Agenda
Agenda is subject to change.
| Saturday, August 23, 2025 | ||
| 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM |
Resort Check-In & Event Registration
Welcome to Sandals South Coast! Upon arrival, you'll head to our private check-in and registration area, reserved exclusively for event attendees. This dedicated space is for picking up your event materials, get checked in to the resort, secure dining reservations, meet the team, and get all the information you need for the days ahead. |
|
| 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM |
Welcome Reception
Let's kick off another spectacular ASTA Caribbean Showcase with the beach as our backdrop. This evening will feature entertainment, passed hors d'oeuvres, and Caribbean cocktails |
|
| 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
Dine Around On Property
Want to make new friends? Restaurant reservations will be available in tables of 8 for our event attendees. You can secure a seat in one of these groups upon your arrival to the resort, during your event check-in. Prefer to dine on your own? Most restaurants offer walk-up seating, with the exception of Eleanor’s and Neptune’s, which require reservations. If you'd like to secure a table at either of these venues, please visit the resort’s concierge desk for assistance. |
|
| Sunday, August 24, 2025 | ||
| 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM |
Breakfast On Own
Start your day right with a delicious breakfast at your pace. We recommend Bayside Restaurant for a full breakfast buffet with a variety of options to fuel your morning. Prefer something quick? Stop by Café de Paris for fresh coffee, pastries, and light bites to-go. |
|
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Event Help Desk Open
Location: Ballroom Foyer |
|
| 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
General Session
Sponsored by: |
|
| 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Supplier Dine Around On Property
Join fellow attendees for a special evening of connection and conversation during our Supplier-Hosted Dine Around. Our participating suppliers will be hosting tables at various restaurants throughout the resort giving you the chance to engage in meaningful discussions over a delicious meal. |
|
| Monday, August 25, 2025 | ||
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM |
Wellness Morning: Pickleball Lesson
Sponsored by the Dominican Republic Tourism Board |
|
| 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM |
Breakfast on own
Start your day right with a delicious breakfast at your pace. We recommend Bayside Restaurant for a full breakfast buffet with a variety of options to fuel your morning. Prefer something quick? Stop by Café de Paris for fresh coffee, pastries, and light bites to-go. |
|
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Event Help Desk Open
Location: Ballroom Foyer |
|
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
General Session: Day 2
Gain powerful insights into the future of Caribbean tourism during this exclusive panel discussion featuring Ministers of Tourism from across the region. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the leaders shaping the Caribbean’s travel landscape as they discuss emerging trends, regional collaboration, sustainability efforts, and what’s ahead for tourism in their respective destinations. |
|
| 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
Room Showcase
Step inside the best of Sandals South Coast during our Room Showcase, an open house-style event designed to give you a firsthand look at the resort’s most stunning accommodations and standout features. |
|
| 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM |
Lunch on Own
Identical buffets will be available for attendees at Bayside, Giuseppe's, & Neptunes. |
|
| 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Trade Show
Connect with the heart of the Caribbean at our dynamic Trade Show, featuring over 40 vendors from across the region. This is your chance to meet face-to-face with tourism boards, hotel partners, tour operators, and other key suppliers who bring the Caribbean travel experience to life. |
|
| 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Dine Around On Property
Restaurant reservations will be available in tables of 8 for our event attendees. You can secure a seat in one of these groups upon your arrival to the resort, during your event check-in. Prefer to dine on your own? Most restaurants offer walk-up seating, with the exception of Eleanor’s and Neptune’s, which require reservations. If you'd like to secure a table at either of these venues, please visit the resort’s concierge desk for assistance. |
|
| 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Board of Directors Dinner
Location: Courtyard |
|
| 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Young Professionals Society (YPS) Nightcap Meetup
Calling all ASTA YPS members (ages 45 and under)! Wind down the evening with a relaxed nightcap and a celebratory toast with fellow young professionals in the travel industry. |
|
| Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | ||
| 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
Island Routes Tours & Hotel Site Inspections in Negril
Attendees will have the option to select an island tour, adventure to Negril for surrounding hotel site inspections, or to hang back and enjoy the resort today. |
|
| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Board of Directors Meeting
Location: Ballroom A |
|
| 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Farewell Reception & Dinner: Colors of the Caribbean
Celebrate the close of an unforgettable Caribbean Showcase with an evening full of color, culture, and connection. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of the islands, our Colors of the Caribbean themed reception and dinner will be a lively tribute to everything that makes this region so special—bold flavors, rhythmic music, and joyful energy. |
|
| Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | ||
| 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Attendee Departures
Safe travels as you make your way back home! Guests are required to check out of their rooms by 11:00 AM. ?On your final evening, the resort will provide an envelope containing all necessary departure details, including:? |
|
Meet Our Speakers
Zane Kerby
President & CEO, ASTA
As ASTA’s president and chief executive officer Zane Kerby reports directly to the board of directors on all internal and external ASTA business and is the primary spokesperson for ASTA. Kerby moved to ASTA from a successful career with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Beginning in 2009 he held the position of senior vice president with responsibility for all aspects of GBTA’s global annual convention. Previously he was Deputy Executive Director, Vice President of business development, and held a series of other posts of progressively greater responsibility beginning in August 1999. Kerby earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University. He and his wife have five children and he currently is an assistant coach of a U12 basketball team. Cycling, swimming, and reading are just a few of his favorite activities.
Gary Sadler
Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations, Unique Vacations, Inc.
Gary C. Sadler, OD is the Executive Vice President of Sales & Industry Relations for Unique Vacations, Inc., affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, a chain of luxury all-inclusive resorts located throughout the Caribbean – Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and Turks & Caicos. He has held this position since 2021 and has recently celebrated 30 years with Unique Vacations, and a total of 34 years with the Jamaica-based Sandals Resorts organization since his start in 1988. Based in Miami, Florida, Sadler is responsible for a team of 125 sales professionals across the United States, Canada and 22 countries in Latin America – including dedicated Business Development Managers, educational and workshop trainers and an inside sales department -- the largest sales force of any resort company in the Caribbean. Working under the direction of Sandals Resorts’ Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, Sadler is responsible for an ever-increasing range of sales activities and the continued development of significant partnerships with airlines, tour operators and travel advisors.
Francisco Blanch
Leisure Sales Director, Discover Puerto Rico
Francisco Blanch is a veteran of the Hospitality industry, having held positions at several Receptive Tour Operators until joining Wyndham Hotels as Director of Latin America sales at a time when 5 iconic Puerto Rico properties were managed by Wyndham. Francisco also held leadership positions at Starwood, Hilton, SLS, and Marriott properties in managed and franchised hotels, including La Concha in Condado, as well as independent brands participating in the opening of iconic Resorts such as the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, and SLS Bahamar. Francisco is currently going on his fifth year as Leisure Sales Director for Discover Puerto Rico and is proud to represent this amazing destination where he has lived and worked, and represented throughout his career.
Matthew Brightman
Regional Sales Manager, Hyatt's Inclusive Collection
Matt Brightman is a Regional Sales Manager for Hyatt Inclusive Collection, overseeing the Midwest territory and supporting a dynamic team of Business Development Managers. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, Matt specializes in driving strategic growth, elevating travel advisor partnerships, and championing brand education across North America. Known for his approachable style and results-driven mindset, he works closely with advisors to uncover new business opportunities, maximize revenue, and deliver tailored support across all market segments. Matt has a passion for mentorship and is an advocate for leveraging innovative tools, loyalty platforms, and creative marketing to deepen advisor engagement. He’s proud to represent a brand that prioritizes luxury, consistency, and personalized experiences across the Caribbean and beyond.
Cassidy Davis
Business Development Manager, MSC Cruises
Cassidy Davis is the MSC Cruises Business development manager, supporting Travel advisors in Central, West and North Florida. She has been in the Travel industry for over 10 years and love sharing the MSC Cruises brand with travel advisors and their clients.
Angela Garner
Regional Sales Manager, West Florida, Virgin Voyages
Angela Garner is a dynamic sales and marketing leader with over a decade of experience across multiple industries. As Regional Sales Manager for West Florida at Virgin Voyages, she has spent the last four years building strong partnerships with travel advisors and driving growth through innovative strategies and immersive brand storytelling. Angela holds an MBA from Florida International University and brings a creative edge to her role with a background in marketing and the music industry. Passionate about empowering travel professionals, she’s known for her engaging trainings, collaborative spirit, and dedication to helping advisors thrive in the evolving travel landscape. Outside of work, Angela channels her creativity through music as a singer and multi-instrumentalist, and enjoys Pilates and exploring plant-based cooking.
Jacqueline Held
Regional Manager North America, Curaçao Tourist Board
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Jacqueline moved to Amsterdam, where she pursued my studies in Hospitality Management. In 2008 she embarked on an internship adventure that took her to Curaçao. She is a proud mother of two wonderful kids and savors every moment of life in the tropics, where our weekends resemble endless summer vacations. Over the past 15 years, her career has been marked by dynamic roles in events, marketing, and sales within high-end luxury resorts. In 2022 she transitioned to the public sector as part of the Curaçao Tourist Board. Jacqueline is known for her goal-oriented nature, talent for networking, creativity, humor and curiosity. She is passionate about sharing stories, particularly those that revolve around the captivating charm of Curaçao. Hospitality and tourism are not just professions for her, they are her passions. She takes immense pleasure and pride in promoting the island of Curaçao.
Jessica Klement
Vice President, Advocacy, ASTA
Jessica Klement is the Vice President of Advocacy at the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) where she advocates for the travel agency community at all levels of government, including federal and state lobbying, grassroots campaigns and the Society’s political action committee (ASTAPAC). Klement started her career on Capitol Hill working for a member of Congress from her home state of Wisconsin. Immediately prior to joining ASTA, Klement was the Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), where she was responsible for carrying out the legislative, grassroots and political strategies of one of the nation’s largest federal employee and retiree organizations. She also oversaw NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute, the association’s resource designed to help federal employees and retirees take charge of their benefits and guarantee a secure future. Klement’s policy analysis on federal employee and retiree issues has been featured in The Washington Post, CBS Evening News, NPR, USA Today and the Associated Press. Prior to joining NARFE, Klement served as the Government and Public Affairs Director at the Federal Managers Association, where she worked closely with Congress to advance legislation to strengthen federal employee and retiree pay and benefits. Klement has bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Finance from Marquette University.
Anthony Meloro
Director, Business Development Support, Host & Trade Relations, Royal Caribbean
Anthony Meloro is Royal Caribbean International’s director of business development support, host travel partner and trade relations. Within the cruise industry’s largest sales organization, Meloro oversees more than 30 inside sales representatives who provide day-to-day strategic support to valued travel advisors and agencies across the United States and Canada. The industry veteran with 29 years at Royal Caribbean has been integral in the growth of the cruise line’s dedicated business development operation and network of relationships with host travel partner agencies and at-home travel professionals. Today, Meloro’s team delivers an ever-evolving lineup of resources and services designed to drive travel partners’ success in selling Royal Caribbean vacations, including in-person and web-based trainings, sales and marketing tools, hands-on events at sea and on land, and more.
Jill Noble
Southwest Regional Sales Director, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours/Emerald Cruises
Jill Noble is the Southwest Regional Sales Director for Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises. She resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and her region includes TX, OK, LA, AR, and NM. She has been in sales/marketing for 25 years, specifically within the travel industry for 14 and 12 of those as an agency owner. As an owner, Jill was a million-dollar producer featured on USAToday.com, CNN.com, Reuters, travel trades, lifestyle magazines, and won multiple “Best of” awards in her area throughout those years. She’s excited to share her experience and passion for helping others succeed. She brings a unique perspective with her marketing background and experience “in the agency trenches” to identify and understand her travel partner needs. She is eager to build strong relationships and collaborate with agencies and advisors to help them excel in selling the Scenic and Emerald brands!
Dona Regis-Prosper
Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)
Dona Regis-Prosper is the Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the first woman to lead this intergovernmental body. With over two decades of experience in tourism, Regis-Prosper is a dynamic leader with a proven track record. A native of St. Lucia, Regis-Prosper has earned numerous awards across various tourism-related organizations. Her leadership positions include roles at the St. Lucia Air and Seaports Authority, Margaritaville Caribbean Group in Jamaica, Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands, and Antigua Cruise Port. She holds an MBA and is a Certified Professional Marketer. As CTO’s leader, Regis-Prosper oversees strategic planning, business development, and policy formulation. She focuses on innovative strategies to enhance Caribbean tourism’s competitiveness. She also represents CTO on several boards and has received recognition for her contributions to the region’s tourism development.
Raquel Ramirez
Director, Dominican Republic Tourism Board
Raquel Reyes is the Director of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s U.S. office, with more than 15 years of experience in travel marketing and destination promotion. She oversees marketing programs, coordinates industry events, and works closely with tour operators, consortia, B2B marketing companies, and other tourism partners. With a strong background in the luxury and leisure sectors, Raquel has helped strengthen the Dominican Republic’s presence in the U.S. and supports initiatives that encourage more visitors to discover the destination.
Joy Roberts
Executive Director, Jamaica Vacations Limited
Joy Roberts is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over 25 years of experience in the tourism, aviation, and real estate industries. Her journey in tourism began in 1977 with Air Jamaica, where she spent six years mastering customer service and operations. Recognizing the growing demand for curated travel experiences, she transitioned into entrepreneurship, establishing a successful travel agency and pioneering tour operations in the Caribbean.
Throughout her career, Ms. Roberts has provided consultancy services to airlines and the broader travel industry, offering strategic insights and innovative solutions. Her expertise has earned her invitations to serve on several boards, both locally and internationally. She is also a co-founder of the Kiwanis Club of Lauderhill and the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating her commitment to community development. Beyond tourism, Ms. Roberts is a licensed real estate broker and holds two master’s degrees—one in Business Administration and another in Real Estate. A visionary leader, she is known for implementing creative strategies, leading high-performing teams, and driving business success. Above all, Ms. Roberts values family, balancing her professional achievements with her role as a mother of two and a proud grandmother of five.
Michael Schottey
Vice President of Membership, Marketing, Communications, ASTA
Michael Schottey is the Vice President of Membership, Marketing, Communications for the American Society of Travel Advisors. His role at ASTA supports sales across the organization and is responsible for communicating the value of membership, products and services. Prior to joining ASTA, he was a journalist and digital operations specialist in the sports and travel space helping launch numerous successful websites and brands. He served as the Director of Digital Content for TravelPulse, a travel trade website, and had stints at Bleacher Report, Turner Sports and Forbes. He lives in Florida with his wife and his two boys.
Laura Vogel
Director, Advocacy, ASTA
Laura Vogel is ASTA’s Director of Advocacy. In this role, she is responsible for driving ASTA member engagement on the federal, state and local levels. She works with various stakeholder groups, as well as individual travel advisors to ensure they understand the importance their voices play in the political process. She provides strategic guidance to the ASTA Government and Political Affairs Committee, as well as updates on policy that is being considered in state legislatures around the country. Prior to joining ASTA, Laura spent 10 years with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where she was responsible for the oversight of their nationally recognized voter engagement initiatives as well as developing programs to encourage grassroots engagement in political issues of importance to electric cooperatives. Laura also spent 9 years with the National Association of REALTORS® overseeing their highly successful key contact program. Laura has worked on a number of other successful advocacy programs for various organizations during her 20+ years in Washington, DC. A Chicago native, she is a diehard Cubs fan and takes every chance possible to eat deep dish pizza. She’s a self-proclaimed “voting nerd” and will definitely tell you get out and vote in whatever election is next. She has a Master’s Degree in Political Management from George Washington University, a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and a Certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management from the Public Affairs Council. She currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia.
Participating Ministers
Hon. Edmund Bartlett, C.D., M.P.Minister of Tourism, Jamaica
Hon. Edmund Bartlett is a dynamic, results oriented leader, recognized for his wideranging expertise and accomplishments in both tourism and politics. He is by nature an innovator and a visionary; attributes which have underscored Mr. Bartlett’s forty years of successful service to the nation. Whether providing strategic guidance to his portfolio Ministry or overseeing the overall development of Jamaica’s tourism industry, he always seeks to add value and create opportunities. Mr. Bartlett was first appointed Minister of Tourism in 2007, serving until December 2011. Prior to this, he already had a solid record of accomplishment as an outstanding legislator in central government in both Chambers of Parliament. He served as Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting & Culture in the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Sports & Community Development from 1980 to 1989; later he served as Senator and Opposition Spokesman on various portfolios, including Tourism, from 1989 to 2007. While serving in the shadow Cabinet following his first stint as Tourism Minister, Mr. Bartlett travelled the world forging alliances with strategic partners for global initiatives. He returned to the helm of the Ministry of Tourism following the 2016 general elections. Under his leadership, tourism has been positioned as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive growth, through job creation, Public Private Partnerships (PPPS), wealth creation and community transformation. Mr. Bartlett firmly believes that all Jamaicans should benefit from the success of this major economic earner. He has become a powerful voice and tireless advocate for global tourism resilience. He is founder and Co-Chair of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) at the University of the West Indies, Mona, which is dedicated to conducting policy relevant research and analysis on destination preparedness, management and recovery due to disruptions and crises that impact tourism. As one of the world’s leading Tourism Ministers, Mr. Bartlett has represented Jamaica regionally and internationally. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Affiliate Members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Vice Chairman of the UNWTO Executive Council, and Vice Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). He is currently the Chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas (CAM) and Vice Chair of the Organization of American States (OAS) InterAmerican Committee on Tourism (CITUR). Mr. Bartlett has copped numerous awards for his years of dedicated service to tourism, including: Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year at the Caribbean Travel Awards 2017; Pacific Area Travel Writers Association's (PATWA) Tourism Minister of the Year for Sustainable Tourism for 2018; 2019 Travvy Awards Chairman’s Award for Global Tourism Innovation, and the RJRGleaner Hospitality Jamaica 2019 Pioneer Award. Most recently, Mr. Bartlett was inducted into the Global Tourism Hall of Fame and received the Travel Pulse award for Global Tourism Innovation. Beyond his ministerial duties, Mr. Bartlett has continually championed the advancement of education, skills training and job creation as ways of improving the lives of his constituents in East Central St. James. He is very passionate about education and has therefore focused his efforts on creating scholarships for both students and teachers, thus raising the bar for educational achievements. He has also worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of the elderly and disabled in his constituency. Minister Bartlett has been married for over 47 years and has one child and two grandchildren. His passions include cricket, dominoes and dancing.
G.P. Ian Gooding-EdghillMinister of Tourism and International Transport
Mr. Gooding-Edghill began his executive career in human resource management with Marriott Hotels and Resorts. In 1994 he was recruited into St. James Beach Hotels, Plc the first Barbadian company to be floated on the London Stock Exchange and served as its Group Trainer, Group Human Resources Manager and later Human Resources Director. In August 1997 when Elegant Hotels Limited was acquired by a private equity company, Mr. Gooding-Edghill remained as its Human Resources Director. Mr. Gooding-Edghill served as a member of the Barbados Senate (Upper House of Parliament) from 2003 until 2007. Mr. Gooding-Edghill served as President of the Barbados Employers’ Confederation from 2008 until 2016, and First Vice President from 2001 to 2008, Deputy Chairman of the Transport Board from November 2000 and Chairman from 2002 until 2008 and Deputy Chairman of the Barbados Accreditation Council from September 2005 until January 2008. In May 2015, Mr. Gooding-Edghill was one of the business executives responsible for the listing of Elegant Hotels Group PLC on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) on the London Stock Exchange with a market cap of £88.8m. He served on the Board of Directors of related Elegant Hotels Group companies. Mr. Gooding-Edghill was part of the Elegant Hotels executive team that negotiated and concluded the sale of the Elegant Hotels Group to Marriott International in 2019 and completed his contractual obligations in July, 2020. Mr. Gooding-Edghill formerly served as a Director of the National Insurance Board, a US$2 billion national insurance and pension fund from 2013 and was later appointed Chairman in 2018 until 2020. In July, 2020, Mr. Gooding-Edghill was appointed as the Minister of Transport Works and Water Resources. Following the 2022 General Election, he was assigned as Minister of Health and Wellness. He was educated at St. Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary, AHMA, and Cornell University School of Hotel Management. Mr. Gooding-Edghill enjoys traveling, debating, reading and politics. He is unmarried and has one daughter.
Hon. H. Charles 'Max' Fernandez Minister Of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Antigua Barbud
Guided by the principle, “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively,” Hon. H. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez has devoted his life to public service. As a committed leader, he has made significant contributions to his constituency and the broader community of Antigua and Barbuda through his exceptional ministerial work. Minister Fernandez has been re-elected into office for three consecutive elections from 2014. Currently serving as the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, Minister Fernandez has spearheaded numerous impactful initiatives, quickly earning him a reputation as an innovative leader in the regional tourism industry. His ministerial tenure has been characterized by improvements to critical infrastructure, such as the upgrade and expansion of the Island nation’s cruise port and an additional world-class cruise terminal to accommodate bigger vessels and enhance the country’s overall tourism capabilities and revenue. Additionally, he continues to drive the multi-million-dollar runway expansion and rehabilitation project at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, and the opening of a second international airport in Barbuda positioning the nation as a key player in regional air transportation. Under his leadership, Antigua and Barbuda have welcomed several high-profile resorts and investment opportunities. As one of the region’s most committed proponents of sustainable tourism, Minister Fernandez has positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a standout nation in conservation-focused tourism practices. In 2022, Antigua and Barbuda was welcomed as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council — a milestone that reflects Minister Fernandez's holistic approach to destination stewardship as well as his commitment to aligning local policies with global sustainability standards. His key efforts include restoring coral reefs and implementing policies to protect marine ecosystems while ensuring a harmonious balance between economic progress and environmental preservation. He also oversaw the establishment of Tourism Vision 2032—a comprehensive blueprint for developing sports, wellness, and health tourism in Antigua and Barbuda and recently spearheaded the successful hosting of the 2025 Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association (CHTA) Travel Market in Antigua and Barbuda. Minister Fernandez was recognized as Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year 2020/2021 for his outstanding management of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry during the COVID-19 crisis. He is a strong advocate for investments that benefit the economy while also preserving environmental and cultural heritage. As a dedicated family man, Minister Fernandez lives in St. John with his wife, Jill, and their three sons.
Hon. Marsha Tamika HendersonMinister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Labour and Employment, Urban Development
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Labour and Employment, Urban Development, the Honourable Marsha Tamika Henderson is a woman of vision, strategy, and performance. A born Kittitian, Ms. Henderson is an advocate for the promotion and advancement of her beautiful island in many forms, whether it be the advocacy for the disadvantaged or negotiating change for the better. Ms. Henderson graduated from the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Laws Degree in 2002, with a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2004. She was admitted to practice as an Attorney-at-Law at the Eastern Caribbean Court, St. Christopher and Nevis Circuits in November 2004. She is the founder and principal of Henderson Law Chambers where she has operated her own practice since January 2010. Marsha Henderson has dedicated her entire life to fighting for others who are unable to effectively fight for themselves. She continues today to advocate for the vulnerable boys and girls throughout the Federation, and single working mothers on a regular basis. In her newest role as Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Urban Development, she is enthusiastic about transforming the sector through strategic planning and innovative concepts. Her background and expertise are complementary and vital to reinforcing the regulatory framework for the proper development and management of the tourism sector.
Hon. Dr. Ernest HilaireSaint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information.
Dr. Ernest Hilarie is a Saint Lucian politician who represents Castries South constituency in the House of Assembly for the Saint Lucia Labour Party and is currently the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information. In the early 1990s Hilaire completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies. Hilaire’s aspiration to become involved in international politics and help address and provide solutions to global problems sprang from the same fertile ideological soil that would motivate him to join the Foreign Service upon his graduation in 1993. After serving one year as a Foreign Service cadet, Dr. Hilaire earned his Master of Philosophy degree in 1995, with a distinction in International Relations, from Darwin College, Cambridge University, England. He later earned his PhD at the London School of Economics. He also holds an Executive Diploma in Negotiations and Conflict Resolution from Notre Dame University. Dr. Hilaire has a wide range of experiences that span politics, sports, management and diplomacy. He served as Personal Assistant to Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony in 1997 and in 1999 became Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports. In 2005, he was given the responsibility of managing Saint Lucia’s hosting of ICC World Cup 2007. His success in that endeavour led to his appointment as the Tournament Director for the ICC World Twenty20 2010. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board. Dr. Hilaire was appointed Saint Lucia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in November 2012. He is also a former chairman of the Citizenship Investment Programme (CIP).
Hon. Carlos JamesMinister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Honourable Carlos James, Esq. MP is an elected Parliamentarian and serves in the Cabinet of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. He is a former Speaker of the House in the Parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and also served as a Senator and Deputy Speaker. Minister James has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Aviation, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Oceans, Heritage and Recreational Sites, National Parks and Beaches, Culture, Filming, Copyright, Memorial Hall, the National Trust and a number of government agencies and statutory bodies, which provides services covering the aforementioned areas. Minister James brings a wealth of professional experience to the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, having spent over a decade as a practising Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Hons and a Master of Laws (LL.M). He is a member of the Honourable Society of Grays Inn (London, UK) and is a member of the Bar of England and Wales and the Bar of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines respectively.
Hon. Zhavargo JollyMinister of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands
Hon. Jolly was appointed to the Cabinet on February 12th, 2025, following the General Elections on February 7th, in which the Progressive National Party (PNP) secured a decisive victory. A seasoned entrepreneur, financial expert, and dedicated public servant, Hon. Jolly brings a wealth of experience to his ministerial role. Before entering politics, he served as the Managing Director of Turks and Caicos Islands Capital, a private investment and lending firm. His background in finance, business strategy, and economic development has equipped him with the expertise to drive sustainable growth in the country’s tourism industry. Hon. Jolly is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in Business, and later obtained an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. His leadership skills were further sharpened through his service in the Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Regiment, where he was awarded the Governor’s Award as the most outstanding recruit. A dedicated advocate for the economic empowerment of Turks and Caicos Islanders, Hon. Jolly is committed to ensuring that the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands are the primary beneficiaries of the nation’s thriving tourism industry. His vision aligns closely with Experience Turks and Caicos’ pillar of inclusive growth, ensuring that all communities across the islands share in the economic benefits of the sector.
Senator The Honorable Adrian A. ThomasMinister for Tourism, Creative Economy & Culture, Grenada
Senator The Honorable Adrian A. Thomas holds a Master of Laws from the University of Leicester, London, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wolverhampton, London, and a Diploma in Agriculture from the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Trinidad. Before his current role in government, Senator Thomas’ vast experience included being a lecturer at the University of the West Indies Open Campus. He worked as a technical officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and served as the Deputy Labour Commissioner in the Ministry of Labour. He was also a Director & Properties Manager at the Grenada Co-operative Nutmeg Association. On the lighter side, Minister Thomas is a well-known calypsonian, composer and an avid supporter of Soca music, and if one is not careful, especially in formal forums, one may refer to him as “Persuader” which is his calypso sobriquet. He is deeply committed to social equity, fostering community development and empowering local talent. His leadership is grounded in a people-centered approach and ensures that his ministry’s policies and initiatives not only enhance the economic prospects of the nation but also uplift the lives of all Grenadians. As the former Junior Minister in Agriculture and now the Minister with responsibilities for Tourism, The Creative Economy and Culture, he leverages his diverse educational background and professional experience to lead, promote and enhance Grenada's tourism sector, creative industries, and cultural heritage.
