The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced the selection of a remarkable group of individuals for the second cohort of the Young Leaders Forum (YLF), Class of 2026. The chosen candidates come from a diverse range of Caribbean nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos.
The selection committee, which includes esteemed industry figures such as Sanovnik Destang, CHTA’s President-Elect and Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts; Paul Collymore, CEO of The Landings Resort and Spa; Laudra Maurille-Willie, Assistant Human Resource Manager at The Landings Resort and Spa; Anice O’Neil, Commercial Director at Bay Gardens Resorts; and Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA’s Acting CEO and Director General, conducted thorough evaluations to ensure only the finest candidates were chosen.
The inaugural session of the program will take place following the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 42, which was recently held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This session aims to unite the 2023 and 2026 classes with leaders from National Hotel and Tourism Associations to discuss initiatives designed to support and prepare the Young Leaders Forum participants for future achievements.
The YLF program is designed to prepare emerging leaders for success in a dynamically changing industry by emphasizing the following key focus areas:
Mentorship Program
Participants in the program will benefit from the guidance of distinguished industry leaders through a well-organized mentorship initiative. This program offers invaluable insights and support from experienced professionals, nurturing a culture of ongoing learning and professional growth.
People and Technology
The focus on people and technology is carefully crafted to equip emerging leaders with the skills needed for the ever-evolving hospitality sector. By integrating theoretical learning with hands-on experience and mentorship, CHTA is dedicated to developing a robust and innovative leadership framework.
The Class of 2026 comprises exceptional individuals who are poised to make significant contributions to the Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry. They include:
Antigua and Barbuda
* Deon Browne, Manager of Guest Services, Rosewood Bermuda
* Pauline Francis, Marketing Manager, Bay Gardens Resorts
Barbados
* Sheniqua Springer, Guest Services Manager, Tamarind by Elegant Hotels
* Kimberly Russell, Public Relations & Communications Manager, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Jamaica
* Antonio Thomas, Food and Beverage Supervisor, Sandals Royal Caribbean
* Shanique Brown, Front Office Manager, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
St. Lucia
* Triston Thomas, Assistant Manager, Boucan by Hotel Chocolat
* Talia Antoine, Senior Revenue Accountant, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
St. Maarten
* Tarah Maduro, Human Resources Assistant, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa
* Charlene Pantophlet, Revenue Manager, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort
The Bahamas
* Tracy Knowles, Guest Services Manager, Baha Mar
* Kaitlyn Rahming, Revenue Manager, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas
Turks and Caicos
* Joeline Beauvoir, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, The Sands at Grace Bay
* Nicole Robinson, Front Office & Reservations Supervisor, The Palms
Also joining the YLF from CHTA are Kjerstin Carlson, Communications and Marketing Associate; Tenielle Guppy, Member and Partner Development Associate; and Latonia Knowles, Member Services Associate.
The YLF serves as an engaging platform for nurturing emerging leaders in the Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry, providing networking opportunities, professional development, and mentorship to support their career progression and industry contributions.
