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[OPINION] It’s About Time: A New Generation Speaks Aloud

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This handout image released on December 11, 2019 courtesy of Time shows the Time person of the Year cover with Greta Thunberg [Handout/Evgenia Arbugaeva/TIME/AFP]

NEW YORK, N.Y. (FNN NEWS) – TIME’s Person of the Year is usually synonymous historically with people with a lengthy presence in the world and equal influence. However, this 92-year-old franchise has taken a turn from their own tradition by recognizing 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg as its 2019 Person of the Year.

While many other teenagers are learning to drive or going on their first date or getting ready to enter high school, Greta has taken on the most challenging cause to date: the fight against climate change.

She was only eight years old when she first learned about climate change, or “global warming,” and even at that age, found it alarming that government officials were not taking it as seriously as they should. She decided to take action by way of solitary protest in front of Stockholm’s Parliament and, like wildfire, she was joined by thousands when she garnered media attention and encouraged others to follow suit.

Since that first courageous leap of action, she has met with high-powered officials and clergy (presidents, the United Nations, the Pope) and continues her fight to bring awareness, not just to the problem of global warming but to the inactions of our leaders in government. After all, our governments have the power to invoke change and hold accountable all corporations and industries that are not working towards a sustainable future that will allow us to reduce our carbon footprint, thereby slowing the rapid progression of climate change and giving hope to the future generations for better atmospheric conditions.

Adults usually dole out scolding to kids, but the roles were reversed when Greta spoke before the U.N. General Assembly. “We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth…how dare you?”

All that she has said and done to encourage the youth to action is incredible. But what is most phenomenal is that Greta has Asperger’s syndrome. A person diagnosed with Asperger’s does not process nor is led by emotions the way most people do and would have an all-absorbing interest in a particular subject matter. She does not have the luxury of being dismissive of what is a global epidemic, nor can she stand by and accept the complacency in which global warming has been addressed.

Greta is proof of the adage that “one person can make a difference” no matter how small the change or how young the individual.

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Kareen Kennedy is Entertainment and Business Associate Editor for Florida National News contributor. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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St. Lucian Dona Regis-Prosper Named First Female Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization

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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the premier tourism development agency for 25 Caribbean countries and territories, has appointed Dona Regis-Prosper the new Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer. Beginning her assignment on September 1, 2023, Regis-Prosper, who hails from St. Lucia, is set to make history as the first woman to assume leadership of the intergovernmental body.

With an impressive career that spans more than 22 years, Regis-Prosper brings an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in the tourism industry to the CTO. She has lived and worked in multiple Caribbean destinations, and served as Director of Marketing and Product Development of the St. Lucia Air and Seaports Authority; Director of Business Development for Margaritaville Caribbean Group in Jamaica; CEO of the Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands; and General Manager of the Antigua Cruise Port where she is currently employed.

Chairman of the CTO, Kenneth Bryan, who is the Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands, welcomed Regis-Prosper to the regional body. “We are extremely pleased to have Dona Regis-Prosper come on board to lead the CTO. Her vast experience, strategic insight, and impressive track record in the tourism sector make her an exceptional choice to propel our organization into a new era,” he stated, adding that having more women in positions of influence enhances the efficiency of the region’s major economic earner and sends positive messages of encouragement and inspiration for women and girls across the Caribbean.

A dynamic and transformative leader who has built and sustained a strong network of professionals in both the public and private sector (working closely with regional government officials, tourism stakeholders, and industry professionals), Regis-Prosper emerged as the top choice from a pool of more than 60 highly qualified applicants. The rigorous selection process included multiple rounds of interviews and a comprehensive assessment related to addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by the regional tourism industry.

Chairman Bryan disclosed that throughout the selection process, ministers, commissioners and directors lauded Regis-Prosper’s transformational leadership style. “They found her to be innovative, forward-thinking, results-driven, and solution-oriented,” he said, noting that her perspective on managing the climate crisis was particularly well-received, illustrating her deep-seated passion for sustainability and her ability to develop practical solutions to critical industry issues.

Regis-Prosper takes over the organization’s leadership reins from Acting Secretary General and CEO Neil Walters, CTO’s Director of Finance and Resource Management, who has been filling the position following the retirement of Barbadian Hugh Riley in 2019. The other two Caribbean tourism professionals to serve in the region’s top tourism post include the late tourism stalwart Jean Holder and Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, former Bahamas Director General and Bahamas Minister of Tourism.

Of her new role, Regis-Prosper stated, “I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as Secretary General of the CTO and am grateful for the trust and confidence the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism and the Board of Directors have placed in me. I eagerly look forward to working with our dedicated team and diverse stakeholders to promote the Caribbean tourism sector, champion sustainability, and continue to foster impactful relationships and deliver ROI for our members.”

With a Master of Business Administration degree, Certified Professional Marketer qualification, and significant experience in business development, strategy, marketing and sustainability, Regis-Prosper is well able to lead the Caribbean tourism sector into a bright and prosperous future, Chairman Bryan asserted.

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Dezerland Action Park Orlando to host I-Drive Throwdown

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Do you love off-roading and adventure? Or maybe you just want to see a bunch of giant, modified trucks? Dezerland Action Park, home of the Orlando Auto Museum and Central Florida’s car show headquarters, is bringing hundreds of exciting trucks and other off-roading vehicles to International Drive with I-Drive Throwdown.
Presented by American Force Wheels, I-Drive Throwdown will take over Dezerland Action Park from Friday, July 21 to Sunday, July 23. The event is designed to showcase the power and agility of various off-road vehicles, including trucks, side-by-sides, and ATVs, and will draw some of the most popular auto influencers and truck enthusiasts from around the country to the area.
Dezerland Action Park will serve as a one-stop shop for visitors attending the event, with all of the trucks and judging on-site and plenty of attractions, food and nighttime entertainment to enjoy.
“We’ve seen a large volume of ticket sales for the event come from other states, so we’re expecting to see a positive, economic impact on the area’s hotels, restaurants and more,” said Lana Vegosen, director of marketing for Dezerland Action Park Orlando. “Automotive tourism is on the rise, and Dezerland Action Park and the Orlando Auto Museum will continue to welcome car enthusiasts from around the country for elite car and truck shows year-round.”
In addition to the amazing, off-road vehicles, the event’s vendors include some of the best accessory companies, build management groups and special guests who will make I-Drive Throwdown an event to remember. Plus, plenty of awards and prizes will be given away throughout the weekend.
After visitors check out the trucks and vendors, they can head inside the Orlando Auto Museum to see the country’s largest auto museum which is home to more than 2,000 vehicles worth over $200 million, featuring everything from military vehicles used in combat to cars made famous by television and movies and vehicles from a variety of decades and countries around the world.
Guests can also enjoy meals from a variety of cuisines in Dezerland Action Park’s food hall and explore the fun attractions inside, including Florida’s longest indoor go-kart track, a laser tag maze, a virtual reality arena and more.
Spectator passes for I-Drive Throwdown start at $20 and there are still spots available for vendors and those looking to present their vehicles. Entrance to the Orlando Auto Museum and Dezerland Action Park’s attractions must be purchased separately.

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BOGO Orlando Auto Museum passes for Father’s Day

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Wondering what to get your car-obsessed or movie-buff Dad for Father’s Day? Gift him an experience any dad would love with a trip to Orlando Auto Museum.
With over 2,000 vehicles worth over $200 million and plenty of exciting attractions all under one roof, Dezerland Action Park Orlando is the ultimate Father’s Day destination in Central Florida.
On Sunday, June 18, guests can take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free passes to the Orlando Auto Museum. Dad will love exploring the country’s largest auto museum to discover vehicles from a variety of decades and countries around the world, learning about military vehicles used in combat and snapping family photos with vehicles made famous by television and movies.
After experiencing the Orlando Auto Museum, families can take Dad around Dezerland Action Park Orlando for more family fun. Florida’s largest indoor attraction is home to the state’s longest indoor karting track with four skill and speed levels, a boutique bowling alley, VR Arena, Laser Tag Maze and more.
Guests can also enjoy a meal from a variety of cuisines in Dezerland Action Park’s food hall, unlimited cereal for $5 at MILK The House of Cereal and custom soda creations at Sodasquatch.
Entrance to the Orlando Auto Museum and Dezerland Action Park’s attractions must be purchased separately.

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