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Dr. Patrick is an Economist. He is a First-Class honours graduate in Economics from the University of the West Indies and holds Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Economics, from the University of Florida, with specializations in International Trade Theory and Policy, Econometrics and Macro- Economics.
Dr. Antoine possesses over thirty (30) years of experience working throughout the Caribbean, North America, Latin America, and Africa. Dr. Antoine has served as Lead Technical Advisor, Regional Negotiating Machinery, CARICOM Negotiator Agriculture and Market Access, Ambassador to the World Trade Organization; Ambassador to CARICOM; Ambassador to the OECS; Grenada’s Trade and Economic Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Ambassador Extra-ordinaire with responsibility for External Negotiations, and Chief Economic and Policy Advisor to the Government of Grenada. Dr. Antoine has also held several board appointments in the private sector, and led several board appointments and served as the Group Strategic Investment and Trade Policy Advisor for the ANSA McAL Group, for over a decade.
Dr. Antoine is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) Secretariat, an Associate Institution of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which serves to mobilize private sector participation in the CARICOM Institutionality.
Crescenzia Biemans is the Managing Director of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort and Tara Eco Supplies, the Secretary of Stimami Sterilisami Foundation and of the Bucuti Tara – GMC Nature Preservation Foundation. Currently, she proudly sits on the board of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association’s Environmental Committee and is a Trustee of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism as part of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Crescenzia holds a Master of Laws (LLM), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Politics, Psychology, Law & Economics (PPLE), and a Minor in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Amsterdam, graduating Cum Laude in all disciplines. This extensive education equips her with a unique blend of different disciplines and expertise, which she integrates into her various roles.
Sharon Banfield-Bovell has been a passionate advocate for the growth and transformation of Caribbean tourism and human capital development for more than 25 years. A seasoned Tourism Professional, she brings extensive expertise in Tourism Planning, Policy Formulation, Human Capital Development, Tourism Product Development, and Strategic Planning.
She currently serves as Director of Resource Mobilization and Development at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), where she provides strategic direction and oversight for the Organization’s resource mobilization, sustainable and regenerative tourism, and people development portfolios. In this capacity, she leads initiatives designed to strengthen the region’s tourism competitiveness and to build capacity among the professionals who power the industry.
Prior to assuming her current role, Sharon served the CTO as Regional Human Resources Development Consultant, where she spearheaded several initiatives aimed at aligning tourism education and training with evolving industry demands.
A proud Barbadian, Sharon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Languages (French and Spanish) from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and a Master of Science degree in Tourism Planning and Development from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
Widely regarded by her peers as a champion for sustainable regional development, Sharon continues to dedicate her career to building a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready Caribbean tourism sector.
Is the Head of Human Resources with Montrose Limited, with responsibility for all divisions of the group of over one thousand team members, including Ocean Hotels Barbados Limited. Having joined the group in 2019, she has driven the strategic and operational elements of the Human Resources product and worked alongside Senior Management colleagues to strengthen all pillars of human resources across the group, digitize systems and process and continue to develop knowledgeable and skilled team members.
Bio coming soon….
Jason Craparo is the Founder and CEO of Hovr, a storytelling technology company helping brands use video to drive emotion, understanding, and action. Before founding Hovr, Jason became the youngest owner/operator of Sonic Drive-In in the nation at just 21 years old. He holds an MBA from Babson College, the world’s top-ranked entrepreneurship school for 25 consecutive years, where he earned both the Roger W. Babson Award—the school’s highest honor—and the Sorenson Scholar Award for academic excellence.
Jason has also been recognized with numerous leadership distinctions, including the ABC 10News Community Leadership Award. Jason currently serves as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Villanova University, where he also sits on the Engineering and Entrepreneurship Advisory Boards and frequently guest lectures. He mentors several startups each year, judges national business competitions, and hosts the “Moments That Matter” podcast, which explores the pivotal moments shaping exceptional leaders.
A certified private pilot for over 16 years, Jason has trained in advanced aerobatics. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Lara, and their three young children.
Bio coming soon…
Blanka Dewapura is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Oceanid Hospitality, a boutique commercial advisory firm specializing in strategic growth, revenue optimization, and brand positioning for luxury hotels and resorts across the Caribbean. With over two decades of international experience (Caribbean, North America and Asia), Blanka combines deep expertise in global sales, distribution, and digital marketing with a data-driven, results-oriented approach to hotel performance. Her career spans senior leadership roles within both branded and independent properties, where she has successfully developed commercial frameworks that drive profitability, strengthen brand equity, and enhance market visibility. Blanka’s hands-on experience extends across all key commercial disciplines—including revenue management, OTA and tour operator relations, digital strategy, and CRM implementation—allowing her to bridge strategic vision with operational execution.
At Oceanid Hospitality, she, her business partner and their team focus on helping ownership groups and resort teams align business objectives with market realities through actionable strategies and measurable outcomes. Blanka is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, cross-cultural fluency, and ability to foster strong partnerships across markets in North America, the UK, and Europe. Blanka holds a passion for mentorship and continuous learning and remains committed to supporting innovation and excellence within the evolving hospitality landscape.
Néstor Ruiz Doreste is a hospitality executive and third-generation leader at IHP Hospitality, a Puerto Rico–based family group operating branded and independent properties. With an upbringing and career that bridges operations and organizational leadership, Néstor blends data-driven management with a deep human-centered approach to service and team development. Drawing on his experience overseeing properties and leading cross-functional teams, Néstor has cultivated expertise in operational analysis, HR strategy, and property redevelopment—from concept design to brand negotiation with major flags. His current focus includes reimagining legacy hotel assets, integrating flexible work models, and developing sustainable hospitality concepts that strengthen local economies while elevating guest experience.
Mikael Doumeng is the Digital Marketing Manager at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, a family-owned and operated property celebrating 51 years of welcoming travelers to the Caribbean. As the third generation of the Doumeng family to help lead the resort, Mikael combines a deep respect for traditional hospitality with a modern approach to brand storytelling and digital guest engagement.
Focused on relatable content and consistent communication with followers, Mikael has helped position Bolongo Bay as one of the Caribbean’s most recognizable independent resorts online while sharing with global viewers just another day in the Caribbean. His digital strategy has driven the resort’s percentage of direct bookings through its own website to outperform all other online travel agencies combined—an elusive accomplishment among small, independent hotels.
Mikael also represents the Young Leaders Forum on the Executive Committee of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
Bio coming soon….
Arlene Friday is the Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association and Vice President of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE). She brings extensive experience in community organizing, strategic management, and stakeholder engagement. Since assuming leadership of the Association in December 2019, Arlene has championed innovation and collaboration, launching impactful initiatives that have strengthened service delivery and industry resilience.
With a career spanning the United States, parts of Africa, and Grenada, Arlene is a passionate advocate for community empowerment and sustainable development. She holds a Master of Business Administration in International Business and has shared her expertise as a guest lecturer at St. George’s University, focusing on international business and cross-cultural communications.
Her achievements include the Destination Resilient Award from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association for exemplary leadership during the pandemic, organizing and coordinating Grenada’s national vaccination campaign to protect community health and support the safe reopening of the nation’s borders. She also received the CHIEF 2024 Award for Social Responsibility in recognition of her outstanding community outreach and recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl. Additionally, she led a successful training initiative for 180 hospitality professionals to enhance workforce development in the sector.
Arlene serves on the boards of the Grenada National Emergency Advisory Council and the T.A. Marryshow Community College Advisory Committee. A visionary leader, she continues to promote sustainable growth, build strategic partnerships, and foster resilient communities across the tourism industry.
Ryan Forde is the Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) with over 15 years of experience in the tourism industry. He holds a Master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from EADA Business School in Barcelona and a Bachelor’s degree with honors in International Business from the Barcelona Business School (UIBS), with a minor in Tourism Management.
Ryan’s career spans multiple countries and includes work with both international and local hotel brands, as well as eco-adventure attractions. His roles have covered every phase from development and opening to brand transitioning, reflecting his cultural adaptability and democratic leadership style.
His experience collaborating with owners, investors, regional directors, general managers, and team members keeps him attuned to industry trends. In his current position, Ryan leads the growth and direction of team members and tourism businesses in Barbados, while identifying new development opportunities for property owners.
Bio coming soon….
Gillian Harper is the Founder and Managing Director of GH Tourism Solutions, a full-service consulting and marketing company specializing in the Caribbean region. With a proven record of driving profitable results, Gillian leads a team dedicated to helping hotels and tourism businesses, particularly underperforming properties, reach their full potential through innovative, cost-effective strategies. Her expertise spans brand development, sales and marketing management, and digital strategy, with a focus on elevating visibility, performance, and guest engagement.
Under Gillian’s leadership, GH Tourism Solutions has built a reputation for delivering tailored solutions that combine strategic insight with hands-on execution. Committed to quality, creativity, and great service, she approaches every project with a results-driven mindset. Gillian’s deep understanding of the Caribbean market continues to position her company as a trusted partner for growth and success across the region.
K. Denaye Hinds is an entrepreneur, renowned for her exceptional knowledge in sustainable hospitality, tourism and operations compliance. With over 15 years of experience, she has consistently developed and executed comprehensive strategies that deliver environmental and social impact while securing resilience and attracting investment at both destination and enterprise levels. Her journey as the Director of consulting company JustaTAAD, LLC, has seen her spearhead CSR and ESG initiatives, integrate net-zero, nature-based and circular strategies, achieve carbon neutrality in hospitality operations and conduct compliance audits, in over 5,000 rooms annually across the region for various international certification and compliance programs. Denaye is also the co-founder of ACES Collaborative, a company focused on deploying cutting-edge sustainable technologies to increase access and strengthen Caribbean resilience. With her passion and influential communication style, Denaye is a highly respected voice in the field of sustainability, inspiring and empowering diverse teams and industry groups.
Ms. Janelle M. Hopkin is President and Managing Director of Spice Island Beach Resort. A graduate of the prestigious Glion Institute of Higher Education in Montreux, Switzerland, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Business Administration and Hospitality Management.
Upon completing her studies, Ms. Hopkin embarked on several management internships, most notably at the Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane and the Royal Garden Hotel, High Street Kensington in London. These experiences were extremely formative as they helped to crystallize her vision and influence the development of her now established philosophy on how high-end Caribbean hospitality should be delivered.
After returning home in 2006, Janelle spent the next fourteen (14) years learning all aspects of the business under the watchful eye and tutelage of her father, the late Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, the founder of Spice Island Beach Resort and its former Chairman and Managing Director.
Starting as a Management Trainee, Janelle worked her way through the ranks, with key stops as the Manager of the Rooms Division and Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, eventually rising to the post of Deputy Managing Director in 2015. From that point, she worked closely with Sir Royston until she was appointed his successor in March 2020.
Since taking the reins, Janelle has astutely and successfully steered the business through one of its most difficult periods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and has subsequently embarked on an ambitious undertaking to transform the resort to meet the evolving needs of current and future consumers.
A proud mother of one, Janelle previously served on the Board of Directors of the Grenada Tourism Authority. She also serves as the Vice Chairman on the Board of the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children where her passion for the underprivileged and disadvantaged shines through.
Bio coming soon…
Bio coming soon…
Carlos Lugo, a leader in digital transformation for hospitality. He helped drive AI-enabled telecom innovation at Marriott International as a technology executive and next-gen Wi-Fi strategies at Single Digits as their Executive VP of Global Hospitality, and today he advises hotel owners and operators across the Caribbean and Americas through as a GAIN Strategic Advisor.
Bio coming soon…
In 2008, after a successful fourteen-year career in the airline operations industry with American Airlines and Air Jamaica, Saint Lucian national Ryan Matthew joined Sandals Resorts International (SRI) in its Human Resources, Training and Service Standards Division.
His professional journey within the organization continued in roles such as Operations Manager, Sandals Regency La Toc and Regional Group Manager, Human Resources and Training for the Eastern Caribbean.
In the latter, he led SRI in being a three-time winner of the Award for Excellence in Human Resource Development from the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce.
He currently serves as the Corporate Director, Human Resources, responsible for SRI’s Human Resources function across the Caribbean, serving close to 20,000 team members.
Over the years, Ryan has served as an exceptional resource for several human resources strategic initiatives including playing a key leadership role in many new resort openings.
Ryan’s passion for people development and belief in delivering a rewarding employee experience are evident in his leadership of major HR initiatives throughout the organization. In 2023, he received the Stewart Family Culture Award for promoting and preserving the company’s vibrant culture.
He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Ciceron Management Limited Staff Pension Plan and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Sandals Corporate University.
Ryan holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration and has completed professional development programs with the Disney Training Institute, Project Management Institute , American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, Toastmasters International, and the Mona School of Business.
Bio coming soon…
Adam is a lead advisor at Growth Advisor International Network (GAIN), where his focus is on how technology and wellness can maximize hotel profitability for independent, boutique or luxury hotels as well as for new hotel developments. His work has encompassed technology analysis, wellness and longevity programming, resort repositioning, new hotel conceptualization, feasibility, marketing strategy and operations.
Passionate about improving online travel, Charlie launched Triptease to help hotels deliver a better digital experience and increase direct bookings.
Charlie built his first business straight after graduating from Oxford with a degree in Engineering. He was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Esquire Magazine and one of HSMAI’s ‘Extraordinary Minds’. He won The Sunday Times £5M London Entrepreneur Challenge, is a Companion of CMI and a Fellow of the British American Project.
In his spare time, Charlie is a keen sailor and runner. His marathon exploits have taken him to Kazakhstan, North Korea, and Death Valley. In 2021, he set a World Record at the London Marathon dressed as Planet Earth.
From his hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico, Chef Carlos Portela founded his life project, Orujo Taller, where he studied Puerto Rican cuisine for over ten years. His avant-garde style ranges from primitive to modern, using endemic ingredients to Puerto Rico and pre-colonial influences. He bases his cooking methods on temperature control, precision, and the flavor of Caribbean cuisine. He now brings these concepts alive at Orujo, in the bustling San Juan neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Recognized as a 2024 James Beard Foundation Best Chef South Finalist, he has traveled to different parts of Europe and Latin America, representing Puerto Rican Gastronomy. As a connector and advocate of Puerto Rican chefs, he works on expanding the philosophy of food sovereignty and knowledge of the cuisine of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, which is among the most complex in history and flavor.
Portela, a Johnson & Wales University graduate in Rhode Island, belongs to different culinary organizations such as the Chaine des Rotisseurs, CREA (Culinary Research Educational Academy), American Culinary Federation, and Slow Food International. In 2020, he completed a course in Science and Cooking from Harvard X University. As a lifelong learner of the culinary arts, Chef Portela has hosted numerous workshops and training for young chefs and gastronomy enthusiasts.
Focused on relatable content and consistent communication with followers, Mikael has helped position Bolongo Bay as one of the Caribbean’s most recognizable independent resorts online while sharing with global viewers just another day in the Caribbean. His digital strategy has driven the resort’s percentage of direct bookings through its own website to outperform all other online travel agencies combined—an elusive accomplishment among small, independent hotels.
Mikael also represents the Young Leaders Forum on the Executive Committee of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
Bio coming soon…
A native Miamian, travel enthusiast, and family man. I’m extremely passionate about travel tech, hotels, design, food, cigars, sports, and other libations.
There is no greater experience then travel and connecting with other people and cultures. My goal is helping customers reimagine guest engagement, staff effectiveness and #digitaltransformation through #personalization, #AI, and Integration.
There are a thousand things that can go right and wrong during a traveler’s journey. I’m obsessed by learning and sharing how that happens and the people and technology that help transform the business.
+20 years of experience focused around hospitality technology with expertise in the areas of guest/customer engagement, operational excellence, staff engagement, and sales & marketing.
Rich Tuckwell-Skuda is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Anything Group (TAG), a global company that blends strategy, software, and media to drive real growth for hotels and travel brands.
With a background that spans decades in hospitality, tech, and marketing, Rich is known not only for building one of the fastest-growing hotel agencies in North America and the Caribbean, but for his relentless push to challenge industry norms and rethink how hotels connect with their guests.
Earlier this year, Rich officially launched ALBIE — TAG’s proprietary booking engine and one of its most ambitious software products to date. Designed to let hotels sell rooms, experiences, and services in a single, unified flow, ALBIE reflects Rich’s core mission: giving hoteliers more control, better tools, and smarter systems that truly match how people travel today.
Under his leadership, TAG now manages digital and tech strategy for over 250 clients worldwide, consistently delivering measurable improvements in revenue, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
A frequent keynote speaker and industry thought leader, Rich has presented at over 300 events across the globe, including HITEC, Direct Booking Summit, and Hotel Data Conference. He has been recognised by HSMAI on both sides of the Atlantic with Top 20 and Top 25 Extraordinary Minds Awards, celebrating his award-winning work in revenue and digital strategy.
Rich brings bold ideas, tested experience, and a deep passion for making hospitality better — not just in theory, but in practice.
Karyn Williams-Sykes is an experienced Master Trainer, Executive Coach, and Learning & Development specialist with over two decades in international hospitality. She holds a BSc in Hotel Management, MBA, MSc in International Relations, and several industry certifications.
She designs and delivers tailored workshops that align with organisational goals, focusing on sustainable training, supported by the development of internal trainers. Her sessions use adult learning principles to foster participation and engagement.
Karyn’s background includes senior L&D roles at luxury hotel groups such as Jumeirah, Kempinski, and Viceroy, plus consulting across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Caribbean. She has also lectured in Hospitality Studies and related subjects.
Her expertise covers Leadership Development, Team Building, Mystery Visits, Training Needs Assessment, and Professional Development programmes, along with Wine & Spirits, Emotional Intelligence, DEI, and Anti-Sexual Harassment training. Karyn is also a dynamic keynote speaker, moderator, and talent panellist.
Bio coming soon…
Jon Whyte is a Finance, Marketing & Hospitality professional with over a decade of leadership and transformation within tourism and hospitality. As Finance & Marketing Manager for a group of resorts in Antigua, including Cocobay Resort and The Escape at Nonsuch Bay – Mr. Whyte oversees Accounting, Administration, Revenue Management, I.T. and Digital Systems across the group.
Jon previously served as Financial Controller for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, where he developed a deep appreciation for the relationship between destination marketing, digital innovation and fiscal performance. In his capacity, Jon was central in the development of the ABTA’s Digital Marketing platforms and their formal integration into the national tourism marketing budget and strategy.
In his current role, Jon has been successful in driving data-led innovation and guest focused technical efficiency across resort touchpoints. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Whyte spearheaded his resort group’s transition to fully paperless guest check-in and interaction systems, advancing a seamless, sustainable, and tech-enabled hospitality experience. Under his direction, Cocobay and Escape have cultivated a collective social media audience exceeding half a million followers, and his teams have twice earned national recognition—winning the Digital Excellence and Social Media Excellence Awards in 2023 and 2024.
Jon continues to champion digital transformation within the boutique resort space and advocates for a holistic approach to guest engagement, technical advancement and financial performance.
Sheba Wilson is a distinguished global leader, bestselling author, and Vice President of Human Resources at Grace Bay Resorts in the Turks and Caicos Islands. With over 14 years of expertise in People Development and Human Resources, she is passionate about creating transformational leaders and helping individuals unlock their fullest potential.
A graduate of Cornell University, Sheba is CEO of Catalyst Consulting Ltd. and Sheba Wilson Training Ltd., and the visionary behind She LEAD HR Solutions. She is a Certified Trainer, Speaker, and Coach, an Executive Director with the Maxwell Leadership Team, and an accredited DISC trainer and consultant.
A trailblazer for women in leadership, Sheba has hosted the SheWil LEAD podcast, a sponsored radio show, and now Pathways to Potential, a television program sponsored by Digicel TCI. She serves as Chairman of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Board of Governors and as a Commissioner on the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission Board.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sheba is a devoted mother of four. Her personal journey of resilience and growth as a widow fuels her mission to inspire others to rise above adversity, prioritize self-care, and lead with purpose.
Stanley W. Smith is an Insurance Loss Expert and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with well over 50 years of financial, insurance and international experience and specializes in assisting clients with catastrophic insurance loss recoveries as well as risk management evaluations, helping identify risks, values at risk and establishing insurance coverages. Mr. Smith has assisted clients throughout the world, ranging from the Caribbean, to the USA, to Micronesia (Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands), in multimillion-dollar insurance claims involving losses to property and business interruption, having extensive experience in insurance settlements, related claim preparation and policy interpretation & application.
Types of losses that Mr. Smith has handled include windstorm (hurricanes & typhoons), flood, fire, water, collapse, vandalism, burglary, business interruption and extra expense and have ranged to over $30,000,000 USD. Storms that Mr. Smith helped hoteliers and other clients with include Maria, Irma, Matthew, Dorian, Tomas, Gonzalo, Omar, Katrina, Lenny, Fabian, Ivan, Gorges, Marilyn, Irene, Charley, Francis, Keith, Paka, Pongsona, Soudelor, Yutu, & Mawar. Non-hotelier clients have included the Government of the US Virgin Islands and the Government of St. Maarten.
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