By Annette Mark
Recent public comments regarding my appointment as chief executive officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority by the Minister of Tourism have compelled me to address the record and provide factual clarification.
Ordinarily, I would not respond to commentary concerning my professional career. However, following statements reported in the media regarding my appointment, I believe it is important that the public be presented with the facts.
In addressing the suggestions that I was “handpicked” for the position, I was interviewed along with other applicants through a recruitment process conducted by a local company. At no time was I interviewed by a foreign recruitment firm, as has recently been suggested. As a matter of fact, the panel was comprised of local persons, with one consultant from Barbados. Following that interview process in January, several months passed (July to be exact) before I was contacted and asked whether I remained interested in the position.
During that period, I was not involved in any discussions concerning the recruitment process, nor was I aware of the internal deliberations that may have taken place.
In fact, at the time I was offered the position, I was preparing to leave St. Vincent and the Grenadines and pursue opportunities elsewhere. Nonetheless, because of my commitment to country and my belief in the potential of our tourism sector, I accepted the opportunity to serve.
I officially tendered my resignation on Dec. 29, 2025, with an effective date of Feb. 28, 2026. Following the change in administration, the new minister and I met approximately one week after he was sworn into office. The discussion was cordial and professional, and I provided a comprehensive briefing on the operations, priorities, and challenges facing the Tourism Authority.
During that meeting, we discussed my resignation. I explained that it had always been my intention to transition from the authority by August 2026. We also discussed the possibility of my remaining in the position for a longer period to facilitate a smooth transition and provide support while a replacement was identified. The minister indicated that such an arrangement appeared practical, subject to discussions with his Cabinet colleagues, and requested that I formally rescind my resignation. Anticipating that discussion, I had already prepared a letter, which I provided to him.
It is also important to note that during this conversation, the minister expressly stated that he had no issue with my remaining in the position and that he did not concern himself with an individual’s political affiliations. Rather, he indicated that his primary expectation was that persons entrusted with public responsibilities perform their duties professionally and effectively. This statement reinforced my understanding at the time that any decision regarding my continued service would be based on practical and professional considerations rather than political considerations.
Subsequently, during my vacation leave (Dec. 22, 2025 to Jan. 6, 2026), I reflected carefully on my future plans and before receiving a response from the Minister, I wrote to the minister on or about Dec. 30, requesting that my vacation should continue until the effective date of my resignation, while making myself available to assist with a proper handover process. During that period, I continued to honour a number of commitments (some at the minister’s request) and dedicated considerable time to preparing a comprehensive handover document outlining ongoing projects, priorities, and outstanding matters.
I make these clarifications not out of personal interest, but because public discourse should be grounded in facts rather than assumptions or incomplete narratives. Further, someone holding an honourable office should not neglectfully or willfully distance themselves from the truth.
Throughout my career, I have sought to serve with professionalism and integrity. Whether serving under one administration or another, my approach has always been guided by what is in the best interest of the country. Public service is larger than any individual or political party.
What concerns me most is the growing tendency to personalise public discourse to attempt to diminish the contributions of individuals who have devoted years of service to this country. We should ask ourselves what example we are setting for our young people when public figures seek to elevate themselves by attacking the character, motives, or achievements of others.
Rather than engage in personal attacks, I prefer to allow my record to speak for itself and highlight some of my achievements, which I would not normally do.
Contributions to Tourism Development
In 2024, despite projections suggesting that stay-over arrivals would likely remain below the 100,000 mark, St. Vincent and the Grenadines achieved more than 101,000 stay-over arrivals. In 2025, the destination surpassed expectations again, recording approximately 120,000 stay-over arrivals and ranking among the Caribbean’s strongest-performing destinations according to regional tourism data.
Among the initiatives implemented during my tenure were:
- The launch of the Diamond Rewards Programme, designed to incentivise travel advisors to promote St. Vincent and the Grenadines internationally;
- The conceptualisation of the digital transformation of tourism sites to create more immersive and interactive visitor experiences;
- The rebranding and expansion of the Bequia Easter Regatta into SVG Sailing Week, positioning the destination as a premier sailing location;
- The development of concepts and plans for the enhancement and expansion of national tourism attractions and visitor experiences;
- The successful hosting and expansion of the first Emancipation Cricket Festival and Masters Cricket Festival;
- Representation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at regional and international tourism forums, including election as Vice Chair and Director of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Board;
- Engagement with international airline partners, including Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines, to improve air access and connectivity. Successfully changing the time of arrival during the summer in 2025 of Virgin Atlantic from 5.00 pm to 2.00 pm to allow for same day connections to the Grenadines.
- The development of a Tourism Ambassador Programme featuring internationally recognised personalities with Vincentian roots and influence. This included Raja Caruth, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child, Kevin Lyttle and Devale and Khadeen Ellis.
Contributions to investment promotion
Prior to my role at the Tourism Authority, I served as executive director of Invest SVG, where I led several transformative initiatives, including:
- Spearheading the development of the proposed Investment Act;
- Expanding the Everything Vincy programme from approximately 40 participants to more than 120 participants;
- Facilitating St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 6-month participation in Expo 2020 Dubai;
- Leading the development of the first comprehensive five-year strategic plan for Invest SVG;
- Supporting and facilitating major investments, including Sandals, Holiday Inn, and Marriott developments;
- Serving as the elected President of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies from 2020 to 2022, following election by regional peers.
I have never sought public office, nor have I measured success by public recognition. My focus has always been on contributing meaningfully to the institutions and countries I have had the privilege to serve. While others may choose to engage in political narratives, I remain proud of my record, grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded, and confident that history will judge contributions on the basis of facts, results, and service.
In closing, I take this opportunity to again congratulate and wish the Authority and the new management all the success there is to be garnered through hard work and dedication.
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