May 5, 2025

New leadership for Cayman Islands and Trinidad & Tobago

Two Caribbean countries are welcoming newly elected leaders following general elections held last week.

In the Cayman Islands, an 11-member coalition government will be sworn in on Tuesday, comprising four members of the Caymanian Community Party (TCCP), four from the Cayman Islands National Party (CINP), and three independents. TCCP leader André Ebanks will serve as Premier, with Gary Rutty of the CINP appointed Deputy Premier and likely to receive the tourism ministry. Although the Progressive Peoples Movement won the most seats – seven – it did not secure enough to form the government. 

In a referendum held alongside the election, voters rejected the development of cruise berthing infrastructure but supported the introduction of a national lottery and the decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar was sworn in as Prime Minister on Friday after the United National Congress (UNC)won 26 of the 41 parliamentary constituencies. The incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM) secured 13 seats, while the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) won two. The new Cabinet has been sworn in, with the Minister of Tourism to be appointed once the selected candidate returns from overseas.

Caribbean tourism surges past pre-pandemic levels for second straight year

The Caribbean tourism sector continued its robust recovery and expansion in 2024, with international tourist arrivals reaching an estimated 34.2 million, according to a new report from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). This represents a 6.1% increase compared to 2023, and a 6.9% rise above pre-pandemic levels, marking the second consecutive year that the region has outperformed the 2019 benchmark.

The CTO’s “Caribbean Tourism Performance Review 2024”highlights the region’s resilience and enduring appeal, driven by factors such as strong demand from the United States, a rebounding Canadian market, and enhanced air connectivity.

The Caribbean cruise industry experienced a significant rebound, with 33.7 million cruise visits in 2024, a 10.3% increase over 2023, and a 10.9% increase over pre-pandemic levels.

The Caribbean hotel sector also performed strongly, with occupancy rates reaching 66.6%, a 0.8% increase from the previous year, and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) increasing by 4.2% to US$437.02.

“Tourism in the Caribbean is expected to continue growing in 2025. However, due to prevailing economic uncertainties and slowdowns in major source markets during the first quarter of the year, the pace of growth is projected to be more moderate than earlier forecasts suggested,” said Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s Director of Research. 

CTO now anticipates that overnight visitor arrivals will increase by 2% to 5%, reaching approximately 35 million. The outlook for the cruise sector remains positive, with cruise arrivals expected to grow by 5% to 7%, approaching 36 million visitors.

CMEx Director nominated for 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

CMEx representatives Bevan Springer and Lelei TuiSamoa LeLaulu

Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) President Bevan Springer has applauded the nomination of CMEx Director Lelei TuiSamoa LeLaulu for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, celebrating his global impact on sustainable development, tourism and peacebuilding.

Springer called the nomination of the Samoan native as “a striking acknowledgment of the direct links between tourism, sustainable development, and peace.”

A longtime advocate for tourism as a tool for economic empowerment and cultural understanding, LeLaulu has framed the industry as an “industry of peace” and the world’s largest voluntary transfer of resources from the ‘haves’ to the ‘have-nots.’

The Norwegian Nobel Institute registered a total of 338 candidates for the 2025 peace prize, of which 244 are individuals and 94 are organizations.

USVI Cup serves up international tennis in St. Croix

Caribbean Cup opens in St. Croix this week. Photo Credit: Margot Jordan

St. Croix is once again in the global tennis spotlight as the USVI Cup 1 & 2 returns to the island as part of the Caribbean Cup Tennis Series. The two ITF Junior tournaments take place May 5–9 and May 12–16 at the landmark Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, U.S. Virgin Islands, drawing more than 200 players, coaches, and families from countries including Brazil, China, France, Mexico, and the United States.

The event highlights the growing development of tennis in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with local and regional athletes competing alongside international talent. For many visitors, the tournament is also a gateway to discover the island’s warm hospitality, rich culture, and stunning topograhy —making it a perfect match of sports tourism.

Quotable Caribbean

“Outstanding customer service today is not merely a matter of good manners. It’s about efficiency – doing the best job possible in the shortest amount of time. It’s about productivity and maximizing resources while minimizing waste. Whether it’s a government office issuing permits, a teacher shaping young minds, a tourism worker ensuring visitors feel welcome or a bank clerk leading an elderly client through a digital maze, the expectation is the same: deliver value and do so with excellence.” –Dr. Basil Springer, Director, Marketplace Excellence

Proverbially West Indian

“Time longer than twine.” 

This Caribbean proverb, popular in the Virgin Islands, means that time reveals all things – no matter how long it takes, truth and justice will eventually prevail. The saying reminds us of patience, perseverance, and the enduring strength of what’s right.

Medical Moment

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31.

This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”, sheds light on how the tobacco and nicotine industries make harmful products appear attractive.

The campaign advocates for a healthier, tobacco-free future by urging policy changes to ban flavored products, additives, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

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