The Sandals Corporate University (SCU) continues to strengthen its reach and impact in the Caribbean and, in doing so, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC). This twoyear agreement will assist the TCICC in strengthening its Hospitality and Tourism programme to build local capacity and develop leadership in the industry from within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The MoU signing is the second of its kind for the SCU in the region, following a recent agreement with the UWI Global Campus. Held at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the ceremony was attended by the Premier of Turks and Caicos, the Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management, the Hon. Josephine Connolly, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, President/CEO of TCICC, Dr. Candice Williams along with other dignitaries and leaders from both SCU and TCICC.

In his keynote address, Honourable Misick articulated the vision behind the partnership between the two entities. “The partnership between Sandals Corporate University and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College was conceived with the vision of strengthening the local workforce. In under four months, we’ve made remarkable progress. By elevating educational standards and creating job opportunities, we’re not just enhancing the Human Development Index (HDI) for the Turks and Caicos; we’re building a more efficient economy.

“As we embark on this partnership with Sandals Corporate University, we recognise its transformative potential for our students and our country. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise, we will enhance the quality of education and training and create pathways for our students to excel in their careers and become leaders in the industry,” noted Dr. Candice Williams.

In his remarks, Mr. Stewart affirmed the significant role of Sandals Corporate University (SCU) in the region, encouraging team members to embrace it as a catalyst for personal growth and self-improvement. He also commended the partnership with SCU and TCICC, noting “SCU’s commitment to providing internships annually is just a fraction of the exciting opportunities available through this collaboration.”

Honourable Taylor praised the partnership, adding that it represents “a visionary initiative aimed at harnessing our collective strengths to bolster a sector that is vital to our economy. As we formalise this agreement today, we are planting seeds for a future that holds unparalleled opportunities for our students, educators, and the hospitality industry at large.”

The SCU will also work with the TCICC to identify subject matter experts from Sandals and Beaches Resorts who will be willing to give guest lectures, provide input into the curriculum being developed for the TCICC’s Hospitality and Tourism Management programmes and provide opportunities to promote enrolment of Sandals and Beaches team members in relevant programmes offered at the TCICC.

Additionally, the SCU will endeavour to facilitate the placement of up to 100 interns from TCICC within Sandals and Beaches Resorts per year for work experience and a formal Internship programme for students at various levels. Lastly, the SCU will, where possible, provide the opportunity for TCICC students’ international certifications through their partnerships with accrediting bodies in all aspects of hospitality management and technical related areas

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

Police have responded, succinct and to the point, to an explosive letter penned by an anonymous writer claiming to be an officer, alleging corruption.

“The RTCIPF is aware of the anonymous letter in circulation,” they confirmed after Magnetic Media queries, Denyse Renne, Media Relations Officer told us the only response the police would be making had already been delivered in the swearing in ceremony of Edvin Martin, Police Commissioner, by the man himself.

Remarks included ; “The public deserves an accountable police force, a police force that is professional and responsive to the needs of its citizens. One that is trusted and has the support of the people it serves. In this context, as a service organisation, and with any such organisation, there will be allegations which cause the public to question our integrity. As law enforcers, we must seek out and purge the organization of any semblance of bias, corruption, and malfeasance. It cannot be a case of doing as I say and not as I do. Simultaneously, at the Executive level, we must address the issues that negatively impact morale and motivation – particularly ensuring fairness and impartiality in providing opportunities and ensuring the best candidates are promoted to ensure continuity and succession planning,” Martin said.

The remarks, though they came before the anonymous letter, are particularly poignant when taken in context of the complaints fielded by the individual claiming to be an officer.

“In order for us to create safe and wonderful communities there must be an internal clean up,” said the letter from the Police Commissioner.

“For years hardworking police officers were treated unfairly , with injustice and their careers crippled at the hands of the executive team while all of their friends benefit from promotions, training, conferences and are placed in areas of the force to work where they cannot function,” the writer claimed boldly.

In the letter observed by Magnetic Media, the writer, who could be anyone, gave not only examples of cronyism, but shared enough information with the public to directly identify those he/she is accusing;especially in the small close knit islands of the Turks and Caicos.

Upon receipt of the letter Magnetic Media had included this fact in our questions giving the force the opportunity to clarify whether the allegations were true and under investigation; or whether they were false and dispel them; protecting the reputations of those mentioned and the integrity of the force. They did not respond to this line of questioning.

Included in the allegations cited by this mystery writer are:

• Cronyism, with promotions being given to a select group of favored officers even without the requisite expertise.
• Favoritism to romantic partners resulting in promotions or changes in assignment.
• Favoritism regarding opportunities for training
• Officers facing difficulties receiving their due overtime pay
• Misconduct
• Misuse of police assets including vehicles

The alleged officer claims that these actions are directly impacting the force by grinding down officers’ morale and making them disillusioned with the force. The writer cited this as a serious concern.

“We have seen hard working police officers lose motivation, become fed up and left the police force without any care to the force executive team and the HR Department who cares not about retention of good officers,” the writer accused

As for why the individual didn’t identify themselves, this reason was shared

“There is a lack of trust with some of the members of the force executive team and we all have seen countless police officers treated unfairly and victimized for highlighting issues in the organization.”

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is asking all clients seen at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center Emergency Department on April 21, 2024, April 22, 2024, and May 3, 2024, to remain vigilant for any signs and symptoms of Measles. Any signs and symptoms noted must be reported immediately to your doctor.

As a reminder, the signs and symptoms of measles are:

• Fever
• Red rash (starts behind the ear and then spreads to the head and neck then body)
• Coryza (runny nose)
• Cough
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Body aches

Small greyish-white spots with a bluish-white center inside the mouth, cheek, and throat.

Measles is highly infectious and can be spread quickly in persons who are unvaccinated. If you think that you have been in contact with someone with symptoms of measles, please do not hesitate to see your doctor. For more information please call (649) 338-5469. For further information please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.