The Agency proudly participated in the sold-out Exploring the Caribbean 2025 conference at the 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Themed “Gateway to Growth: Investing in the Future of the Caribbean,” the event assembled government leaders, developers, institutional investors, real estate brokers, and service providers from across the Caribbean. Honored guest speakers included the Honorable Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & Environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Mrs. Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of the Bahamas Investment Authority.
“Thanks to all who travelled to participate and exchange ideas in this essential conversation. By focusing on the region as a whole and seeking to better understand trends and developments across the Caribbean, we make ourselves better advisors for all of our clients, both developers and purchasers” said Sean O’Neill, the conference organizer and Managing Partner of both The Agency Turks & Caicos and The Agency Jamaica.
Sold-Out Sessions and Savvy Speakers
The conference opened with a high-energy presentation led by Rebecca Stevenson, Managing Partner of The Agency Jamaica, Danny Lowe, Managing Partner of The Agency Bahamas, Fleur Coleman, Managing Partner of The Agency Cayman Islands, and Trevor Musgrove, Managing Partner of The Agency Turks & Caicos.
Their session, “Where We Stand: The Real Estate Market in the Caribbean,” unpacked the region’s current investment climate, tourism trends, development activity, and the momentum driving sustained demand across key island markets. The conversation framed the day’s programming and brought clarity to where the market is heading, and what’s fueling its growth.
Mauricio Umansky, Founder and CEO of The Agency, participated in the panel “Unlocking Value: New Hotspots & Investment Trends.” The discussion highlighted the region’s most promising and emerging markets, the rise of lifestyle-driven investment behavior, and the long-range opportunities tied to infrastructure, hospitality, and sustainable development. Ms Phylicia Woods-Hanna discussed the importance of communication between the public and private sector and why having a one-stop shop for development promotion and approval in The Bahamas has been a key to success there.
Stefan Cohen, Managing Partner of The Agency Cayman Islands, joined the panel “Redefining Luxury & Experience in the Caribbean,” offering perspective on how elevated design, wellness-forward amenities, and experiential hospitality continue to redefine what luxury living means in island environments. His insights underscored the Caribbean’s unique ability to merge natural beauty with world-class real estate offerings.
Meanwhile, Magnus Ström of Ström Architects underscored the need for design that emphasizes “quiet luxury” and the excitement that exists within the Caribbean for development that encourages innovation and limited environmental impact. “The shift from the U.K.’s current mood to the energy in Miami was striking,” Ström noted. “Here, the atmosphere was positive, forward-focused and full of intent. People were talking about growth, creativity, investment, opportunity and collaboration. It was refreshing, and it reminded me how much mindset is shaped by environment.”
Understanding the future of development also requires understanding new technology and economic growth in industries outside of tourism. Led by Bobby Chen of The Agency Bahamas and Jason Kinsale of Aqualina “Digital Assets, Real Impact” explained the real world application of digital currencies and how to work with digitally focused asset holders to leverage these assets to make property purchases.
The importance of residency in a global marketplace was also a topic of interest as Julian Gilpin of James Hamilton Architects assisted attendees with understanding the processes, considerations, and variables alongside Randy Hart of The Residences at Goldwynn, Kashmie Ali of Pinnacle Hospitality Advisors, and Daniel Altneu of Beddel Cristin.
Rounding out the discussion was “Building Tomorrow: The Future of Caribbean Real Estate and Development”. Moderated by Julie Faupel of REALM Global and led by Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & Environment of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the conversation explored future opportunities for growth within the Caribbean and the need for development that is beneficial for investors, purchasers and local populations. Minister Jolly spoke with excitement as to what the future holds, stating “Look at what we have been able to achieve to date and, having gained experience from that, there is no limit to what we can achieve in the future.”
The Agency’s Global Network in Attendance
The event brought together leaders from across The Agency’s global network, further strengthening our presence throughout the Caribbean, along with nearby and tourism feeder markets. Each brought deep knowledge of their markets, cross-market insights, and a collaborative spirit that enriched the event and deepened connections across our global network.
Attendees included Tim Swanson and Lisa Swanson, Managing Partner & Managing Director of The Agency Florida Keys; Zar Zanganeh, Managing Partner of The Agency Las Vegas; Steve Bailey, Broker and Managing Partner of The Agency Oakville; Victoria Levitam, Managing Partner of The Agency Panama; Alison Melton Managing Partner of The Agency Hilton Head, and Sean O’Neill, Managing Partner of The Agency Turks & Caicos and The Agency Jamaica; as well as Daniel Tzinker, Yotam Dahan, Megan Leib, Ana Uribe, and Justin Knops of The Agency Miami.
A Celebration of Caribbean Culture and Hospitality
Between sessions, guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared lunch from the culinary team at 1 Hotel South Beach, followed by a Junkanoo rush that brought music and energy to the afternoon. The atmosphere captured the region’s magnetic charm, with its warmth, hospitality, and unmistakable joie de vivre.
The sold-out Exploring the Caribbean 2025 conference reinforced the area’s allure that makes it one of the world’s most compelling regions for luxury real estate and long-term investment. “It is very exciting for me to see what is going on in the Caribbean, there are so many opportunities and so much growth. Part of The Agency’s international expansion has been focused on the Caribbean due to all of those opportunities. The Agency remains committed to supporting the Caribbean’s continued growth, forging strong relationships, and contributing to the vision shaping its future,” said Mauricio Umansky.
