TCI News

TCI: TCHTA Junior Chefs Continue to Shine

Published

5 years ago

July 10, 2019

#Providenciales, July 10, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s (TCHTA) Hospitality Adventure Camp Alumni Wilkiens Martin, Wayne Gardiner Jr., Kevin Missick, Robinangel Simons and Christin Greene are making waves as they continue to excel while receiving praises and accolades from top organizations for their continuous strides in the industry.

They have represented the destination at several top international culinary events and continue to serve as inspiration for many aspiring young local chefs across the islands.

“Wilkiens, Robin, Wayne, Kevin and Christin are all products of our TCI Hospitality Adventure Culinary Camp which we run through the TCHTA with support from our members and the public,” said CEO of the association, Stacy Cox. “We have had so many success stories from this program which has created so many avenues to allow their talents to shine on the international stage. I am so proud of them all, and the many that have used this program as a tool to achieve their dreams.”

Wilkiens Martin has represented Turks & Caicos in over 10 competitions and events with Taste of the Caribbean being among the most recent. He has accrued over seven medals, trophies and accolades during his time in the culinary field and has earned the respect of his peers, mentors and, most of all, the industry.

“The Culinary Camps have changed my life and led me to a path where I found my true passion,” said Martin. “I’ve always known I wanted to be a chef, but I wasn’t sure how to make that dream happen. After being encouraged by my high school Food & Nutrition teacher to join, I discovered a whole new world that provided endless possibilities and access to amazing mentors that have helped me get to where I am today.”

Martin credits his success to his hard work and perseverance and to the team of supporters that believe in him. He said that his seven-year journey was not an easy one as it took tremendous commitment to stay on the path and he encourages all aspiring junior chefs to take advantage of the programs that are available. “To all aspiring young chefs, my advice is to be patient with yourself, accept that you will make plenty of mistakes, people may even laugh at you. But be strong, ask questions and take notes. Also, strive to think outside the box and be prepared to represent your country internationally.”

Wayne Gardiner, Jr. is another prominent up and coming chef who represented the island at the Rum and Rhythm Extravaganza in New York last month. Gardiner credits his success to the Hospitality Adventure Lit’l Chefs Camp along with the list of mentors that have helped him along the way.

Kevin Missick represented TCI at the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore in May alongside top chefs such as TCI Culinary Ambassador, Nikita Skippings, Chef Lorraine Kenlock and fellow Junior Chef Alumni Robinangel Simons. Missick said that being allowed to showcase his skills in Singapore has not only built his confidence but has also introduced him to a new style of cooking. “I have always been fascinated with cooking and the Lit’l Chefs Camp has solidified my love and passion for the profession.” said Missick.

He too credits his success to hard work, determination and also taking advantage of the programs that are available to help young people develop their talents. “It took a lot of hard work, interning, studying, training and being mentored by some of the TCI’s best chefs. Because of this, I was able to represent the country internationally at the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore and win my first medal at the Taste of the Caribbean event last month.

Robinangel Simons has come through the Lit’l Chefs Camp and has gone on to continue her culinary studies in the United Kingdom, having now completed her Bachelor’s degree and intent on continuing to her Master’s. Just last week, she led a faction of Team TCI to a gold win in Antigua at the Antigua & Barbuda Grandprix Invitational.

Christin Greene is also pursuing her studies in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at the Florida International University (FIU), now in her Junior year. She has successfully competed for Team TCI at the Junior Duelling Challenge in Barbados, and now prepares to mentor the Jr. Lit’l Chef campers this year while she is at home on her summer break.

These are just a few of the many success stories from the TCHTA’s Hospitality Adventure Camps. This year, the camps have added some exciting changes welcoming not only aspiring chefs, but also boat captains and cosmetologists from across the islands.

Cox congratulated Martin, Gardiner, Simons, Missick and Greene and hopes that aspiring young professionals will hear these success stories and take advantage of the opportunities that are made available through these programs. “Hats off to all of them. I have watched them develop since the beginning, and their accolades and accomplishments speak to their growth. With the Hospitality Adventure Camps, we aim to spark interest and develop talents that will turn into a lifelong passion and career. Our goal is to provide programs and activities that lead to complete development and empowerment of our country’s talented youth.”

This year’s camps kicked off on July 8th with the Jr. Lit’l Chefs camp for students aged 12 to 14 years. The Lit’l Chefs Camp (a stay-over camp) takes place from July 14th to 20th. This is an advanced segment of the Jr. Lit’l Chefs program aimed at providing young cooks between the ages of 15 to 19 with an in-depth look into the culinary field and offer one-on-one coaching and a sleep-in camp experience. The Cosmetology camp rounds out this season’s events from July 22nd to 26th and will give students ages 15 to 19 an opportunity to learn about the beauty, spa, wellness and cosmetic industry.

The TCI Hospitality Adventure program has long been supported by members of the TCHTA. The organization has hosted three major annual fundraising events to help finance the initiative; the annual Taste of Tapas, Chefs on the Beach and the Golf Scramble all assist the TCHTA with covering the expenses of the camp, its continued development, and the costs associated with traveling to competitions.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the TCHTA Office. Prospective campers and parents will be required to sign a consent form and all camps are subject to an entry fee which will be paid by all applicants.

The TCHTA is also looking for interested chefs to join the award-winning culinary team.

For more information about the TCI Hospitality Adventure Camps or to learn how you can become a part of TEAM TCI, interested persons and organizations are encouraged to call the TCHTA office on 331-5787 or visit their social media pages.

Release: TCHTA

TCI News

Crime challenges are “not Insurmountable” says New Police Commissioner Dana Malcolm

Published

10 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

”At this moment I can feel the enormity of responsibility bestowed on me and the weight of accountability and expectations of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) as well as members of the wider community.”

That was the acknowledgment from Edvin Martin, new Commissioner of Police as he was sworn into his role as head of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) on Monday, April 22.

“I also feel an unprecedented opportunity and a distinguished privilege to serve by leading the Police Force into an era of modern policing,” he maintained.

A well-trained force that is averse to corruption and maintains the trust of the people is what Martin promised in the address that spoke to the Police, the residents and the criminals.

Not only does the Commissioner say he understands the gravity of his role and the lofty expectations to reverse high crime which he described as a ‘tremendous mandate’, he maintains he has a good grasp of the issues plaguing the country.

To the residents, Martin called on them and all stakeholders to form an anti-crime coalition with an all-hands-on-deck approach.

“There should be no bystanders in addressing the carnage in our communities,” he said.

Even as Martin listed the threats of immigration, terrorism, cybercrime, transnational organized criminal activity, and the associated gang violence, illegal firearms and drug trading, he assured:

”I urge you listening to me today, do not despair, for while these threats may be challenging, they are not insurmountable.”

The process for tackling them will need a tightened-up RTCIPF, according to the commissioner, one that is focused, well trained and adequately resourced.

For Martin this means the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) must retool, restructure and reengineer its responses.

In this vein the top cop spoke directly to officers during his address, maintaining that the public deserves an accountable Police Force.

“As a service organization there will be allegations that cause the public to question our integrity; we must seek out and purge the organization of any semblance of bias, corruption and malfeasance,” he said.

Martin maintained the top brass now has a mandate to work to ensure fairness in work and promotions.

“Anything less than this will be an injustice— we must do everything possible to inspire confidence in our force and improve our legitimacy as gatekeepers of law and order,” said the new Commissioner.

As part of the crime fighting plan several immediate actions are to be taken:

The immediate and aggressive addressing of the spate violent crimes
Collaborating with stakeholders to address safety challenges in the tourism industry
Redefining the Police Force image to become the pride of the TCI
Greater technological innovation
Restructure the force to better align with contemporaries
Frequent Town Hall meetings
Increased safety at police stations.

Martin had words for the mayhem causers and their ‘glaring disregard for human life and safety’ too.

”Under my watch I can assure you that the RTCIPF will not sit idly by and observe this unrelenting rampage and havoc. Today I call on you to put down your weapons of destruction and change your criminal ways,” he said.

Martin, who recently retired as Grenadian PC is credited with being lead of his home force for five years, serving a total 37 years before bowing out and moving on to head the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit.

Only months into that CARICOM job, Edvin Martin was approved and announced as police commissioner designate for the Turks and Caicos Islands, succeeding Trevor Botting.

“My first order of business ladies and gentlemen, this morning, is to give a special thanks to God, as He directs my path in every single thing that I do. I am grateful for His blessings and His guidance,” started Mr Martin when delivering his inaugural remarks at the outdoor ceremony.

The acknowledgment of God was a distinctive moment that many are hoping will auger well for the mission of newly installed policing leader for the TCI. Soon after his bold remarks, Martin, with his wife looking on from the audience took the oath of office and oath of allegiance in a live streamed event.

Also giving remarks at the swearing-in ceremony staged at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex were Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, TCI Governor and Washington Misick, TCI Premier.

TCI News

Sonia Fulford unveiled as Flow Brand Ambassador

Published

11 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Shanieka

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS, APRIL 24th, 2024 – Flow Turks and Caicos, leading telecommunications provider, is excited to announce its latest endorsement of daughter of the soil and TCI’s most formidable local and international female sports administration icon, Sonia Fulford. She also serves as President of TCI Football Association (TCIFA), Female Member of the Concacaf Council, and Member on the FIFA Council, within the highest ranks of football governing worldwide.

FLOW TCI Country Manager, Joanne Missick shared: “Sonia’s journey continues to inspire women such as myself leading in male dominated industries, and she continues to make our country proud both on and off the global stage. It is with great pleasure that we welcome her to the Fibre Federation, as our brand ambassador, and we look forward to the many positive outcomes this partnership will reap for our brand and for Flow customers around the Turks and Caicos in the very near future.”

Sonia, a native of the Nation’s Capital of Grand Turk embarked on her career as a multi-sport athlete for TCI, which included a long tenure as Captain of the TCI National Women’s Football Team. After a successful 14-year career in the legal field, she made a significant career shift, joining the TCIFA as General Secretary in 2006 – a decision that would lead to her becoming a sports administration icon and global ambassador for football, championing the cause of girls and women around the globe, in addition to, women in sports.

During her tenure within the FA, Sonia, a decorated leader with a plethora of local and international accolades, ascended the ranks to become the President of the FA. However, the most noteworthy appointment of her career to date, was reached in May 2013, when she etched her name into the history books as one of the first Female Member representatives to be elected to the prestigious FIFA Council, a testament of her unwavering dedication and leadership.

“I am thrilled to be aligning my brand with a company that has been an integral part of the Turks and Caicos Islands for more than 125 years. Flow/C&W TCI’s mission to empower and provide opportunities to young people in the local community and region through education and sports resonates deeply with my personal mission. Therefore, I am happy to announce today that I will be joining the Fibre Federation, Flow Turks and Caicos”, declares Sonia Fulford, Flow TCI’s newest brand ambassador and TCIFA President.

Follow Flow TCI on Facebook & Instagram for the last updates on this partnership and for more exciting announcements.

Crime

Following Court ruling, US Embassy Doubles Down on Warning: DO NOT TRAVEL TO TCI WITH GUNS, AMMO

Published

11 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Shanieka

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Dozens of news reports are all over TV and the internet, scarring the Turks and Caicos’ reputation yet again. This time linked to what Americans view as the preposterous law, which would, without chance for legal argument, throw a tourist into prison for 12 years. It is a mandatory conviction law on the books for possession of unlicensed guns or ammunition, and which just heard from the Court of Appeal that there ought to be no exceptions, whether it is one bullet or one gun, whether it is a tourist or a woman.

But what policymakers in various submissions in the House of Assembly back in October thought would return a win or opportunity for leniency to be injected as part of a legal defense has backfired. Now, unequivocally, the high court has ruled that the law gives no leeway. Anyone found with an unlicensed gun or ammunition must face what the law says is the penalty: not a fine, no reduced prison time, no exoneration, but 12 years mandatory in His Majesty’s Prison.

Now the US Embassy is doubling down on its message to travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Do not travel with your legal gun and ammunition from the US to the islands. Do not, because in the islands, your right to carry arms is not automatic, and if you are caught, you will face severe punishment, and there is nothing the US government can do about it. There are several tourists charged and awaiting a ruling in their cases. There is also a Grand Turk businesswoman who was arrested for a single bullet in her luggage. While all of these matters are shocking and drawing public calls for leniency, as far as the law goes, everyone charged under it is headed to prison for 12 years.