Shamar Joseph was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series

This past weekend, the cricketing world was left in awe as a youthful West Indies squad, spearheaded by rookie fast bowler Shamar Josephof Guyana, stunningly overcame Australia’s batting line-up. Claiming seven wickets with precision pace bowling in the second innings, they secured a shocking win in the second test, leveling the two-match series against the top-ranked test nation in the world.

This triumph holds particular significance for the West Indies team. The 24-year-old Joseph is just beginning his international career and met his team captain for the first time while in Australia. He had not anticipated playing on Sunday since he sustained a severe toe injury while batting the previous day that forced his early withdrawal from the game. Yet, defying expectations, his extraordinary effort contributed to the West Indies’ first Test victory on Australian soil since 1997 — an event Joseph had never witnessed in his lifetime.

The win was an immense inspiration, moving cricket icons like Brian Lara and Carl Hooper to tears. Ian Bishop, a former West Indies fast bowler, expressed his admiration on X (formerly Twitter): “Thanks to this young man Shamar Joseph for bowling one of the most remarkably courageous and high-quality spells on an injured right foot. All credit to you and your loved ones, bro, for what you have achieved and will continue to achieve.”

This series also highlighted the astute choices made by the West Indies selectors, who focused on nurturing the next generation of Caribbean cricket talent. Additional accolades extend to Hayley Matthews of Barbados, the West Indies women’s team captain, recently honored as the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2023.

As social media user Murtuza aptly commented on X, “Cricket fans across the globe are the happiest when windies are winning!” 

For West Indian fans, that joy is even more profound.

Rally ’Round the West Indies Anthem – Cover by Erphaan Alves and D Piano Girl Johanna Click HERE to view video

Barbados launches region’s first SDG-themed electric bus

Commuters in Barbados are set to learn more about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) with the launch of the first SDG-branded electric bus in the region.  

The SDG bus, a joint effort between the UN and the public and private sectors, was launched recently at the UN House in Bridgetown as part of a global campaign to inspire people everywhere to act for the SDGs. Efforts are underway to attract further private-sector investment to expand the initiative to other buses.

The branded bus, wrapped on both sides in the vibrant colors of the 17 SDGs with messaging promoting the importance of the global goals, was launched in partnership with CG United Insurance Limited, the Barbados Transport Board, and the Office of the Prime Minister. It is part of the Barbados Transport Board’s fleet of 59 electric buses.

The SDGs are an urgent call for action by all countries in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Rosa Harris: Caribbean tourism leadership in action

To view video click HERE

Caribbean tourism executive Rosa Harris

Rosa Harris is a towering figure in the Caribbean’s tourism sector. As Director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Board of Directors, her impact has resonated within and without the region.

Harris’ journey began with a pioneering step: she was the first recipient of the Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism Scholarship. Her academic pursuits at Cornell University and The University of Manchester honed her skills, but it is her innate leadership qualities that truly define her career, which includes service on tourism-related boards and committees.

In December, Harris’ years of dedication and visionary leadership style were recognized by the 2023 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Award in Miami.

During her acceptance speech, delivered virtually from Grand Cayman, Harris eloquently shared her philosophy on leadership. She emphasized the importance of creating paths for teamwork, highlighting her belief in collective effort. Her gratitude to her team and family underscored the collaborative nature of her achievements.



Have a listen to her acceptance speech.

Quotable Caribbean

“The month of January marks the CTO’s 35th anniversary! Throughout 2024, we are embarking on a journey of celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences that define our region. Hence, we are thrilled to unveil the theme for this year: “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”. This is a call to embrace the uniqueness of each destination while recognizing the shared thread that binds us together as one vibrant and diverse Caribbean family.” – Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

Navigating the media world amidst layoffs

The media landscape has recently been undergoing seismic shifts, marked by a series of layoffs across various publications and outlets. These changes can be unsettling, not only for those directly affected but also for professionals navigating the industry. Here are some tips for navigating the media world during times of upheaval.

• Stay Informed: First and foremost, stay abreast of the latest developments. Know which publications and outlets are undergoing layoffs or restructuring. Awareness of broader trends can help you anticipate potential changes in the landscape.

• Be Mindful: Exercising sensitivity when dealing with media is crucial. Understand that behind every layoff announcement are individuals whose lives and careers are affected. Show empathy and solidarity.

• Build and Nurture Relationships: Relationships become even more critical in times of uncertainty. Take the opportunity to invest in relationships. Contact journalists, editors, and other professionals to offer support and assistance. Engage with them on social media.

With these approaches, PR professionals can navigate the uncertainties of the media industry, fostering mutually beneficial connections and opportunities.

Digital Digest

An Intro to Podcasts

The podcast is quickly becoming one of the leading tools for persuasive marketing. It has a unique pull for the audience because it successfully differentiates itself from marketing and advertising messages.

Podcasts are also useful for personal branding and influencer marketing. The ease of access and platform familiarity also capture more engaged users. Anyone interested in starting a podcast, personally or for business, should consider these basics:

• Be original – separate your voice from the noise
• Choose a niche – Content and topic specificity will help you find your core audience
• Think branding – Though it is (mainly) audio, you should invest brain power in creating your brand or channel
• Co-host – Consider having a co-host or guests on your show
• Don’t overthink your debut – The world will not hear you on Day One, so listen to yourself and polish as you go

Medical Moment

International Childhood Cancer Day takes place on February 15. It is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that at least 29,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be affected by cancer annually. Of these, about 10,000 will die from the disease.

The Pan American Health Organization and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital collaborate with ministries of health, pediatric oncologists, and foundations to develop National Childhood Cancer Plans within the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) framework.

The GICC aims to reduce the suffering of children with cancer and achieve a cancer survival rate of at least 60 percent by 2030.

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

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