I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Marie Walker, who worked with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA). in the capacity of Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North America during my tenure as tourism minister.

At the time Marie was appointed to our team, she had established herself as a leader in the regional travel and tourism industry community and an expert strategist with a successful track record of overseeing and directing high-impact tourism marketing campaigns for islands in the Caribbean.

Jamaican by birth, she made New York her home and for more than two decades provided tourism marketing services to destinations and luxury resorts. Up until the time of her untimely passing, she served as the principal of TurnStyle Marketing Collections, a boutique tourism agency that promotes luxury resorts and villas.

Her expertise in the travel and tourism will be sorely missed in the region as she also served as North American Director of Tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board where she leveraged her industry expertise in overseeing the planning, development, and execution of marketing and promotional initiatives to sell Anguilla as the destination-of-choice for luxury and mid-market consumers.

Prior to that, Marie held the post of Advertising Relations Manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board where she managed the activities of the advertising agencies of record for the Jamaica Tourist Board to ensure development and execution of programs and special events to promote Jamaica globally.

Marie’s energy will be missed in the region, which she served with class and distinction. She was a dedicated professional – for all seasons – and above all, a true lady and dear friend.

While death may have ended her physical friendship with us, we have many fond memories that will always keep our friendship alive in our hearts.

Rest well from your labors Marie! Sleep in Peace!