St. Maarten's Makayla Cooks Selected for FCCA Youth Mentorship Program

Makayla Cooks, a young woman from St. Maarten, has been selected by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) to participate in its 2026 Young Women's Mentorship Initiative. The announcement was celebrated by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, who publicly congratulated Cooks on the achievement. The FCCA's mentorship program is designed to empower and develop young women in the Caribbean with ties to the cruise and tourism industry. Cooks' selection represents a notable recognition of St. Maarten talent on a regional stage. The program is expected to provide her with professional guidance, networking opportunities, and industry exposure at a high level. Minister Heyliger-Marten's endorsement underscores the government's support for youth development within the island's core tourism sector.