CMEx names first group of 2026 leadership honorees

The Caribbean Media Exchange has announced seven first-round honorees for its 2026 Leadership Awards, set for Dec. 6 at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area. The event will spotlight leaders in tourism, media, sustainability and community development while raising funds for CMEx programs.

Why it matters: - CMEx’s annual awards recognize people shaping tourism, media and community development across the Caribbean. - The fundraiser also supports CMEx programs that link tourism and media professionals with educational and community initiatives. - The honorees reflect work tied to stronger communities, sustainability and regional economic development.

What happened: - Caribbean Media Exchange announced the first group of seven honorees for its 2026 Leadership Awards. - The awards will be presented at the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 6. - The event will take place at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area. - The awards luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - A second group of honorees will be announced later this month.

The details: - The first group includes Anne Kalosh, Freelance Journalist; Editor, Seatrade Cruise News; and Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review. - The honorees also include Carmen Portela, Justice and Equity Coordinator, GreenLatinos, Puerto Rico. - Gercine Carter, journalist at The Nation Publishing Co. Limited in Barbados, is among the honorees. - Giora Israel, president of Giora Israel LLC and strategic adviser in global cruise tourism, port development and the blue economy, is being recognized. - Jake Kheel, vice president of sustainability at Grupo Puntacana in the Dominican Republic, is on the list. - Jennifer Griffith, permanent secretary in Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, is also being honored. - Josef Forstmayr, managing director of Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Jamaica, completes the first group. - CMEx President Bevan Springer said the honorees represent leadership, vision and service that continue to move the Caribbean forward. - Springer said their impact is reflected in stronger communities, expanded opportunities and progress toward a more sustainable future for the region. - CMEx said proceeds help advance its programs and its mission to support tourism as part of sustainable development. - More information about the honorees, sponsorship opportunities and tickets is available at CMEx Media. - CMEx describes itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. - The organization’s mission is to support media, government, the travel and tourism industry and communities in understanding tourism’s role in sustainable development, while providing expertise, financial assistance and in-kind support.

Between the lines: - The honorees span journalism, tourism leadership, sustainability and equity work, signaling CMEx’s broad view of Caribbean development. - The Miami-area setting underscores the regional and industry reach of the event beyond the Caribbean islands themselves. - The fundraiser format suggests the awards are both a recognition platform and a funding mechanism for CMEx’s year-round work.

What's next: - CMEx will announce a second group of honorees later this month. - The organization will continue promoting sponsorships and ticket sales ahead of the Dec. 6 event. - The 2026 luncheon will bring together tourism executives, government officials, media professionals, community leaders and supporters of sustainable Caribbean development.