TCI News
Sandals Foundation Spread Christmas Cheer in Grand Turk
Providenciales, 21 December, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Sandals Foundation-the charitable arm of the Sandals & Beaches brands- partnered with interCaribbeanAirways recently to bring over 800 pounds of toys and gifts to the children of Grand Turk spreading Christmas joy to over 500 students.
The gifts were donated by the Sandals Foundation in collaboration with Hasbro- an American based toy and board games Company-as part of the foundation’s annual Christmas treats to local schools and commitment to more outreach in the family islands.
The donation marks Sandals Foundation’s second collaboration with interCaribbean Airways as the airline sponsored airfare for Sandals Foundation representatives to travel from Providenciales to Grand Turk and waived all fees for transporting the toys.
Jamie McAnally, General Manager Beaches Turks and Caicos noted, “We always look forward to our annual Christmas Treat and this year our resort and philanthropic arm aimed to reach children of Grand Turk as we expand our outreach to the neighboring islands. I am proud of the work that our foundation is doing in impacting lives throughout the Turks and Caicos and this latest donation is evident of our commitment to the children who are the future of these islands.
Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways noted “At interCaribbean we are committed to supporting the communities in the countries we serve and it is part of our social responsibility as the flagship airline of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a privilege for us to support children and that is why we have joined with the Sandals Foundation bringing nearly 800 pounds of toys at this special time of the year and hope The Sandals Foundation led initiative brings joy to our school-age children in the Turks and Caicos Islands”
Gwenn Harvey, Principal of the Ona Glinton Primary School commended both companies for their donation to the school; “we are extremely grateful to the Sandals Foundation and interCaribbean Airways for their donation of Christmas toys to the children of Ona Glinton Primary School. Sandals Foundation has been very supportive of our school and we commend their efforts to support education and the growth and development of our children.”
Juliet Thelwell, principal of Eliza Simmons Primary School thanked the Sandals Foundation and interCaribbean Airways for the donations to both schools noting that “the gifts will help to spark the Christmas joy in the hearts of our children this year.”
Last week, Sandals Foundation donated toys to students of the Ianthe Pratt Primary School. Over 200 children were invited to the resort to take part in the annual Christmas treat which included art and craft activities with travel agents of the STAR Awards and donated toys from Sandals Foundation and Hasbro.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation says the annual event has been a success thanks to the continued support of committed partners.
“Every year we are incredibly grateful to our partners, guests and team members who volunteer their time to wrap gifts, prepare meals and coordinate one of a kind events for the children. It is truly through this sustained support that make our work to improve the lives of the Caribbean children and people possible.”
As the foundation closes another year, Clarke extended holiday greetings to the Turks and Caicos Islands and noted that the foundation will continue to support education, environment and community development initiatives.
Sandals Foundation
The Sandals Foundation is a non-profit organization launched in March 2009 to help Sandals Resorts International continue to make a difference in the Caribbean. All costs associated with administration and management is supported by Sandals International so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly towards funding impactful and meaningful initiatives within the key areas of Education, Community and Environment.
Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (a syllabic abbreviation of its original name, Hassenfeld Brothers) is an American worldwide toy and board game company. It is the largest toy maker in the world in terms of stock market value, and third largest with revenues of approximately $5.12 billion.[2] Hasbro owns the trademarks and products of Kenner, Parker Brothers, and Milton Bradley, among others. Among its products are Transformers, G.I. Joe, Power Rangers, Rom, Micronauts, M.A.S.K., Monopoly, Furby, Nerf, Twister, and My Little Pony. The Hasbro brand also spawned TV shows to promote its products, such as Family Game Night on the Discovery Family network, a joint venture with Discovery, Inc. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The majority of its products are manufactured in East Asia.
interCaribbean Airways
interCaribbean Airways, Ltd.[1] (formerly known as Air Turks & Caicos) is a passenger airline based in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The airline offers scheduled domestic and regional services from its hub at Providenciales, Turks & Caicos and Tortola, British Virgin Islands, to multiple destinations in Antigua, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. interCaribbean Airways also operates domestic flights in Jamaica between Kingston and Montego Bay, the first non-Jamaican airline in over 50 years of Jamaica independence to be given such route rights. The company provides charter flights as well.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently welcomed 35 students from Clement Howell High
School’s Social and Environmental Arts Club for an immersive educational tour showcasing the resort’s sustainable waste management and composting systems, including grey water recycling.
The visit was part of BTC’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Students explored the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including how kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost to support the property’s vibrant gardens.
Gerry Harris, 15, said the experience was eye-opening. “It showed me how simple but effective waste disposal can be—even at home. Seeing it first-hand made a big difference.”
17-year-old Onerce Oriol, who aspires to be a construction engineer, was especially drawn to the composting demonstration. “It was exciting to learn how common kitchen scraps can enrich the soil. I never realized how waste could be reused in such a beneficial way.”
The interactive, hour-long tour gave students a chance to engage in the process directly, enhancing their understanding through hands-on learning.
“This was a very informative experience,” said Robert Toby Grant, creative environmentalist and teacher at Clement Howell High. “Our
students gained practical knowledge of BTC’s sustainability efforts and how they can apply these practices in their own lives.”
Jamie McAnally, managing director at Beaches Turks & Caicos, emphasized the value of community partnerships, “engaging students is key. One inspired student can influence an entire household, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and ultimately, the island.”
BTC continues to champion environmental stewardship across Turks & Caicos, partnering with schools, government agencies and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. One standout collaboration is with the Edward Garland Youth Centre, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the resort into eco-art and garden installations.
Beaches Turks & Caicos is proud to support initiatives that build a greener future for the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Shore Club once again set the stage for one of the destination’s most anticipated
culinary events, the annual Taste of Tapas, hosted by the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). The evening brought together 15 of the country’s finest restaurants for a night of culinary creativity, collaboration, and cause – all in support of the association’s Hospitality Adventure programs and National Culinary Team.
Guests were treated to a diverse array of bite-sized culinary masterpieces, each representing the signature style and flavours of the participating restaurants. This year’s lineup featured:
Beaches Turks & Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, Indigo, LUA Restaurant, Parallel 23, Rock House, Seven Stars Resort, Sui-Ren, TCI Culinary Ambassadors, The Del Mar, The Ritz-Carlton TCI, The Source, Point Grace, and Provo Caribbean Cafe.
The welcome drink was graciously sponsored by Java Island, setting the tone for an evening of elegance and island flair.
In addition to the culinary showcase, attendees had the opportunity to bid on a host of luxury experiences and items during the silent auction, thanks to generous contributions from: Beaches Resort Villages & Spa, Pine Cay, The Ritz-Carlton, Point Grace, COMO Parrot Cay, The Shore Club, Grace Bay Club, South Bank, The Ital Lifestyle, and VIP Flyer’s Club.
TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, reflected on the evening’s impact, stating: “Taste of Tapas is a beautiful representation of what makes this industry so special – the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and giving back. The funds raised will go directly into programs that empower our local talent and elevate our destination’s culinary service standard.”
The evening also served as the perfect platform to announce the TCHTA Pop-Up Series, a new fundraising initiative that will replace the
former annual Golf Scramble. First up is a Canadian-Inspired Dinner, set for June 26th, 2025 at The Farm at Seven Stars Resort, featuring Executive Chef Craig Nazareth of Beaches Turks and Caicos.
This dinner is a celebration of culture through cuisine,” said Chef Nazareth. “I’m excited not only to bring a taste of Canada to the islands, but also to once again work alongside Executive Chef Edwin Gallardo as we prepare the National Culinary Team to go head-to-head with the region at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in Florida later this year.” The team’s feeder program, the Hospitality Adventure Summer Camps, are just around the corner with registration open for the following programs:
- Junior Lit’l Chef: July 7–11
- Spa Adventure: July 14–18
- Lit’l Chef: July 21–26
Back on the TCHTA’s calendar is the thrilling TCHTA Cocktail Competition, traditionally used to select the successful Bartender to join the national competition team.
The TCHTA thanks members, sponsors, and supporters as the organization maintains its commitment to cultivating talent and crafting world-class experiences for the destination.
Registration for the Summer Camps can be accessed here: https://www.tcihospitalityadventure.com/. Follow the TCHTA’s social media pages for updates on the Pop-Up Series and future events.
-
Education7 days agoHJ Robinson’s Daysha Andrews to Represent Turks and Caicos in International Letter-Writing Competition
-
News1 week agoTCI Former Leaders Reject Governor’s Move to Grant Islander Status to 49 Expatriates
-
Caribbean News7 days agoPorts Authority Attends Prestigious Caribbean Port Management Meeting
-
Health7 days agoTCI Ministry of Health Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Variant NB.1.8.1 and Reminds Public of Preventive Measures
-
News5 days agoPremier Misick and Ministers ‘adamantly opposed’ 49 grants – Governor’s approval sparks outrage
-
Bahamas News5 days agoThe Government Signs Power Purchase Agreements to Help Transform Power Generation Across the Family Islands
-
News3 days agoBahamas Offers Condolences After Deadly Air India Crash as Sole Survivor Speaks Out
-
Bahamas News7 days agoBahamas PM Declares National Ocean Protection Week as Our Islands, Our Future Heads to Oceans Conference