The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has unveiled the first round of honorees for its 2024 Leadership Awards and Fundraiser, recognizing individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped Caribbean tourism. The awards ceremony is set for Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami.

Among the distinguished recipients are Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond from Dominica, Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism in The Bahamas, and Dr. Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

Trinidad and Tobago’s Laura Dowrich-Phillips is among the CMEX awardees this year. When contacted for comment, she told Your Caribbean Guide she is honoured to be included among such a prestigious group.

“I am very honoured to be included among such a prestigious and distinguished group of people including Dominica’s first olympiad, Tha LaFond, that is absolutely amazing and my colleague from Sailrock, Kashmie Ali who has been doing so much work to promote South Caicos and is really a very important voice here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Having worked in the media landscape for 27 years, Laura earned a reputation for her passion and unwavering commitment to documenting and sharing Caribbean stories. She is now employed as the Public Relations Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos.

Congratulations, Laura! This award is well-deserved and we’re all proud of you.

The complete list of 2024 CMEX honorees include:

• Thea LaFond: 2024 Olympic Champion in triple jump (Dominica)
• Latia Duncombe: Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
• Ellison “Tommy” Thompson: Former Deputy Director General of Tourism, Bahamas; former CEO, St. Kitts Tourism Authority
• Kashmie Ali: Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sailrock South Caicos
• Ambassador Victor Fernandes: Veteran Caribbean Broadcaster and Barbados Ambassador to the United States and OAS
• Gloria and Solomon Herbert: Co-founders of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine
• Dr. Lisa Indar: Ad Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
• Laura Dowrich-Phillips: Caribbean journalist and Public Relations Manager, Experience Turks and Caicos
• Marc Melville: CEO, Chukka Caribbean Adventures

CMEx is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of media, government, the travel and tourism industry, and local communities to maximize the benefits of tourism while safeguarding the region’s environment and its people. Proceeds from the event will support educational initiatives aimed at empowering Caribbean youth and tourism professionals.

“These honorees embody the spirit of leadership and excellence that drives the Caribbean forward,” stated Bevan Springer, President of CMEx. “Their contributions, whether in sports, media, or tourism, have left an indelible mark on the region, and we are proud to recognize their remarkable achievements. We look forward to celebrating their impact while supporting the next generation of Caribbean leaders.”

The luncheon is expected to be a celebration of leadership, resilience, and a unified vision for a thriving Caribbean. For tickets and additional information, visit cmexmedia.org.