Caribbean entrepreneurs are being encouraged to expand beyond regional borders.
PHILIPSBURG--Caribbean entrepreneurs are being encouraged to expand beyond regional borders and pursue international markets as the Island Roots to Global Routes Business Expansion Mission and Expo gains momentum across Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba.
The initiative, led by St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) President Tamara Leonard, aims to connect Caribbean businesses with international opportunities through the upcoming Business Expansion Mission and Expo in Miami, Florida, from November 16–19, 2026.
During a promotional tour of the three islands, Leonard met with 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!"
In Curaçao, 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.
Vanessa Toré, Director of Foreign Economic Cooperation at Curaçao’s Ministry of Economic Development, also 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, where Leonard delivered a presentation to Chamber members and the wider business community after being hosted by the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce.
Three radio and television interviews also helped broaden public awareness of the Trade Mission. Leonard also held a strategic meeting with Bonaire Island Commissioner Jennifer Mohamedjoenoes.
In Aruba, the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted Leonard, who
presented the vision and opportunities behind Island Roots to Global Routes to business owners, entrepreneurs and investors.
The Aruba visit also included two television and radio interviews, including 24 Ora. The upcoming Miami mission is intended to 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 building regional trade networks.
Opportunities include exporting Caribbean products and services to the United States, identifying new suppliers and import and shipping opportunities, exploring investment, distribution and business-development partnerships and expanding opportunities for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Participants will also have the opportunity to build connections within Miami’s business community, including access to organisations such as the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County and the French Consulate.
The mission will also provide practical insight into entering and operating within the US 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.”
The initiative is continuing to develop additional opportunities and strategic relationships to address the socio-economic priorities of the participating islands while taking their specific operational and expansion needs into account.
Leonard encouraged interested businesses to register, noting that spaces are limited. "Your roots may be in the Caribbean, but your opportunities can reach the world," said Leonard.
Registration is also available through the partnering entities, Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin (CCISM), Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bonaire Chamber of Commerce and CINEX Curaçao.
