The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has been named lead sponsor of the 2026 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards and Fundraiser which will take place Sunday, Dec. 6 at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area.
The annual awards luncheon recognizes Caribbean and international leaders whose work has strengthened tourism, aviation, hospitality, media, sustainability, destination development and community service. The event also raises funds for CMEx’s educational, media and community initiatives.
“We are honored and grateful to welcome the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism as lead sponsor of the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards,” said Bevan Springer, president of CMEx. “The department has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional tourism, collaboration and Caribbean excellence. Its support allows us to celebrate the leaders advancing the region while continuing CMEx’s work to create educational and professional development opportunities.”
Rosa Harris, director of tourism for the Cayman Islands and a 2023 CMEx laureate, said the sponsorship reflects the destination’s commitment to celebrating Caribbean achievement and investing in the region’s people.
“The Cayman Islands is honored to support the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and the outstanding individuals being recognized,” said Harris. “The honorees represent the leadership, creativity and dedication that continue to move the Caribbean forward. This partnership also gives us an opportunity to share Cayman’s story while reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation and investment in our people.”
As part of the sponsorship, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is partnering with Ted Green, a Caribbean-owned and Caribbean-led fragrance house established in the Cayman Islands in 2007.
Inspired by Caribbean botanicals, culture and memories, Ted Green creates perfumes, candles and diffusers that reflect the region’s creativity and sense of place. The partnership will showcase Caymanian entrepreneurship and cultural storytelling at the awards.
The 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards will recognize:
Anne Kalosh, Freelance Journalist | Editor, Seatrade Cruise News | Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review
Carmen Portela, Justice & Equity Coordinator, GreenLatinos
Gercine Carter, Journalist, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited
Giora Israel, President, Giora Israel LLC | Strategic Advisor in Global Cruise Tourism, Port Development & the Blue Economy
Jake Kheel, Vice President, Sustainability, Grupo Puntacana
Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary, Jamaica Ministry of Tourism
José Freig, Vice President, International and Inflight Dining Operations, American Airlines
Kelly Meister, Director of Education and Sustainability, Dolphin Encounters Ltd.
Natasha Chalwell, Deputy Director of Tourism, British Virgin Islands
Ralph Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Arcadia Hotels & Resorts
Robert Meister, Managing Director, Dolphin Encounters Ltd.
Russell Benford, Vice President, Government Relations, Americas, Royal Caribbean
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Journalist and Founder, JetSetSarah.com
Together, the honorees represent the breadth of leadership shaping the Caribbean’s future — connecting the region to the world, advancing responsible tourism, protecting natural resources, strengthening hospitality and elevating Caribbean stories.
The awards luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser is powered by Platinum Sponsor, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism with Anguilla Tourist Board and Carnival Corporation serving as Gold Sponsors.
Major sponsors include The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, Marketplace Excellence Corporation, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
Additional sponsors supporting the cause include Coco Palm (St. Lucia), Comfort Suites Paradise Island (Bahamas), Fond Doux Eco Resort (St. Lucia), Jade Mountain (St. Lucia), Ladera Resort (St. Lucia), Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort (Grenada), GRUPO PUNTACANA (The Westin Puntacana Resort), Secret Bay (Dominica), The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Tropical Attractions and Vanessa James Media.
Proceeds support educational programs, youth development initiatives and professional training designed to empower the next generation of Caribbean tourism and media leaders.
For more details visit cmexmedia.org.
