Bahamian Tourism Icon Sir Baltron Bethel Honoured with Prestigious Inaugural CMEx Lifetime Achievement Award for Pioneering Contributions to Caribbean Travel Industry

At the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) event, Bahamian tourism legend Sir Baltron Bethel was honoured with the prestigious inaugural CMEx Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition celebrates his groundbreaking contributions to the Caribbean travel industry. With a career spanning decades, Sir Baltron’s leadership and unwavering dedication have played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s tourism landscape. His innovative strategies and commitment to excellence have not only elevated The Bahamas but have set a benchmark for the entire Caribbean tourism sector. This accolade underscores his lasting impact on Caribbean travel and his status as a true industry pioneer.

At the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) event held on Sunday, Bahamian tourism trailblazer Sir Baltron Bethel was presented with the prestigious inaugural CMEx Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his extraordinary contributions to the development of regional tourism.

During his acceptance speech at the annual CMEx Leadership Awards & Fundraiser, Sir Baltron, who holds the distinction of being The Bahamas’ first and longest-serving Director General of Tourism, humbly thanked the audience. He took the opportunity to highlight the collective achievements of the Caribbean region in advancing tourism.

“I am most grateful and highly honored by CMEx for this Lifetime Achievement Award. I would like to heartily congratulate all of the well-deserved awardees — captains of industry within our region — who have done so much in their respective spheres to better the lives of our people and to move towards the lofty aspirations which have guided us and have made this region an example of excellence.”

The tourism visionary credited his long career to partnerships and a shared regional vision: “I am grateful to God, to my supportive and long-suffering family, as well as those who have provided me with the various opportunities of public service.”

“Let me acknowledge today that I accept this award as a special recognition of the hard work and the achievements of those who have succeeded me in the office of Director General of Tourism in The Bahamas and in Caribbean organizations. They are an amazing team, all of which speaks well, not only for what they have achieved but for the future of tourism within our region.”

CMEx President Bevan Springer commended Sir Baltron and this year’s honorees, highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering regional cohesion and supporting charitable initiatives. He emphasized CMEx’s dedication to advancing the Caribbean through cooperative efforts involving the public and private sectors, as well as civil society.

In his welcome remarks, Springer was candid in his assessment of the region’s current challenges, calling for deliverance from divisive tendencies and “crabs in the barrel syndrome.” He concluded by underscoring the potential of genuine regional cooperation. “As iron sharpens iron, so one sharpens another. Imagine (what more we can accomplish) if we were really sharpened as a region and … start to walk this talk of unity.”

The ceremony celebrated a distinguished group of leaders whose dedication and vision have been pivotal in advancing Caribbean tourism, culture, and development. Among the honorees were:

• Carole Alexis, Knight of the French Order of Arts and Letters – Renowned Choreographer and Artistic Director, Martinique
• Dave Chang – Senior Vice President, Consumer Sales and Contact Centers, Carnival Cruise Line
• May-Ling Chun – Director of Tourism, St. Maarten
• Ronella Croes – Chief Executive Officer, Aruba Tourism Authority
• Laura Davidson – Chief Executive Officer/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
• Clarisa Jiménez – President and Chief Executive Officer, Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
• 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, Caribbeana Communications Inc.
• Shomari Scott – Chief Business Officer, Health City Cayman Islands
• Marcus Simmonds – Chief Executive Officer, Tortuga International Holdings Ltd., Cayman Islands

At the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) event, Sir Baltron Bethel, a true Bahamian tourism icon, was honoured with the inaugural CMEx Lifetime Achievement Award. His pioneering efforts in shaping the Caribbean’s travel industry have left an indelible mark. Sir Baltron’s visionary leadership has greatly contributed to the growth and global recognition of Caribbean tourism, making this award a fitting tribute to his remarkable legacy.

The CMEx Leadership Awards luncheon was graciously supported by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation as its Platinum Sponsor. Additional backing came from a diverse group of esteemed organizations, including the Anguilla Tourist Board, Barbara Pyle Foundation, Calabash Cove Resort & Spa in St. Lucia, and Carnival Corporation & plc. Other notable sponsors included Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Coco Palm in St. Lucia, Comfort Suites Paradise Island in the Bahamas, and the Grenada Tourism Authority. The Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Jade Mountain and Ladera Resort in St. Lucia, and Loews Coral Gables Hotel were also key contributors. Further support came from Marketplace Excellence Corporation, Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort in Grenada, and the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board in the Bahamas. The event was also sponsored by Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, Rodman Marketing Guru, Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Jamaica, the St. Maarten Tourist Board, and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission. Other notable supporters included The Decker/Royal Agency, Tortuga Rum Company, Tropical Attractions, Tropical Shipping, and Unique Vacations Inc.

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