical Moment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its “3 by 35”initiative, urging countries to increase the real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes. 

This bold move aims to tackle the global surge in noncommunicable diseases (NCD) — such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes — which now account for more than 75 percent of all deaths worldwide.

According to WHO, these harmful products are major contributors to the NCD crisis. A recent report reveals that a one-time 50% price hike could prevent up to 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years. Beyond saving lives, health taxes can also generate much-needed revenue that governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection programs.

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