CTO Secretary General Dona Regis-Prosper at Keynote 2026 Caribbean Food Forum | News

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), will deliver the keynote address at the Caribbean Food Forum 2026 on Thursday, May 21 in Antigua.

The forum, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and presented by Grace Foods, will take place both virtually and in-person at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Center. It serves as a highlight of Antigua and Barbuda’s annual culinary month.

Under the theme “The Future is Local: Caribbean Food at the Crossroads of Global Impact,” the one-day meeting will bring together leaders in tourism, agriculture, culinary arts, hospitality and investment.

The Regis-Prosper keynote will explore regenerative tourism, sustainable food systems and the role of the Caribbean in the global food economy.

CTO Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism Narendra Ramgulam will also speak at the hybrid event, which will focus on the importance of agritourism and destination branding to drive Caribbean economic growth.

ABTA CEO Colin C. James said the forum represents a strategic step forward for the region. “The Caribbean Food Forum is a timely and strategic initiative that aligns with our vision for the development of sustainable tourism,” he stated. “Elevating our food systems and connecting them to global opportunities strengthens the value of our destination while creating compelling cultural visitor experiences and meaningful pathways for local and regional producers and entrepreneurs.”

Registration is possible until Tuesday, May 19.

The program includes strategic panel discussions on climate resilience, agritourism, diaspora engagement and food entrepreneurship. A lunch and market experience will feature local producers, culinary artisans and Caribbean brands, with additional sessions exploring technology, sustainability and global market access.

Donyelle Bird-Browne, senior business development manager for US strategic partnerships and organizer of the forum, said the event aims to deliver tangible results. “CTO’s participation and support underlines the critical role of food systems in shaping the future of Caribbean tourism and economic resilience,” said Bird-Browne. “This platform is designed to go beyond conversations and bring together policy, innovation, culture and investment to open the doors to tangible opportunities for the region.”

Organizers expect the forum to produce a white paper with key recommendations and actionable roadmaps for regional cooperation.

For more information about Antigua and Barbuda’s Culinary Month, visit https://www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com.