SINT MAARTEN/CARIBBEAN) - The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has unveiled the winners of the 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards, spotlighting top-tier innovation in the region’s journey toward sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Honorees from Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Islands were recognized for their leadership in pioneering sustainable tourism practices that protect the Caribbean’s natural and cultural assets.

Established in 2000, the awards honor individuals, organizations and destinations driving positive change through environmental stewardship, community empowerment, cultural preservation and climate resilience. This year’s winners underscore the Caribbean’s continued leadership in building a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.

The awards were presented on Thursday during CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize, where regional leaders, industry stakeholders and international partners gathered to share best practices and advance the sustainability agenda.

Representatives of the winning organizations were present to accept their awards, including Craig Hayes, Owner, Turneffe Flats in Belize; Candace Phillips, Senior Manager of Product Development at the Guyana Tourism Authority; Larisa McBean, Tourism Specialist at the Jamaica Social Investment Fund; and Dr. Jasmine Thomas, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust.

Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award (Sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd./Belize Island Holdings Ltd.)

Turneffe Flats, Belize, received the program’s highest honor, recognizing comprehensive and measurable sustainable tourism practices. The property demonstrated excellence across environmental management, community engagement and innovation, delivering a world-class visitor experience while contributing to long-term sustainability.

Community-Based Tourism Award (Sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc)

Guyana Inni Lodge — Toka Village, Guyana, was recognized for its community-led tourism model, placing local people at the center of development. The initiative delivers authentic visitor experiences while generating tangible social and economic benefits for the community.

Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award (Sponsored by CTO)

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) – REDI II Programme, Jamaica, was recognized for its exceptional contribution to tourism resilience and disaster risk management.

The REDI II Programme demonstrates a comprehensive approach to strengthening tourism-dependent communities and enhancing their capacity to withstand and recover from shocks.

Regenerative Tourism Award (Sponsored by CTO)

The Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust, Turks and Caicos Islands, was honored for initiatives that go beyond sustainability to create net-positive impacts. The organization has demonstrated leadership in ecosystem restoration, cultural preservation and community engagement, setting a benchmark for regenerative tourism in the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean continues to demonstrate that tourism can be a powerful force for good, driving economic growth while protecting our natural and cultural heritage,” said Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism at CTO. “This year’s awardees represent the very best of our region’s innovation, resilience and commitment to sustainability.”

The winners were recognized during the ceremony and will also be featured in CTO’s Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Good Practices database.

STC 2026, hosted by the Belize Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board, was sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd./Belize Island Holdings Ltd. (BIHL).

Additional Belizean sponsors and supporters include Belize Bank, Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), Belize Water Services, Border Management Agency, Bowen & Bowen, Courts, Development Finance Corporation, DigiBusiness, Gongora Construction and Supply, Greater Belize Media, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Insurance Corporation of Belize (ICB), LED Belize, National Institute of Culture and History, Protected Areas Conservation Trust, smart!, and Wine Smith Ltd.

(Source CTO)

 Candace Phillips of the Guyana Tourism Authority accepts the Community-Based Tourism Award on behalf of Guyana Inni Lodge — Toka Village. Also pictured are Charlene Drakes, Manager, Stakeholder Engagements, Caribbean Region Carnival Corporation & plc, and Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization.

 Larisa McBean of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund accepts the Destination Stewardship and Resilience Award from Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization, on behalf of the REDI II Programme.

 Dr. Jasmine Thomas of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust accepts the Regenerative Tourism Award from Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization at the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize. Pictured at right is Brian Been, Tourism Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Ministry of Tourism, Turks and Caicos.

SABA/SINT EUSTATIUS - Appointment of Chief Public Prosecutor for the BES Islands Following the recommendation of the Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel, the Council of Ministers has approved the appointment of K.K. (Karola) van Nie as Chief Public Prosecutor for Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba (BES Islands).

She will succeed W.E. (Walter) Kupers, as of the date of her swearing-in. Mrs. van Nie currently works as a National Witness Protection Officer at the National Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Previously, she held various roles within the Public Prosecution Service, including as a Public Prosecutor in charge of youth affairs on St. Maarten, where she was responsible for handling juvenile cases and youth policy.

This appointment ensures that the Public Prosecution Service on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba retains/ maintains experienced and competent leadership.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC) continues to strengthen the local business landscape through the successful rollout of its Advanced Education Program (AEP), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity, resilience, and competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Launched on November 12, 2025, the Advanced Education Program is funded by the Temporary Work Organization (TWO), coordinated with RVO and the Department of Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (ETT) of the Ministry of TEATT, and implemented by SEDC.

To date, the program has delivered a series of targeted training modules, including:

Sustainable Business Practices, Business English for Entrepreneurs, Small Business Accelerator for Cosmetic and Beauty Local light Manufacturers, Energy Efficiency workshop, Advanced Financial Literacy, and Digital Project Management taking 67 participating MSMEs to the next level in their operations

These courses are designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools and modern business techniques, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, innovation, financial management, and AI integration, enabling MSMEs to adapt and grow in an evolving economic environment.

As the program advances, SEDC continues to align delivery with Ministry of TEATT national development priorities by targeting key sectors and communities. Upcoming program components will focus on the green economy, including fisheries and poultry, as well as an ILO Certified My Green Enterprise Program for all sectors. Special attention is also being given to the orange economy with the focus on the Film, Heritage, Media and Fashion and Design industries. Business English training for Spanish-speaking, Haitian and other non-English as first language entrepreneurs, is also a top priority ensuring more inclusive access to business development opportunities.

Applications are currently open for upcoming cohorts, and SEDC encourages MSMEs across all sectors to participate.

For more information on the Advanced Education Program, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, visit www.sedc.sx, contact +1 (721) 556-5653, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. & This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and to learn about upcoming programs, join the WhatsApp channel link: tinyurl.com/sedccommunity

SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJSTEAD) - Today, Sunday 26 April 2026, St Eustatius (Statia) had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Thom de Graaf, Vice President of the Council of State, for an official farewell visit to the island. De Graaf and his delegation were warmly received at the F.D. Roosevelt Airport by Acting Government Sharon Hassell.

De Graaf’s itinerary was centered on the transformative projects currently shaping the island. The visit provided an opportunity for high-level updates on critical infrastructure and heritage sites:

Project & Program Management Office (PPMO) representatives Casper Jorna and Martijn Voorham provided on-site briefings regarding the progress of the Cliff Project and the extensive Harbour Renovation.

The delegation enjoyed a guided walk through the historic Fort Oranje, led by Program Manager of the Region Deal Raimie Richardson, highlighting the island’s commitment to preserving its rich history.

The afternoon concluded at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), where the delegation engaged in productive dialogues with both the Island Council and the Executive Council.

Having last visited in March 2025 to review housing initiatives and road improvements in Lower Town and Cherry Tree, Mr de Graaf remains well-acquainted with the island’s unique challenges and triumphs.

Following the day's briefings, a formal reception was held in Mr de Graaf’s honour. During the reception, Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam took the floor to share heartfelt well wishes on behalf of the government, reflecting on the Vice President’s long-standing relationship with Statia. As a token of appreciation, Acting Governor Sharon Hassell presented Mr de Graaf with a special gift commemorating his service.

Statia Government offers its sincere thanks to Mr de Graaf for his constant commitment to our governance and social progress. As he embarks on this next chapter, we wish him continued success.