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Beaches Resorts hosted industry trailblazers at 5th Annual “Social Media on the Sand”

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#Providenciales, October 24, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Last week, 100 elite digital mom bosses spent five days learning modern-day marketing secrets from some of the world’s brightest business entrepreneurs. The 5th annual “Social Media on the Sand” conference took place October 16-20, 2019, at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, and offered #BeachesMoms a first-hand look at how to sharpen their social media skills, grow their online presence and get inspired by other talented like-minded women.

Voted one of BizBash’s Most Innovative Meetings of 2018, this sold out, invitation-only event took attendees on a journey of the five senses to commemorate its 5th year through the sounds of social media success. The conference featured speeches from keynote industry innovators who shared their inspiring and educational stories on how they built their brands, as well as fireside track sessions that spotlighted topics such as learning tips on how to monetize a blog to partnering with brands to build awareness.

“Remarkable things happen when moms come together. Each year Beaches® Resorts brings a new group of outstanding people to help motivate and inspire our conference guests with their own knowledge and industry expertise,” said Debbie-Ann White, SVP, Public Relations and Promotions at Unique Vacations, Inc. “Social Media on the Sand offers a unique platform for not only professional growth, but for personal growth through sparked conversations, authentic connections and shared experiences between the modern working moms.”

THE CONFERENCE

This year, Beaches’ handpicked list of guest speakers and keynotes included three of the most accomplished modern brand builders and industry titans: Rebecca Minkoff (co-founder and creative director of the eponymous fashion powerhouse), who gave an inside look at how her business grew from the ground up; Jamie Kern Lima (co-founder of IT Cosmetics, a top-selling makeup and skincare brand), who spoke on the power of authenticity and honing in on the “why’s” behind what motivates us; and Daymond John (investor on the ABC reality television series Shark Tank), who shared his personal key lessons from social media, as well as goal setting tips to achieve your dreams.

“Equally as important as building yourself and your brand is building a group of strong team members to support you,” said Rebecca Minkoff. “We’re only human, which means we can’t be experts in everything. So, we need to take a step back and hire experts to support us in areas where we are not experts ourselves.”

“The journey that you’re on is your authenticity,” said Jamie Kern Lima. “Your community will know if you’re faking it, so it’s crucial to trust your gut and remain your authentic self along the way.”

“Don’t put anything out there if you can’t own it,” said Daymond John. “I’ve learned that due diligence starts with social media, and you need to be able to authentically own the content you’re putting out there – don’t just post something to post it, there needs to be a purpose.”

OTHER EVENTS & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

The “Social Media on the Sand” conference also featured several fun twists on networking and curated experiences to further ignite attendees’ senses. This included a Match Ups & Mimosas event, where the #BeachesMoms mixed and mingled over mimosas, complete with a scent sommelier to customize perfume inspired by tropical cocktails. Other activities included a Health and Wellness Village presented by the Red Lane® Spa, multiple Beauty & the Beach suite activities featuring Drybar styling and makeup by IT Cosmetics, and even a special concert performance by platinum-selling recording artist, Hunter Hayes. Also new to this year’s conference was a 5 Senses on the Sand pop up, which offered the perfect gram-worthy backdrops for guests to capture interactive and authentic content right on the beach, and a Silent DiscGLOW, which was a blacklight haven that offered guests a sensory overload. To top things off, #BeachesMoms and their families immersed themselves in a world of pure imagination at Willy Wonka’s Splendiferous Fun Factory on National Sweetest Day, October 19th, with everything from gumdrop trees to a scratch & sniff wall sponsored by Air Esscentials. One lucky attendee won the ultimate golden ticket – a return trip to the 6th annual “Social Media on the Sand” conference.

“SEA THE FUTURE” WITH THE SANDALS FOUNDATION

In addition to having access to the picture-perfect Instagram moments and networking opportunities to establish new genuine connections, conference attendees had the chance to learn about the Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International – and its initiatives that are near and dear to the heart of Beaches Resorts. The week kicked off with a “Sea the Future Welcome Party” presented by the Foundation, which immersed conference guests in the Sandals Foundation’s mission of making a difference in the Caribbean and celebrated the Foundation’s 10-year milestone anniversary. Not only were guests exposed to the Foundation’s mission and one of its core pillars, environmental awareness, but they were joined by award-winning NYC-based street artist Marco Santini for an interactive painting activity surrounding guests’ perceptions of the Foundation. Additionally, attendees contributed to the “Sea the Future Welcome Party” by bringing environmental-themed books to help the local children of Turks & Caicos, along with raising funds for the Foundation in a silent auction. A special, heart-warming performance by local Turks & Caicos students of Long Bay High School concluded the first night, who sang one of Hunter Hayes’ songs, “Wanted,” and were taken back when Hunter Hayes himself cheered them on in the audience – setting the tone for the surprise and delights ahead.

“At Beaches Resorts, we believe one of the ways of lending support is by educating the next generation,” added Debbie-Ann White. “We see the future and it’s crystal clear – emulating the Caribbean water surrounding us.”

ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS & EVENT PARTNERS

In addition to Adam Stewart (Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International) and Debbie-Ann White (SVP of Public Relations and Promotions of Unique Vacations, Inc.), they were joined by speakers including Shannon Levis (Facebook), Courtney Heimlich (YouTube), Landyn Hutchinson (Lifestyle Expert, Living With Landyn), Melissa Gerstein (co-founder, The MOMS Network), Meaghan Murphy (Executive Editor of Good Housekeeping), Emily Kaufman (travel writer, The Travel Mom), Audrey McClelland (co-founder, MomGenerations.com), Amy Choi (Head of Brand Partnerships, ShopStyle), Amanda Perna (seasoned fashion and textile designer, The House of Perna), Rosemarie T. Truglio (SVP of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop), Michelle Kreher (Senior Manager of Themed Entertainment at Sesame Workshop), Ellen Heaney (Senior Brand Manager for Spin Master Games), Mykella Gannon (Marketing Director, COOLA), Julie Nowell (founder and principal of 3c Consulting), Myron Pincomb (CEO and Board Chairman of The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) and popular content creators Terrell and Jarius Joseph, April Athena, and Jessica Skube of JessFam.

Event partners included Rebecca Minkoff, Spin Master Games, Drybar, IT Cosmetics, COOLA Suncare, JetBlue, Swarovski, The House of Perna, good2grow™, Sesame Workshop, HAPARI Swimwear, Sprout®, abercrombie kids, SNUBA, Red Lane® Spa, Kim Crawford Wines, Pevonia, Air Esscentials, Sanitas, Bling2o, Playskool, The Incy Wincies, Saltability, SNUBA, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), BLVisuals, Rockabye Baby, PLAYSKOOL, SpaRitual, School Specialty™, FLOW, PADI: Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Alliance Connection Productions, Gifts for the Good Life, Florabella Studios, Kelly + Jones and The Sandals Foundation.

For more information on #SocialMediaontheSand, please visit socialmediaonthesand.com. To check out more photos from the conference, please visit the official event Pinterest board here.

Release: Sandals Resorts

Photo Caption: (Daymond John and Rebecca Minkoff following an ocean-side chat at Beaches Turks & Caicos, John Parra – Gettyimages)

Health

Ministry of Health and Human Services Launched Electronic Patient Care Report (Ambpro)

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The Ministry of Health and Human Services proudly announces the successful launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR), marking a historic milestone in emergency healthcare services. The official unveiling ceremony took place on March 12, 2024 at the Atrium conference room.

In attendance were distinguished dignitaries, including  Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Jamell Robinson; Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm; Minister of Tourism, Environment, Maritime, Culture, Heritage and Religious Affairs, Honourable Josephine Connolly; Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Honourable Rachel Taylor; the Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Honourable Arlington Musgrove; and the Permanent Secretary of Health, Mrs Desiree Lewis, who recognized the significance of the ePCR system in promoting public health and safety. Their presence underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure and technological advancements to better serve the needs of the population. Thus reaffirming their support for initiatives aimed at improving emergency healthcare services and strengthening the National Emergency Medical Service’s capabilities.

During the launch event, the Minister of Health and Human Services highlighted the transformative impact of the ePCR system on patient care and emergency response efforts. Emphasizing the importance of innovation in healthcare, the Minister expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of professionals who contributed to the development and implementation of the ground breaking technology. The Deputy Premier praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the ePCR system, affirming its potential to revolutionize emergency medical services especially the pre-hospital management of citizens and visitors across the country.

The Director of Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, spoke passionately about the importance of embracing technology to advance patient care. “The introduction of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical services,” said Mr Brijmohansingh. “This innovative system empowers our teams with the tools they need to deliver swift and effective care, while ensuring that patient information is accurately captured and securely shared.”

The Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) represents a significant advancement in the National Ambulance Service’s mission to deliver efficient and high-quality emergency medical care to citizens across the nation. Developed with cutting-edge technology and meticulous attention to detail, the ePCR system streamlines the documentation process, enhances communication, and ensures the seamless transfer of patient information between emergency responders and healthcare facilities.

The launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in the evolution of emergency medical services, promising enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. With its implementation, the National Emergency Medical Services reaffirms its dedication to providing timely and effective care to individuals in their time of need.

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Education

Ministry of Education launches 2024 Season of Scholarship Applications

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 6th March, 2024– The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services would like to announce the launch of the 2024 scholarship application season which opens on March 11th 2024. This initiative offers invaluable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply for scholarship opportunities within the Ministry’s priority areas.  For more information on our priority areas please visit our website at https://gov.tc/scholarshipsecretariat

Estimated awards within each award category as follows: –

  • Standard Financial Assistance ………………………………………………….(55) including:

o    Cadet Financial Assistance …………………………………………………(2)

o    The TCI Hope Award …………………………………………………………..(2)

o    Intl. Associate’s Degree / A-Level awards ……………………… (3)

o    TCICC Academic Excellence Award …………………………………..(7-preselected)

  • Athletic Financial Assistance ……………………………………………………..(3)
  • National Scholars Awards ………………………………………………………….(4 -preselected)
  • Special Needs Students Financial Assistance Award ……………(2)
  • BWIC – GCE Advanced Level …………………………………………………….(3)

Explanatory notes in the link provided above outlines the criteria for each award category.

Our new application method

Our new application method for financial assistance marks a departure from traditional email or paper submissions; all applications must now be submitted exclusively through tcig-nefa.grantplatform.com/. Utilizing the Good Grants platform, an internationalized grant-making platform, applicants can easily apply online by clicking the provided link.

Dates

  • Application deadline: 30th May, 2024 at [11:59 pm] [EST]
  • Please note the application deadline, this date is final and there will be no extensions provided for the initial submission. The system will automatically prevent application submission after the deadline.
  • There is an extension date for the below documents IF NECESSARY up to June 30th.
    • Acceptance Letter
    • Transcript
  • Successful applicants will be notified in early August 2024.

Support

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Scholarship Secretariat Unit by email to [scholarshipsecretariat@tciedu.tc]. DO NOT SEND APPLICATION SUBMISSION TO THIS ADDRESS.

  • You may edit your application after submitting, up until the deadline date.
  • Please make sure all your personal details are entered accurately, including contact details, so that we may contact you if your application is successful.
  • You are allowed to submit to more than one category, as long as the work submitted meets the criteria. However you can only be awarded 1 award.
  • You can use the ‘copy’ feature to create a copy of your application and change the category as required.

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Education

Department of Special Education Needs Services makes strides at CEC 2024 convention and Expo

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The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) has marked a significant milestone in its journey towards enhancing services for exceptional learners through its participation in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2024 Convention and Expo, held in San Antonio, Texas March 12th to 16th 2024. This event, renowned for its dedication to advancing the field of special education, provided a platform for our team to immerse themselves in a wealth of knowledge and resources.

The convention, with a rich history of fostering collaboration and innovation, focused on sensitizing attendees to global initiatives in special education. Our team, consisting of four professionals from the Department of Special Education Needs Services; Mrs. Paulette Simmons – Special Education Teacher at SNAP Center, Jamiliyah Jordan – Speech and Language Pathologist, Christina Joseph – Behavioural Analyst, Lashaunda Skippings – Coordinator of Assessments and one representative from the Department of Education, Mrs. Faaida James – Special Education Officer benefited immensely from four days of information-packed workshops, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge assistive technologies and programs.

 CEC 2024 Convention and Expo has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of special education. Each year, it gathers professionals, researchers, and advocates to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to support individuals with exceptional needs.

 Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, and a part of the team, shared her thoughts on the convention, stating, “ The CEC 2024 Convention exceeded my anticipations. It was incredibly enlightening and stimulated thoughtful reflection. I am grateful for the openness of presenters who shared their exemplary practices in Special Education, that address the needs of students with disabilities globally.”

Dr. Anya Malcolm, Director of Special Education Needs Services, expressed her excitement about the department’s progress, stating, “The thrill that fills the department and the parents as initiatives in Special Education Needs falls into place remarkably is tangible. We are dedicated to utilizing the knowledge and experiences gained from events like CEC 2024 to further enhance our services and support for exceptional learners.”

 Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, expressed her commendation for the Department of Special Education Needs Services, stating, “I commend the Department of Special Education Needs Services for their unwavering dedication and proactive stance in participating in the CEC 2024 Convention and Expo. The Ministry acknowledges the pivotal role of such initiatives in elevating the standards of special education services and fostering the comprehensive development of exceptional learners nationwide.” 

 The Department of Special Education Needs Services remains committed to its mission of providing comprehensive and inclusive support to individuals with special needs. Through continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every exceptional learner can thrive.

 For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and its initiatives, please contact sens@gov.tc.

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