ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:--- The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has concluded the 43^rd edition of its Caribbean Travel Marketplace, bringing together tourism leaders from across the region at a pivotal time for the industry. Hosted this year by Antigua and Barbuda — the smallest nation by population to ever stage the event — Marketplace drew more than 780 delegates for two days of high-impact meetings, collaboration, and conversation that underscored the Caribbean’s enduring value and collective strength.

Over 9,300 business appointments were conducted, making this one of the most commercially active Marketplaces in recent years. The event brought together 165 buyer delegates from 83 companies across 16 global markets. On the supplier side, 173 companies from 23 destinations, including many from the Eastern Caribbean, participated, reinforcing the diversity and resilience of the region’s tourism product.

“This was a Marketplace of momentum,” shared CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “We saw strong demand for Caribbean experiences grounded in authenticity, sustainability and value. Buyers came looking for meaningful partnerships—and they found them.”

“There was a buzz and energy across the selling floor, reflective of the seriousness and substance of the conversations happening between buyers and suppliers,” added CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. “These weren’t just meetings; they were market-shaping discussions that will influence how Caribbean tourism grows in the years to come.

This year, the selling floor reflected a bold, modern aesthetic, doing away with traditional pipe and drape in favor of sleek lightboxes and open-concept booths. The layout and ambiance encouraged both high-level business conversations and the human connections that define the Caribbean’s warmth.

“This year was all about innovation — not only in design, but in how we connect people, technology and business opportunities,” shared Karen Whitt, CHTA First Vice President and Marketplace Chair. “We reimagined every element of the experience to reflect the evolution of Caribbean tourism: tech-forward, human-centric, and unapologetically regional in focus.”

In addition to the enhanced floor layout, newly added features included a Linkages Showcase, which brought together agriculture, manufacturing, arts, entertainment and tourism partners from destinations such as Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, fostering intra-regional business synergies. Other event highlights included Responsible Tourism Day, during which delegates had an opportunity to learn about the communities and culture of the destination as well as the first-ever Direct Booking Summit, Caribbean Edition. An expanded ecosystem of participants reflected the industry's shifting dynamics, including representatives from the destination wedding, MICE, and direct booking sectors.

Marketplace also offered destinations a high-profile platform to engage the media and spotlight their latest offerings, investments, and tourism developments. Throughout the event, press conferences allowed countries and brands to connect directly with regional and international journalists, helping to shape a stronger global narrative around Caribbean travel.

Despite the heavy rains and flooding in parts of Antigua that took place in the days leading up to the event, Marketplace proceeded as planned, thanks to the resilience, creativity and collaboration by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and the Ministry of Tourism. In a show of solidarity, CHTA and its partners donated $10,000 to support local recovery efforts—a gesture that marks the beginning of a broader responsible tourism initiative focused on resilience and workforce support.

“Our industry’s true strength lies in its people,” said Destang. “Our frontline workers are our superpower. Their commitment, even in the face of natural challenges, is why the Caribbean continues to punch above its weight.”

“Beyond the numbers, Marketplace is about the people—our workforce, our communities, our guests,” continued Ledesma. “The Caribbean’s strength lies in its ability to connect with heart, and that was on full display in Antigua.”

This year’s Marketplace was made possible thanks to hosts the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Antigua Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association; destination partners Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Turks and Caicos and United States Virgin Islands; platinum partners ABA Global Marketing, Interval International, Mastercard, Travelzoo and Triptease; gold partners Amadeus, Caribbean Journal, Discover Dominica Authority, My Booking Rewards, TaConnect and Tambourine; silver partners NexGen Guest and Questex Travel; and airline partners Liat 20 and Sunrise Airways.

Having now successfully completed its 43rd year, Caribbean Travel Marketplace remains the largest and longest-running tourism event of its kind in the region. As it continues to evolve, it is steadfast in its mission: to drive business, build relationships, and celebrate the rich diversity and unity of the Caribbean.

“As delegates return home from Antigua, they leave with more than contracts,” concluded Destang, “They leave with commitments—to collaboration, to resilience, and to a thriving Caribbean future.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice continues to make steady progress in the ongoing recovery efforts at Point Blanche Prison following the May 14 fire. Guided by expert assessments and coordinated inter-agency collaboration, the response has remained focused on restoring the facility's safety, structure, and operational capacity. Over the past two weeks, the Ministry has worked closely with the prison administration, KPSM, UNOPS, Kingdom partners, and other key agencies under the leadership of the Crisis Management Team.

Together, these partners have ensured that recovery actions are executed in accordance with best practices and with urgency. Two structural experts from UNOPS have arrived on-site to support technical assessments and reinforce recovery planning. This past week, six inmates were successfully transferred to Bonaire. "We are deeply grateful to our local teams and Bonaire for their coordination and support. The transfer was carried out smoothly and with the utmost care for safety and protocol", stated Minister of Justice Nathalie M. Tackling.

To further strengthen local capacity during the recovery phase, the Ministry confirmed that three correctional officers from Aruba and two from Curaçao will remain in Sint Maarten throughout June to provide on-site assistance. Electrical installation work is proceeding as planned and without delays, with lighting and power outlets installed in 40 cells this week. Cleanup of the affected area has concluded, and repainting is scheduled to begin in the coming week. "Early inspections show a high standard of work, the smell of smoke has cleared, and conditions in the affected area have improved considerably. Scraping and repainting of the cells is scheduled for the coming week, to restore them to operational use", Minister Tackling reported.

To maintain order, the temporary suspension of inmate rights and privileges has been extended for another 72 hours. However, inmates remain in contact with their families through phone access, while on-site visitation remains on hold. Since May 14, the Ministry has prioritized firm, swift, and accountable action, supported by expert guidance and transparent financial oversight. "Our commitment to justice is unwavering, and this response reflects that, from the swift actions taken to the strong coordination with our Kingdom partners," said Minister Tackling. "Together, we are restoring infrastructure and reinforcing safety, accountability, and institutional strength. As we move forward, our focus remains clear: protecting the well-being of both staff and inmates while delivering a resilient, transparent, and responsibly managed recovery." The Ministry of Justice will continue to provide updates as restoration efforts continue.

Cannes, France:---  In a groundbreaking move that underscores the Caribbean’s growing influence in global cinema, award-winning filmmaker and cultural ambassador Joel Ayuk proudly represented St. Martin at the Festival de Cannes 2025, unveiling the inaugural “Caribbean Day at Cannes” under the prestigious Pavillon Afriques.

A longtime resident and creative force on the island of St. Martin, Ayuk’s presence at the world’s most prestigious film festival marks a historic milestone—not only for Caribbean cinema but also for St. Martin as a rising player on the international cultural stage.

Participating in a high-level roundtable at the Marché du Film, Ayuk joined leading producers, financiers, and policymakers in shaping a bold new vision for the Caribbean film industry. Discussions centered around global visibility, sustainable financing, and the importance of authentic storytelling from the region. The highlight: the launch of Caribbean Day at Cannes, a landmark initiative dedicated to showcasing the Caribbean’s creative excellence on the world stage.

“The Caribbean is not just a destination—it is a rich cultural engine with untold stories,” Ayuk said. “This initiative is about claiming our space, amplifying our voice, and opening new doors for Caribbean talent globally.”

Caribbean Day at Cannes is designed to serve as a powerful platform for Caribbean filmmakers to network with international distributors, co-producers, and cultural institutions. It opens new pathways for funding, collaboration, and cultural exchange, placing the Caribbean—and St. Martin specifically—on the radar of the global film industry.

Ayuk, who gained global recognition for his multi-award-winning feature Chokehold—a powerful Afro-Caribbean narrative that swept 13 awards worldwide in 2024—continues to use his platform to champion regional storytelling. His vision extends beyond filmmaking; it is rooted in reshaping perceptions, creating economic opportunities, and fostering long-term creative industries in the Caribbean.

During his Cannes visit, Ayuk also led strategic conversations with cultural leaders and industry executives from Africa, Europe, North America, and the broader Caribbean, securing interest in cross-continental partnerships and investment opportunities tied to Caribbean content.

“This is not just about cinema. It’s about legacy. It’s about placing St. Martin at the epicenter of a cultural renaissance,” Ayuk stated. “We are building bridges that will define the next generation of Caribbean creatives.”

Arrest for violation ID Act EUX

On Thursday, May 29, a 48-year-old man with the initials K.F.D. was arrested at the port on Oranjebaaiweg on St. Eustatius for violating the Identification Act BES. The suspect, who was on a boat at sea, was detained by the Coast Guard for a check. During the check, he was unable to identify himself because he did not have an identity document (ID), after which he was arrested and transferred to the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (KPCN).

Scheduled traffic check SABA

On Tuesday, May 27, several vehicles were stopped for a traffic check on Samuel A. Charles Street on Saba. Several fines were issued during the inspection.

• 5x for driving without a seat belt;
• 1x for driving without proof of insurance.

One driver was allowed to remove his tinted film.

KPCN urges everyone to follow the traffic rules. Doing so contributes to safe traffic on the island.

KPCN Press Release.