Caribbean News
CTO Bestows Inaugural Women’s Leadership Awards at Caribbean Week in New York
NEW YORK (June 23, 2024) – Tourism marketing professional Beverly Nicholson-Doty from the United States Virgin Islands received the “Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award” at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’s Women’s Leadership Awards in New York last week.
Presented at a special “Caribbean Queens: Saluting Women Shaping the Future of Caribbean Tourism” Breakfast & Awards event held during Caribbean Week in New York at the InterContinental New York Times Square, Nicholson-Doty, CEO of the Miami-based
advertising agency Figment Design, received the special award from CTO Secretary-General & CEO Dona Regis-Prosper.
The award celebrates a tourism professional with more than 20 years of service who has made notable contributions to regional tourism and has provided inspirational support to other women in the industry.
With more than three decades of industry leadership, Nicholson-Doty previously served as CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, where she oversaw the development of the Authority’s marketing and destination services and general administration. As Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism from 2007 to 2018, she directed the Territory’s marketing, sales and strategic planning activities related to travel, tourism and hospitality, and created partnership opportunities with public, private, nonprofit, non-governmental and community-based entities.
Bringing together Directors and Ministers of Tourism from CTO member countries and territories, their team members and other tourism executives, the awards ceremony celebrated the contributions of exceptional women who have significantly influenced the development and progress of Caribbean tourism.
The Minister of Tourism honors went to Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture for Saint-Martin, while Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, was bestowed with Director of Tourism honors.
Selected by her peers, the Director of Tourism Award recognizes an individual for visionary leadership, destination growth, and regional commitment. The winner of the Minister of Tourism Award is chosen by other Ministers or Commissioners of Tourism to honor a peer who has demonstrated excellence in the role.
“The Women’s Leadership Awards have been instituted out of a need to recognize the vital role of women in Caribbean tourism. In nearly every corner of our industry, the contributions of women have been essential in driving the sector forward and elevating our industry to the highest levels. Women make up a substantial portion of the tourism workforce in the Caribbean, and their leadership is
needed not only for the sector’s growth, but also to inspire and empower future generations of women leaders,” said Regis-Prosper.
During the intimate breakfast event, featured speaker Audrey Irvine, Senior Director of Newsource Newsgathering at CNN, delivered powerful remarks, sharing portions of her personal journey and career successes as well as challenges.
The Women’s Leadership Awards event, which also featured an inspiring address by Rosa Harris, CTO Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Tourism of the Cayman Islands, was sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Diamonds International.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation was the headline sponsor of Caribbean Week in New York. Gold sponsors included Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Jamaica Tourist Board and Sandals Resorts International were silver sponsors, and ADARA – A RateGain Company was a bronze sponsor. Additional supporters included Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, Marketplace Excellence, and S’Aimer NYC.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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