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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.

July 20, 2026

Sir Garry’s remarkable life inspires generations

Tributes are pouring in from across the globe following the passing of the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers last week.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, the Barbadian and West Indies legend captivated generations with his extraordinary all-round ability, instinctive brilliance and fearless approach to the game.

Yet Sir Garry will be remembered for far more than his cricketing prowess. From humble beginnings, he overcame profound personal loss — the death of his father at a young age and the tragic loss of his best friend and fellow West Indies cricketer in a car accident — to become a mentor, ambassador and enduring source of regional pride.

His life offers a powerful example for younger generations: Adversity does not have to define one’s future, and exceptional ability achieves its greatest purpose when accompanied by humility, hard work and resilience.

Sir Garry’s accomplishments secured his place in sporting history, but his character and influence ensured that his impact extended far beyond the boundary. While he has departed this life, his example will continue to inspire generations throughout Barbados, the Caribbean and the wider world.

Truly, a West Indian innings well played.

CTO Pays Tribute to Sir Garry

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has joined the global cricket community in mourning the passing and celebrating the extraordinary life of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers.

“His influence extended far beyond sport, contributing to the appeal of the region as a destination and strengthening the global brands of both the West Indies and the Caribbean. His legacy reminds us that sport has the power to unite people, inspire travel, celebrate culture and showcase the very best of who we are,” stated CTO.

The organization extended condolences to Sir Garry’s family and loved ones, the Government and people of Barbados, the Caribbean community and the cricketing world.

Photo credit: Cricket West Indies

“Sir Garfield (Sobers) was more than the greatest all-round cricketer the world has ever seen. He was the embodiment of West Indies cricket at its finest, bold, brilliant, innovative and unapologetically excellent. His extraordinary achievements transformed the way the game was played and inspired generations of cricketers to dream beyond what had once seemed possible.” — Chris Dehring, CEO, Cricket West Indies

Countdown to FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show

The 32nd Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show returns Oct. 12–16, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering delegates direct access to approximately 100 high-level cruise executives who can drive business.



Through one-on-one meetings, networking events, workshops, luncheons and receptions, participants can connect with the decision-makers who determine where ships call, what sells on board and how investments are made in destinations and infrastructure.

Watch the video to discover why the cruise industry’s only official conference in the Caribbean and Latin America is the place to connect, pitch and create new opportunities.

Register by Aug. 31 to schedule meetings and secure early-bird savings at FCCAConference.com.

In case you missed it ...

For Caribbean Tourism Authority highlights this week, click below:

Global Ports Holding Promotes Clarivette Diaz to Regional Director for Latin America

From Haircut to Tonsorial Delight

Celebration Key brews up community sustainability solution in Grand Bahama with repurposed coffee grounds

Anguilla Welcomes Expanded Air Service from U.S., Canada This Winter

Martinique, French Guiana expand CARICOM associate membership to eight

Tink Bout It

“Some of life’s greatest lessons are learned through people who celebrate us, correct us, pray for us and remain by our side through every season. God often uses relationships to shape our character, strengthen our faith and remind us that we were never meant to walk alone.” — Reverend Dr. A.R. Bernard, Founder, Christian Cultural Center

Medical Moment

International Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Awareness Month is observed in July to raise awareness about GBS, a common type of bacteria that is often found in the body without causing illness.

While GBS rarely causes problems in healthy adults, it can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth. In newborns, the bacteria can lead to life-threatening infections including infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, lung, and blood stream in infants. 

Globally, GBS is associated with more than 500,000 preterm births and an estimated 150,000 stillbirths and infant deaths each year.

Approximately 10–30% of pregnant women carry GBS in their gastrointestinal or genital tract. Among babies born to mothers who carry the bacteria and do not receive antibiotics during labor, up to half may become infected with GBS. Of those infants, about 1–2% percent will develop a serious early-onset GBS infection within the first week of life.



Screening during pregnancy and administering antibiotics during labor to women who test positive for GBS can significantly reduce the risk of early-onset GBS disease in newborns. The World Health Organization’s 2024 guideline recommends offering antenatal screening for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.

However, antibiotics given during labor do not prevent stillbirths, preterm births or late-onset GBS disease, which occurs after the first week of life. 

Researchers are continuing to develop maternal vaccines that could provide broader protection for infants against GBS infection.



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