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

DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.

Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.

The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.

Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.

“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”

DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.

The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.

The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.

Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.

Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.

News

Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.

The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.

Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.

“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos

Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.

Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader mission:

“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos

TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:

“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association

News

Ministry of Health Welcomes Appointment of New NHIB Chief Executive Officer and Highlights Progress of Organisational Transformation

Published

2 days ago

July 15, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 13 July 2026: The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Ralph Patrick as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB).

The appointment marks an important milestone in NHIB’s ongoing transformation journey and comes as the organisation continues to implement a broad programme of stabilisation, improvement and reform under the examination process initiated in March 2025.

Over the past twelve months, NHIB has made significant progress in strengthening its financial management, operational controls, technology infrastructure and strategic planning. Through this work, the organisation has gained greater visibility over its finances, improved reporting capabilities, enhanced cybersecurity, strengthened governance arrangements and identified opportunities to improve both healthcare outcomes and value for money.

Minister of Health, Hon. Knowles, said:

“The appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer comes at a pivotal time for NHIB. Over the past year, significant effort has been invested in stabilising the organisation, improving transparency and building the foundations for long-term sustainability. We are grateful for the dedication of the NHIB team, the Interim leadership, Board members and our advisers who have helped drive this progress. The new CEO inherits an organisation with a clearer understanding of its challenges, stronger controls, better information and a solid platform from which to drive future improvements.

The Ministry is also advancing the recruitment of additional senior leadership positions to further strengthen NHIB’s executive capacity. Building a permanent and capable leadership team will be critical to sustaining momentum, enhancing accountability and supporting the delivery of long-term organisational and service improvements.”

The newly appointed CEO will work with the Board and stakeholders to build on the progress already achieved, helping to embed sustainable improvements, strengthen organisational capability and support the delivery of NHIB’s long-term strategic objectives.

The Ministry also thanks the Interim CEO, Dr. George, and the team at NHIB for their leadership, commitment and resilience during a period of significant change and transition.