Connect with us

News

TCI: Restored Smith’s Reef Snorkel Trail Reopens with Welcome Renovations for Improved Marine Education, Life and Livelihoods

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, June 10, 2021 – Turks and Caicos Islands, June 9, 2021 – The breathtaking sights of the underwater ecosystems at the Smith’s Reef Snorkel Trail are all set to be explored by local communities, students, and international guests thanks to rehabilitative work funded by the Sandals Foundation to ensure the protection of the enchanting marine life, the safety of snorkelers and the sustained livelihood of those who earn a living from using the nearby boating channel.

On Tuesday June 8, in commemoration of World Oceans Day, the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources proudly reopened the more than 20 year old near shore trail after implementing upgrades valued at just under US $30,000 from the Sandals Foundation.

Restoration works included the cleaning and continued maintenance of existing snorkel trail markers, installation of beach signage and marker buoys around the snorkel site, introduction of swim zone lines outside the snorkel area to prevent snorkelers from accidentally entering the boating channel, and the provision of signs and other collateral noting guideline for reef etiquette.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation was pleased to see the reopening of the iconic site, bringing with it opportunities for sustained education and economic exploration.

“The new underwater trail signs will add to the rich educational experience of students and local community members who’ll be able to develop a deeper appreciation for and understanding of how they too can help protect the beautiful natural resources,” said Clarke.

The site’s reopening is even more significant, Clarke continued, as the theme for this year’s World Oceans Day, “Connects the importance of the Ocean to what we know all too well as Caribbean nationals – our lives and livelihoods. The marine space is part of our identity as a region and we are very happy to have this beautiful snorkel site reopened with restored amenities to not only protect the natural ecosystems that are present but also the life and livelihoods of persons who share in its resources.”

Alizee Zimmermann, Executive Director at the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund expressed gratitude to the Sandal’s Foundation for the Smith’s Reef restoration works funded.

“Smith’s Reef is an iconic off-shore snorkel site enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The restoration efforts have created a safe space for snorkelers, alerting them to where the boat channel begins through the addition of a swim zone line. Additionally, the snorkel ring itself serves to keep people off of the shallow, fragile areas of the reef, protecting our vulnerable corals all the while taking the snorkeller on an informational tour through the placement of underwater trail markers. The beach signs and waterproof but recyclable maps will make this a fun, educational and memorable experience for all.”

Turks & Caicos is home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world with more than a million travelers venturing to the island each year to explore the wonders of the marine space.

Speaking at the Trail’s brief reopening ceremony executed under strict safety protocols, General Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos, James McAnally beamed that, “As the island’s tourism industry continues its upward trajectory, the newly reopened snorkel site will be a welcome addition to marine adventure seekers.”

McAnally added, “Many guest travel here to enjoy the vibrant aquatic life and that’s why the Sandals Foundation, Turks and Caicos Reef Fund and Beaches Turks and Caicos believe this restoration project will enhance the sea life activity and options for both residents and tourists.”

Coral reefs are threatened throughout the Caribbean and the tropical Atlantic. Near shore reefs are particularly valuable assets as they allow visitors a one of a kind opportunity to easily access and learn about the wondrous ecosystem. Renovations of the Smith’s Reef Snorkel Trail began in late 2019 but had numerous setbacks due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project continues the longstanding partnership between the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund and the Sandals Foundation who have over the years implemented a number of activities towards the sustained conservation of the island’s marine spaces.

News

Password to Paradise Radio Remotes at Beaches Turks & Caicos continue to highlight the TCI as the preferred Caribbean destination  

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — For two consecutive weeks, popular on‑air personalities set up remote studios on the sands of Grace Bay, turning Beaches Turks & Caicos into a live broadcast hub for North American listeners. Morning shows and drive‑time programmes all streamed directly from the resort, with hosts sharing first‑hand impressions of the islands’ beaches, culinary scene, and signature warm hospitality.

The broadcasts formed part of the “Password to Paradise” promotion, a multi‑station campaign that invited listeners to tune in for special on‑air codes for the chance to win all‑inclusive vacations to Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. Stations in major markets across the U.S. and Canada used the resort as their backdrop while encouraging audiences to “trade the cold for Turks and Caicos,” painting vivid pictures of turquoise waters and white‑sand shores with every break.

The “Password to Paradise” mission, already a proven radio promotion format in Canada and the U.S., took on new resonance when paired with live reports from the resort itself. Contest teasers, winner announcements, and social media reels featuring guests arriving in Turks and Caicos amplified the islands’ profile well beyond traditional print or digital advertising.

Tourism officials have welcomed the radio initiative as a timely boost to an already buoyant sector. Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, emphasized the importance of partnerships that not only grow arrivals but also ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders remain the primary beneficiaries of tourism’s success.

In commenting on the recent wave of live broadcasts and contests, Minister Jolly noted, “these visiting broadcasters have showcased the islands to millions of listeners across North America and underscored the “value added” to an economy that continues to expand on the strength of tourism.” He continued, “ sustained, experience‑driven campaigns like “Password to Paradise” align with the government’s broader strategy of attracting high‑value visitors while protecting the country’s natural assets and cultural heritage.”

The Turks and Caicos tourism product is widely described as a cornerstone of the national economy, as this sector continues to grow from strength to strength it will increase the number job creation for islanders.

Additionally, tourism leaders point to the long‑tail impact of being featured repeatedly across multiple radio brands, social channels and contest sites. Each on‑air mention, online clip and contest entry serves as an invitation to discover Turks and Caicos, reinforcing the islands’ reputation as a premier Caribbean destination at a time when global competition for tourists is intense.

For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the broadcasts were another opportunity to highlight its position as one of the region’s leading family‑friendly all‑inclusive resorts. DJs and hosts shared experiences from the resort’s multiple villages, expansive pools, waterpark attractions, and dining venues, giving listeners an authentic taste of the “Luxury Included” vacation concept from a guest’s point of view.

General Manager, Deryk Meany highlighted the resort’s partnership with the radio stations as he complemented a wider pattern of media collaborations that Turks and Caicos has pursued in recent years, from television features in major U.S. markets to digital campaigns showcasing the archipelago’s diverse islands. With the success of the latest “Password to Paradise” mission, industry insiders say the stage is set for more creative broadcast partnerships that leverage the power of storytelling to keep Turks and Caicos Islands firmly on the map.

Continue Reading

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos adds four new PADI Dive Instructors to the cadre of professionals in the watersports department

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos, a PADI-certified dive resort in Providenciales, continues to invest in its watersports team by training and certifying four team members to become qualified dive instructors to its operation. The resort operates one of the most comprehensive resort diving programmes in the region, offering on-site PADI courses and daily dives for guests of varying experience levels.

These latest certifications were conducted under the supervision of PADI Course Director and Dive Shop Manager Leonard Suckrajh, who is among an elite group of PADI professionals in the Caribbean. His role as course director allows the resort to deliver instructor-level training on property, further elevating the standard of safety, education and guest experience at the resort’s dive centre.

Suckrajh expressed his satisfaction with the commitment and professionalism demonstrated by the four new instructors, Almina Browne, Cicely Clarke, Andrew Dunkley and Boat Captain Tryston Sang throughout their training and assessment. “I am extremely proud of them,” he said. “They have invested significant time and effort in developing their technical competence and instructional skills and their achievement reflects a deep commitment to delivering safe, high-quality dive experiences for our guests.”

He noted that their performance reflects a strong culture of excellence within the watersports department and aligns with the resort’s long-standing emphasis on safety and training. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, our objective is not only to train divers, but to develop highly responsible professionals who understand that every dive is grounded in safety, teamwork and respect for the marine environment,” he added. Suckrajh, whose own progression to course director spans more than two decades in watersports and diving within the Sandals and Beaches brands, said the new instructors represent “the next generation of leaders within our dive operation.”

General Manager, Deryk Meany, commended the level of collaboration required to guide four new instructors through the rigorous PADI process. “Attaining PADI instructor status is a demanding accomplishment that cannot be realized in isolation,” Meany said. “It requires the coordinated support of the dive shop, the wider watersports team, and the broader resort operation to ensure candidates have the necessary resources, time and mentorship to succeed.”

He emphasized that strengthening the cadre of certified instructors supports the resort’s commitment to excellence in guest service. “Each additional instructor enhances our capacity to offer guests a greater range of options, a higher degree of personal attention and consistently high safety standards,” Meany continued. “This milestone reinforces our position as a leading provider of family-friendly diving experiences in the Caribbean.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos is recognized for providing a wide spectrum of PADI courses on site, from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water certification to advanced and specialty programmes. Previous training initiatives at the resort have resulted in many team members achieving PADI instructor status, significantly increasing both certification capacity and in-water safety oversight.

Continue Reading

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos shares fine dining experiences to high school students in Providenciales  

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Students from the Clement Howell High School were recently welcomed to Beaches Turks and Caicos for an immersive fine dining and etiquette session at one of the resort’s signature à la carte restaurants. For the second consecutive year, the resort’s learning and development, public relations and food and beverage teams designed and delivered practical training that exposed students to the standards and expectations of a world‑class hospitality environment.

General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Deryk Meany, said the resort is committed to making the experience a fixture on the school calendar. “We are honoured to once again open our doors to the students of Clement Howell High School,” Meany added. “As one of the largest employers and training grounds in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we see it as our responsibility to help prepare the next generation with the skills, confidence and professional support they need to succeed in hospitality and beyond.”

He added that the partnership aligns with the values of both Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation. “This programme is about more than a single day at the resort,” Meany continued. “It is about creating a consistent pathway for young people to see themselves in this industry, to understand the standards we uphold, and to recognise that there is a place for them at every level of the tourism sector.”

During the session, the resort’s learning and development and food and beverage professionals guided students through the full fine‑dining experience—from greeting and seating, to understanding multi‑course menus, cutlery placement, napkin etiquette and appropriate table conversation. Students also learned about body language, professional dress, and how to conduct themselves confidently in formal and semi‑formal settings such as interviews, scholarship dinners and official functions.

Learning and Development Manager Phildreka Mayham explained that the training was deliberately structured to blend technical knowledge with life skills. “Our goal is to demystify the fine dining environment for these students,” Mayham noted. “We want them not only to know which fork to use, but to understand that etiquette is really about respect for others, respect for themselves, and the ability to move comfortably in any social or professional space.”

She added that the programme is also a platform to introduce students to career possibilities. “Through this engagement, they get to interact directly with our team members, ask questions about different roles, and see first‑hand that hospitality offers diverse pathways—from culinary arts and service to training, management, and leadership,” Mayham shared.

For Clement Howell High School, the partnership with Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation has become an important extension of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum. Guidance Counsellor Tanisha Graham said the experience supports the school’s broader focus on personal development and career readiness. “Our students are learning about self‑presentation, communication, and social responsibility in the classroom,” Graham noted. “Being able to step into a professional fine dining setting and put those lessons into practice is incredibly powerful for them.”

Graham emphasised the impact on students’ self‑confidence. “Many of our students are experiencing this kind of setting for the very first time,” she explained. “To see them sit up a little straighter, engage in conversation, and realise that they belong in these spaces—that is transformational. It reinforces the message that their potential is limitless.

Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan added, “this initiative forms part of the resort’s ongoing investment in education and skills development across the Turks and Caicos Islands, complementing previous support to Clement Howell High, including enhancements to hospitality‑related clubs and programmes. The fine dining and etiquette training is expected to continue as an annual feature, with plans to refine and expand the experience based on feedback from students and teachers.”

As the second cohort of HFLE students completed their training, teachers expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to grow and inspire even more young people to consider careers in hospitality. For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the hope is that today’s students will return in the years ahead as interns, team members, and leaders—bringing with them the confidence, poise and professionalism first nurtured at a carefully set table in one of the resort’s restaurants.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING