Honorees added to CMEx 2025 Leadership Awards from Aruba, Martinique, and Puerto Rico
SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. — The CMEx 2025 Leadership Awards has added three new honorees to its distinguished list, further broadening recognition of leaders who have shaped tourism, culture, and community development across the Caribbean.
The newly named recipients are Carole Alexis, internationally acclaimed choreographer, artistic director, and Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters from Martinique; Ronella Croes, Chief Executive Officer of the Aruba Tourism Authority; and Clarisa Jiménez, President and CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA).
Bevan Springer, President of Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx), praised the expanded lineup, calling it reflective of the region’s vibrancy and resilience. “These exceptional honorees embody the spirit of leadership, innovation and service that defines the best of the Caribbean,” Springer said. “From tourism and business to culture and community development, their impact has been profound.”
Regional and international leaders recognized
The CMEx 2025 Leadership Awards honor individuals whose work spans hospitality, cruise tourism, medical tourism, destination marketing, sustainable development, and media. This year’s honorees represent a cross-section of professionals whose achievements have elevated the Caribbean’s global visibility.
Other honorees for 2025 include:
- Dave Chang, Senior Vice President, Consumer Sales and Contact Centers, Carnival Cruise Line
- May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism, St. Maarten
- Laura Davidson, CEO and Founder, LDPR
- Muryad de Bruin, Managing Director, Curaçao Tourist Board
- Cathleen Decker, Co-founder, The Decker/Royal Agency
- Loreto Duffy-Mayers, tourism and sustainability expert, Barbados
- Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, Executive Director, Tortuga Rum Company Ltd., Cayman Islands
- Luce Hodge-Smith, Junior Minister of Tourism, British Virgin Islands
- Janelle Hopkin, President and Managing Director, Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
- Vonulrick “Von” Martin, broadcaster, producer and Dean at Caribbeana Communications Inc.
- Shomari Scott, Chief Business Officer, Health City Cayman Islands
- Marcus Simmonds, CEO, Tortuga International Holdings Ltd., Cayman Islands
The event builds on the success of the CMEx Caribbean Leadership Awards 2024, where regional leaders were similarly recognized for advancing Caribbean tourism and community development.
Luncheon to spotlight collaboration and youth empowerment
The awards ceremony will be staged as a luncheon, bringing together tourism executives, business leaders, media professionals, and nonprofit advocates for a shared celebration of leadership and innovation.
Organizers confirmed that proceeds from the event will fund educational initiatives designed to empower Caribbean youth and tourism professionals, reinforcing CMEx’s mission of nurturing sustainable growth and talent development in the region.
Backed by global tourism partners
The CMEx 2025 Leadership Awards is supported by a strong base of industry partners, including Carnival Corporation & plc, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, and the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board.
Springer noted that the caliber of honorees demonstrates the Caribbean’s enduring influence on global tourism. “This program celebrates the resilience and brilliance of our people, whose vision continues to ensure the region’s place as a premier destination,” he said.
Stay with Unitedpac St Lucia News for continuing coverage of the CMEx 2025 Leadership Awards and the latest developments in Caribbean tourism.
