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Five Cays athlete and scholar gets a boost from Bugaloo’s

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#TurksandCaicos, August 18, 2017 – Providenciales – La’Shano Pierre of Five Cays, Providenciales is doing the kinds of things we want to see more and more young men of this country or of any country doing.   Pierre, at just 17 is investing in and taking responsibility for his personal development through sports and tertiary level education.

IMG-20170818-WA0038The former member of the Rising Stars basketball club and first year student at Manchester College in the UK, where he is studying Business Management,  is a stand out athlete and earned high grades and was therefore shocked when he was not among the 2017 Government scholarship winners.    Perplexed and gravely distressed, young #La’ShanoPierre was like Nehemiah of the Bible who appeared so downcast that the king was forced to ask his usually diligent server, what was wrong.

Mike Stolow, owner and manager at Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl in Five Cays, similarly noticed the depressed demeanor of Pierre and he too asked his noble employee, what was wrong.   The discouraging news moved Mr. Stolow in a way that moved mountains for young La’Shano and what just moments before had seemed an insurmountable obstacle was erased by a caring heart, a kind question and a benevolent gift.

“The owner always encouraged me to keep my head up and push forward to achieve my goals.   As we approached the beginning of the school year, I was certain that I would be selected to return to England, since my grades were very high.   However, I received the list of students chosen, and my name was not on it.   Needless to say, I was so despondent and it showed on my face when I arrived at work.   That’s when the owner pulled me aside and told me that Bugaloo’s would cover the cost of my next academic year.   He said he was proud of my academic achievements and my work ethics at #Bugaloo’s and I deserved to go.   This uplifted me in a way I will always remember,” said La’Shano, who had worked at the restaurant over his summer breaks.

In a heartfelt story to #MagneticMedia, the young man sets the stage.    Pierre was born and raised in Five Cays and like so many others of his generation and community, loves the sport of basketball.

Bugaloo’s was already an appreciated entity because it supported youth programs and sports development.

“From a very young age my friends and I could always count on Bugaloo’s support and sponsorship at various basketball tournaments locally and abroad.   When I was unable to go to the YBOA basketball nationals, because of a lack of funds, Bugaloo’s stepped forward and sponsored me.   Throughout the years they have always kept in touch with us to make sure we were heading along the right path.    When I came home from studying abroad for the summer, they offered me a job so I could save money for my upcoming school year.”

IMG-20170818-WA0037It turns out that this amazing report from La’shano was more than a story of a student who got a scholarship from a kind company, but a beacon of an example of how corporate TCI can be and has been actively involved in cultivating fine citizens by ensuring they are there to pick them up, even when they are let down.

“Throughout my time at Bugaloos one of the things I valued the most was the positive mentoring sessions on life and business management, which really enhanced my knowledge helping me to reach my goal of becoming a future entrepreneur. I went from despair to joy because someone believed in a young man from Five Cays. I hope to be a role model for all the young men of Five Cays who are so often forgotten.”

When the king helped Nehemiah, who was downcast and broken to fulfill his dream of leading the men of his nation in the rebuilding the wall of Israel, which was the heritage of their forefathers, it lead to a rebuilt people pulled from degradation and shame.

Mike Stolow may not be a royalty as modern times would define it, but his king sized heart and his king sized gift to a young man on a mission to build his life as an example of what is possible, even out of Five Cays, is as regal and resplendent as it gets.

“First of all, I would like to Thank God for his blessings upon my life, also I would like to thank my Family and friends and every member of the community for their support. The opportunity that Bugaloos has brought before me goes to show that no matter who you are once you are focused and determined opportunities will come your way.”

La’Shano Pierre of Five Cays was sad because he had gotten some terrible news; but he cleaned himself up and mustered the courage to face the day.  Young La’Shano went to work, and through his grit, earned much more than a day’s pay, he earned the respect of this journalist, our organization and even more significantly at the time… the admiration of his mentor, employer and sponsor: #MichaelStolow who gave the kind of gift only a king could give.

“I would once again like to thank the owner and the team at Bugaloos as well as the members of my community. Thank you for your support and the opportunity you have given me. I assure you that I won’t disappoint.”

And as we pray for La’Shano, a budding Business Manager, to continue to do well at university in the United Kingdom, we are certain that just as he has promised, he will not disappoint.

 

 

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Bahamas Offers Condolences After Deadly Air India Crash as Sole Survivor Speaks Out

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Story by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Published: June 12, 2025

 

AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India early Wednesday morning. The crash killed 241 people and left behind a single, severely injured survivor — a British national. The aircraft reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure less than a minute into its ascent, plunging into a populated area just outside the city.

The scale of the devastation has been described by BBC reporters on the scene as “apocalyptic,” with both passengers and residents on the ground among the dead. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but Indian aviation officials confirmed that rescue operations have concluded, and one of two flight data recorders had been recovered.

As the world reels from the scale of the disaster, governments across the globe are responding with condolences and offers of support. Among them, The Bahamas has joined the international chorus of grief and solidarity.

Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon:                                                                                                                                                                                                           “The Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas extend deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of India, the families of those aboard the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad on 12th June, and all affected communities.                                                                                                                                                                                        We are saddened by the tragic loss of life, including both passengers and residents on the ground, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

We stand in solidarity with India and join voices worldwide in offering support during this time of grief.”

He added:

“The Bahamas commends the swift and coordinated efforts of Indian emergency services and international responders. May those who perished rest in peace, and may those who survive recover fully.”

The lone survivor of the crash has been identified by BBC News as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent. He is currently being treated in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage.

Speaking with BBC reporters from his hospital bed, Ramesh shared a chilling description of the moment disaster struck:

“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise… it all happened so quickly,” he said.

“I don’t know how I survived. Everything went dark.”

Ramesh has since been visited by India’s Minister of Home Affairs. His family in Leicester, UK, is being supported by British consular staff.

Air India has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the airline said:

“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”

The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Dozens of victims have been identified, and grief-stricken relatives have begun arriving in Ahmedabad.

The Bahamas’ expression of sympathy marks the Caribbean nation’s formal recognition of the tragedy and its global significance. As the lone survivor begins to recover, the world looks to investigators for answers on what went so horribly wrong just seconds after takeoff.

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Sandals Foundation and CDEMA Celebrate Success of 3-Year Leadership Development Programme

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MEDIA RELEASE

 

REGIONAL, JUNE 11, 2025 – Forty-five (45) Senior Officers from three cohorts at the National Disaster Organisations (NDOs) and National Emergency Sectors in seventeen (17) Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Participating States have benefited from a Strategic Leadership Development training programme that is in its third year, building their capacity and advancing disaster preparedness and response across the Caribbean.

As we enter the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30), Senior Officers from Anguilla, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, , Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia , Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands have been equipped with strategic leadership skills to enhance their ability to develop and implement disaster preparedness plans, coordinate and manage emergency responses, and support recovery efforts to strengthen their coordination, communication, and leadership in times of emergency.

Taking a holistic approach to Disaster Risk Management, the intensive programme enhances leadership skills through six (6) courses over a six-month period with modules in Leadership, Strategic Management, Project Management, Financial Management, Proposal Writing, and Crisis Communication and Incident Management.

In partnership with Sandals Foundation and the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (ALJGSB) at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), the carefully curated curriculum successfully used interactive lectures, one-on-one coaching, and psychometric assessment to enhance officers’ approach to community wellbeing before, during and after a natural hazard.

Gayle Drakes, Education and Training Specialist at CDEMA, said, “The preventative approach to Disaster Risk Management at CDEMA is risk-reduction centred, emphasising an understanding of hazard exposure, vulnerabilities and capacities, and styling appropriate interventions for building more resilient communities.”

“By completing this three year programme with the Sandals Foundation, our region’s Senior Officers now have enhanced knowledge in advanced level competencies, all aimed at promoting our Comprehensive Disaster Management agenda [an integrated approach to risk management],” Drakes added.

“CDEMA is proud to have collaborated with the Sandals Foundation and the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business on this initiative to strengthen the foundation of national and regional resilience. As we enter the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, we are confident that this cadre of professionals is better equipped to lead preparedness, response, and recovery efforts that result in safeguarding lives and livelihoods throughout the Caribbean.” said Executive Director of CDEMA, Elizabeth Riley.

Sandals Foundation, for its part, provided necessary funding to implement the programme for its three-year duration, valued at some US $150,000. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation, says she is optimistic about the future for both NDO Officers and the citizens of the Caribbean.

“Improved Disaster Risk Management starts with our leaders. A holistic approach starts with education and training. When we equip our leaders with the resources they need, we feel confident in their ability to guide us toward a culture of preparedness and awareness, especially in the face of natural hazards,” said Clarke.

The Sandals Foundation has routinely partnered with organisations that promote disaster preparedness and building resilience across the Caribbean – training NDO Officers and small business operators, and educating youth and community members in safety protocols and disaster mitigation and prevention. Some of its partners to date have included the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica, and the Youth Emergency Action Committee (YEAC) in Grenada.

 

Header: In partnership with Sandals Foundation and the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, 45 Senior Officers in 17 Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Participating States have benefited from a Strategic Leadership Development training programme, building their capacity and advancing disaster preparedness and response across the Caribbean.

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Annual Taste of Tapas Takes Culinary Showcase to the Next Level

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Shore Club once again set the stage for one of the destination’s most anticipated culinary events, the annual Taste of Tapas, hosted by the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). The evening brought together 15 of the country’s finest restaurants for a night of culinary creativity, collaboration, and cause – all in support of the association’s Hospitality Adventure programs and National Culinary Team.

Guests were treated to a diverse array of bite-sized culinary masterpieces, each representing the signature style and flavours of the participating restaurants. This year’s lineup featured:

Beaches Turks & Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, Indigo, LUA Restaurant, Parallel 23, Rock House, Seven Stars Resort, Sui-Ren, TCI Culinary Ambassadors, The Del Mar, The Ritz-Carlton TCI, The Source, Point Grace, and Provo Caribbean Cafe.

The welcome drink was graciously sponsored by Java Island, setting the tone for an evening of elegance and island flair.

In addition to the culinary showcase, attendees had the opportunity to bid on a host of luxury experiences and items during the silent auction, thanks to generous contributions from: Beaches Resort Villages & Spa, Pine Cay, The Ritz-Carlton, Point Grace, COMO Parrot Cay, The Shore Club, Grace Bay Club, South Bank, The Ital Lifestyle, and VIP Flyer’s Club.

TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, reflected on the evening’s impact, stating: “Taste of Tapas is a beautiful representation of what makes this industry so special – the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and giving back. The funds raised will go directly into programs that empower our local talent and elevate our destination’s culinary service standard.”

The evening also served as the perfect platform to announce the TCHTA Pop-Up Series, a new fundraising initiative that will replace the former annual Golf Scramble. First up is a Canadian-Inspired Dinner, set for June 26th, 2025 at The Farm at Seven Stars Resort, featuring Executive Chef Craig Nazareth of Beaches Turks and Caicos.

This dinner is a celebration of culture through cuisine,” said Chef Nazareth. “I’m excited not only to bring a taste of Canada to the islands, but also to once again work alongside Executive Chef Edwin Gallardo as we prepare the National Culinary Team to go head-to-head with the region at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in Florida later this year.”                                                                                                                                                                                                    The team’s feeder program, the Hospitality Adventure Summer Camps, are just around the corner with registration open for the following programs:

  • Junior Lit’l Chef: July 7–11
  • Spa Adventure: July 14–18
  • Lit’l Chef: July 21–26

Back on the TCHTA’s calendar is the thrilling TCHTA Cocktail Competition, traditionally used to select the successful Bartender to join the national competition team.

The TCHTA thanks members, sponsors, and supporters as the organization maintains its commitment to cultivating talent and crafting world-class experiences for the destination.

Registration for the Summer Camps can be accessed here: https://www.tcihospitalityadventure.com/. Follow the TCHTA’s social media pages for updates on the Pop-Up Series and future events.

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