Sir Baltron Bethel Bahamas biography

The senior policy advisor to former prime minister Perry Christie has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx).

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, in a statement, said its director-general, Latia Duncombe, was among those in attendance for the presentation to Sir Baltron Bethel.

The first Bahamian to be appointed as director general of tourism, and also the longest-serving one, the ministry asserted that Sir Baltron’s leadership helped shape national tourism policy, strengthen regional collaboration and expand opportunities for Bahamians throughout the industry.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said: “Sir Baltron Bethel helped lay the foundation for the modern tourism economy we rely on today.

This 

honour recognizes not only his accomplishments, but the deep national pride we 

share in his legacy.”

Sir Baltron’s work with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), where he 

served in several leadership roles including Chair, broadened The Bahamas’ 

influence throughout the region.

Many of us who serve 

today continue to benefit from the pathways he created and the standards he set. 

This recognition by CMEx honours a lifetime of contribution that continues to 

guide and elevate our work across The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Over his distinguished career, he has guided The Bahamas’ tourism development and played an influential role across the region serving in numerous roles such as Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

He was later appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in the Queen’s 2007 New Year Honours.

During The Bahamas’ Golden Jubilee in 2023 he was awarded the National Public Service Award of Excellence and the Medal of Honour, followed in 2024 by the National Honour of Order of The Bahamas Companion (CB).

Sir Baltron received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 CMEx Leadership Awards on December 7, 2025, in Miami, Florida.

Lucia); Loews Coral Gables Hotel; Marketplace Excellence Corporation; Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort (Grenada); Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (Bahamas); Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour (St. “Inaccepting the award, Sir Baltron expressed deep appreciation, sharing that “I am most grateful to God, my supportive family, all those who provided me many opportunities for public service, so many persons and organizations within The Bahamas, The Caribbean Region, and around the world who supported and partnered with me over the years as we sought the achievement of the educational, economic and social advancement of our people "

Sir Baltron’s distinguished service has earned him numerous honours over the years.

This recognition from such a well-respected organization is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of service, innovation and leadership.”

The CMEx Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented during the 2025 CMEx Leadership Awards in Miami, which celebrates individuals whose work has had a transformative impact on Caribbean communities through tourism, business, culture and sustainable development.

The Awards celebrate laureates whose work spans hospitality, cruise tourism, medical tourism, destination marketing, sustainable development, media and public relations.

“In

accepting the award, Sir Baltron expressed deep appreciation, sharing that “I am 

most grateful to God, my supportive family, all those who provided me many 

opportunities for public service, so many persons and organizations within The 

Bahamas, The Caribbean Region, and around the world who supported and 

partnered with me over the years as we sought the achievement of the educational, 

economic and social advancement of our people "

Sir Baltron’s distinguished service has earned him numerous honours over the 

years.

Lucia); Ladera Resort (St. In 2024 he was awarded the National Honor of Order of The Bahamas Companion (CB) for distinguished and exemplary service.

“Sir Baltron Bethel is a true pioneer whose vision and dedication have transformed tourism in The Bahamas and across the region,” said Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

Kitts); Rodman Marketing Guru; Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Jamaica); St. Maarten Tourist Board; The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission; The Decker/Royal Agency; Tortuga Rum Company; Tropical Attractions; Tropical Shipping; Unique Vacations Inc. (the worldwide representative of Sandals & Beaches Resorts); and Vanessa James Media.

Nadia Springer
Marketplace Excellence
+1 201-861-2056
email us here

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind.

Globally recognized as a leading tourism expert and policy advisor, his work also spans education, economic development and church service.

“Sir Baltron is a towering figure whose leadership helped shape modern Caribbean tourism,” said Bevan Springer, President of CMEx. This honour recognies not only his accomplishments, but the deep national pride we share in his legacy.”

The Ministry of Tourism added that Sir Baltron’s work with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), where he served in several leadership roles including chairman, broadened The Bahamas’ influence throughout the region and embraced policy, education, economic development and community upliftment.

Mrs Duncombe said: “Sir Baltron’s leadership shaped generations of tourism professionals.

Lucia), Ladera Resort (St.

His leadership helped shape national tourism policy, 

strengthen regional collaboration, and expand opportunities for Bahamians 

throughout the industry.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the 

Honourable I. Chester Cooper, reflected on the depth of Sir Baltron’s influence, 

noting that “Sir Baltron Bethel helped lay the foundation for the modern tourism 

economy we rely on today.

“He has not only advanced The Bahamas’ position on the world stage but also strengthened regional collaboration, ensuring that the Caribbean’s collective voice is heard in the global tourism arena. In 1990, he received the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He was later appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St.

Michael and St.