IIC Caribbean Chapter meeting: Caribbean FutureScapes: Regulation at the Intersection of Technology, Tourism and Finance

Dr Allyson Leacock, Chairman of the Barbados Broadcasting Authority and Director of National Transformation Initiative, Government of Barbados, is also an independent media and human development consultant. She led a coalition of 112 Media Houses in 24 Caribbean countries for 12 years and trained over 2000 Caribbean broadcasters. She served on the Executive Board of the Global Media AIDS Initiative (GMAI) and was elected for 2 terms as Chairman of the Global Steering Committee for the World AIDS Campaign. She was also Cultural Affairs Specialist at the US Embassy covering the Caribbean and Officer-In-Charge and Student Coordinator at the University of the West Indies Distance Education Centre (UWIDEC), now the Open Campus.

Dr Allyson Leacock was conferred with the Order of the Republic (OR) in Barbados National Honours on 30 November 2023. The award was given by the President of Barbados – In ‘recognition of sterling contribution to broadcasting, media relations, corporate communications, training, human resource development and educational technology, as well as distinguished service to Barbados as Head of National Transformation Initiative’.

Dr Leacock has a wide-ranging professional background including in executive management in corporate communications, media, needs assessment, training, human resource development and leadership, as well broadcast media including production and presentation as TV News Anchor, and as General Manager of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation.

She holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Educational Technology, Concordia University, Canada and BA (Double First Class Honours) in English and Education and the Diploma in Education (Dip.Ed with distinction) from Stirling University, UK. Her training also includes Diplomas in Human Resource Management, Facility Management, Arts Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

A Former national athlete, gymnast, dancer and actress, Dr Leacock is trained in sign language, is a volunteer with Special Olympics and Barbados Council for the Disabled.

Dr Leacock is also Former Chair of the International Institute of Communications Small Nations Regulators Forum 2021-2022.

Bio coming soon…

Averad Penn, JD, MBA is Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Cellular Telephone (CCT) and BVI Cable TV, where he leads corporate strategy, network investment planning, regulatory engagement, and organizational development for national communications infrastructure in the British Virgin Islands. A seasoned executive, attorney, and telecom strategist, he brings over two decades of experience across telecommunications, financial services, management consulting, and real estate development. Averad holds a Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School, an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, and a BA from Dartmouth College, and is admitted to the New York State Bar.

Bio coming soon…

From the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica, I launched my IT career in 2000 as a Hardware Technician and have since grown into a cybersecurity professional and IT leader. As the CEO of Q C Grant Ltd, I also oversee the **IT infrastructure for Dominica’s largest pharmacy*, ensuring security, efficiency, and reliability.

A strong advocate for open-source technology, I am committed to leveraging it to drive digital transformation across the Caribbean. My Company is backed by multiple industry leading certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Pentest+, and SecurityX.

I also hold a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Forensic Information Technology, with research focused on securing IoT—an essential challenge as our region embraces digitalization. My mission is to enhance cybersecurity, promote open-source solutions, and drive technological progress throughout the Caribbean.

Christopher Roberts is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Workflow Specialist, and  a seasoned Digital Transformation leader. He also holds a Masters in Computer science and has over 20 years of verifiable success in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across the public, private, and NGO sectors. While recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in national-level ICT and institutional transformation, Mr. Roberts’ core strength lies in integrating technical complexity with administrative, policy, and executive coordination, supported by a strong focus on Capacity Building.

This unique cross-functional expertise ensures success in roles requiring high-level strategic planning, rigorous financial and regulatory compliance (e.g., World Bank procurement), and effective management of diverse, geographically distributed teams.

With extensive experience  in various aspects of Digital Transformation and ICT for Development(ICT4D), leveraging AI in Automation was a logical next step to Digital Transformation. He has subsequently  developed AI Applications and tools for beneficiaries in various sectors including Education. Samples of these are accessible on his website and include:

AI Powered Bid Evaluation Tool
AI Powered Chatbots for various sectors using RAG prompting.

Bio coming soon…

Dr. Craig Ramlal is the Executive Director of the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre, at the UWI, the largest Caribbean AI centre, and the Head of the Control Systems Group in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, also  at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. In 2023, the United Nations recognized him as a preeminent AI leader, appointing him to the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence

He currently serves as the Chair of CARICOM CTU’s  Caribbean Taskforce on AI, charged with writing harmonized AI policies, recommendations and guidelines for the Caribbean nations, a member of the CARICOM’s Security Strategy Steering Committee, as an advisor to CXC’s regional AI education policy matters, as an expert on the UNDP+CARICOM’s joint regional AI programme 2026-2030, an expert on UN ECLAC’s National AI Agenda’s for SIDS and as a member of the eLAC’s Caribbean AI working group toward fulfilling the eLAC2026 Agenda.

Previously, he lent his expertise to the development Singapore’s National AI Research and Development Plan, served on the Caribbean Development Bank’s technical subcommittee on IRC/RDA, collaborated with CARICOM IMPACS on the regionally adopted Autonomous Weapon Systems Declaration, served as a lead on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Global Initiative on the Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems 2.0, and was also an invited peer reviewer for UNESCO’s AI Policy Roadmap for the Caribbean.

Erica served as CEO of Barbados’ collective management organisation, COSCAP, where she oversaw the administration of rights for songwriters, publishers, producers, and performers, and contributed actively to the Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies (ACCS). For many years, she also worked as a consultant at the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and the creative industries, advising on how intangible assets can drive brand development and business growth. Her expertise spans IP integration in business planning, IP audits, risk mitigation, valuation, commercialisation strategies, capacity building, and shepherding services. As of December 2025, she is the Director of the Barbados Intellectual Property Office.

Her consulting portfolio includes work for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Caribbean Export Development Agency. She is also a course developer and lecturer on IP and commercialisation for WIPO, the Centre for International Intellectual Property Studies, and the European Patent Office.

Erica holds undergraduate degrees in business management and law, and postgraduate degrees in international business, intellectual property law, international sports law and management, and IP law and management. Her doctoral research examined the role of collective management organisations in small developing economies in the digital age.

Bio coming soon…

Felipe Olchenski is responsible for business development in emerging markets at Cullen International and has experience in the telecoms and digital markets. Before joining Cullen, Felipe was with Huawei Brazil as Account Manager for its Telefonica key account and also supported the company’s government relations and regulatory department. He holds an Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Brasilia and has a special interest in China and tech regulation.

Gary Kalloo is a seasoned Telecommunications and ICT professional with over thirty years of experience in the field. Gary possesses a diverse skill set encompassing ICT environment knowledge, digital governance expertise, project management skills, and a deep understanding of regional and international telecommunications and ICT domain.

Gary’s journey in the ICT space began in 1991 when he joined Trinidad and Tobago’s incumbent telecom operator, TSTT. Over the next 15 years, Gary held various senior-level positions within the organization, playing a pivotal role in navigating the company through significant transformations, including market liberalization, regulatory compliance and increased competition.

In 2007, Gary transitioned to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, where he served as the Head of Regulatory and Policy Affairs in the Ministry of Public Administration. During his tenure, he spearheaded the implementation of strategies outlined in the country’s first National ICT Plan, laying the groundwork and implementing policies for subsequent plans aimed at advancing the nation’s digital agenda.
In 2009, Gary took on a new challenge with the establishment of the e-government company of Trinidad and Tobago, iGovTT. As the Head of Delivery, he was responsible for overseeing the implementation of whole-of-government transformation projects, including the development of GovNet, the government’s wide area network, and various e-services integration platforms.

In this capacity, he was also responsible for managing on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, Infocom Development Authority of Singapore, for the implementation of key projects aimed at modernizing Trinidad and Tobago’s electronic infrastructure. This engagement resulted in the successful implementation of initiatives such as the single electronic window and an updated national plan for ICT development.

In 2013, Gary joined the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) as an ICT Consultant, where he continued his mission of fostering digital innovation and growth in the Caribbean region. His role involved provided consultancy services at the Caribbean level focusing on ICT, policy harmonization and Digital Government Transformation, and Telecommunications. He has played pivotal roles in coordinating and managing regional telecom and ICT initiatives on behalf of international financial agencies and intergovernmental organizations, including the World Bank, the Inter- American Development Bank, the European Union and the ITU. He has worked on various regional projects, including spectrum harmonization, internet governance, and the development of a Single ICT Space.

Gary was also instrumental in building out national ICT and e-government strategies for CTU member states such as Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Anguilla, Montserrat and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Today, Gary serves as the Director of Business Development at the CTU, where he continues to leverage his wealth of experience to drive digital transformation initiatives across the Caribbean. Gary leads strategic initiatives to promote growth, strategic partnerships, private sector membership and revenue generation within the organization.

His contributions have been instrumental in advancing digital innovation and transformation across the Caribbean region, shaping the digital landscape of the Caribbean and ensuring that the region remains competitive and innovative in the telecommunications and ICT space.

George Lewis is a seasoned technology executive with many years of experience in IT leadership, network services, and software development. For the past four years, he has served as the Chief Operations Officer at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) in the Virgin Islands, overseeing operational strategies and driving technological advancements to enhance efficiency.

George holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of the Virgin Islands and a master’s degree in computer science from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Prior to joining the TRC, he spent several years with a Caribbean regional telecoms carrier where he played a critical role in IT infrastructure management, strategic project execution, and network service management and delivery.

Gerry E George has been a Commissioner with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) of Saint Lucia for the past 6 years.

He is an ICT Consultant and had been providing technical solutions to businesses in the ICT space for over 20 years. Mr George’s background is in technology and economics. He is an active member of the Saint Lucia ICT Association (SLICTA) and the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) and his advice is frequently sought after by fellow colleagues on technical matters. Mr George was a part-time lecturer for the University of the West Indies Management Information Systems program for more than 7 years.

An avid supporter of Open Source software and technologies, Mr George also takes an active role in Caribbean development and social issues and is always interested in exploring ways in which technology can be applied to improving the way of life in the Caribbean region.

Bio coming soon…

Guy L. Malone is the Chief Executive Officer at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (the Commission).

Mr. Malone began his career working with the government of the Virgin Islands in 1979 and has been working in the telecommunications sector for the past forty(40) years. He worked in various capacities before his appointment as CEO, a position he has held consecutively for the past eight(8) years, from 2012 to present.

Mr. Malone is a graduate of Brail brook College of Technology in Bristol England, where he was awarded a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Communications Electronic Engineering. He also holds a certificate in Telecommunication Management from the University of Southern California (USC), as well as several other certificates in the field of telecommunications.

Internationally, Mr. Malone serves on the Regulatory Board of the Organization of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) as an Executive Board member. He is also a member of Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organization (CANTO), as well as also being an executive member of Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU)from 2010 until 2020.

Mr. Malone is very dedicated to giving back to his community and supports several charitable organizations. He is a sports enthusiast and an avid basketball fan and was the President of the local basketball Federation from 2007 –2019. Mr. Malone is currently an executive member of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC).

Irene Kaggwa is the Programme Manager at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for Giga, a joint ITU-UNICEF initiative that seeks to support governments to connect all schools to the Internet by 2030.

Prior to that, she worked in different roles within Uganda Communications Commission – the regulator in the communications sector in Uganda, for a period of 25 years, including serving as the Acting Executive Director from 2020 to 2023. Her experience spans policy development, research, strategy, communications/ICT regulation, radio spectrum management, cyber security and implementation of the various aspects of fostering ICT and ICT enabled socio-economic development.

A registered engineer, Irene holds a Master of Science in Communications Systems and Signal Processing from the University of Bristol and a Master of Science in Economic Management and Policy (Business Economic Pathway) from the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom. She did a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering at Makerere University in Uganda.

Jasen H. Penn serves as the Director of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) in the British Virgin Islands, a role he assumed in 2021 following nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Territory. His journey with the DDM began in 1994 as a volunteer, eventually joining the staff in 1999 and ascending through the ranks to lead the organization.

With over 25 years of specialized experience in Emergency Management and Disaster Emergency Communications, Mr. Penn has been instrumental in modernizing the BVI’s disaster response infrastructure. His leadership is backed by a robust academic foundation, including a Masters Certificate in Development and Public Investment Project Management from the University of Laval, Canada, and an Executive Diploma in Management from the Chartered Managers Institute in the United Kingdom.

A recipient of the Long Service Award from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Mr. Penn is recognized regionally for his commitment to resilience-building. Beyond his administrative duties, he remains a technical practitioner as a licensed General Class Amateur Radio Operator, a skill that underscores his deep-rooted expertise in maintaining critical communications during crisis events.

Jennifer is a strategic advisor and governance specialist with over two decades of experience leading regulatory transformation across the financial services sector. A Fellow of the International Compliance Association and Certified Business Continuity Manager, she currently serves as Head of Operations, Risk and Compliance at George Henry Partners LP, where she translates strategy into institutional practice.
As an AI strategist and practitioner, she brings a uniquely cross-disciplinary perspective spanning leadership, institutional governance, and emerging technology, to the practical question of what AI adoption requires of leaders and institutions. She serves as Non-Executive Director for BVI companies across multiple sectors and is recognized for asking the questions that turn good strategy into durable results.

Kevin C. Smith is a dedicated servant and leader of the British Virgin Islands. His career spans military service, public administration, communications, and energy, with a sustained focus on modernization, community development, and service.

Highlights include:

• Served in the United States Army developing skills in leadership, discipline, resilience, teamwork, complex problem solving and working under pressure.
• Served as the BVI Postmaster General modernizing the BVI postal service.
• Served as the Director of Trade, then leadership roles in telecommunications with Digicel as Commercial & Operations Director.
• Served as Chief Operations Officer at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and subsequently CEO of Digicel.
• Served as Special Advisor to the three separate Premier’s of the Virgin Islands
• Currently he serves as Procurement and Inventory Manager at BVI Electricity Corporation.
• Currently he serves on Board of Directors , at BVI Airport Authority and member of the MSME grant committee for small business.

Kevin’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, strategic leadership, and the betterment of the BVI community.

Kevin Green is the Sr. Director, Public Policy and External Relations for Somos.  In this role, Kevin represents Somos in industry and regulatory interactions, further deepening relationships between Somos and regulators, the industry, with strategic alliances and customers.

Kevin is an accomplished Senior Telecom Executive with a demonstrated history of success working in the telecommunications industry.

Prior to joining Somos, Kevin was the Senior Telecommunications Policy Analyst at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where he was responsible for conducting rulemaking proceedings regarding media ownership while examining the economic aspects of existing and proposed rules and policies. In addition, Kevin analyzed the competitive and financial aspects of proposed merger and acquisition transactions.

Prior to joining the FCC, Kevin was the Executive Director-Federal Regulatory Affairs for Verizon, serving as the corporation’s Public Policy lead on select issues including as their representative to the North American Numbering Council (NANC) and the Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC), related to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other external organizations.

Kevin received a B.S. In Human Resource Management from the New School for Social Research in New York, and an M.B.A. from the State University of New York-Albany. Kevin is an Air Force veteran.

Kwan A. Wilson, PMP, MSc, PE, is a seasoned ICT and telecommunications engineering leader with over twenty years of experience spanning spectrum management, wireless technology, regulatory policy, and large‑scale infrastructure project execution. He currently serves as Director of Spectrum Engineering at the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA), where he provides strategic oversight of national spectrum planning, engineering analysis, monitoring operations, and stakeholder engagement to support Jamaica’s evolving telecommunications landscape.

Kwan has held senior leadership roles across the public and private sectors, including Director of Projects at the Universal Service Fund, where he managed nationwide ICT programmes, and Project Manager in the Energy Delivery Division at the Jamaica Public Service, where he led critical transmission and distribution projects.

A registered Professional Engineer, Kwan holds a Master of Science in Telecommunications Regulation and Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of the West Indies. He is also a Project Management Professional, and has completed extensive global training in network technologies, LTE systems, and public‑sector procurement. He lectured at the University of the West Indies, Mona, delivering engineering courses in wave transmission and fibre optics.

Kwan is recognized for his strategic leadership, cross‑functional team development, and significant contributions to national committees in ICT policy, broadband development, and technology modernization.

Honourable Kye M. Rymer has been serving the Virgin Islands as the Minister for Communications and Works and Representative for the Fifth Electoral District since 2019.

A dedicated public Officer, Honourable Rymer, brings a strong background in technical management and public administration to his ministerial role. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management and an Associate of Science in Electronics from DeVry Institute of Technology.

Prior to his ministerial appointment, Honourable Rymer held several key positions within the public service. He served as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles from 2014 to 2018, following his tenure as Deputy Commissioner from 2010 to 2014. His early career included roles as Senior Assistant Human Resources Manager and Traffic Light Technician, serving under the Conservation and Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Communications and Works, respectively.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Honourable Rymer is a devoted husband and father of two daughters. He enjoys spending quality time with his family and is actively involved in his community. His personal interests include playing softball and basketball, boating, and attending church.

Lasse Nagel is a Manager at Frontier Economics with more than fifteen years’ experience advising stakeholders in the communications sector.

Having advised regulators, policy makers and industry players across the globe on a range of regulatory, competition and policy matters, Mr Nagel has developed a deep understanding of key trends in the sector, as well as current and emerging issues pertinent to the sector. Mr Nagel has direct experience in working in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and the Caribbean.

Mr Nagel holds an undergraduate (BA) and postgraduate (MSc) degree in Economics.

Lynn Robinson became Director General of the International Institute of Communications (IIC), in March 2020.

Lynn is an experienced senior director and trustee / non exec-director, having held key senior leadership positions in the technology, built environment, regulation, accreditation and dental industries. She has extensive experience of professional membership bodies working within the full spectrum including, Regulatory bodies, Industry associations and Chambers of Commerce. Lynn is a well-known and established ambassador in these areas having led on many strategic programmes to aid engagement, growth, retention, change management, stakeholder and political engagement.

Maria De Grads is the General Manager of Flow British Virgin Islands and the first female leader in Liberty Caribbean’s 58-year history in the Territory. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, having begun her career at Flow St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2004.

Maria has held a range senior commercial and operational roles across the South Caribbean – including in St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and Barbados – serving as Commercial Lead, Commercial Manager and Product Executive, and most recently as Senior Manager, Commercial Operations (South Caribbean).

As the General Manager of Flow BVI, Maria leads business strategy and operations with a sharp focus on growth, customer acquisition, and base optimization, leading initiatives that strengthen residential fixed and mobile offerings while advancing fixed-mobile convergence across the Territory.

Maria holds an ASC in Business Management from The University of the West Indies and an MBA in Marketing and Sales Management from The University of Edinburgh.

Outside of work she enjoys new adventures, reading, and spending quality time with her daughter, Olivia.

Dr. Maria Myers-Hamilton stands as a beacon of innovation, determination, and progress in the brewing storm of technological advancement in Jamaica and, by extension, the Caribbean. Through her extensive tenure in the telecommunications field, spanning over three decades, she has not only borne witness to but has also been an instrumental part of the digital revolution that swept across the island nation. Her mission, however, transcends mere observation or participation. Dr. Myers-Hamilton is committed to ensuring that the fruits of this digital age are within reach of every Jamaican, especially those marginalized by the digital divide.

As the Managing Director of the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA), Dr. Myers-Hamilton has a pivotal role in shaping Jamaica’s digital future. Her efforts are distinguished by a holistic approach, combining regulatory finesse, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to educational advancement and infrastructural development. It is through these lenses that we can truly appreciate her stance on digital literacy as not just economically accessible but as a fundamental right and a cornerstone for socioeconomic upliftment.

Under her stewardship, the SMA has seen transformative changes that extend beyond the technical allocation of the radio frequency spectrum. By successfully lobbying for reforms such as the adjustment to the Aggregate Spectrum Cap and the introduction of new Spectrum Pricing Policies, she has directly influenced the landscape of telecommunication service provision in Jamaica.

Her agile management of the SMA during this period—pivoting operations to embrace virtual networks, cloud-based applications, and online modalities for education and work—illustrates a forward-thinking approach to crisis management. It highlights a commitment to not only maintaining operations but also leveraging the challenges as opportunities for technological advancement and increased digital adoption.

Her belief that digital literacy is an economically accessible right is not just rhetoric but a principle demonstrated through her leadership, initiatives, and the tangible outcomes of her work. She asserts that connectivity is a cornerstone for modern society, recognizing its potential to serve as a catalyst for enterprise, innovation, and economic growth. Her story and achievements underscore an important narrative: in the quest for technological advancement and digital inclusion, visionary leadership, and strategic adaptation are indispensable.

Melissa Farara-Jelusic is the Economics Manager at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, with over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. She has held several roles of increasing responsibility and currently leads the development and implementation of economic strategies, market assessments, and regulatory initiatives that promote competition and sustainable growth.

Her work includes broadband infrastructure and submarine cable systems, with a focus on analysing market dynamics and strengthening regulatory frameworks.

Melissa holds a Master’s in Specialized Economic Analysis: Competition and Market Regulation from the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics. Her graduate research examined bottlenecks in fixed access broadband infrastructure, including local loops and submarine cables.

She is passionate about supporting sustainable development in small island nations, particularly in the Caribbean, and helping them build resilience in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Bio coming soon…

Natalie Hodge brings over 14 years of combined experience in television, broadcast, and film production across Atlanta, Georgia and the British Virgin Islands. Before returning to her hometown in the BVI, she worked in the United States as a Production Assistant and later as a Production Secretary on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and For Better or For Worse hit series.

Natalie’s production portfolio includes creating and producing her own online talk show, On Another Note, producing a weekly government update series, the Daily Buzz, with the then Premier, and leading the production of a historic documentary commemorating the Virgin Islands’ 65th Emancipation celebration.

She later served as Deputy Chief Information Officer with the Government of the Virgin Islands, where she created and produced the highly rated online government news programme SnapComms.

Natalie currently serves as the Film Commissioner of the British Virgin Islands at the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission, where she spearheads initiatives to elevate the territory’s presence in the global film industry.

A graduate of American InterContinental University in Atlanta, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Production and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

Bio coming soon…

Since January 2025, Natasha J. Chalwell has served as Deputy Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission. With over 20 years of experience in tourism marketing, product development, and stakeholder engagement, she is deeply committed to elevating the global profile of the British Virgin Islands while fostering sustainable, high-value visitor experiences.

In her first year as Deputy Director, Natasha has prioritized modernization and strategic transformation across the organization. She has led key digital advancements, including the integration of MindTrip AI on the BVI’s official destination website — enhancing visitor planning through personalized itinerary building and intelligent trip recommendations. This reflects her focus on positioning the British Virgin Islands as an innovative, forward-thinking destination while improving digital mobility and ease of access for travelers.

At the same time, Natasha is clear that technology enhances — but never replaces — the human touch that defines the Virgin Islands experience. Her leadership places equal emphasis on people: strengthening relationships with industry partners, empowering internal teams, deepening stakeholder collaboration through the Marketing Advisory Panel, and ensuring that every digital innovation ultimately supports authentic, meaningful visitor connections. Under her guidance, the organization’s marketing structure has been realigned to support its 2026–2027 strategic objectives while keeping community and industry engagement at the forefront.

Her career spans destination promotion, sustainable tourism, cruise policy development, and international marketing campaigns. She has led pioneering initiatives such as the BVI’s first Sustainable Tourism Environmental Programme, the Tourism Comprehensive Disaster Plan, and the Tourism Education Program — working collaboratively with government, private sector partners, and NGOs to enhance and safeguard the Territory’s tourism product.

Today, Natasha continues to connect global audiences to the British Virgin Islands with strategic clarity, collaborative leadership, and a deep passion for preserving the islands’ heritage, culture, and natural beauty — ensuring the destination remains competitive, resilient, future-ready, and rooted in the warmth of its people.

Natasha holds a B.Sc. in International Tourism Management and Consultancy from the University of NHTV of Breda, The Netherlands, and a Hotel and Hospitality Degree from Fleming College, Canada.

Nekita Turnbull is a communications strategist and public-sector leader with more than 15 years of experience in media, communications, and public engagement. She currently serves as Chief Information Officer at the Department of Information and Public Relations for the Government of the Virgin Islands, where she leads national communication strategies centered on transparency, audience trust, and meaningful connection with communities.

With a background in advertising and digital marketing, Nekita has built a career focused on ethical storytelling and strengthening the relationship between institutions and the public.

Throughout her career in public service, Nekita has developed impactful campaigns that champion information integrity, promote responsible communication across traditional and digital platforms, and advance the fields of advertising and public communication in the Virgin Islands.

Bio coming soon ….

Rhodni A. Skelton is a dynamic business leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience spanning tourism, financial services, hospitality, and real estate development.

He is the Director of Marketing & Business Development at BVI Finance, where he drives global promotion of the British Virgin Islands as a leading international financial centre. Previously, he served as Acting Director of Tourism with the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission, where he also held senior roles including Deputy Director of Tourism, Film Commissioner, and Events Marketing Manager.

Mr. Skelton is also Project Manager with Skelton Properties Ltd, overseeing real estate and development initiatives, and an entrepreneur who has owned and operated multiple successful ventures in the Virgin Islands, including Sips n Soups, a culinary brand, and Serves Up Bistro Beach Restaurant & Bar at Josiah’s Bay.

He holds an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Northwood University (West Palm Beach, Florida), an MBA in Human Resources & Finance from Wright State University (Ohio), and an MSc in Tourism & Project Management from the University of the West Indies.

Throughout his career, Mr. Skelton has chaired and produced numerous large-scaled and tourism-centric events such as the Anegada Lobster Festival, BVI Food Fete, BVI Music Festival, Big Ballers Basketball Tournament, the annual Emancipation Festival, and New Year’s Eve festivities on Jost Van Dyke. He has been featured in international publications on destination marketing and film, and has lectured at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and the Elmore Stoutt High School on tourism, destination marketing, hospitality, business, and marketing.  He has also spoken on these topics at firesides at CTO, Rotary meetings, the IDEAS Festival, YEP.

Sharo-Ann Chisholm is a senior telecommunications and regulatory attorney with extensive experience across the telecoms, financial services and technology sectors. Sharo-Ann is also a data privacy professional holding CIPP/E and CIPM Certifications.

Currently, she serves as Legal & Regulatory Director for Digicel BVI, Anguilla & Montserrat, providing strategic guidance on regulatory compliance, competition law and commercial contracts.

Marilyn Monroe said, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world”.  As a former Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands Sharon Flax Brutus is leaving her indelible footprints across the British Virgin Islands.  Sharon has utilized her knowledge and verve to successfully steer through the hospitality and tourism sector, making notable accomplishments along the way. Under her tenure, overnight arrivals grew continuously, reaching as much as 11.4 %, with 2016 being a historical year for the industry.

From the increase in tourism arrivals, to strategic vision for the rebounding of the sector after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, to her destination training program for the British Virgin Islands in conjunction with the Disney Institute and her precedent setting Seeds of Love program. Sharon’s love of tourism is all encompassing.

Sharon currently calls herself a Tourism Experience Curator and runs her own Destination Management Company White Oleander Destinations along with her husband Mark. Most recently she was named Managing Partner at Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals -a luxury portfolio of over 40 villas and Interim Chair of BVIYHTA.

Sharon was recently named the first Virgin Islands Icon in Tourism by The VI ICON Awards. She is also a community leader and activist and Chair of the Virgin Gorda Recovery Operations Center (VGROC), Sharon has dedicated her time to focusing on the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage, through community involvement.

This includes pro-active projects in partnership with the government and the private sector such as beautification projects, and spearheading and active participation in island wide cleanups. When asked what the driving force is behind her involvement in the tourism industry, Sharon says, “Teamwork makes the dream work.

I have a passion for the community and the destination. It warms my heart when I see community collaboration working to strengthen sustainability in the tourism industry”.

Sharon currently resides in Virgin Gorda with her husband Mark and their three dogs Passion, Symba and Coco.

Ms. Sherri Ortiz is the Managing Director of Sterling Group BVI Ltd. and brings more than 35 years of capability in finance, corporate business, and regulatory compliance. Her career reflects a distinguished record of leadership and governance across both in the public and private sectors, with particular emphasis on international financial services development.

Ms. Ortiz previously represented the Virgin Islands Government in Hong Kong for the promotion and advancement of BVI financial services in China and the wider Asia Pacific region. She has also served as the Executive Director of the BVI International Finance Centre, leading strategic initiatives to expand and strengthen the Territory’s global financial services profile. Her professional portfolio extends beyond financial services and regulation to include international affairs and diplomatic engagement, where she’s played a pivotal role in advancing the BVI’s external relations and representation across major global financial markets.

A recognized industry leader, Ms. Ortiz hosts an annual financial services Conference in the BVI and is well regarded among senior financial professionals in China, Shanghai, Dubai, India, Switzerland, London, and the United States. She is a Professional Member of the UK International Compliance Association (ICA), and a member of both the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) and also currently serves as a Director on the Board of the Virgin Islands Deposit Corporation.

Bio coming soon…