Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 19, 2025 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency (Invest TCI) proudly hosted its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton, Turks and Caicos, marking a historic milestone, under the theme ‘ Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Impact’.

The celebratory event brought together government officials, investors, developers, business leaders, and community stakeholders as the agency reflected on ten years of strategic growth and outlined its vision for the next decade.

The meeting was called to order by Chairlady, Ms. Cindy Ewing, who welcomed the full house with energy and gratitude. She acknowledged the partnerships which have fuelled Invest TCI’s success over its first ten years. In her remarks, she stated, ‘This agency was created with a clear purpose, to attract sustainable investment that would strengthen our economy and open new doors for our people’.

The evening continued with a powerful address from Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick, emphasizing the role of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development as cornerstones of the country’s future. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, community-driven infrastructure, and balanced growth. Building on that vision, Her Excellency, Acting Governor Anya Williams reflected on how the landscape has shifted from TCI once seeking foreign investors to now being actively pursued. She emphasized that with this new dynamic, growth must remain sustainable, protect the environment, and deliver lasting benefits for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Delivering the agency’s annual performance report, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove outlined achievements during the 2024–2025 financial year. These included the first Youth Business Summit, the opening of a new office in Grand Turk, the launch of the Community Pop-Up Series, the approval of the Heritage Turks and Caicos Islander Investment Policy, and advancement of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy. She also reflected on a decade of accomplishments, noting how Invest TCI has expanded its reach, strengthened its impact, and positioned the islands for greater opportunity.

A Ten Years in Review video presentation followed, sparking applause and pride as it highlighted milestones in national development. The film set the stage for an invigorating panel discussion under the theme “The Next Horizon: Catalyzing Economic Development through Investment,” moderated by financial expert Mr. Drexwell Seymour.

The panel featured an extraordinary lineup: Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, former Premiers Hon. Galmo Williams and Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove, and youth leader Ms. Arielle Neely. The discussion highlighted not only the perspectives of national leaders but also the entrepreneurial achievements of the former Premiers, both of whom have successfully built businesses that continue to contribute to the Turks and Caicos economy. The presence of three seasoned leaders alongside Invest TCI’s chief executive and a dynamic youth voice captivated the audience, underscoring both the depth of experience and the promise of the next generation.

The discussion was focused on how investment can power sustainable growth and resilience in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Key themes included sustainable development, innovation and technology, local business competitiveness, youth integration, and public-private collaboration. Panelists emphasized the need for robust legislative frameworks and compliance, while highlighting human capital development as the cornerstone of future progress. Ms. Neely added a compelling youth perspective, calling for measurable inclusion through Youth Impact data and innovative financing models to ensure young people are active stakeholders in shaping the economy.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Invest TCI also launched the Inaugural Developer Awards, created to recognize developers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive, responsible, and impactful development. The awards spotlighted projects that extended beyond commercial success to deliver meaningful community value.

Two award categories were introduced:

• Sustainability Trailblazer: Recognizing developers who lead in building sustainable legacies through infrastructure, cultural preservation, and enduring community partnerships.
• Community Impact Award: Honouring developers who have made the most visible social contributions through job creation, training, community programs, and philanthropy.

Submissions showcased initiatives such as recycling and composting programs, eliminating single-use plastics, landscaping with indigenous vegetation, and investments in renewable energy. Many also reflected consistent support for local charities, reinforcing the vision of development that uplifts both the economy and the community.

Nominees included The Hartling Group, Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos), Grace Bay Resorts, Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd., and JEM TCI Holdings Ltd. (Salterra Resort & Spa). Grace Bay Resorts received the Sustainability Trailblazer Award, while Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos) was honoured with the Community Impact Award.

Other memorable moments of the evening included two luxury raffle draws and a special recognition presented to Ms. Sheryl McLaughlin for five years of dedicated service to the agency.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from Deputy Chair Mr. Walter Gardiner, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and extended appreciation to the organizers for delivering a successful and memorable celebration.

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Providenciales will come alive this September as the Hair Evolution International Beauty Education Expo & Hair Show takes center stage for two days of creativity, culture, and community impact. Hosted by New Light Entertainment, the highly anticipated event runs from September 26–27, 2025, blending artistry with empowerment while spotlighting some of the region’s brightest talents and industry pioneers.

Day One, set for Friday, September 26 at Graceway Sports Centre, will feature the International Beauty Education Expo, an immersive program dedicated to skill-building and professional growth. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can take part in live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions led by international experts. Highlights include the discussion “Where Style Meets Strategy: Elevating Beauty, Business & Wellbeing” featuring renowned panelists such as dermatologist Dr. Marsha Barnett, cosmetologist and educator Dr. Kym Stubbs, Jamaica International Beauty Expo founder Suzette Brown, Toronto-based event producer Keisha Pinto, and educator Orica Smart. Celebrity stylists will also lead specialized trade classes, including a wig installation masterclass taught by Sophia Kay.

The Expo’s mission goes beyond beauty. It provides networking opportunities, showcases local and international vendors, and connects aspiring professionals—particularly youth—with career pathways in the creative industry. Part proceeds will benefit the Cancer Society of the Turks and Caicos Islands, ensuring that the event makes a lasting impact both inside and outside the beauty arena.

On Saturday, September 27, the spotlight shifts to Brayton Hall for the dazzling Main Stage Hair & Fashion Showcases. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the night promises high-energy runway performances, fantasy hair creations, cutting-edge barbering, and striking fashion presentations. Local and international talents will converge, blending artistry with entertainment for an unforgettable show.

The evening will also honor trailblazers who have made extraordinary contributions to the beauty industry. This year’s Hair Evolution Honourees include:

• Commenci Duncan-Hanfield, recipient of the Legacy in Beauty & Community Impact Award, recognized for her lasting influence and service.
• Camille Swann, awarded the Beauty & Influence Trailblazer Award, celebrating her innovative leadership and impact on the industry.
• Fior Rivas, recipient of the Outstanding Service & Industry Impact Award, for her dedication to advancing the beauty profession.
• Dr. Kym Stubbs, honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Beauty & Education Award, for decades of excellence as a cosmetologist and educator.
• Kareem Higgs, receiving the Barbering Legacy & Trailblazer Award, recognizing his contributions to elevating barbering within the community.

Founder and Executive Director Natasha Bien-Aimé expressed her excitement about the show’s return, emphasizing its role as more than entertainment. “Hair Evolution is about celebrating artistry, but also about education, empowerment, and building opportunities for the next generation,” she said.

With its dynamic blend of education, fashion, and recognition, Hair Evolution 2025 promises to inspire, entertain, and uplift. Tickets are available now, with limited space for attendees eager to witness the Caribbean’s premier beauty showcase.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Are leaders born or are they made? At Beaches Turks and Caicos, the answer is clear – leaders are developed through deliberate investment, mentorship and opportunity. The resort, recognized as the Caribbean’s premier all-inclusive family destination, has long been committed to hiring locally and cultivating the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The resort’s people-first approach ensures that leadership is not just a title but a culture grounded in growth, training and empowerment. To achieve this, Beaches Turks and Caicos employs a multi-faceted strategy to develop its workforce, creating pathways from entry-level positions to senior management.

One of the key drivers of this vision is the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) which offers industry-recognized certification courses across various hospitality disciplines. These courses, provided free of charge, enable team members to gain academic and professional credentials that enhance both their career mobility and their confidence.

Sandals Corporate University also partners with regional and international universities to provide team members with access to academic advancement and exchange opportunities. Through these partnerships, team members can pursue further studies while they apply their knowledge within a world-class resort environment.

Within the resort itself, the learning and development department plays an important role in day-to-day training. Led by Learning and Development Manager Phildreka Mayham, the department conducts workshops on transformational leadership, customer service excellence, financial literacy and brand management. This ensures that employees are not only technically skilled but also prepared for personal growth and leadership roles.

Another avenue for development is the Management Training Programme where rising leaders are cross-trained in multiple departments and resorts across the Sandals and Beaches chain. This gives them hands-on exposure to different leadership styles and operational strategies, while they build their confidence to lead in diverse environments.

In addition, the resort encourages job shadowing which allows aspiring leaders to learn directly from experienced managers across various fields. This real-time mentorship has proven invaluable, particularly for individuals transitioning from entry-level roles into supervisory and management positions.

Managing Director James McAnally highlighted the resort’s commitment to developing local leaders, “behind every successful organization are exceptional leaders. At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we believe in creating those leaders by providing our people with the tools, training and opportunities to grow. Many of our managers began their journey in entry-level roles and have risen through hard work and mentorship. That is a legacy we are proud to continue.”

A living example of this is Tanya Swann, who rose from director of sales, groups and conventions, to her current role as executive assistant manager. With over two decades of experience across multiple departments, Swann credits her growth to the mentorship, training and opportunities offered by Beaches.

“My journey has been nothing short of dynamic. I have been privileged to serve in many areas, supported by excellent training and leadership. Each role prepared me for the next. The experiences I’ve gained at Beaches have equipped me not just to succeed personally but to mentor others stepping into leadership roles.”

For Beaches Turks and Caicos, leadership development is more than a corporate initiative; it is a commitment to the community. The resort equips local talent with skills, credentials and real-world leadership experience to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islanders are at the forefront of the country’s growing hospitality industry.

As the resort continues to expand, Beaches Turks and Caicos remains resolute in its mission to invest in people, elevate local talent and create leaders whose impact will extend far beyond the resort’s walls.