The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) has announced that Jake Kheel, the vice president of sustainability at Grupo Puntacana, will be honored for his transformative two-decade career at the intersection of business, tourism, and environmental stewardship. The award recognizes Kheel’s long-standing dedication to proving that private enterprise can act as a potent catalyst for global environmental change.
Kheel, who has become a regional authority in the Dominican Republic, is celebrated for his ability to merge the complex science of environmental restoration with the pragmatic commercial strategies required for long-term viability. His tenure at Grupo Puntacana—one of the Caribbean’s most influential tourism enterprises—has seen the successful integration of marine conservation, waste management, biodiversity protection, and community development. These programs have not only influenced national legislation but have also garnered international institutional funding and global recognition.
Beyond his hands-on project management, Kheel is a prominent thought leader. In his book, Waking the Sleeping Giant: Unlocking the Hidden Power of Business to Save the Planet, he argues that companies possess the entrepreneurial capacity and influence necessary to solve environmental crises while simultaneously fortifying their own bottom lines.
For CMEx, honoring Kheel serves as a pivotal message for the broader Caribbean tourism sector: sustainability has evolved from a voluntary environmental objective into a critical business imperative. As the region relies heavily on its natural and cultural assets, CMEx asserts that environmental leadership is now a foundational component of competitive advantage and regional resilience.
The recognition will be formally presented during the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday, December 6, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area. The event, which aims to raise funds for educational programs and youth professional training, is bolstered by a significant roster of industry heavyweights. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism serves as the Platinum Sponsor, while the Anguilla Tourist Board, Carnival Corporation, and Tropical Shipping lead the Gold sponsors.
A wide array of Caribbean tourism stakeholders and hospitality leaders—ranging from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation to boutique eco-resorts like St. Lucia’s Ladera Resort—have joined as sponsors to support the mission of empowering the next generation of regional tourism and media professionals.
CMEx continues its commitment to spotlighting individuals whose work fosters more inclusive and sustainable Caribbean communities. By honoring Kheel, the organization reinforces the necessity of visionary leadership in safeguarding the future of the Caribbean’s most vital industry.
For those interested in attending the gala or learning more about the organization’s initiatives, further details are available at cmexmedia.org.
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