The Tribune

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. His strategic vision guided The Bahamas through key periods of growth and positioned our nation as a global leader in hospitality. 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. He championed excellence, mentorship and innovation long before those ideals became widely adopted across the industry.

“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.”

In accepting the award, Sir Baltron said: “I am most grateful to God, my supportive family, all those who provided me many opportunities for public service, so many persons and organisations 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 received the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) from Queen Elizabeth II in 1990. 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. The event celebrated those whose work strengthened Caribbean communities through tourism, business, culture and sustainable development.

CMEx is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to strengthen the capacity of media, government, travel and tourism industry stakeholders, and communities, to understand the importance of tourism in sustainable development, while providing expertise and financial support.