The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at [email protected].

September 8, 2025

Incumbents reelected in Jamaica and Guyana elections

A pair of Caribbean elections have concluded with incumbent leaders retaining power. In Jamaica, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has been reelected for a third term after a tight race. His Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) came out on top with 34 seats, while the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) won 29.

In Guyana, President Dr. Irfaan Ali will serve a second term following the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) victory. The PPP/C secured 36 of the 65 parliamentary seats. The election also saw a new political force, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), make a strong debut, earning second place and displacing A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as the main opposition.

Belize charts course for safer, stronger tourism industry

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations, has unveiled the National Tourism Security Strategy 2025–2030.

This landmark five-year plan represents a pivotal step in Belize’s commitment to safeguarding its thriving tourism industry. It establishes a coordinated national framework to mitigate risks, protect the tourism product, and strengthen visitor confidence across both urban hubs and remote destinations.

“This strategy reflects Belize’s commitment to delivering a safe, secure and world-class tourism experience,” said Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations. “It brings together security forces, government agencies, industry stakeholders and our communities in one unified effort to protect what we have built and prepare for the future.”

Key Objectives

• Expand the Tourism Police Unit (TPU) by 60% over five years
• Formalize a multi-agency Tourism Safety Forum for oversight and joint decision-making
• Deploy mobile enforcement teams in tourism corridors and high-risk zones
• Upgrade infrastructure with enhanced lighting, surveillance and communications at key sites
• Mandate disaster and emergency contingency plans for all tourism operators
• Strengthen training and capacity-building across the tourism security ecosystem

“Our vision is clear,” said Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism. “Belize will provide a safe and secure visitor experience that fuels economic growth, protects our cultural and environmental assets, and builds international confidence in our destination.”

CMEx Laureate Spotlight: May-Ling Chun

We continue our spotlight on the 2025 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) laureates, who will be celebrated in Miami on Sunday, December 7, at Loews Coral Gables Hotel.

May-Ling Chun has devoted more than three decades to advancing Caribbean tourism, blending visionary leadership with a steadfast commitment to community empowerment. Starting her career in hospitality as a waitress and hotel intern, she pursued her passion with academic excellence, earning a B.P.S. in Hotel/Restaurant Management from the New York Institute of Technology and an MBA in Management and Marketing from Sacred Heart University.

After relocating to St. Maarten in 1998, Chun served as Director of Operations at Oyster Bay Beach Resort, where she played a pivotal role in its expansion. She founded her own marketing firm and went on to lead the Artemia Group as General Manager, significantly boosting group and incentive travel to the island. Her expertise spans marketing, research, business development, training, event planning, and resort management.

Today, as Director of Tourism for St. Maarten, Chun champions sustainable growth, niche market development and initiatives that enhance both visitor experiences and the quality of life for residents. Renowned for her professionalism, energy and collaborative spirit, she has been a consistent advocate for tourism as a driver of opportunity and resilience.

Her leadership continues to inspire, shaping a vibrant, inclusive and globally competitive Caribbean tourism landscape.

The CMEx Awards is sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, and Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board.

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

For tickets and details, visit cmexmedia.org.

Curaçao to host “Shore to Ship” cruise tourism symposium

Antoinette Wright of Carnival Corporation & plc

The Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) will host a two-day cruise tourism symposium September 29–30. 

Under the theme “Shore to Ship: Elevating the Local Cruise Experience”, the event will bring together Curaçao’s cruise tourism community to learn, connect and strengthen the industry.

Organized in commemoration of World Tourism Day, the symposium will feature keynote speaker Antoinette Wright, Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America at Carnival Corporation & plc, alongside a panel of industry experts. 

Participants will also benefit from interactive workshops tailored for frontline professionals, led by the internationally recognized Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.

Photo Flashback: Tourism pioneer Frank Rainieri shares insights at WTTC Summit in Puerto Rico

The legendary Frank Rainieri, chairman and founder of Grupo Puntacana in the Dominican Republic, speaks to reporters during the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Sustainability & Investment Summit in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in June 2022. Rainieri, a visionary leader in Caribbean tourism, has been instrumental in shaping the Dominican Republic into one of the region’s most sought-after destinations, championing sustainable development and investment throughout his career.

Quotable Caribbean

“I think one of the takeaways that I will mention is the fact that we are not on the same level playing field as other playing countries. Back in the day where skill was the prominent factor we excelled, but the game has evolved, particularly with technology and analytics. We must now shift our focus towards these areas to find ourselves back to being very competitive.” – Brian Lara, former West Indies cricketer

Proverbially West Indian

“Patient man ride donkey.” (Jamaica)

This Caribbean saying reminds us that patience leads to progress, even if the journey feels slow. The donkey may not be the fastest means of transport, but it will carry you steadily to your destination. In life and business, the proverb teaches us that rushing can cause setbacks, while persistence and patience ensure we eventually arrive at our goal.

Medical Moment

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to highlighting one of the most common cancers in men. It is a timely reminder for men — especially those over 50, and for Black men or anyone with a family history beginning at age 40 — to speak with their doctor about their risk and whether screening is right for them.

Because prostate cancer often develops slowly and may show no early symptoms, early detection is key to successful treatment. Screening options commonly include a prostate-specific antigen blood test and, in some cases, a digital rectal exam. Men should talk with their doctor about these options, especially if they face higher risk. The decision to screen should be individualized, weighing potential benefits and risks, in line with guidelines from organizations such as the American Cancer Society.

To support this month’s focus, men are encouraged to:

• Discuss personal risk factors and screening options with a doctor
• Adopt healthy habits with balanced nutrition and regular physical activity
• Be aware of possible symptoms, including urinary issues or discomfort

While these issues can stem from other conditions, it’s essential to get them checked. Taking these proactive steps can make a lasting difference in long-term health.

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