SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Island Roots to Global Routes Business Expansion Mission and Expo is gaining powerful momentum across the Caribbean following a dynamic promotional tour. Led by St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Tamara Leonard, the ABC islands promotional tour reinforced prominent connections across Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
Driven by a vision to help Caribbean businesses move beyond borders and access international opportunities, Leonard engaged entrepreneurs, business leaders, government representatives and media professionals through public presentations, stakeholder meetings and media interviews. Her message was clear: "Caribbean businesses have the talent, services, products and potential to compete globally. Now is the time to take that next step!"
The first stop was Curaçao, where the delegation was hosted by CINEX and the Curaçao Ministry of Economic Development. The visit included three television interviews and seven strategic meetings focused on expanding regional and international business connections.
Further momentum was generated when Vanessa Toré, Director of Foreign Economic Cooperation at Curaçao’s Ministry of Economic Development, established contact with the U.S. Consulate to officially expand the network with additional support and connections in Miami, Florida.
The tour continued in Bonaire. Hosted by the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce, Leonard delivered an informative and inspiring presentation to Chamber members and the wider business community.
The business outreach was further supported by three radio and television interviews which helped to broaden public awareness of the Trade Mission and its potential benefits. Also included was a strategic meeting with Bonaire Island Commissioner, the Hon. Jennifer Mohamedjoenoes.
Aruba marked the final stop of the regional Promotional Tour. Hosted by the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Leonard once again shared the vision and opportunities behind Island Roots to Global Routes with an engaged audience of business owners, entrepreneurs and investors.
The visit was further amplified through two engaging television and radio interviews, including 24 Ora.
Across all three islands, audiences were engaged, energized, informed and inspired to participate in the upcoming Island Roots to Global Routes Business Expansion Mission and Expo, scheduled for November 16–19, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
This highly anticipated Trade Mission will connect Caribbean businesses and entrepreneurs with potential buyers, suppliers, distributors, investors and strategic partners from the region to the USA and global marketplace, while also further building regional trade networks.
Key opportunities include:
Exporting Caribbean products and services to the United States.
Identifying new suppliers, import and shipping opportunities.
Exploring investment, distribution and business-development partnerships.
Building valuable connections within Miami’s business community, including direct access to major organizations such as: the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County, French Consulate and others!
Expanding opportunities for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Gaining practical insight into entering and operating within the U.S. market, including legal, immigration, financial and banking resources.
“This is more than a business trip, it is a movement designed to turn Caribbean ambition into global opportunities,” Leonard shared.
“Our entrepreneurs have the products and services, as well as the creativity, resilience and drive to succeed internationally. Island Roots to Global Routes is creating a pathway for them to make the right connections, access new markets and return home positioned for sustainable growth.”
As the initiative continues to grow, additional opportunities and strategic relationships are being forged to address the socio-economic priorities of the participating islands, while also incorporating their specific operational and expansion needs.
For entrepreneurs who have dreamed of seeing their products on international shelves, securing new suppliers, entering the U.S. market or building valuable global trade relationships, this mission could be the opportunity that changes the future of their business.
Interested businesses are strongly encouraged to register now, as spaces are limited. "Your roots may be in the Caribbean, but your opportunities can reach the world," said Leonard.
Registration Details:
Please click here to register:
https://forms.gle/9ETntbqb1AF11Jku7
For further information, please contact the partner organization on your respective island.
Registration is also available through the other partnering entities: Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin (CCISM), Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bonaire Chamber of Commerce, CINEX Curaçao.
