The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has named a new Acting Director General, under the leadership of Tourism Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper. 

Bahamian business professional Latia Duncombe has been appointed to the position, succeeding former Director General Joy Jibrilu. 

“Latia Duncombe is a distinguished executive in marketing and sales, and we are confident she will bring invaluable oversight while further propelling The Bahamas as a leading destination,” Cooper said in a statement. “ADG Duncombe will help me lead in the execution of our robust strategic growth plans for tourism and investments, as outlined in our Blueprint for Change.”

Duncombe, a native of Abaco, most recently served as senior executive and head of sales and marking for Rubis Bahamas and Rubis Turks and Caicos Limited. 

She holds an MBA with Merit from the University of Liverpool, an Associates of Arts in Accounting with Distinction from the Bahamas Baptist Community College and is an Affiliate of the Chartered Management Institute.

“I am honored to represent the people of The Bahamas in continuing to drive a healthy tourism economy in our great island nation,” Duncombe said in a statement. “These recent years have been challenging as we navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but we look toward a more prosperous future with many accomplishments to celebrate in the months and years ahead.”

The Ministry of Tourism has also announced the appointment of Dr R. Kenneth Romer as Deputy Director General, filling the senior post in its leadership team after Duncombe’s appointment. 

Dr. Romer has held a leadership position in the Ministry since 2019, serving as executive director overseeing airlift, cruise, yachting, visitor safety and several other areas. 

“Dr. Romer brings deep expertise across critical sectors that will be invaluable as he steps into this important role,” Cooper said. “He is no stranger to the Ministry team, and will no doubt continue to make significant contributions as we bring our country back to pre-pandemic prosperity and growth.”

In a statement, Romer called the current period “a pivotal turning point for tourism.”

“While the past two years have been a challenge, I’m confident in the path forward and am thrilled to bring my expertise to our country as Deputy Director General,” he said.