CMEx names first 2026 Leadership Laureates

The Caribbean Media Exchange has announced the first seven honorees for its 2026 Leadership Awards, to be celebrated Dec. 6 at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area. The awards will spotlight leaders in tourism, media, sustainability and community development across the Caribbean.

Why it matters: - The CMEx Leadership Awards highlight people shaping tourism, media, sustainability and community development across the Caribbean. - Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support CMEx programs that connect tourism and media professionals and back educational and community initiatives. - The event brings together tourism executives, government officials, media professionals, community leaders and supporters of sustainable Caribbean development.

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

The details: - The first group of 2026 honorees 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 at GreenLatinos in Puerto Rico. - Gercine Carter, journalist at The Nation Publishing Co. Limited in Barbados, is among the honorees. - Giora Israel, president of Giora Israel LLC, is being recognized for work as a strategic adviser in global cruise tourism, port development and the blue economy. - 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 a 2026 honoree. - Josef Forstmayr, managing director of Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Jamaica, is also being celebrated. - CMEx said the honorees were selected for leadership and service that have contributed to tourism, media, sustainability and community development across the Caribbean and the marketplace. - For details on honorees, sponsorship opportunities and tickets, CMEx directs readers to cmexmedia.org. - CMEx describes itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on tourism's role in sustainable development.

Between the lines: - The honoree mix spans journalism, tourism leadership, sustainability and community advocacy, signaling CMEx's broad view of regional development. - The awards are also a fundraising vehicle, so the celebration doubles as a way to support the organization's programs. - Bevan Springer, CMEx president, said the honorees reflect leadership, vision and service that are helping move the Caribbean forward.

What's next: - CMEx will announce the second group of honorees later in August. - Attendees can buy tickets and seek sponsorships ahead of the Dec. 6 event. - The Miami-area luncheon will serve as the public celebration for the 2026 leadership class.

The bottom line: - CMEx is using its 2026 awards to recognize regional leadership and raise support for its sustainability and community-focused programs.