November 24, 2025

This Thanksgiving, we reflect gratefully on the strength of our Caribbean community across the United States. In these turbulent times, it is more important than ever to hold our loved ones close, to recognize our many blessings, to honor our roots and foundation, and to find hope in the bonds that unite us.

Black Friday: Shopping, savings and the Caribbean escape you need

The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has become one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year.  Once defined by long lines at department stores, today it is just as much an online phenomenon, giving shoppers everywhere access to unbeatable deals from the comfort of their own home.  While electronics, fashion and household items often headline the savings, Black Friday has also become a golden opportunity for vacation and getaway bargains.  For those dreaming of a well-deserved break, this is a great time to secure special rates on Caribbean escapes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a family adventure, or simply a chance to recharge, Black Friday is the perfect time to plan ahead.  Don’t just shop for material items this season — invest in experiences that support your wellbeing. Leverage Black Friday deals and head to the Caribbean this winter, because life truly needs the Caribbean!

Tourism Tidbits

Veteran communications and public affairs executive Jennifer Matarangas-King has been confirmed by the Legislature as the Commissioner of Tourism of the U.S. Virgin Islands. A native of St. Croix she brings more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, organizational leadership, and public service across both the private and public sectors. Her leadership reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration and ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach every corner of the Territory. “Our mission is to strengthen partnerships, invest in people, and set a clear path forward,” she said. “Together, we will continue to showcase the authenticity, excellence and opportunity that define our islands.” She replaces Joseph Boschulte, who recently returned as CEO of The West Indian Company Ltd.

Bonaire has been named the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year following last week’s Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition in Barbados, which showcased the region’s top chefs and mixologists.

Winners included:

• Caribbean Chef of the Year: Jake Kelkboom (Bonaire)
• Caribbean Bartender of the Year / Most Creative Bartender: Alex Chandler (Barbados)
• Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year: Elise Weerstand (Bonaire)
• Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year: Gabrielle Martin (Turks & Caicos)

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The global airline community — including partners across the Caribbean tourism sector — is mourning the passing of industry icon Peter J. Dolara.

“Peter was a legendary figure at American, in South Florida and throughout Latin America. He was integral to the growth of our Miami hub and Latin America network, and American would not be what it is today without his vision and leadership,” said American Airlines CEO Robert Isom.

Dolara, a native of Uruguay affectionately known to his team as “El Jefe,” retired from American in 2012 after more than four decades of service. He joined the airline in 1971, holding early sales roles in the Eastern Division in New York, before being named Vice President of Atlantic/Caribbean and New York Sales in 1984 and Senior Vice President in 1989.

He moved to Greater Miami in 1992, where he spearheaded the development of American’s industry-leading presence across Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America (MCLA). Even before relocating, Dolara played a pivotal role in American’s 1990 acquisition of Eastern Airlines and its Central and South America route network — a transformative move that cemented American’s status as the preeminent U.S. carrier in the region for decades to come.

Caribbean culture takes center stage in Brussels

Jo Spalburg, Secretary General of the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe (second from left), is pictured with members of the Caribbean diplomatic community and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States as they kicked off the 2025 edition of Caribbean Days in Brussels. Chef Orlando Satchell is second from right.

The Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe (CCCE) is presenting the third edition of “Caribbean Days” at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s Hotel this week.

This week-long celebration spotlights the region’s creative industries — art, fashion, film, literature, poetry and the culinary arts — alongside a series of business-to-business workshops promoting the Caribbean’s finest premium products, including cocoa, coffee, condiments, spices, rum and West Indian Sea Island Cotton.

A highlight of this year’s program is Caribbean Film Days, Belgium’s first-ever Caribbean film festival, featuring documentaries, films and shorts from across the region.

The week’s program will also feature Chef Orlando Satchell of Orlando’s Restaurant & Bar in St. Lucia, who will present a three-course Caribbean Gourmet Menu at the Wiltcher’s Loui Restaurant.

Additionally, the Caribbean Arts Exhibition, hosted in collaboration with Art Gallery “Les Iles,” will showcase works by Trinidadian artist Brian Ashing and other Caribbean creatives.

CMEx Laureate Spotlight: Von Martin

The spotlight shines on the 2025 CMEx laureates, with celebrations scheduled for Sunday, December 7, at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami. Vonulrick “Von” Martin, broadcaster, producer and dean of Caribbeana Communications Inc., founded Caribbeana Radio Services in 1975 and went on air in 1977 as one of the first radio personalities on WPFW 89.3 FM.  Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and a resident of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for more than four decades, Martin has cultivated a cultural institution through his talent and passion for radio. He served for 25 years in the Organization of American States (OAS) Radio and Public Information Department and has contributed to projects for the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival. A recognized authority on Caribbean culture and music, he describes the art form as a cultural expression of life, bridging past and present generations. His programs are known for their inspiration, innovation and ability to keep the Caribbean-American community connected through music, news and events. Von Martin is the author of Voices of Pan Pioneers of Trinidad & Tobagoand contributed the essay “Coming Back Home to Take Home Back” in Ah Come Back Home – Perspectives on the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, edited by Ian Isidore Smart and Kimani S. K. Nehusi. For decades, he has provided substance and style to his work, giving voice to the needs of the Caribbean diaspora while celebrating its heritage. The CMEx Leadership Awards is powered by Platinum Sponsor Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. Other sponsors include Barbara Pyle Foundation; Calabash Cove Resort & Spa (St. Lucia); Carnival Corporation & plc; Chukka Caribbean Adventures; Coco Palm (St. Lucia); Comfort Suites Paradise Island (Bahamas); Grenada Tourism Authority; Hyatt Regency Trinidad; Jade Mountain (St. Lucia); Ladera Resort (St. Lucia); Marketplace Excellence Corporation; Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort (Grenada); Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (Bahamas); Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour (St. Kitts); Rodman Marketing Guru; Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Jamaica); The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission; The Decker/Royal Agency; Tortuga Rum Company; Tropical Attractions; Tropical Shipping; Unique Vacations Inc. (the worldwide representative of Sandals & Beaches Resorts); and Vanessa James Media. For tickets and details, visit cmexmedia.org.

Photo Flashback: Simón Suárez at CMEx

CMEx President Bevan Springer and media executive Vanessa Jamesshared a proud moment with Simón Suárez, Vice President of Grupo Puntacana, who was honored as one of the laureates at the 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards in Miami. Suárez’s recognition highlighted his trailblazing leadership and commitment to advancing tourism in the Dominican Republic and across the region.

“He/She boil down like bhaji.”

This Caribbean proverb from Trinidad and Tobago draws on the nature of bhaji — a leafy spinach that shrinks dramatically when cooked. Just as the greens quickly reduce in the pot, the saying describes someone who cools down just as fast after an explosive burst of anger, illustrating that tempers often fade as swiftly as they rise, creating space for calm, balance, and hopefully reflection!

Medical Moment

This Thanksgiving, why not consider blending tradition with healthy innovation at the dinner table? Try non-traditional and Caribbean-inspired recipes that bring fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients as delicious alternatives to classic Thanksgiving fare.

As you enjoy festive meals with loved ones, remember to maintain healthy habits: balance your plate with a variety of colorful foods, stay well-hydrated, and keep active with a family walk, dance or other fun movement to support energy and digestion.

Food safety is also important — ensure meats are cooked to proper temperatures, refrigerate leftovers promptly, and keep preparation areas clean to prevent foodborne illness.

Finally, take a moment to express gratitude for your health, family and community. Mindful choices around food, activity and self-care can make the holiday season both joyful and wellness-focused.

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