TCI News

Turks and Caicos Collection Staff Awards

Published

7 years ago

February 7, 2019

#Providenciales, February 7, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The beach deck of Beach House, the turquoise waters of the TCI and that famous tropical trade breeze formed the perfect backdrop for the Turks and Caicos Collection Staff Awards on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. The ceremony recognized the OUTSTANDING achievements and 10 years of dedication of their staff. The event re-enforced the important role of the staff to the overall success of the company and the tourism sector generally.

Imperial Laundry Long Service Awardees

n the presence of members of the senior management, CEO of Waterloo Holdings Ltd (WIHL) Mrs. Caroline Van Scheltinga commented that this ceremony is held quarterly as a tradition of appreciation and encouragement to the staff and in recognition of their loyalty and devotion to hard work. CEO Van Scheltinga told staff that they all do so many things that blow her away every day with the delivery of exceptional service and that with any other team the goals and accomplishments might just not have been possible, but you all make me realize we can do anything together.

Emphasizing team work, Mrs. Caroline Scheltinga said “Teamwork gives us the edge that makes winners out of all of us. Thank you for everything. Thank you for making each day of work something we can all be proud of.”

Director of Human Resource Wayne Garland echoed the sentiments of the CEO in his remarks stating that our human resources are our assets we’re most proud of. “Like a circle, the pursuit of excellence has no end. We salute your unwavering commitment to outstanding performance each day.

Armando Pizzuti, Vice President of Hospitality Services expressed thanks to staff of the Collection and remarked, “The success of our organization is a direct result of your efforts and dedication. Your commitment to quality and personal and professional integrity is the differentiating factor that sets us apart from our competition.”

A proud VP of Hospitality Services with obvious admiration congratulated the resort teams. He went on to say “Today, we celebrate you, your individual and collective contributions to our success, and we look forward with great expectancy to many more good years to come.”

TCC staff will be honoured in five categories of awards:

Resort Shining Star
Supervisor of the Quarter
Employee of the Quarter
Heart of Hospitality
Manager of the Quarter

Additionally, nine staff will be honoured for their long service to Turks and Caicos Collection. These staff members have dedicated ten years (or more of committed, loyal and exemplary service to the company which has contributed to the organisation’s overall success.

The long service awardees are:

Marie Dorelus 15 years Imperial laundry
Zandley Anderson 15 years Imperial laundry
Ardene Mullings 14 years Imperial Laundry
Ricardo Santos 11 years Imperial Laundry
Alejandro Cuadra 11 years Imperial Laundry
Hendrika Arthur 10 years WIHL
Roselande D’Aout 10 years Alexandra Resort
Riguad Donus 10 years Imperial Laundry
Yohlean L. Smith 10 years Alexandra Resort

ALEXANDRA RESORT-3rd QUARTER HONOUREES

FARAR BOSICAULT -Resort/Hotel Shining Star. You are truly deserving of this award as you are indeed a shining star.! Congratulations Farar for being a shining star and bringing us joy!

REGINALD FORBES -Supervisor of the Quarter

This supervisor is nominated for outstanding performance in the 3rd quarter because of consistency and dedication to service excellence. Congratulations Reggie Forbes!

Alexandra Resort Staff

JOSIANNE DUMME-Employee of the Quarter

Always on time, works well with others, always willing to learn new things stay back when ask too and goes the extra mile. Congratulations Josianne! You’re a Shining Star!

CLERVIL TEODEL – Heart of Hospitality

This individual possesses the best never say NO attitude. You are a Rockstar and we wouldn’t be able to be a successful as we are without you. Congratulation Clervil “Artist” Teodel.

LILLA WILLIAMS – Manager of the Quarter

Being a veteran in her field, she produces results; instead of giving excuses she provides solutions. Congratulations Lilla “Lil” Williams.

ALEXANDRA RESORT- 4th QUARTER HONOUREES

LUCKSON BLANFORT – Resort/Hotel Shining Star

You are a fantastic employee who always shows up to work on time. Congratulations Luckson “LUIGI” Blanfort!

NATALIA URBE – Supervisor of the Quarter

You lead with great enthusiasm and good ethical behaviour. Congratulations Natalia Urbe we are thankful for your dedication and hard work.

DERRICKA DAMES – Employee of the Quarter

A hard-working individual with great determination that will to go above and beyond to ensure that our guests are satisfied. Congratulations Derricka for becoming a leader and ensuring guests and colleagues are satisfied at all times.

RENANTE PEDOR – Heart of Hospitality

This individual is nominated for their outstanding performance in providing service to guests, pride in their work and performs with little supervision. Congratulations Renante Pedor! We love you and appreciate you.

LATISHA- Manager of the Quarter

BEACH HOUSE – 3rd QUARTER HONOUREES

DeWAYNE BOGLE -Resort/Hotel Shining Star

It is not only your colleagues who enjoy and appreciate the service you provide but also the guests who continuously rave about you friendly and professional approach. Congratulations Dewayne Bogle for your hard work and dedication.

LATOYA HARRIS-Employee of the Quarter

Beach House Staff

You are very dependable, hardworking, fun and loving. With your attitude and work ethics you will go very far in the hospitality industry. Congratulations Latoya Harris please continue to be the dedicated individual that you are.

REBBY BUKING – Manager of the Quarter

We would like to commend this manager for her outstanding and consistent work at Beach House over the last year. We see an abundance of potential in you and we’re excited about what your future in this industry can become. Congratulations Rebby Buking!

BEACH HOUSE – 4th QUARTER HONOUREES

ALBERTO VOLORIO-Employee of the Quarter

You have been nominated for Employee of the 4th quarter based on your personality and willingness to always work hard without fail. Congratulations Alberto Vilorio from the entire Beach House team!

MAYRA REYES – Manager of the Quarter

You have worked extremely hard developing and delivering our all-inclusive concept ensuring our concept is up to standard. You demonstrate only the best work ethics and understand what it takes to deliver upscales service. Congratulations Mayra Reyes for your tremendous contribution!

BLUE HAVEN RESORT – 4th QUARTER

ANGELINA AUGUSTINE- Resort/Hotel Shining Star

Your “radiant morning smile” is always noted in the TripAdvisor comments made by guest. You perform your role with high efficiency and dependency. Congratulations Angelina Augustine for always ensuring breakfast is a delight for all our guests!

ROSANYILI GARDINER – Supervisor of the Quarter

In many ways you have exceeded the requirements and expectations for this award. You are hardworking, dependable, honest, talented and a dedicated individual. Congratulations Rosanyili Gardiner

CHEF PERRY ACOSTA – Heart of Hospitality

Your commitment to total guest satisfaction is always noted by the quality of products produced. Your superiors describe you as a true team player who is always willing to fill in whenever someone is absent. Your calm demeaner, team loyalty and creative skills makes you deserving of this heart of hospitality award. Congratulations

Blue Haven Staff

Chef Perry Acosta from the entire Blue Haven team!

O’NEIL RILEY– Manager of the Quarter

You possess excellent leadership qualities and is respected by the entire Blue Haven Team. your passion for serving guest is evident by the raving reviews found on trip advisor. One guest describes you as someone who “creates memorable experiences”. Congratulations O’Neil Riley!

BLUE HAVEN MARINA – 3rd and 4th QUARTERS

TIFFANY HANDFIELD – Employee of both Quarters

You work excellent and professionally with the team as well as our clients. You handle many tasks and challenges without hesitation and is never afraid to seek assistance and put into practice the new knowledge obtained-an quality which is very critical in our industry. Congratulations to 3-time employee of the quarter winner Tiffany Handfield!!

AMBERGRIS CAY – 4th QUARTER HONOUREES

CAROLEAN PADUA – Resort/Hotel Shining Star

Dependable, organised, always sincere and very professional. Positive attitude, respectful and doesn’t shy away from new duties. A brilliant career ahead of her in the industry. Congratulations Carolean!

SHAUN AUSTIN -Supervisor of the Quarter

Your knowledge, skills willingness to help others and your dedication has positively impacted the entire team. You are a true champion with a tireless commitment to serving guests, owners and colleagues. Congratulations Shaun! Well done!

CARMEN SMITH-Employee of the Quarter

Ambergris Cay Staff

A great leader, caring employee and colleague, warm heart and great sense of honour. A dedicated employee who works hard every single day to ensure guests’ needs are met. Congratulations Carmen! Thank you!

CLAUDE AGENOR – Heart of Hospitality

Goes beyond what is expected of him, great attendance and always strives to be accurate and detailed. Congratulations to Claude!

FRANCISCO HODGE– Manager of the Quarter

An incredible work ethic and never misses work! Kind, courteous and a team player. A walking billboard for Ambergris Cay and the Turks and Caicos Collection. Don’t change Francisco. Congratulations! Thank you.

TCC MOST MENTIONED EMPLOYEE (TripAdvisor)

PEJOE CESAIRE

With over 50 mentions during January to December 2018 this employee was most deserving of this award. Some of the comments guests made were:

“You always had a smile and understood our jokes.” “You did an amazing job taking care of us, you were the friendliest staff.” “Special shout out to our favourite person, you were fantastic. Your upbeat personality shone and you were always making sure my father in law was taken care of.” “You are super fun and the kids thought it was great when you jumped in the pool fully clothed to help with the volleyball game. Thanks to you we will be back!” “Ask for him, he is the best!”

Let’s hear it for Pejoe Cesaire of the Alexandra Resort the most mentioned employee for 2018.

The winner of this award is selected based on the number of positive mentions received from guests on TripAdvisor. The winner of the award with receive a certificate, round trip ticket for two (2) to New York and cash prize.

Release: Peak Consulting Ltd.

News

Durliat Delivers Bronze as TCI Swim Team Earns Hero’s Welcome

Published

6 days ago

April 14, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TCI SPORTS COMMISSION

Turks and Caicos, April 14, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands is celebrating a proud moment in aquatics, led by standout swimmer Luc Durliat, who secured the country’s lone medal at the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Martinique.

Durliat captured bronze in the Boys 11–12 200m Butterfly, clocking an impressive 2:39.33 after advancing through multiple rounds, showcasing both endurance and composure in the pool. His performance stood out in a highly competitive field and signaled growing strength in the territory’s aquatics programme.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Swimming Federation praised the young athlete’s achievement, stating:

“Congratulations to Luc Durliat on winning bronze in the Boys 11–12 200m Butterfly at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026, proudly representing the Turks and Caicos Islands National Team. Your hard work, determination, and strong performance in the pool have made Turks and Caicos proud.”

Durliat’s medal came amid a broader showing of progress by Team TCI, with several swimmers delivering personal best performances throughout the competition. Among them were Isaac Farley, Anaiah Alleyne, Kian Jules, Ezekiel Martin and Rishith Gururaja, all of whom posted significant improvements, underscoring the team’s upward trajectory.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Rachel Marshall Taylor also commended the team’s efforts, highlighting Durliat’s resilience and the wider gains in the sport.

“In the pool, Luc Durliat showcased resilience and competitive spirit, earning a bronze medal in the 200m Butterfly… His performance stands as a testament to the growth and promise of aquatics in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said.

The team returned home to a celebratory reception organized by the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission, beginning with an airport welcome at the Providenciales International Airport, followed by a motorcade and press conference.

The homecoming not only honored Durliat’s podium finish but also recognized a team that continues to build momentum on the regional stage—proving that while the medal count may be small, the impact is growing.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted at Caicos Lodge

Published

6 days ago

April 14, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 14 April 2026 —The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60802/49 and 60802/65, located in the Caicos Lodge area.

The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the TCI Border Force, Pelican Energy TCI, and DevCon Power Supply. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.

The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. A total of fifty (50) unauthorized structures were removed during the exercise.

Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcels on December 11 2024, identifying unauthorized structures in illegal occupation. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on March 26 2026, which clearly advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided a 14-day period to remove the structures voluntarily. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.

The Government wishes to emphasize that the structures removed were unauthorized developments, constructed without the required planning approvals and in breach of established building and land use regulations.

Planning regulations exist to ensure that all developments meet minimum standards for safety and structural integrity. Unauthorized settlements, regardless of appearance, often lack these safeguards and can pose serious risks to occupants and the wider community.

The enforcement of these regulations is therefore not only a legal obligation, but a necessary measure to protect lives, property, and public health.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government remains fully aware of the housing challenges currently facing the country. However, unlawful development cannot be allowed to proliferate in a manner that compromises safety, undermines planning systems, and infringes on property rights.

All persons undertaking construction or occupation of land must do so in accordance with the law, including obtaining the necessary planning approvals.

The Government will continue to work collaboratively across agencies to:

Uphold planning and development regulations
Protect private and public lands
Prevent the expansion of unsafe and informal settlements
Advance long-term solutions for sustainable community development

This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.

News

What Planning Board Meeting Exposes about Housing Development in Providenciales

Published

6 days ago

April 14, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, April 14, 2026 – Planning data from the March 31, 2026 Physical Planning Board meeting points to a clear and consequential trend in Providenciales: a steady rise in approvals for multi-unit residential developments, reflecting growing demand for rental housing on the island.

Applications reviewed at the meeting include apartment buildings ranging from small two-unit structures to larger developments with up to 15 units, along with extensions to existing buildings to add additional floors and living space. The pattern is consistent across multiple submissions—developers are no longer focusing primarily on single-family homes, but instead are maximizing land use to accommodate more residents per parcel.

This shift signals more than just a change in construction style; it reflects mounting pressure within the housing market. Providenciales has been experiencing sustained population growth, driven by economic opportunity, migration and labour demand, all of which are placing strain on available housing stock. As a result, rental inventory has tightened, with many residents facing limited options and rising costs.

In that context, the Planning Board’s approvals suggest that the market is responding—perhaps not through a coordinated housing policy, but through private development adapting to demand. Multi-unit dwellings, apartment complexes and building expansions are emerging as practical solutions to increase housing availability in a setting where land is finite and demand continues to climb.

At the same time, the data reveals that not all proposed developments are moving forward without delay. Several applications, including larger-scale residential projects, were deferred, indicating that regulatory review remains active and that some proposals require further scrutiny or modification before approval. This points to a balancing act between facilitating growth and maintaining planning standards.

What emerges from the meeting is a picture of an island adjusting in real time. Housing development is becoming denser, more vertical and more responsive to immediate needs, as opposed to long-term master planning.

For residents, the implications are significant. Increased rental units could help ease the current shortage, but questions remain about affordability, infrastructure capacity and whether the pace of development can keep up with demand.

In the end, the Planning Board data offers a grounded look at how Providenciales is evolving—not through announcements, but through approvals that reveal where the pressure truly lies.

Beyond housing, the meeting also revealed a mix of supporting and stalled developments shaping the wider growth picture. Among the notable approvals were a warehouse and distribution centre, pointing to expanding commercial and logistics needs, and a boat ramp in Providenciales, signalling continued investment in marine access infrastructure.

At the same time, several applications were deferred, including proposals for solar farms and larger-scale residential developments, suggesting that while demand is strong, not all projects are advancing at the same pace. The combination of approvals and deferrals highlights a development environment that is active but still navigating regulatory checks, infrastructure readiness and planning requirements.

The 786th Ordinary Meeting of the Physical Planning Board was held on March 31, 2026, in Providenciales, with participation both in person and via video conference. Acting Chairman Trent Dickenson presided over the session, joined by members Dondre Brooks and Terrell Gardiner, along with ex-officio members Dainer Lightbourne from Planning and Jamall Blair from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources. Supporting the Board were key technical staff, including Deputy Director of Planning Toriano Williams, Assistant Director and Secretary Reginald Charles, and Land Use Planner Britney Simmons, reflecting a full complement of planning and environmental oversight at the sitting.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.