The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) shone a spotlight on some of the region’s most influential women during its second annual Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards, hosted on the opening night of Caribbean Week in New York.
Held under the theme “Elegance and Excellence”, the elegant, invitation-only dinner took place at The Westin New York at Times Square. Spearheaded by CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, the evening featured soulful entertainment by St. Lucian vocalist Michel Aubertin and The Legendary Supreme Team, and delivered heartfelt speeches, toasts, and tributes in an atmosphere filled with empowerment and camaraderie.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy delivered the keynote address, sharing her story of resilience and ambition. “My mantra has always been ‘aspire to inspire’. We really can’t inspire others. That’s up to each person, whether they feel or are inspired. But we can all aspire to do that,” she said.
The highlight of the evening came with the presentation of five awards to standout women who have made significant contributions to Caribbean tourism:
Minister of Tourism Award: Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism, St. Kitts and Nevis
Director of Tourism Award: Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands
Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award: Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director, Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts, Saint Lucia
Legacy Award for Contribution to Caribbean Tourism: Thea LaFond, 2024 Olympic gold medalist, Dominica
Recognition for Service: Petra Roach, outgoing CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority
“Leadership sometimes can be lonely — especially as a woman,” shared Minister Henderson, speaking candidly about the challenges she’s faced throughout her political journey.
Director Rosa Harris offered a deeply personal reflection on balancing leadership responsibilities with family life. “Showing up with confidence and purpose” was a thread that ran through her remarks.
Karolin Troubetzkoy, honored for decades of service, delivered one of the most poignant speeches of the night, referencing the recent loss of her husband and business partner, Nick. “It’s not shallow words when I say I’m not only flattered — I’m really deeply humbled that you found me worthy,” she said.
Troubetzkoy also spoke about her ongoing focus on sustainability: “Now that I’m surrounded by so many wonderful women, I knew for the last few years that Caribbean tourism was in excellent hands.”
Olympian Thea LaFond accepted her award with a stirring tribute to the women who came before her. “Everything that I am, everything I was raised on was off the backs and off the prototypes and off the trial and errors of the women in my life — specifically the Caribbean women,” she said.
The evening also included sharp wit and warm moments. Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin James captured the spirit of the occasion with humor and admiration: “You ladies are gathered … to do what Caribbean women do best — shine, support and slay in that exact order. The world may be 70% water, but tonight it’s 100% women making waves.”
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism Charles “Max” Fernandez highlighted the broader impact of the event. “Tonight is more than a celebration, it’s a statement — and this is a regional win,” he said.
The event also marked the launch of From the Sea Suite, CTO’s first women’s leadership magazine, spotlighting over 40 remarkable women in Caribbean tourism. One of those featured was Valérie Damaseau, Commissioner of Tourism and Culture for Saint-Martin. Recalling her rise from modest beginnings, she urged attendees, “Don’t ever let the fear of the unknown stop you from accessing your next chapter.”
Sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Carnival Corporation & plc, the 2025 Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards reaffirmed the growing visibility, power, and potential of women shaping the future of Caribbean travel.
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