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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. | | All Aboard: San Juan welcomes cruise community | | |
The countdown is over — tomorrow the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show kicks off in San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Today, delegates from across the Caribbean, Latin America, the United States and beyond are touching down, checking in, and gearing up for a week that promises high-powered meetings, groundbreaking panels, and unparalleled networking.
The buzz is already in the air as the cruise community converges on one of the region’s most vibrant destinations.
From one-on-one sessions with industry leaders to dynamic discussions on the future of cruising, every moment this week will open doors and spark opportunities for embracing innovation and moving forward.
San Juan is set, the cruise industry is energized — and delegates are ready to seize the moment.
| | 📸 Photo Flashback: Team MPE in the DR | | Throwback to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Conference & Trade Show in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (2022). Pictured: Team MPE interviewing FCCA CEO Michele Paige. This week, MPE is on the ground in San Juan and will be sharing coverage across FCCA’s social media handles throughout the event. | | CTO HR Conference set for British Virgin Islands | | CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill (left) and Kyran Darron Turnquest of FLOW Jamaica to keynote Tourism HR Conference | |
Caribbean HR professionals will gather in the British Virgin Islands next week for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Tourism Human Resources Conference, taking place October 28–31, 2025, at Maria’s By The Sea in Tortola.
Held under the theme “The Human Touchpoint: Redefining HR Excellence in Caribbean Tourism”, the conference will explore how people-focused strategies can drive innovation, sustainability and competitiveness across the region’s tourism sector.
CTO Chairman, Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport of Barbados, and Bahamian Kyran Darron Turnquest, People Director at FLOW Jamaica, will deliver the keynote addresses.
The program will also feature an Executive Insights session with Bettina Alejandra Deynes, Global Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Carnival Corporation & plc, who will present on “Generational Synergy: Bridging the Gap Between Multi-Generational Workforces”.
For registration details and the full conference agenda, visit: https://hrconference.onecaribbean.org.
| | Dominica gears up for World Creole Music Festival | Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority, speaking at the award-winning Jungle Bay Resort last week | | |
We caught up with Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica Authority, in Roseau last week as the island comes alive for Creole Heritage Month and its 47ᵗʰ Independence celebrations on November 3.
Williams also shared that this year marks the 25ᵗʰ edition of the World Creole Music Festival — a jubilee year expected to feature 45 acts and draw thousands to Windsor Park Sports Stadium from October 24–26.
She highlighted how Dominica’s vibrant culture is on full display across villages, from traditional dance and food fairs to special events. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay, explore Dominica’s rivers, waterfalls and sulfur springs, and immerse themselves in the Nature Isle’s authentic cultural rhythm.
🎥 Watch our conversation with Marva Williams above.
| | CMEx Laureate Spotlight: Monique Hamaty-Simmonds | | |
Our ongoing series highlights CMEx laureates ahead of their recognition on Sunday, December 7, in Miami at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel.
Born in Jamaica and proudly rooted in the Cayman Islands, Monique Hamaty-Simmonds serves as Executive Director of Tortuga Rum Company Ltd., the iconic Caribbean brand celebrated worldwide for its famous Tortuga rum cakes and aged rums.
A graduate of Florida International University (Class of 1996), Hamaty-Simmonds has been instrumental in expanding Tortuga’s global footprint. From showcasing the brand at major international trade shows to securing placements with leading cruise lines and appearing on the Home Shopping Network — reaching more than 90 million households — she has introduced the flavors and stories of the Caribbean to millions.
Her journey is fueled by a deep love for the Caribbean’s vibrant culture, rich traditions and her strong sense of family. She credits her success to the dedication of the Tortuga team, the vision and legacy of her late father and founder, Robert Hamaty, the strength and encouragement of her mother, Jackie, and the unwavering support of her husband, Marcus, along with their three children — Jayda, Nadia and Brandon — whose inspiration guides her daily.
Today, Monique Hamaty-Simmonds continues to champion the Caribbean, celebrating its people and sharing its flavors and heritage with passion and purpose.
The CMEx Leadership Awards is powered by Platinum Sponsor Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. Other sponsors include Calabash Cove Resort & Spa (St. Lucia); Carnival Corporation & plc; Chukka Caribbean Adventures; Coco Palm (St. Lucia); Comfort Suites Paradise Island (Bahamas); 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; Tortuga Rum Company; Tropical Attractions; Tropical Shipping; and Vanessa James Media.
Proceeds will support educational initiatives that empower Caribbean youth and tourism professionals.
For tickets and details, visit cmexmedia.org.
| | “Our CMEx laureates are exceptional, embodying the spirit of leadership, innovation and service that defines the best of the Caribbean. From tourism and business to culture and community development, their impact has been profound, and we are proud to recognize their contributions at this year’s awards.” — Bevan Springer, President, Caribbean Media Exchange | President, Marketplace Excellence | | |
“Day does run till night catch it.”
This Caribbean proverb paints a vivid picture of life’s realities. No matter how fast or far you run, the night will eventually fall, and with it comes the reckoning of your choices. In the same way, you can put off responsibility, dodge accountability, or sidestep the truth for a while — but only for a while. Just as the sunset cannot be stopped, the outcomes of your actions will eventually arrive at your doorstep, reminding us all to live with care, integrity and foresight.
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World Polio Day, observed on October 24, honors the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk, whose team developed the first vaccine to protect against polio. The day raises awareness, celebrates progress toward eradication, and highlights the global effort to safeguard every child from this devastating disease.
Once among the world’s most feared health threats, polio caused widespread illness, paralysis, disability and death. Thanks to vaccination, the Caribbean eliminated poliomyelitis in 1982, and the Americas were declared polio-free in 1994 — a landmark public health achievement. Of the three strains of wild poliovirus, type 2 was eradicated in 1999 and type 3 in 2020. Today, type 1 remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Sustaining high immunization coverage, strong surveillance and rapid outbreak response are critical to a polio-free future. World Polio Day also pays tribute to the parents, health professionals and volunteers whose commitment brings us closer to eradication and protects generations to come.
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