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Beaches Resorts hosted industry trailblazers at 5th Annual “Social Media on the Sand”

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5 years ago

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#Providenciales, October 24, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Last week, 100 elite digital mom bosses spent five days learning modern-day marketing secrets from some of the world’s brightest business entrepreneurs. The 5th annual “Social Media on the Sand” conference took place October 16-20, 2019, at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, and offered #BeachesMoms a first-hand look at how to sharpen their social media skills, grow their online presence and get inspired by other talented like-minded women.

Voted one of BizBash’s Most Innovative Meetings of 2018, this sold out, invitation-only event took attendees on a journey of the five senses to commemorate its 5th year through the sounds of social media success. The conference featured speeches from keynote industry innovators who shared their inspiring and educational stories on how they built their brands, as well as fireside track sessions that spotlighted topics such as learning tips on how to monetize a blog to partnering with brands to build awareness.

“Remarkable things happen when moms come together. Each year Beaches® Resorts brings a new group of outstanding people to help motivate and inspire our conference guests with their own knowledge and industry expertise,” said Debbie-Ann White, SVP, Public Relations and Promotions at Unique Vacations, Inc. “Social Media on the Sand offers a unique platform for not only professional growth, but for personal growth through sparked conversations, authentic connections and shared experiences between the modern working moms.”

THE CONFERENCE

This year, Beaches’ handpicked list of guest speakers and keynotes included three of the most accomplished modern brand builders and industry titans: Rebecca Minkoff (co-founder and creative director of the eponymous fashion powerhouse), who gave an inside look at how her business grew from the ground up; Jamie Kern Lima (co-founder of IT Cosmetics, a top-selling makeup and skincare brand), who spoke on the power of authenticity and honing in on the “why’s” behind what motivates us; and Daymond John (investor on the ABC reality television series Shark Tank), who shared his personal key lessons from social media, as well as goal setting tips to achieve your dreams.

“Equally as important as building yourself and your brand is building a group of strong team members to support you,” said Rebecca Minkoff. “We’re only human, which means we can’t be experts in everything. So, we need to take a step back and hire experts to support us in areas where we are not experts ourselves.”

“The journey that you’re on is your authenticity,” said Jamie Kern Lima. “Your community will know if you’re faking it, so it’s crucial to trust your gut and remain your authentic self along the way.”

“Don’t put anything out there if you can’t own it,” said Daymond John. “I’ve learned that due diligence starts with social media, and you need to be able to authentically own the content you’re putting out there – don’t just post something to post it, there needs to be a purpose.”

OTHER EVENTS & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

The “Social Media on the Sand” conference also featured several fun twists on networking and curated experiences to further ignite attendees’ senses. This included a Match Ups & Mimosas event, where the #BeachesMoms mixed and mingled over mimosas, complete with a scent sommelier to customize perfume inspired by tropical cocktails. Other activities included a Health and Wellness Village presented by the Red Lane® Spa, multiple Beauty & the Beach suite activities featuring Drybar styling and makeup by IT Cosmetics, and even a special concert performance by platinum-selling recording artist, Hunter Hayes. Also new to this year’s conference was a 5 Senses on the Sand pop up, which offered the perfect gram-worthy backdrops for guests to capture interactive and authentic content right on the beach, and a Silent DiscGLOW, which was a blacklight haven that offered guests a sensory overload. To top things off, #BeachesMoms and their families immersed themselves in a world of pure imagination at Willy Wonka’s Splendiferous Fun Factory on National Sweetest Day, October 19th, with everything from gumdrop trees to a scratch & sniff wall sponsored by Air Esscentials. One lucky attendee won the ultimate golden ticket – a return trip to the 6th annual “Social Media on the Sand” conference.

“SEA THE FUTURE” WITH THE SANDALS FOUNDATION

In addition to having access to the picture-perfect Instagram moments and networking opportunities to establish new genuine connections, conference attendees had the chance to learn about the Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International – and its initiatives that are near and dear to the heart of Beaches Resorts. The week kicked off with a “Sea the Future Welcome Party” presented by the Foundation, which immersed conference guests in the Sandals Foundation’s mission of making a difference in the Caribbean and celebrated the Foundation’s 10-year milestone anniversary. Not only were guests exposed to the Foundation’s mission and one of its core pillars, environmental awareness, but they were joined by award-winning NYC-based street artist Marco Santini for an interactive painting activity surrounding guests’ perceptions of the Foundation. Additionally, attendees contributed to the “Sea the Future Welcome Party” by bringing environmental-themed books to help the local children of Turks & Caicos, along with raising funds for the Foundation in a silent auction. A special, heart-warming performance by local Turks & Caicos students of Long Bay High School concluded the first night, who sang one of Hunter Hayes’ songs, “Wanted,” and were taken back when Hunter Hayes himself cheered them on in the audience – setting the tone for the surprise and delights ahead.

“At Beaches Resorts, we believe one of the ways of lending support is by educating the next generation,” added Debbie-Ann White. “We see the future and it’s crystal clear – emulating the Caribbean water surrounding us.”

ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS & EVENT PARTNERS

In addition to Adam Stewart (Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International) and Debbie-Ann White (SVP of Public Relations and Promotions of Unique Vacations, Inc.), they were joined by speakers including Shannon Levis (Facebook), Courtney Heimlich (YouTube), Landyn Hutchinson (Lifestyle Expert, Living With Landyn), Melissa Gerstein (co-founder, The MOMS Network), Meaghan Murphy (Executive Editor of Good Housekeeping), Emily Kaufman (travel writer, The Travel Mom), Audrey McClelland (co-founder, MomGenerations.com), Amy Choi (Head of Brand Partnerships, ShopStyle), Amanda Perna (seasoned fashion and textile designer, The House of Perna), Rosemarie T. Truglio (SVP of Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop), Michelle Kreher (Senior Manager of Themed Entertainment at Sesame Workshop), Ellen Heaney (Senior Brand Manager for Spin Master Games), Mykella Gannon (Marketing Director, COOLA), Julie Nowell (founder and principal of 3c Consulting), Myron Pincomb (CEO and Board Chairman of The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) and popular content creators Terrell and Jarius Joseph, April Athena, and Jessica Skube of JessFam.

Event partners included Rebecca Minkoff, Spin Master Games, Drybar, IT Cosmetics, COOLA Suncare, JetBlue, Swarovski, The House of Perna, good2grow™, Sesame Workshop, HAPARI Swimwear, Sprout®, abercrombie kids, SNUBA, Red Lane® Spa, Kim Crawford Wines, Pevonia, Air Esscentials, Sanitas, Bling2o, Playskool, The Incy Wincies, Saltability, SNUBA, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), BLVisuals, Rockabye Baby, PLAYSKOOL, SpaRitual, School Specialty™, FLOW, PADI: Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Alliance Connection Productions, Gifts for the Good Life, Florabella Studios, Kelly + Jones and The Sandals Foundation.

For more information on #SocialMediaontheSand, please visit socialmediaonthesand.com. To check out more photos from the conference, please visit the official event Pinterest board here.

Release: Sandals Resorts

Photo Caption: (Daymond John and Rebecca Minkoff following an ocean-side chat at Beaches Turks & Caicos, John Parra – Gettyimages)

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Crime challenges are “not Insurmountable” says New Police Commissioner Dana Malcolm

Published

14 hours ago

on

April 24, 2024

By

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

”At this moment I can feel the enormity of responsibility bestowed on me and the weight of accountability and expectations of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) as well as members of the wider community.”

That was the acknowledgment from Edvin Martin, new Commissioner of Police as he was sworn into his role as head of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) on Monday, April 22. 

“I also feel an unprecedented opportunity and a distinguished privilege to serve by leading the Police Force into an era of modern policing,” he maintained. 

A well-trained force that is averse to corruption and maintains the trust of the people is what Martin promised in the address that spoke to the Police, the residents and the criminals. 

Not only does the Commissioner say he understands the gravity of his role and the lofty expectations to reverse high crime which he described as a ‘tremendous mandate’, he maintains he has a good grasp of the issues plaguing the country. 

To the residents, Martin called on them and all stakeholders to form an anti-crime coalition with an all-hands-on-deck approach. 

“There should be no bystanders in addressing the carnage in our communities,” he said. 

Even as Martin listed the threats of immigration, terrorism, cybercrime, transnational organized criminal activity, and the associated gang violence, illegal firearms and drug trading, he assured: 

”I urge you listening to me today, do not despair, for while these threats may be challenging, they are not insurmountable.”

The process for tackling them will need a tightened-up RTCIPF, according to the commissioner, one that is focused, well trained and adequately resourced. 

For Martin this means the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) must retool, restructure and reengineer its responses.

In this vein the top cop spoke directly to officers during his address, maintaining that the public deserves an accountable Police Force.

“As a service organization there will be allegations that cause the public to question our integrity; we must seek out and purge the organization of any semblance of bias, corruption and malfeasance,” he said. 

Martin maintained the top brass now has a mandate to work to ensure fairness in work and promotions.

“Anything less than this will be an injustice— we must do everything possible to inspire confidence in our force and improve our legitimacy as gatekeepers of law and order,” said the new Commissioner. 

As part of the crime fighting plan several immediate actions are to be taken:

  • The immediate and aggressive addressing of the spate violent crimes 
  • Collaborating with stakeholders to address safety challenges in the tourism industry
  • Redefining the Police Force image to become the pride of the TCI
  • Greater technological innovation
  • Restructure the force to better align with contemporaries 
  • Frequent Town Hall meetings
  • Increased safety at police stations. 

Martin had words for the mayhem causers and their ‘glaring disregard for human life and safety’ too. 

”Under my watch I can assure you that the RTCIPF will not sit idly by and observe this unrelenting rampage and havoc. Today I call on you to put down your weapons of destruction and change your criminal ways,” he said. 

Martin, who recently retired as Grenadian PC is credited with being lead of his home force for five years, serving a total 37 years before bowing out and moving on to head the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit. 

Only months into that CARICOM job, Edvin Martin was approved and announced as police commissioner designate for the Turks and Caicos Islands, succeeding Trevor Botting. 

“My first order of business ladies and gentlemen, this morning, is to give a special thanks to God, as He directs my path in every single thing that I do. I am grateful for His blessings and His guidance,” started Mr Martin when delivering his inaugural remarks at the outdoor ceremony. 

The acknowledgment of God was a distinctive moment that many are hoping will auger well for the mission of newly installed policing leader for the TCI. Soon after his bold remarks, Martin, with his wife looking on from the audience took the oath of office and oath of allegiance in a live streamed event. 

Also giving remarks at the swearing-in ceremony staged at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex were Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, TCI Governor and Washington Misick, TCI Premier.

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TCI News

Sonia Fulford unveiled as Flow Brand Ambassador

Published

14 hours ago

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April 24, 2024

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS, APRIL 24th, 2024 – Flow Turks and Caicos, leading telecommunications provider, is excited to announce its latest endorsement of daughter of the soil and TCI’s most formidable local and international female sports administration icon, Sonia Fulford. She also serves as President of TCI Football Association (TCIFA), Female Member of the Concacaf Council, and Member on the FIFA Council, within the highest ranks of football governing worldwide.

FLOW TCI Country Manager, Joanne Missick shared: “Sonia’s journey continues to inspire women such as myself leading in male dominated industries, and she continues to make our country proud both on and off the global stage. It is with great pleasure that we welcome her to the Fibre Federation, as our brand ambassador, and we look forward to the many positive outcomes this partnership will reap for our brand and for Flow customers around the Turks and Caicos in the very near future.”

Sonia, a native of the Nation’s Capital of Grand Turk embarked on her career as a multi-sport athlete for TCI, which included a long tenure as Captain of the TCI National Women’s Football Team. After a successful 14-year career in the legal field, she made a significant career shift, joining the TCIFA as General Secretary in 2006 – a decision that would lead to her becoming a sports administration icon and global ambassador for football, championing the cause of girls and women around the globe, in addition to, women in sports.

During her tenure within the FA, Sonia, a decorated leader with a plethora of local and international accolades, ascended the ranks to become the President of the FA. However, the most noteworthy appointment of her career to date, was reached in May 2013, when she etched her name into the history books as one of the first Female Member representatives to be elected to the prestigious FIFA Council, a testament of her unwavering dedication and leadership.

“I am thrilled to be aligning my brand with a company that has been an integral part of the Turks and Caicos Islands for more than 125 years. Flow/C&W TCI’s mission to empower and provide opportunities to young people in the local community and region through education and sports resonates deeply with my personal mission. Therefore, I am happy to announce today that I will be joining the Fibre Federation, Flow Turks and Caicos”, declares Sonia Fulford, Flow TCI’s newest brand ambassador and TCIFA President.

Follow Flow TCI on Facebook & Instagram for the last updates on this partnership and for more exciting announcements.

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Crime

Following Court ruling, US Embassy Doubles Down on Warning: DO NOT TRAVEL TO TCI WITH GUNS, AMMO

Published

15 hours ago

on

April 24, 2024

By

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Dozens of news reports are all over TV and the internet, scarring the Turks and Caicos’ reputation yet again. This time linked to what Americans view as the preposterous law, which would, without chance for legal argument, throw a tourist into prison for 12 years.  It is a mandatory conviction law on the books for possession of unlicensed guns or ammunition, and which just heard from the Court of Appeal that there ought to be no exceptions, whether it is one bullet or one gun, whether it is a tourist or a woman.

But what policymakers in various submissions in the House of Assembly back in October thought would return a win or opportunity for leniency to be injected as part of a legal defense has backfired.  Now, unequivocally, the high court has ruled that the law gives no leeway.  Anyone found with an unlicensed gun or ammunition must face what the law says is the penalty: not a fine, no reduced prison time, no exoneration, but 12 years mandatory in His Majesty’s Prison.

Now the US Embassy is doubling down on its message to travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Do not travel with your legal gun and ammunition from the US to the islands. Do not, because in the islands, your right to carry arms is not automatic, and if you are caught, you will face severe punishment, and there is nothing the US government can do about it.  There are several tourists charged and awaiting a ruling in their cases.  There is also a Grand Turk businesswoman who was arrested for a single bullet in her luggage.  While all of these matters are shocking and drawing public calls for leniency, as far as the law goes, everyone charged under it is headed to prison for 12 years.

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