June 23, 2025
Aruba shines as host of FCCA PAMAC Destination Summit
Aruba hosted one of the most memorable Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) PAMAC Destination Summits last week, drawing cruise executives, destination representatives, and Platinum Members for impactful workshops, one-on-one meetings, strategic discussions, and unforgettable Dutch Caribbean hospitality.
The event spotlighted Aruba’s tourism and port development plans, shared vital cruise industry updates, and featured specialized sessions on cruise economics and procurement opportunities.
The Aruba Tourism Authority and Aruba Ports Authority deserve high praise — not only for their forward-thinking vision for cruise tourism, but also for their warm, authentic approach to hospitality, which lies at the heart of what tourism is all about.
Industry mourns the loss of Jim Furey, passionate promoter of Caribbean tourism
The Caribbean tourism sector is mourning the passing of Jim Furey, a pioneering voice in Caribbean tourism and founder of Furey & Associates. He was 85.
A trusted advisor, gifted storyteller, and tireless advocate for the region, Furey began his publishing career at The Bayonne Times before moving on to the New York Herald Tribune. He later joined The New York Times, and in 1969 was named Western Hemisphere Promotion Manager, where he pioneered a series of special advertising sections dedicated to the Caribbean.
In 1976, Furey and his wife Barbara founded Furey & Associates, a marketing and communications firm focused on what they called “travel marketing through targeted publishing”. Over nearly three decades, the firm became one of the most respected marketing agencies working to promote the emerging islands of the Caribbean.
Early in his career, Furey joined with other travel industry luminaries to launch the first Caribbean Tourism Association chapter in New York, laying important groundwork for promoting the region. In the early 1980s, he and his wife launched Caribbean Sales Seminars.
Widely admired for his intelligence, warmth and wit, Furey believed deeply in the power of connection.
Caribbean-American Journalist Cleo Greene Embraces New Chapter in Dallas
Cleo Greene Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/cgreenewfaa
Caribbean-American television journalist Cleo Greene is making waves in the Dallas, Texas market, recently celebrating three months as the new lifestyle cohost on NBC’s Texas Today.
A first-generation American with parental roots in Guyana and Jamaica, Greene discovered her passion for television at a young age and landed her first on-air role as a feature reporter in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her career has since taken her through Georgia, Maryland, Minneapolis, and now to Dallas.
“Today, I find myself in a brand new chapter … one where I’ve shifted from the hard news grind to a space filled with creativity, lifestyle and joy. A former colleague recently asked me if I sold my soul making that switch … and my answer is simple: ‘No, I didn’t sell my soul … I think I finally gave myself permission to enjoy it’,” she recently shared on social media
American Airlines Strengthens Caribbean Commitment
José María Giraldo, Managing Director for Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean & Canada, American Airlines To view video click HERE
American Airlines continues to deepen its commitment to the Caribbean, with plans for a 23% increase in operations by the 2025–26 winter season.
During the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week in New York, José María Giraldo, Managing Director for Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean & Canada, highlighted the importance of collaboration with governments and airport authorities to ensure seamless travel and drive future growth.
This year also marks a major milestone as American Airlines celebrates 50 years of service to Barbados, Bermuda and the Dominican Republic — underscoring decades of partnership with the region.
Check his comments in this interview with Marketplace Excellence’s Lelei LeLaulu.
Quotable Caribbean
“Still, if the member countries within the specific regional integration entity are unequally yoked in terms of decision making and outcomes, and if not corrected, the integration entity may wither or it may itself become a yoke too burdensome for some members to bear.” – Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, St. Vincent and the Grenadines | Chairman, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Authority
Proverbially West Indian
“Mi deh yah.” (Jamaica)
A beloved Caribbean expression translates to “I’m here” or “I’m doing well” in English. It’s more than just a literal statement — it’s a warm and resilient way of saying “I’m alive, I’m present, and I’m holding it together.” It reflects the spirit of endurance and gratitude that runs deep in Caribbean culture.
Medical Moment
World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28, draws attention to a global health crisis — more than 300 million people live with hepatitis, and over one million die from it each year.
As one of the deadliest infectious diseases, hepatitis demands urgent, coordinated action. Despite the availability of effective tests, treatments and vaccines, stigma, misinformation and limited awareness continue to hinder progress.
The World Hepatitis Alliance is calling on governments, health leaders, and communities to invest in education, expand access to services, combat stigma, and unite to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.