Natasha Chalwell Named CMEx Leadership Laureate
Deputy Director of Tourism Natasha Chalwell has been named among the 2026 Leadership Laureates by the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx). The recognition highlights her sustained commitment and leadership in advancing the Virgin Islands and regional tourism. The official honours will be presented during the annual CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser in Miami this December.
Deputy Director of Tourism Natasha Chalwell has joined an elite group of regional professionals after being named to the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) roster of Leadership Laureates for 2026. CMEx finalized its 2026 cohort by adding seven respected executives and industry professionals whose careers exemplify outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the sustainable advancement of Caribbean tourism.
The announcement underscores the British Virgin Islands' ongoing influence and leadership within the regional travel sector, following the recognition of Junior Minister of Culture and Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith in the previous year's cohort. The 2026 honorees represent a diverse spectrum of expertise across key sectors, including aviation, cruise tourism, hospitality, sustainability, destination management, and media.
They will be formally celebrated at the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, December 6, in Miami, Florida. President of CMEx Bevan Springer highlighted that what distinguishes this year's laureates is both their diverse professional backgrounds and the measurable influence they hold in their respective fields.
Springer stated that the honorees have played instrumental roles in opening doors, strengthening regional institutions, fostering partnerships, championing responsible development, and elevating the Caribbean profile on the global stage. Springer noted that whether connecting the Caribbean to international markets through aviation and cruise initiatives or driving environmental stewardship, hospitality excellence, and authentic storytelling, the laureates exemplify how visionary leadership propels regional development forward.
CMEx also announced that a separate release will unveil the recipient of its prestigious 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual CMEx Leadership Awards convene prominent stakeholders from tourism, government, commerce, and media across the Caribbean, while simultaneously raising critical funds for the non-profit organization's ongoing educational, media development, and community empowerment initiatives.
Primary source: 284 Media