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36 B M & T ••• July/August 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com C A R I B B E A N C O R N E R and Jade Mountain Resorts, Saint Lucia • Legacy Award for Contribution to Caribbean Tourism: Thea LaFond, 2024 Olympic triple jump gold medalist, Dominica • Recognition for Service: Petra Roach, Outgoing CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority "Leadership sometimes can be lonely — especially as a woman," said Minister Marsha Henderson. An attorney-at- law, Minister Henderson spoke candidly about the expecta- tions and biases she's navigated in her political ascent. Rosa Harris, who recently served as the Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors, delivered a deeply personal speech reflecting on the dual roles women balance in leadership and life. She reflected on her experiences caring for her family, striving for excellence at home and work, and showing up with confidence and purpose. A poignant moment came when Karolin Trou-betzkoy, the second female president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Associat-ion, accepted the S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l ' s Distinguished Ser-vice Award. Battling a recent per- sonal loss – her husband and business partner, Nick – she stood at the podium with unwavering resolve. "It's not shallow words when I say I'm not only flattered — I'm real- ly deeply humbled that you found me worthy," she said. "It was hard work, and I'm my harshest critic." Troubetzkoy, a 45-year veteran of Caribbean tourism, used her moment to reflect on shifting her energy toward biodiversity and conservation. "Now that I'm surrounded by so many wonderful women, I knew for the last few years that Caribbean tourism was in excellent hands," she said. The awards ceremony also recognized Petra Roach, out- going CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, and Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond, who accepted the Legacy Award for her global ambassadorship of Caribbean excel- lence. "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," LaFond said. Beyond the honorees, the night offered its share of sharp commentary and celebratory laughter. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, set the tone early with a blend of humor and homage. "You ladies are gathered to do what Caribbean women do best — shine, support and slay in that exact order," he said. "The world may be 70% water, but tonight it's 100% women making waves." Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Tourism, Charles "Max" Fernandez, struck a reflective chord as he spoke about the economic gains of gender-inclusive leadership. "Tonight is more than a celebration, it's a statement — and this is a regional win." C T O H O N O R S TRAILBLAZING WOMEN AT 2025 CARIBBEAN WOMEN IN TOURISM LEADERSHIP DINNER AWARDS I Women in Caribbean tourism were celebrated in New York The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) celebrated the achievements of exceptional women across the region's tourism landscape during its second annual Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards, held on the opening night of Caribbean Week in New York. An initiative of CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis- Prosper, the elegant, invitation-only dinner was held at The Westin New York at Times Square under the theme "Elegance and Excellence." With background entertain- ment by St. Lucian vocalist Michel Aubertin, and The Legendary Supreme Team0, and speeches from several industry leaders, it was an evening of tribute, empowerment and sisterhood. The event unfolded with toasts, storytelling and a stirring keynote from Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, who chronicled her journey from travel agent to cruise line CEO: "My mantra has always been 'aspire to inspire'. We really can't inspire others. That's up to each per- son, whether they feel or are inspired. But we can all aspire to do that." The night's emotional center came during the presenta- tion of awards to five standout leaders, whose remarks peeled back the curtain on the personal cost and collective power of women in tourism. The awardees were: • 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 of Anse Chastanet