The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at info@marketplaceexcellence.com. | | Former USVI Governor Kenneth Mapp receives Medal of Honor | |
Governor Kenneth Mapp flanked by Senator Franklin Johnson (left) and Senate President Milton Potter (right)
Photo credit: U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature
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Former U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Kenneth Ezra Mapp has received the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, the territory’s highest public service distinction, recognizing his decades of service to the people of the Virgin Islands.
Mapp, the USVI’s eighth elected governor, was honored during a ceremony hosted by the 36th Legislature on St. Croix last week.
Route 75, from the Bassin Triangle intersection at Route 70 in Estate Richmond to Krause Lagoon, has been designated the “Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp Highway.”
Mapp began his public service career in law enforcement and later served in the Legislature, as lieutenant governor and as governor from 2015 to 2019. His tenure included leading the territory through the devastation and recovery following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and securing billions of dollars in federal recovery assistance.
In emotional remarks, Mapp urged current and aspiring public officials to act decisively in the interests of the people. “Act, make decisions. Do not allow fear of criticism, political consequences or failure to become an excuse for inaction,” he said, adding that leadership should be measured by whether those in office “improve the lives of our people and strengthen their future.”
Reflecting on his own service, Mapp said he looked back, not with regret, but gratitude. “I accept this Medal of Honor with humility, gratitude and profound appreciation,” he said.
Also honored during the ceremony were soca artist Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd Jr., quelbe band the Ten Sleepless Knights, culture bearer Willard John, and former Warden and Montford Point Marine Thomas Martin who was recognized posthumously.
| | CMEx celebrates Caribbean hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor | | Caribbean hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor | |
This week, the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) highlights another distinguished leadership laureate who will be celebrated at the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026 at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area.
He is visionary Barbadian and Caribbean hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor, who introduced the all-inclusive concept to Barbados following his acquisition of the Divi resort in 1991. He rebranded the property as Almond Beach Club & Spa and served as chairman and managing director of Almond Resorts Inc. for 20 years.
During his tenure, Taylor spearheaded the successful expansion of Almond Resorts’ all-inclusive portfolio from one property to five hotels totaling 1,549 rooms across Barbados and St. Lucia. Today, he is chairman and CEO of Arcadia Hotels & Resorts, parent company of The Soco Hotel in Barbados and The Soco House in St. Lucia.
Taylor’s contributions to Caribbean tourism have been widely recognized. In 1995, his commitment to industry development earned him the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year honor from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). In 2006, he received the inaugural Barbados Minister of Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to tourism in the region.
A past president and chairman of CHTA, Taylor has also served as chairman of the Barbados Tourism Authority, the Tourism Development Corporation and the Advisory Council of the Minister of Tourism in Barbados as well as president of the Barbados Hotel Association. Most recently, he received an honorary doctorate from The University of the West Indies.
The 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser is made possible through the support of its corporate and destination partners.
The event is powered by Platinum Sponsor, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
Major sponsors include The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Carnival Corporation, Marketplace Excellence Corporation, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
Additional sponsors supporting the cause include Coco Palm (St. Lucia), Fond Doux Eco Resort (St. Lucia), Ladera Resort (St. Lucia), Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort (Grenada), Tropical Attractions, and Vanessa James Media.
Proceeds support educational programs, youth development initiatives and professional training designed to empower the next generation of Caribbean tourism and media leaders.
| | Curaçao lands new flights from Argentina | | |
Curaçao is stepping up its efforts to attract more travelers from Argentina, adding new nonstop Aerolíneas Argentinas flights from Buenos Aires to Willemstad on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Starting in January, the airline will operate four flights per week including two nonstop services and two flights via Aruba on Mondays and Thursdays. The service will continue through the end of March.
Argentina has emerged as one of Curaçao’s fastest-growing tourism markets in recent years. Between January and July 2026, Curaçao welcomed 23,924 stayover visitors from Argentina, a 79% increase compared with the same period in 2025. In July alone, the destination welcomed 4,862 Argentine visitors, up from 2,885 in July 2025 (an increase of 69%).
Aruba welcomed the launch of nonstop service from Argentina earlier this year.
| | Pilar Bush named Compass Media publisher | |
Former Cayman Islands director of tourism Pilar Bush has been appointed publisher of Compass Media, effective Sept. 14, 2026.
A Caymanian executive and entrepreneur, Bush brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the public and private sectors.
She is the founder of AtWater Consulting and has extensive experience guiding organizations through strategic change, communications and transformation initiatives.
“We are proud to have attracted a leader of Pilar’s caliber to take Compass Media into its next chapter,” said Mark VanDevelde, CEO of Dart, which owns the media company. “She brings a breadth of executive experience, a deep love of country and the courage to set high standards, hold teams accountable and pursue excellence. Dart remains fully committed to Compass Media and its mission over the long term, including our continued investment in Caymanian talent who make up roughly 80% of our team.”
Bush returns to the Dart family, where she previously served as executive vice president of marketing and communications. She joins Compass Media after serving as Premier André Ebanks’ first chief of staff.
“This was a difficult decision, as Premier Ebanks was outstanding to work for and with,” said Bush. “As someone who has observed local politics for 30 years, Premier Ebanks strikes me as a once-in-a-generation leader: a visionary with a sharp intellect and extraordinary work ethic, a unifier whose integrity, deep, abiding faith and genuine respect for others inform his every decision. It has been an honor to serve him and the 10 members of his NCFC (National Coalition for Caymanians) government as they chart a new course for a stronger, fairer and modern Cayman Islands.”
Compass Media Group is a diversified media company in multi-platform news and entertainment. With assets in broadcast television, radio, streaming, newspapers, magazines and live events, Compass has a broad portfolio of brands and businesses that cater to the Cayman Islands and Caribbean markets.
| | “Strong destination partnerships are an important part of the cruise experience, and these visits allow us to engage directly with the people and organizations that help make each destination successful. By bringing students aboard and supporting local education initiatives, we can help introduce the next generation to the many career opportunities available across the cruise and tourism industries.” — Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs, Carnival Corporation | | |
“Education has always been at the heart of my family’s commitment to Grenada. Through the Sir Royston Hopkin Foundation, we are proud to continue my father’s legacy by investing in our nation’s young people and giving them the support and opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Education is about more than academic achievement; it is about building confidence, character, creating opportunity and empowering young people to become the very best versions of themselves. Education is one of the greatest investments we can make in nation-building, because the young people we empower today will shape the Grenada of tomorrow.” — Janelle Hopkin, President & Managing Director, Spice Island Beach Resort
| | In case you missed it ... | | |
For Caribbean Tourism Authority highlights this week, click below:
| | “Behind every policy decision are people and families who must live with the consequences. That is why I have never viewed election to public office as an accomplishment in and of itself. Election to office is a temporary grant of authority from the people, a grant to serve them and care for their interests. And this grant of authority carries an obligation to act. Political leaders must act responsibly and be held accountable. They must take a stand. They must perform their duties if the lives of the people are to improve.” — Governor Kenneth E. Mapp, Eighth Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands | | | | |
