GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry is building regional momentum for the upcoming Island Roots to Global Routes Business Expansion Mission and Expo, following a promotional tour across Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba aimed at connecting Caribbean entrepreneurs with new international markets and business opportunities.
Led by Chamber President Tamara Leonard, the tour brought the initiative directly to entrepreneurs, business leaders, government representatives and media organizations across the ABC islands. The outreach included presentations, stakeholder meetings and media interviews focused on encouraging Caribbean businesses to expand beyond their home markets and explore opportunities abroad.
"Caribbean businesses have the talent, services, products and potential to compete globally. Now is the time to take that next step!" Leonard said.
In Curaçao, the delegation was hosted by CINEX and the Ministry of Economic Development, where it participated in three television interviews and seven strategic meetings. Vanessa Toré, Director of Foreign Economic Cooperation at the ministry, also established contact with the U.S. Consulate to broaden the initiative's connections and support network in Miami.
The promotional tour continued in Bonaire, where the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce hosted a presentation for members of the business community. The visit also included three radio and television interviews and a meeting with Island Commissioner Jennifer Mohamedjoenoes.
Aruba was the final stop, with the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosting another presentation for business owners, entrepreneurs and investors. The visit was supported by television and radio appearances, including an interview with 24 Ora.
The regional outreach is leading into the Island Roots to Global Routes Business Expansion Mission and Expo, scheduled for November 16 to 19, 2026, in Miami, Florida. The mission is intended to connect Caribbean businesses with buyers, suppliers, distributors, investors and strategic partners while strengthening regional and international trade networks.
Participants will have opportunities to explore exporting Caribbean products and services to the United States, identify suppliers and shipping options, pursue investment and distribution partnerships, and build relationships within Miami's business community. The program will also provide practical information on entering and operating in the U.S. market, including legal, immigration, financial and banking considerations.
"This is more than a business trip, it is a movement designed to turn Caribbean ambition into global opportunities," Leonard said. "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."
Organizers said additional partnerships and opportunities are being developed to address the economic priorities and expansion needs of participating islands. Businesses seeking access to international buyers, new suppliers, the U.S. market or wider trade relationships are being encouraged to take advantage of the mission.
Registration is now open, with spaces limited. Businesses can also register or obtain information through participating partner organizations, including the Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin, Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bonaire Chamber of Commerce and CINEX Curaçao.
"Your roots may be in the Caribbean, but your opportunities can reach the world," Leonard said.
