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Attorney General announces new Senior Legal Appointments

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Providenciales, TCI, September 14, 2016 – On Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles announced four new senior legal appointments within the Attorney General’s Chambers.
 
Three new appointments as Principal Crown Counsel saw Mrs. Khalila Astwood-Tatem becoming the first Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for International matters, Ms. Yaa McCartney as the Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for commercial matters and Ms. Clemar Hippolyte taking the reins as Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for litigation.
 First, Mrs. Khalila Astwood-Tatem, a Grand Turk native, practiced for many years in the Bahamas, first as an Associate and then as a Partner at Evans & Co. Now, she returns home to the Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General’s Chambers, where she became Senior Crown Counsel and then Principal Crown Counsel and lead on commercial matters. Through training and development opportunities, Mrs. Astwood-Tatem has gained quality experience and expertise in commercial law. These include; Development Agreements, land acquisition, public-private partnerships, company law, civil litigation and appeals, industrial relations and employment, probate and wills, real property and conveyancing, personal Injuries. Whilst also offering  legal advice/opinions on a wide spectrum of issues such as; constitutional and administrative law, international compliance, combatting anti-money laundering, and mutual legal assistance.  As lead in this new division on international initiatives which have an impact on domestic law, such as the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and Exchange of information for Tax Purposes, Mrs. Astwood-Tatem’s experience make her best suited to take on responsibility for responding to international requests; advising on international conventions and agreements and advising on various issues which touch and concern international law and international relations.
Second, the daughter of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ sole national hero, Ms. Yaa McCartney has a legacy of public service.  Ms McCartney joined the Attorney General’s Chambers right out of law school and practiced first as a criminal prosecutor for many years prosecuting criminal trials and appeals in all courts in the Turks and Caicos Islands before rising to the level of Senior Crown Counsel conducting civil litigation before all of the courts and tribunals on behalf of the Government and statutory bodies as well as dealing with complex commercial agreements and advices.  Training and development opportunities have contributed to Ms. McCartney’s skills in the areas of criminal prosecutions, civil and commercial litigation, employment law, advice and opinion writing, and the drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements which will serve her well in her new role as lead on commercial matters.
 Third, Ms. Clemar Hippolyte hails from St. Lucia where she worked first as an Associate at Larcher Barnard & Associates then McNamara & Company thereby gaining a wealth of experience in administrative law, employment law, judicial review, civil and commercial litigation, personal injury, commercial contract negotiation, opinions and mediation before joining the Attorney General’s Chambers as Senior Crown Counsel.  Ms. Hippolyte’s quality experience in litigation matters, especially before the Courts of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a particular asset in her new role.
Finally, as the new Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Michael Dillon is responsible for the management of the legal and administrative work flow within the Attorney General’s Chambers.  Dr. Michael Dillon originates from Dublin Ireland where he authored the first and leading textbook on the law of intoxication, Law of Intoxication as a defence to violent and non-violent offences as an exhaustive and practical analysis of the current law of Ireland, England and Wales, United States of America, Canada, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
 A practicing barrister appearing on a near daily basis before courts, tribunals and decision-makers for many years in Criminal and Civil litigation, Dr. Dillon brings to the Attorney General’s Chambers in the Turks and Caicos Islands, significant advisory experience involving opinion work.  He has expertise in criminal law especially involving any issue of intoxication or mental disorder, significant Judicial review experience, commercial law including franchise law and breach of confidentiality, mental health law, administrative law, professional negligence, financial services law, personal injuries, human rights and civil liberties, and constitutional law.
Dr. Dillon has worked in Ireland, the United States of America, England and Wales, and Australia.
In announcing these new appointments, the Attorney General said; “Over the last few years we have made great progress in developing the professional staff, legal resources and better service delivery standards in the provision of quality legal work. The professional development of the Chambers continues to improve, along with a solid reputation of responsiveness to the legal needs of the public sector.”
“As the Chambers continues to evolve, the skills of the professional staff in particular will be critical in managing our operational effectiveness.  These individuals bring to their new appointments the experience and expertise needed to meet the challenges of their new responsibilities through proven track records of quality legal expertise in practice, leadership, team building, financial and relationship management.  I am very pleased with the appointments of these new additions to our senior management team.”
 

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Community Comes Together as ISU Community Engagement Exercise Delivers Essential Services in Kew Town  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 3rd July 2026: Residents of Kew Town and neighbouring communities turned out on Saturday, June 27, to access a range of free services and information during the ISU’s Community Outreach Caravan at the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries.

The outreach initiative brought together several government agencies and partner organisations in a single location, providing residents with direct access to health, safety, and emergency preparedness services while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement within the community.

Services available throughout the day included health checks and education, vision screenings, emergency preparedness information, fire safety guidance, and community policing engagement. Participating partners included the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, the Turks and Caicos Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s Community Policing Unit, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, and Menzies Optometry.

The exercise forms part of the ISU’s ongoing community engagement programme, which seeks to strengthen relationships with residents while improving access to public services through collaboration with partner agencies. By bringing multiple service providers together in one location, the initiative offered residents a convenient opportunity to access information, seek advice, and connect directly with agencies whose work supports the well-being of their communities.

The Informal Settlements Unit extends its sincere appreciation to the residents who attended and contributed to the success of the exercise, the partner agencies and organisations that dedicated their time and expertise, and the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries for graciously hosting the event. The Unit remains committed to working alongside communities and partner organisations to deliver initiatives that encourage engagement, strengthen partnerships, and improve access to essential services across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos resort hosts high school tourism clubs from Providenciales and North Caicos  

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Clement Howell High School students and teachers being welcome by the General Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, Deryk Meany as they prepare to learn more about the daily operations of the resort and the team

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort recently welcomed students from Clement Howell High School in Providenciales and Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos for an immersive educational tour designed to expose young learners to the dynamic world of hospitality and tourism.

The visit formed part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to youth development and community engagement, providing students with insight into the operations of the Caribbean’s leading hospitality brand. During the tour, students were introduced to various departments across the resort, gaining a deeper understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within the industry.

General Manager Deryk Meany addressed the visiting students, encouraging them to think creatively about their future career paths and to remain open to exploring non-traditional roles within the hospitality sector.

“The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and there is space for innovation, creativity and leadership at every level,” Meany shared. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we are proud to provide opportunities for young people to jumpstart their careers, while also developing the skills needed to grow into future leaders.”

The local youth engaged with team members across multiple disciplines, including guest services, food and beverage, entertainment and operations.

Kawanza Morley, Tourism Club leader at Raymond Gardiner High School, expressed appreciation for the experience, noting its value in reinforcing students’ academic learning.

“This visit allowed our students to see firsthand how what they learn in the classroom translates into the operation,” Morley said. “We are grateful to Beaches Turks and Caicos for their hospitality and for creating such a meaningful and engaging experience.”

Educators accompanying the students also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between schools and industry leaders. Raphael Delpeche of Clement Howell High School commended the resort for its ongoing support of youth development initiatives.

“We are very pleased with the level of exposure our students received,” Delpeche stated. “This relationship continues to create valuable opportunities for our students to better understand the industry and envision their future within it.”

For many students, the tour provided inspiration and a renewed sense of possibility. Tamani Gardiner, a fourth form student from Raymond Gardiner High School, remarked on the professionalism and efficiency observed throughout the resort. “I was really impressed by how smoothly everything operates,” Gardiner said. “The level of professionalism from the staff shows what it takes to succeed in this industry.”

Similarly, Clement Howell High School student Tanika Lightbourne shared her enthusiasm for continued involvement with the resort through its internship programme.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Beaches Turks and Caicos for another year of internship,” Lightbourne said. “This experience has helped me grow and I’m excited to keep learning and developing as a young professional.”

Through initiatives like these, the resort continues to play a vital role in empowering youth across the Turks and Caicos Islands and preparing them for meaningful careers in one of the country’s most important industries.

 

Photo Caption (insert): Students from the Raymond Gardiner High School pause to capture a photo moment at the Treasure Beach Village overlooking the infinity pool during their recent resort tour and educational experience

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Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts Launch Rebranded Loyalty Program, ‘Island Insiders Club’

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~All-inclusive resort company elevates rewards program, offering expanded benefits and member-only events & experiences, rooted in the spirit of the islands~

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, July 2, 2026 Sandals and Beaches Resorts unveiled today the introduction of its new Island Insiders Club, the next chapter of its refreshed loyalty program. Replacing the long-running Sandals Select Rewards program (established in 2008), the new program is designed to elevate the guest experience with a more immersive approach to awards and recognition. Effective July 1, 2026, the transition will preserve members’ current status and existing benefits, while expanding access to enhanced rewards, exclusive events and enriched experiences that bring members closer to the Caribbean.

“We are expanding how loyalty shows up across every stay to encapsulate what our loyal members already are — an inside part of the Sandals and Beaches family,” stated # SVP of Loyalty at Unique Vacations, Inc., worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “We developed this program side-by-side with the guests who know the resorts, the islands, and the people best, drawing on extensive focus groups, surveys, and direct feedback. The result is a loyalty experience that goes far beyond points, and is felt in every welcome home.”

Guests can enroll in Island Insiders Club before their very first visit, and begin earning status after their first stay. The program features seven levels of loyalty, the highest being Ambassador, followed by Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Coral and Shell (which replaces the former Select tier).

More Access. More Recognition. More Caribbean.

Sandals Select Rewards members will roll over to the Island Insiders Club on July 1, 2026, maintaining their status and benefits with no reset.

Island Insiders Club highlights include:

  • Choice of Insider Reward: A flexible credit that lets Insiders choose the experiences that best match their vacation style, from relaxing at the Red Lane Spa to embarking on an adventure with Island Routes.
  • The Insiders Shop: A private online merchandise store featuring premium collections and limited-edition drops, including handcrafted artisanal pieces, available exclusively for Island Insiders.
  • Room Upgrade Hotline: Now available exclusively for members, Insiders can request a room upgrade 30 days prior to travel and receive up to 50% off their upgrade when they call a dedicated number.
  • Dedicated VIP Concierge Line: A one-stop, full-service customer care team supporting Diamond, Pearl, and Ambassador members throughout their vacation journey, helping to book their flights, tours, special requests and more.
  • Expanded Insider Experiences, On and Off Resort: Exclusive Insider events including specialty weeks focused on diving, autism inclusion, and culinary experiences on resort. Plus, access to a series of experiential events across the globe.
  • 20% off Managers Wine List Discount: Returning members receive 20% off the Manager’s Wine List, offering another elevated touch for dinners, celebrations, and special moments on resort.
  • $200 Laundry Service Credit: Ambassador members will receive a $200 laundry service credit, adding an extra layer of ease and convenience to longer stays.
  • Complimentary Week Stay: A complimentary 7-night stay at any resort of choice is awarded to members after every 70 paid nights.
  • New Member Incentive: Those “newly inside” who book and travel will receive 5,000 bonus points after their first stay.

As always, Insiders enjoy special access to cabanas, a complimentary photo on every trip, member discounts on everything from retail and watersports to candlelight dinners, and added savings on future stays at the loyalty lounge.

New Name, New Look and a Nod to Nostalgia

The Island Insiders Club’s refreshed visual identity is built around a simple pair of sandals, now the signature symbol of Island Insiders Club and a throwback to an Insider tradition that’s been worn for decades, from vintage gold and silver pendants in the early days to the leather necklaces shared at member events today.

The new brand look will roll out across consumer touchpoints in the months ahead, from dedicated Island Insiders Club lounges to on resort signage, marketing and sales channels, digital and more, bringing Island Insiders Club to life through a modern design and multiplatform approach.

An Exclusive Inside Scoop

In true Insider fashion, Island Insiders Club was first unveiled to the brand’s most loyal members during a special “Step Inside Our Sandals” video conference. Designed as an Insider-first briefing, the call gives top members an early look at brand news and upcoming developments. Hosted by Peter Menges, the event walked members through the highlights of the new program, what to expect, and the refreshed look and feel of Island Insiders Club, before Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Executive Chairman Adam Stewart gave an exclusive look at what’s next and the reimagining of three iconic Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.

For more information about Island Insiders Club or to become a member, visit: www.sandals.com/islandinsidersclub.

Go behind-the-scenes of the Island Insiders Club with Peter Menges on the Sandals Palmcast and read the latest on the Sandals blog.

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