Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has ushered in new leadership, with Dr. Godwin Friday of the New Democratic Party (NDP) sweeping to victory over Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), who had governed the Eastern Caribbean nation for close to a quarter century.

The NDP won 14 of the country’s 15 constituencies, delivering a decisive setback to the ULP and marking one of the most significant political shifts in the nation’s modern history.

Meanwhile, voters in Saint Lucia head to the polls today, where the incumbent Saint Lucia Labour Party, led by Philip J. Pierre, faces a closely watched challenge from the United Workers Party under former prime minister Allen Chastanet.

West Indies great Joel “Big Bird” Garner awarded Barbados’ highest honor

The Most Honorable Joel Garner M.B.E., J.P. with CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper during Caribbean Week in New York 2024

West Indies fast-bowling icon Joel Garner has been awarded the Order of Freedom of Barbados, the nation’s highest honor, as part of the 2025 National Honors announced on the fourth anniversary of Barbados becoming a republic and the country’s 59th Independence anniversary yesterday.

Garner — revered worldwide as “Big Bird” — was recognized “for his outstanding leadership as a distinguished sports administrator, sterling service to national cricket development and extraordinary contribution to West Indies and Barbados cricket as one of the greatest fast bowlers in history.”

A dominant force in world cricket, Garner’s influence spans generations, from his era-defining pace to his continued mentorship and service off the field.

This year’s Order of Freedom honorees also include Dr. Kevin Greenidge for his leadership in economic policy, and Dr. Kurt Lambert for his contributions to health care, finance and philanthropic investment.

Meanwhile, Barbados installed its second President on Sunday, Lt. Col. The Most Honorable Jeffrey Bostic.

CMEx Awards set for Sunday

The countdown is on for the 2025 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards & Fundraiser, set for Sunday, December 7, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami. This year’s celebration will spotlight an impressive roster of honorees whose leadership has transformed Caribbean tourism, business, communications, and community development. 2025 CMEx Leadership Award Honorees: Carole Alexis – Choreographer & Artistic Director, Martinique; Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters Dave Chang – Senior Vice President, Consumer Sales & Contact Centers, Carnival Cruise Line May-Ling Chun – Director of Tourism, St. Maarten Ronella Croes – Chief Executive Officer, Aruba Tourism Authority Laura Davidson – CEO/Founder, LDPR Muryad de Bruin – Managing Director, Curaçao Tourist Board Cathleen Decker – Co-founder, The Decker/Royal Agency Loreto Duffy-Mayers – Tourism & Sustainability Expert, Barbados Monique Hamaty-Simmonds – Executive Director, Tortuga Rum Company Ltd., Cayman Islands Luce Hodge-Smith – Junior Minister of Tourism, British Virgin Islands Janelle Hopkin – President & Managing Director, Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada Clarisa Jiménez – President & CEO, Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association Vonulrick “Von” Martin – Broadcaster, Producer & Dean, Caribbeana Communications Inc. Shomari Scott – Chief Business Officer, Health City Cayman Islands Marcus Simmonds – Chief Executive Officer, Tortuga International Holdings Ltd., Cayman Islands CMEx will also present its first Lifetime Achievement Award to Sir Baltron B. Bethel of The Bahamas, honoring his pioneering role in shaping modern Caribbean tourism.  The luncheon promises to unite industry leaders, community advocates, and media professionals for an afternoon of celebration, networking and inspiration, all while supporting educational initiatives that empower Caribbean youth and tourism professionals.  Over the same weekend, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will stage Caribbean Weekend in Miami, featuring a holiday dinner and fundraiser — supporting disaster relief and tourism restoration in Jamaica and Haiti; business meetings; and a summit aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas — setting the stage for a remarkable gathering of the region’s top tourism voices.

CMEx Laureate Spotlight: Marcus Simmonds

Our spotlight series concludes as we look ahead to the 2025 CMEx Laureates ceremony this weekend. Marcus Simmonds is CEO of Tortuga International Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary of Pan Jamaica Group Ltd., where he leads the world-renowned Tortuga brand, famous for its Caribbean rum and irresistible rum cakes cherished by food lovers and travelers worldwide. A proud Howard University graduate, Simmonds combines sharp business acumen with deep Caribbean roots. Under his leadership, Tortuga has grown far beyond its Cayman Islands beginnings to reach cruise ships, duty-free shops, airports, major U.S. retailers, and global online platforms. Whether it’s a slice of moist rum cake or a sip of aged Tortuga Caribbean Rum, Simmonds ensures every product reflects the flavor, warmth and authenticity of the islands. Backed by a talented team of more than 100 employees, Marcus Simmonds is committed to innovation, entrepreneurship and advancing Caribbean excellence on the global stage. He is also a strong advocate for digital transformation and initiatives that celebrate the region’s creativity and enterprise. Beyond the boardroom, Simmonds is a devoted father to his three children — Jayda, Nadia and Brandon — all currently in university.  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: Marie McKenzie in Miami

At last year’s CMEx Leadership Awards in Miami, Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation & plc, was honored as a CMEx Laureate for her outstanding contributions to Caribbean tourism and her commitment to strengthening cruise sector partnerships with regional governments and communities

Looking ahead to a new year of PR planning

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time for tourism brands to shift focus from daily execution to big-picture strategy. Thoughtful PR planning now can set the tone for stronger visibility, deeper media relationships and more authentic storytelling in the year ahead. For Caribbean destinations and hospitality brands, this is when meaningful PR strategy takes shape.

Start by reviewing what worked, such as campaigns that sparked engagement, press trips that delivered strong coverage, and partnerships that truly moved the needle. Then, look at what’s next: from wellness and culture-led experiences to sustainability and culinary travel, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where authenticity and creativity will define success.

Build a Stronger 2026 PR Strategy:

1) Audit your 2025 coverage for patterns. Which story angles generated the most media interest? Which journalists engaged multiple times? Use these insights to double down on what resonates rather than starting from scratch.

2) Design your calendar around tentpole moments. Instead of scattering efforts month by month, identify 3-4 strategic windows (high season launches, cultural festivals, new property openings) and build integrated campaigns around them with pre-pitch, during and follow-up phases.

3) Create story ecosystems, not one-offs. A single press release has limited shelf life. A story told through multiple channels (media pitches, influencer partnerships, owned content and destination collaborations) creates lasting momentum and positions your brand as a go-to resource.

Consistency and creativity are key. A well-planned PR calendar not only keeps messaging fresh but also ensures your brand remains top of mind when travelers begin dreaming of their next island getaway.

As you map out 2026, remember that the strongest PR strategies don’t just chase coverage; they build narratives that connect emotionally and inspire action. When your story resonates beyond the page, that’s when visibility turns into visitation.

“Spinnin’ top in mud.”

This Caribbean saying paints a vivid picture of futility: no matter how fast a top spins, it cannot move forward in mud. The proverb is used to describe wasted effort, when all the energy, motion and activity produce no real progress, indicating that sometimes determination alone isn’t enough — direction, timing and the right conditions are needed. It encourages us to step back, assess whether we’re making headway, and adjust our approach so we’re not spinning in place.

Medical Moment

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1, is an opportunity for the world to unite against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost to HIV.

In the Caribbean, an estimated 350,000 to 590,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS. The region has made significant progress, achieving a 62 percent reduction in AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2024, largely due to improved access to antiretroviral treatment.

Despite these gains, challenges remain. In 2024, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica accounted for 90 percent of the region’s 15,000 new HIV infections. Alarmingly, 25 percent of new infections occurred among young people aged 15 to 24 years.

The 2025 World AIDS Day theme, “Living with HIV”, emphasizes resilience, inclusivity and continued action to ensure that everyone affected has access to care, support and dignity.

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