Dr. Basil Springer, Chairman of Counterpart Caribbean (left), congratulates Kaymar Jordan of the Caribbean Media Corporation.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (May 21, 2007) – Two journalists from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean and a regional media operation based in Barbados were recognised for their commitment to excellence and sustainable tourism development at Counterpart International's 10th Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx) which took place in Puerto Rico, May 17-20, 2007.

Media, tourism and youth delegates from across Latin America, the Caribbean, North America and Europe gathered in San Juan to examine the theme "Enhancing Culture and Protecting Ecology through Tourism." CMEx participants explored topics such as the impact of global warming on small island developing states; protecting and promoting Caribbean cultural tradition; the impact of HIV/AIDS on Caribbean culture; the voice of the young people; and energy conservation and recycling.

Recognised from the host nation was Sylvia Gómez of Telemundo (Canal 2) for her recent series "Puerto Rico and Global Warming" which exposed the lack of government contingency plans to face global warming challenges. Gómez has more than 30 years of experience in television journalism as a reporter and news anchor. She started to work in 1980 on Puerto Rico's Channel 2 as a reporter and anchor. Though she covers all kinds of news events, she has dedicated a special section to environmental topics called "Al Rescate de Nuestro Planeta" (To the Rescue of Our Planet) for the last 17 years. She has produced numerous documentary features on environmental issues.

From neighboring Dominican Republic, Domingo Abréu Collado, a speleologist, geologist and ecological editor for the national Dominican newspaper Hoy, was awarded for his efforts in saving the Pomier Caves – "an example of the impossible being made possible". The caves were being destroyed by companies digging for construction material in the area. Through his efforts he demonstrated the caves were worth more as an ecological attraction than as construction material. The cave system is the largest in the Caribbean. The Pomier Caves fight continues, but at least they weren't wiped out. He was honoured for his persistent fight for the environment.

The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), the Caribbean's major provider of internet and satellite distribution services, which includes live sports and news events, was recognised for unifying the Caribbean region and for contributing to the development of the Caribbean spirit. Accepting on behalf of the regional organisation was Kaymar Jordan, Director of News and Current Affairs.

At Sunday's awards ceremony – held at Embassy Suites in Isla Verde in front of a distinguished audience of media, youth, industry and government professionals – the organisers recognised the human spirit and leadership of Terestella González Denton, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) as well as the PRTC's Delphine Rosario, Special Assistant, Quality and Educational Affairs, who brilliantly anchored the PRTC's CMEx coordinating team.