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BARBADOS:--- The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is pleased to announce the return of the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and Taste of the Caribbean, set to take place November 16–18, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle Resort.
As cornerstones of CHTA’s professional development and industry engagement platform—created by and for the Caribbean hospitality community—CHIEF and Taste of the Caribbean will bring together industry leaders, rising professionals and culinary talent from across the region. The events aim to foster knowledge sharing, showcase innovation and celebrate the vibrant culture and creativity that define Caribbean tourism.
CHIEF, CHTA’s premier educational and networking forum, will once again spotlight innovation, leadership, and practical strategies to address the tourism sector’s most pressing challenges. This year’s theme, “Innovating Caribbean Tourism for a Disrupted World: Adapting with Purpose, Leading with People, Planning for Permanence,” sets the tone for a robust lineup of immersive workshops and skills-building sessions led by a soon-to-be-announced roster of thought leaders.
“From culinary trends to operational strategy, CHIEF attendees gain practical tools to elevate their businesses and careers across the Caribbean,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. “This year’s workshops will dive even deeper, equipping participants with actionable insights from some of the industry’s most dynamic voices, making CHIEF a must-attend for forward-thinking professionals.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen regional supply chains and drive innovation, this year’s CHIEF will additionally include a Linkages Showcase. This dynamic marketplace will connect local and regional vendors with hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses, encouraging more Caribbean sourcing and collaboration. Building upon its recent partnership with the Global Alliance for Innovation in Tourism (GAIN), this year’s event will also feature a broader range of technology providers and hospitality tech efforts, offering attendees access to the tools and insights shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.
Running concurrently, Taste of the Caribbean will return with its signature culinary competitions, celebrating the flavors, creativity, and talent of the region’s best chefs and mixologists. Competitors will vie for top honors in four individual categories—Caribbean Chef of the Year, Junior Chef, Bartender, and Pastry Chef, all while earning valuable exposure and professional development.
Registration details for both events will be announced soon. Sponsorship opportunities are available on a limited basis; inquiries can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, visit www.chtachief.com.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 1st, 2025, in commemoration of Emancipation Day, the Department of Culture, in collaboration with the University of St. Martin, hosted a lecture and documentary. The lecture entitled “Remember Africa’s Children: The Power of 3” was presented by Dr. Jay Haviser of SIMARC, while the documentary “AWO, NOW, NU” was unveiled by Educator Roland Roi Colastica.
Dr. Jay Haviser, in his presentation, outlined the 2010 recovery of three human skeletons in Philipsburg, which were confirmed to be First-Generation Africans, working salt as enslaved laborers around 1660-1680. Through advanced genetics research by the University of Copenhagen, with additional Strontium Isotope research, the precise locations of origin were determined for these three who were found on Zout Steeg, and thus have come to be known as the Zout Steeg Three. From these investigations, the Zout Steeg Three were recognized as among the Top-Ten archaeological discoveries of 2015 by Archaeology Magazine. As well, long-term goals for international plans of repatriation of these remains to their homelands in West Africa were also presented.
“AWO, NOW, NU” is a documentary by Educator Roland Roi Colastica that explores the opinions of the youth within the Dutch Caribbean territories by means of video interviews. Mr. Colastica premiered the 1st of 3 episodes on Emancipation Day on Sint Maarten with the intention to roll it out to all the islands in the near future. “What do you know about slavery and when were you first taught about it in school?” The documentary engages the youth to answer these questions and more concerning the impact and legacy of the descendants of Africans who were enslaved in slavery and how they experience race relations within their communities on the Dutch Caribbean islands.
Emancipation Day on July 1st was the first public holiday established by the Parliament of Sint Maarten since becoming a Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10th 2010. Every year the Department of Culture hosts the Emancipation Day celebration at different venues throughout the island as a means to bring the community together as one people to reflect on the atrocities and inhumane conditions that our ancestors experienced. Emancipation Day is also a day to pay homage to the freedom fighters that fought for their human rights to be a free people throughout the period of enslavement until they achieved their goal.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a division of Youth Health Care within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), is proud to announce its plans to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), observed annually from August 1 to 7.
This year’s theme is “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
CPS is partnering with the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) to raise awareness about the critical role of breastfeeding in ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and children.
Breastfeeding is a natural and powerful act that provides unmatched health, nutritional, and emotional benefits. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), supporting parents —especially mothers— is essential to giving every child the best possible start in life. Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of that support.
Breastmilk is the ideal nourishment for infants: it is safe, clean, and rich in antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses.
It provides all the energy and nutrients an infant need in the early months and continues to offer significant nutritional value well into the second year of life.
Research shows that breast-fed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to become overweight or obese, and have a lower risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Mothers who breastfeed also benefit, with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
This year’s WBW campaign will feature a variety of activities aimed at engaging the community, including: A Breastfeeding Photo Competition ending August 1, 2025; Guest appearances on local radio programs to discuss the importance of breastfeeding; A Sip and Paint event for mothers and pregnant women; A Soothing Walk for pregnant women and moms; A series of press releases and awareness messages; A Mom’s Fair on August 9.
For more information on the planned activities, please contact the SMMC Pediatric or OB/GYN wards, White & Yellow Cross District Nursing, or CPS.
Be sure to look out for their full calendar of events on all their social media platforms.
For direct inquiries, contact CPS at (721) 542-3003 or WhatsApp (721 520-4163).