TCI News

Turks and Caicos Collection Staff Awards

Published

5 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

The Turks and Caicos Islands Record Growth in Air and Cruise Arrivals in first four months of 2024

Published

4 mins ago

May 20, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 20, 2024 – From January to April, the Turks and Caicos Islands saw 271,326* air arrivals, an increase of 10.46 percent over 2023 which saw 245,637 arrivals in the corresponding period.

The majority of air arrivals were from the United States which saw 215, 247 air passengers, with 26, 275 passengers from Canada, and 5,031 passengers from the UK and Europe.

Air Arrivals for January to April 2024. *These numbers are preliminary

The cruise sector also saw a slight increase in passengers in the first four months of 2024 with 371,857 passengers recorded in comparison to 2023 figures of 371, 392 for the same period.

April saw 29 calls to port, the highest number for the year so far, boosted in part by four Royal Caribbean sailings to the Grand Turk Cruise following their suspension of the Haiti route due to unrest there.

Cruise numbers from January to April 2024. *These numbers are preliminary

Reflecting on the air and cruise performance for the year so far, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly said she is proud that the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be a destination of choice for holiday seekers.

“The data shows that our air arrival numbers are projected to remain high through August which indicates that our tourism sector will remain buoyant all year. This is great news for the people of Turks and Caicos as we are working assiduously, through Experience Turks and Caicos to ensure that everyone benefits from the tourism industry,” she said.

Experience Turks and Caicos, the Destination Marketing and Management Organisation of the Turks and Caicos Islands, through its Community Connect Meetings, has been rolling out its plans to diversify the destination’s offerings, enhance the visitor experience and partner with stakeholders to ensure the success of the tourism sectors is enjoyed by everyone across all the islands.

The meetings have taken place so far in North and Middle Caicos.

News

Governor on Hiring Islanders for Top Spots

Published

8 mins ago

May 20, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 20, 2024 – Multiple restructuring exercises in areas of National Security and Justice have taken place since the arrival of Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor, she’s now explaining why locals weren’t chosen for certain top spots and how she’s working to make sure they are in the future.

“In terms of the commissioner post, what Edvin Martin brings is a depth of experience,” said Daniel-Selvaratnam while speaking on First Edition aired on RTC FM with Cheryl Foreman and Zhavargo Jolly. She was referring to Edvin Martin, Commissioner of Police, who was brought in from Grenada in April. Before Martin, UK officers were utilized for the top cop job for over a decade.

”It is about succession planning and how we are driving a pipeline of talent but the most important part of that is exposure,” Daniel-Selvaratnam stressed that with the rapidly changing criminal landscape experienced officers were necessary. “We want our talented individuals to go into different environments, see different contexts of policing, different experiences, and bring that back as part of their development.”

The Governor maintained that Martin could bring that experience to talented officers in the Turks and Caicos, citing his regional criminal experience as well as his experience battling guns during his time at the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit.

”He presented a depth of experience that could benefit us in terms of what we’re dealing with, so when you’ve got that depth of experience and a level of [local] talent, that could really help drive the Turks and Caicos.”

His experience with increasing efficiency and driving talent in Grenada was also a factor in his employment in the Turks and Caicos. Daniel-Selvaratnam maintained that it was now the commissioner’s responsibility to groom TC Islanders in that respect.

The governor maintained that a similar process had been undertaken in the hiring of the new Director of Public Prosecutions where she was focused on bringing in a true leader that would drive change in the judicial system.

“There’s a lot between the DPP and how they are bringing up talent- in terms of the police in case preparation so that we’re not losing cases down to technicalities; in terms of how evidence is handled- but then also working with the judiciary and the defense council so that we are not looking at delays in listings and hearings.”

The issues highlighted are well documented in the Turks and Caicos’ justice system with too few prosecutors, a backlog of cases, and evidence issues causing cases to be dropped or thrown out completely.

The man hired for that turnaround job is Phillip Bennetts KC.

“He is someone who comes from the crown prosecution service in the UK and again has done a lot in that wider criminal justice partner work to drive efficiencies and effectiveness,” Daniel-Selvaratnam said.

The governor stressed that it was her intention to have a succession plan with locals heading to top positions before the end of her two-year tenure.

News

“FENCING OF NORMAN B SAUNDERS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RESUMES”

Published

24 mins ago

May 20, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands—The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) is thrilled to announce the resumption of significant infrastructure upgrades at Norman B Saunders International Airport. Beginning today, May 14, 2024, construction will resume on the installation of perimeter fencing, marking a pivotal milestone in the ongoing capital projects aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and bolstering security measures across the islands.

The decision to embark on this critical project comes as a response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017, which resulted in the destruction of the airport’s perimeter fencing. Recognizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of passengers, staff, and airport facilities, TCIAA has expedited efforts to restore and fortify this essential infrastructure.

The installation of perimeter fencing is integral to fortifying security measures at Norman B Saunders International Airport. By erecting a robust barrier around the airport premises, TCIAA aims to deter unauthorized access, mitigate potential security threats, and safeguard the integrity of airport operations. This enhancement aligns with TCIAA’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance in airport management. The project is also critical to restoring the airport’s capacity for international commercial flight services.

“We are pleased to announce the resumption of construction on the perimeter fencing at Norman B Saunders International Airport,” stated Godfrey Smith, CEO of TCIAA. “This infrastructure upgrade represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of all airport stakeholders. By fortifying our perimeter, we reaffirm our dedication to providing a secure and seamless travel experience for passengers while maintaining regulatory compliance.”

The installation of perimeter fencing at Norman B Saunders International Airport underscores TCIAA’s proactive approach to infrastructure development and risk mitigation. Through strategic investments in airport facilities and security enhancements, TCIAA remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating the passenger experience and fostering sustainable growth in the aviation sector. Construction on the perimeter fencing is expected to be completed by August 14^th, 2024, with minimal disruption to airport operations. TCIAA extends its gratitude to passengers, airlines, and stakeholders for their cooperation and understanding during this crucial phase of infrastructure development.