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Teamwork key to PSOJ workplace wellness success

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10 years ago

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Kingston, Jamaica, December 26, 2016 – Members of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica’s (PSOJ) team, who participated in the 2016 staging of the National Health Fund’s (NHF) ‘Work it Out’ Challenge, proved that teamwork is pivotal to the success of any group activity.  The five members lost a combined 125 pounds in the workplace weight-loss competition to place second overall.

The group comprised team captain, Kisha-Kay Walker, who lost 40 pounds; Michelle Scarlett – 31 pounds; Sheryl Barnes – 23 pounds; Jason Nelson – 20 pounds; and Prudence Gentles –11 pounds.  Two of the members also received individual honours. Mr. Nelson, the sole male, placed second in the male individual category, while Ms. Walker finished third in the female equivalent.

Ms. Walker tells JIS News that a collective approach was taken by the team, with each member conforming to the agreed strategies.  “The key to our success was that we did not look at it as an individual effort; there was no ‘I’ nor ‘you’ in this. So if we were going on a particular diet for a week, it was the team that would do it. Similarly, if we were going to the gym or to dance, it was always about the team,” she explains, adding that wardrobe synchronization also enhanced the cohesion.

“We were wearing the same colours to train in every day. We decided on the colours and every day of the week we were similarly decked out. Then it got contagious. Other members of the organization were interested in doing exercises with us and they became our motivators,” the team captain further states.

Ms. Walker says that after experimenting with several dietary combinations on their own, the members realized they needed additional professional help.   “We needed someone to come in and motivate us and we turned to Stokely Rose of TrainFit Club, who we found through the kind assistance of nutritionist, Frances Mahfood,” she informs.

Mr. Rose tells JIS News that the interaction emphasized, among other things, the need for self-motivation by team members.   “I just came in and helped with guiding them to a place where they wanted to be. When I met them, they indicated that they wanted to do (the NHF challenge)..;(and) we tried to build team cohesion,” he explains.     Mr. Rose said the importance of members doing all of their activities together was strongly emphasized.

In support of this, a communication channel utilizing social media was also established for the group to enable members to keep in touch with each other.   Mr. Rose also ensured that they got wider motivational support from TrainFit, noting that the members were included in the entity’s social media activities, including morning inspiration.  “We also got them to come into our space to work out among other persons which, I think, helped greatly. We went for versatility…they didn’t just do one thing or one set of activities,” he adds

Mr. Rose tells JIS News that he successfully co-opted the input of another trainer, attached to In-Motion Gym, in preparing his charges, and expresses gratitude to the management of that entity for also allowing them to use their facilities.  The activities at In-Motion Gym incorporated exercise sessions as well as boot camps.

Mr. Rose believes that the PSOJ team’s collective effort paid off and that in      Ms. Walker, they had a strong motivational leader. He also had particularly high praise Mr. Nelson’s effort in the endeavor.  “I know that for a male, it is easier to lose weight; but that is not necessarily what men want to do. Males are not very receptive to losing weight.  They always want to gain weight and muscle and look a certain way; so kudos to him for having accepted the challenge.  Because the competition is geared towards encouraging men’s health, it was necessary for a man to be involved,” he says.

Mr. Rose also pointed out that Ms. Walker was “on his case” daily, emphasizing the need to lose weight.   He says Mr. Nelson’s response “told me something…about him being a team player…because, as a trainer, I know the challenge with getting young men involved (in this kind of activity).”                    

Mr. Rose said Mr. Nelson displayed none of the “overwhelming insecurities” towards weight loss that, on average, characterize some men.   “I think it was the motivation from the team and attention to self that made him want to lose the weight; and he lost 20 pounds which is very inspiring…I am very proud of him,” Mr. Rose adds.

Mr. Nelson tells JIS News that he feels gratified. He said the challenge was initially difficult, but is grateful to the team members for motivating him.   “I feel very proud. Before I lost weight, I used to sweat a lot, especially in the morning when coming to work. Now I don’t sweat that much anymore and I feel much lighter on my feet.   I feel revived and more energized,” he declares.

Ms. Walker says consequent on her newly sculpted svelte figure, she has had to adjust her wardrobe extensively to ensure her clothes are the perfect fit.   She points out that many of her associates, colleagues and friends are amazed by the outcome of the challenge on her.  Ms. Walker says persons who “finally figure out that it’s me”, after not recognizing her initially, have queried the secret to her success.   “I have introduced friends to (the challenge) and now they have formed teams (that are preparing) for next year’s (renewal),” she adds.

Ms. Barnes tells JIS News that the challenge’s outcome has piqued the interest of the PSOJ’s wider staff, noting that several of them have been initiating their own engagements, similar to what obtains with the NHF challenge.  “Everybody would come into my office, where the scale is kept, to weigh each week. So different groups (have set) their targets… and we (have) shared the different (formulas) that we got,” she adds.

The NHF ‘Work it Out’ Challenge emphasizes diet and physical activity as healthy ways to lose weight.  Improving dietary habits and increasing physical activity help in reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases and can significantly improve control of these conditions.  The NHF is deeply involved in health promotion in several areas, including the workplace.  Workplace wellness is emphasized, given the challenges of desk-bound jobs and growth in chronic illnesses from inactivity and improper diets.

 

photo credit: JIS

 

 

 

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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3 days ago

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August 20, 2026

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Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

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BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark

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3 days ago

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August 20, 2026

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Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa

– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –

 

[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter.  The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.

The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination from the New York area.  This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027.  Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.

The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.

Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.

While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.

Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.

Expanded Winter Season

  • To South Caicos:
  • Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
  • To Turks and Caicos:
  • Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
  • Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
  • Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
  • Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
  • Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
  • Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
  • Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.

“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”

The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry.  All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.

“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”

For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com

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Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

3 days ago

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August 20, 2026

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.

The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium.  Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.

During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.

During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.

CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.

Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.

“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.

Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.

They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.

After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.

“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.

For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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