The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at [email protected].

MAY 6, 2024

CTO Sustainable Tourism meeting successful

Adam Stewart of Sandals Resorts International delivered the keynote address

The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), held April 22-24 at Radisson Grenada Beach Resort was a resounding success.

The conference is the Caribbean’s foremost event for high-level networking and dialogue on sustainable tourism, providing a crucial platform for tourism policymakers, private sector stakeholders, thought leaders, and strategic partners to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

The meeting highlighted the essential pillars necessary for creating a transformative and regenerative legacy under the theme “The 5 Ps for a Legacy of Caribbean Tourism Sustainability: People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose & Partnership”. 

Thought-provoking addresses from Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, set the stage for discussions about the future of Caribbean tourism. 

PM Mitchell stressed the need to include a broader array of stakeholders in the tourism conversation, while Stewart highlighted the importance of partnerships and unity within the sector. The conference was marked by authentic displays of Grenadian culture and dynamic panel sessions.

Chukka bats for public-private partnerships

Marc Melville To view video click HERE

FCCA launches Owen Arthur Scholarship

The FCCA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), has launched an annual scholarship in honor of former Prime Minister of Barbados, The Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, who played a significant role in advancing the cruise trade association’s vision. 

The annual gift of US$25,000 will be awarded to a different Caribbean destination each year to support the work of either an educational institution or a nonprofit organization chosen by the destination. 

Barbados will receive the inaugural Owen Arthur scholarship, and next year’s scholarship destination winner will be announced at the ‘Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner’ during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025. 

“I am honored that the Foundation can continue the legacy of The Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, who truly inspired my career and empowered so many throughout the Caribbean, as well as making it possible to have the current partnership between the cruise industry and the Caribbean,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “Hopefully this scholarship can live up to his memory by providing a platform for future generations in the region.”

Barbados remembers SIDS process, celebrates the life of Ambassador Miles Stoby

Ambassador Lyutha al Mughairy (widow of Ambassador Miles Stoby) greets Garth Sandiford, son of late Barbados Prime Minister Erskine Sandiford. Looking on are Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former UN Under-Secretary General Peter Hansen.

The historic UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island States (SIDS) brought global attention to the significant challenges faced by small islands, underscoring that their concerns were big issues for all.

On April 26, several key figures who contributed to the 1994 Barbados meeting gathered in Bridgetown to commemorate its 30th anniversary. The outcome of the 1994 meeting was the Barbados Program of Action, which delineated how the world community should address the unique vulnerabilities of islands, particularly in response to climate change.

Despite initial reluctance from powerful UN members to hold more than one SIDS conference, subsequent gatherings in Mauritius and Samoa and a fourth global conference scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024 are a testament to some of the successes of the SIDS process.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the international community will convene to review the sustainable development progress of SIDS and propose a new decade of partnerships and solutions to accelerate their journey toward resilient prosperity.

The Barbados meeting last month provided a reflective journey for many, as attendees, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, paid tribute to the late Ambassador Miles Stoby of Guyana, the visionary behind the initiative and for whom Barbados was, fittingly, a second home.

Quotable Caribbean

“We claim ground, and we move again.” – Mia Mottley, Prime Minister, Barbados

Cayman Health City celebrates 10 years

Bevan Springer. To view video click HERE

Health City Cayman Islands, a premier tertiary care facility in the Caribbean, is commemorating a decade of excellence since its inception in April 2014.

This hospital, accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), reflects the visionary leadership of its founder, Dr. Devi Shetty, a distinguished cardiac surgeon who served as Mother Teresa’s personal physician. 

Renowned for its transformative approach to high quality, affordable health care, Health City has set a standard for excellence in medical care across the Western Hemisphere.

For the past decade, Marketplace Excellence has proudly represented this trailblazing institution. As we celebrate this milestone, our president Bevan Springer extends heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for continued success.

Medical Moment

World Drowning Prevention Day, observed on July 25 this year, is a reminder of the staggering toll of drowning worldwide.

According to the United Nations, an estimated 236,000 people succumb to drowning annually, making it the third leading cause of unintentional injury death globally, comprising 7% of all injury-related fatalities.

This day aims to spotlight the devastating and enduring impacts of drowning on individuals, families and communities, while also disseminating life-saving strategies to prevent such tragedies. Nonfatal drowning incidents often lead to severe brain damage, potentially resulting in long-term or lifelong disabilities.

To address this issue, proactive measures are imperative. These include providing swimming lessons for children, educating bystanders in safe rescue techniques, installing barriers to control water access, teaching proper rescue skills and resuscitation methods, and enhancing flood risk management protocols to mitigate drowning fatalities. 

Through concerted efforts and awareness-raising initiatives, we can strive to significantly reduce the incidence of drowning and safeguard lives worldwide.

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