March 17, 2025

Caribbean-American radio host elected Miramar Commissioner

Commissioner-elect Carson “Eddy” Edwar

Jamaican-American radio personality and entrepreneur Carson “Eddy” Edwards has been elected as a Commissioner in the City of Miramar, Broward County, Florida. Edwards won Miramar’s Seat 4 last week, securing more than 41% of the vote. “I am deeply honored by the trust the residents of Miramar have placed in me,” Edwards said. “This victory is a testament to our shared vision for a stronger, more unified Miramar. I’m ready to hit the ground running and continue working for the people of this great city.” Joining him in victory were Panamanian-American Yvette Colbourne, who was re-elected in Seat 2 with more than 85% of the vote, and Bahamian-American Avril Cherasard, who won Seat 3 with over 53%. The Commission also includes Jamaican-American Maxwell Chambers, who ran unopposed, and Mayor Wayne Messam, a first-generation American born to Jamaican parents.

Curaçao strengthens strategic partnerships at ITB Berlin

Curaçao made a vibrant impression at ITB Berlin this month with one of the most colorful booths at the event. Represented by the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), Curaçao Airport Partners, and 12 private sector partners, the island’s delegation focused on strengthening commercial ties with international travel partners. During the three-day event, the Curaçao team engaged with tour operators, airlines, online travel agencies and trade media to explore new opportunities for collaboration. ITB Berlin 2025 welcomed 5,800 exhibitors from 170 countries and attracted over 100,000 visitors – 87% from outside Germany – underscoring its significance as a global tourism platform. A key highlight was CTB’s partner dinner on the second day, which brought together local partners and product managers from international operators DER Touristik and Alltours. These strategic engagements support Curaçao’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in the German market, reinforcing the importance of participating in major travel events to drive visitor growth.

Zhavargo Jolly appointed TCI Minister of Tourism

Minister Zhavargo Jolly

Zhavargo Jolly has been appointed the new Minister of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands following last month’s general elections. In addition to tourism, he will oversee the portfolios of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment, succeeding former tourism minister Josephine Connolly. A seasoned entrepreneur, financial expert, and public servant, Minister Jolly brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Before entering politics, he served as Managing Director of Turks and Caicos Islands Capital, a private investment and lending firm. His background in finance, business strategy, and economic development positions him to drive sustainable growth in the country’s tourism industry, according to a release from Experience Turks and Caicos. Minister Jolly holds a Business degree from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. His leadership skills were further honed through his service in the Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Regiment, where he earned the Governor’s Award as the most outstanding recruit.

Celebrating women who drive creativity, leadership and success

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the incredible women who shape our partner agency, Figment Design, a full-service advertising agency based in Miramar, Florida. Pictured from left:  Chelo Sterling, Director of Creative Services – Transforms themed cruise client ideas into reality with creativity and precision.  Beverly Nicholson-Doty, CEO – A guiding force with years of tourism industry expertise, driving team growth and development.  Karen Pujol, Project Coordinator – Skillfully manages complex projects with efficiency and ease.  Maria Osorio, Client Relations Manager – Ensures seamless communication between the team and clients, making sure needs are understood and met.  Cassiana Canale, Senior Account Manager – Builds strong client relationships, bringing visions to life through strategy and insight. We salute these women – and those on our MPE/CMEx team – for their positive contributions and dedication.

Quotable Caribbean

“As a nation and as a region we must move with alacrity to forge new relationships and new partnerships with the global South. Now more than ever St. Kitts and Nevis and the Caribbean must turn their gaze to Africa, Asia and the Middle East and develop new friends. This has to be our new imperative and the new focus for our diplomacy over the near term. The time for greater South South engagement is upon us.” – Mark Brantley, Premier, Nevis

Proverbially West Indian

“Playing dead to ketch corbeaux alive.” (Trinidad and Tobago) This Caribbean proverb means pretending to be weak or helpless to outsmart and trap those looking to take advantage of you. In essence, it speaks to strategic deception – tricking enemies or opportunists into revealing themselves so you can turn the tables on them.

Medical Moment

World Health Day, observed on April 7, marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s founding in 1948. Each year, an estimated 300,000 women die from pregnancy or childbirth, more than two million babies die within their first month, and nearly two million are stillborn. The 2025 theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, calls on governments and health organizations to take decisive action in preventing maternal and newborn deaths while prioritizing women’s long-term health and well-being.

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