Caribbean News

TCHTA President’s Vision: Turks & Caicos as a Premier Service Destination

Published

5 years ago

September 9, 2021

#TurksandCaicos, September 9, 2021 – When hearing the name Turks and Caicos, our waters, our weather, and immaculate powdery white beaches immediately come to mind.

Allow me to take you on a journey from the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks and Caicos Islands of today, to a destination known not only for its pristine beauty but one rooted in providing an exceptional service experience to visitors and residents alike. To envision Turks & Caicos as a service destination means taking an explorative look at our current positioning, our strengths and weaknesses, and the critical components needed to shape that vision.

The prerequisite of a service destination is a strong service culture. In a world where ‘brand Turks and Caicos’ is synonymous with a high level of service, our philosophy and values regarding service excellence must be embedded in every area of our nation’s service delivery.

Worldwide, perceptions about countries have been carefully established and strengthened over time. This is not happenstance. It is curated, developed, and maintained. A central idea and reputation of a country take years to build and to market, but when successful, the results are clear as indicated by our own personal thoughts when we hear a country’s name.

Japan has built a reputation for efficiency; Sweden is known as a global design capital; Italy has a strong reputation in luxury fashion; Singapore, strict laws surrounding cleanliness; Estonia, known for technology and the digitalization of public services. These are all examples of successful nation branding, and this is what it will take for the vision of Turks & Caicos as a service destination to be realized.

While our visitors encounter picture-worthy, memorable experiences, as a service destination we would provide an elevated version of what we currently do so well; one where attention to every detail is paid, we anticipate and satisfy guests’ needs, and provide an on-island experience that leaves the guest feeling more exhilarated than a vacation in any other destination has ever made them feel.

Now, imagine if we take this model of an elevated service experience and apply it beyond the tourism sector. Nationally, there is a great deal of focus placed on the growth and management of tourism. When we look at how our product has successfully evolved since the advent of the Turks & Caicos tourism industry, we can proudly boast of a destination that is growing and is among the most popular destinations in the region, among those with the highest annual daily rates experienced in the Caribbean. We see our culinary landscape development and a gentle push toward branding in that area as well. Ultimately, we are uniquely positioned to build on the existing branding and truly set ourselves apart.

However, if we embark on the journey to becoming a fully realized service destination, it will be no small feat. It requires a holistic approach and must be all-encompassing. Service excellence cannot exist only in our hospitality sector but must permeate both the public and private sectors if we are to achieve effective nation branding.

The question then becomes, can we achieve this? The answer: yes, we can!

Mahatma Gandhi said, “A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work – he is the purpose of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to serve him.”

This belief should be the guiding principle at the core of our nation branding if we hope to be regarded as a service destination.

There is a simple and abiding truth: if you don’t manage your country’s brand and perception, someone else will!

If we want to take charge of the emotion and feeling that comes to mind when the name Turks & Caicos is heard, there are key ingredients we must implement as we make a push to build our nation’s branding:

First and foremost, a strong vision of Turks & Caicos as a service destination is key. The vision and mission lay the foundation and must be clear to all involved. Effective nation branding is one that is holistic in nature. It is the crafting of a framework that supports the positioning of the country on an international level in a strategic and deliberate way.

This framework creates the basis for the service culture across companies, organizations, and ultimately the country at large. It defines how we act, speak, and look. It essentially harmonizes what the world sees and thinks about us and helps to make the Turks and Caicos brand easily recognizable and reputable.

The second ingredient is alignment. Nation branding requires full stakeholder engagement. What does this mean? It means a complete buy-in from government, businesses, and citizens. Before you can successfully sell yourself to the world as a service destination, there must first be an indoctrination of this theme within the country. Whether young or old, indigenous or non-indigenous, there must be a complete buy-in. In short, service must be the DNA of the destination.

This can only be achieved if the proper mechanisms are put in place to ensure the culture being created is sustainable. Education, training, and continued development are key factors to the success of maintaining the standard of excellence once it is set.

And thirdly, there must be measurement and accountability. Once we brand ourselves as a nation with a strong focus on service, it is important that we put checks and balances in place to ensure that we deliver across the board. Only then we will create the basis for culture credibility.

Why should we embark on becoming a service destination? Self-made millionaire and motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “If you make a sale, you can make a living. If you make an investment of time and good service, you can make a fortune.”

The key to any nation’s success is its ability to attract trade, investment, tourism, and talents. The strength of a nation’s service delivery and reputation can be the pivotal element to this as its overall perception has a distinct economic and social impact on its advancement.

Turks & Caicos as a service destination can significantly enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage and thereby support economic growth. This strong reputation can then be leveraged by all industry sectors for a united approach in the international markets.

Imagine a Turks & Caicos where your experience as a customer – whether with a government agency, your telecommunications provider, or even a service station – is honed specifically with you in mind. A nationwide service culture provides the framework for providers to continue seeking ways to better serve you, the customer, and to ensure that every effort is made to provide exceptional service even in challenging circumstances.

It is said that courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement. This is true and must apply not only to the service we deliver to our tourists and guests, but to the service we provide our citizens and residents as well.

With or without a push to brand ourselves nationally as a service destination, delivering a quality experience to clients and customers should be the objective of any business or organization in these islands. Take a good look at the inner workings of your business and examine whether or not you are operating with customer satisfaction in mind.

Do your policies work for you as an organization more than they do for your customer?
How can you optimize your policies with the customer or client in mind?
What new solution would lend to a more customer-friendly experience?
How do you ensure that the customer knows he/she is the most important component to the success of your business?

If we apply these questions to all business models, then we easily see a theme of service on a heightened level with tourism providers, investment organizations, public service agencies, and even our ‘Mom & Pop’ operations.

Once the key ingredients for nation branding are embedded in the country’s culture, this needs to be marketed to the masses. Here is where logos, slogans, and entertainment are developed to awaken the feelings and emotions that should be associated with your brand.

For this to resonate globally, no single organization should be responsible for this messaging. When nation branding is effective, an identity emerges that serves the country as well as the brands within it. Key operators leverage the theme of the nation’s brand to continue building value for the country and cementing the message of a strong service destination.

Let’s examine the Emirates model as an example. This airline not only markets and brands their company’s offerings but leverages the country’s image and culture essentially acting as a brand representative. They brand their product as an extension and representation of the national experience. This is what a complete buy-in throughout our country’s sectors will need to be. Everyone incorporating the central theme within their individual branding efforts to build a clear, consistent, credible, and competitive message.

I invite us all to begin thinking about the part we play in the branding of this wonderful country, and how we can develop a mindset of service excellence. This must be the order of the day without fail if we are to be regarded and recognized as a strong service destination.

Remember that a logo or slogan is not all there is to nation branding. The feelings, emotions, and perceptions that come to mind are indicative of our brand. If we are to stamp ourselves in this way, we must live and breathe service so much so that it is second nature.

The future of Turks and Caicos as a service destination begins with treating the customer as if you are that customer.

As Walt Disney once said, “Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.”

Bahamas News

CDB Leadership Passes to Belize as Region Eyes New Financing Partnerships

Published

5 days ago

June 9, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

By Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, June 9, 2026 – The Caribbean Development Bank’s annual gathering may have concluded in The Bahamas, but attention is already turning to Belize as leadership of the institution’s Board of Governors officially changed hands.

At the close of the 56th Annual Meeting in Nassau, outgoing Chairman and CDB Governor for The Bahamas, Michael Halkitis, formally transferred the chairmanship to Belize’s Dr. Hon. Osmond Martinez, continuing the Bank’s tradition of rotating leadership among its regional shareholders.

The handover capped a week of discussions focused on financing development in an increasingly uncertain global environment and strengthening the Caribbean’s ability to withstand economic and climate-related shocks.

One of the meeting’s most closely watched conversations centered on how multilateral development banks can better support vulnerable Small Island Developing States.

During the President’s Chat, titled Financing the Future: MDB Strategies for Uncertain Times, CDB President Daniel Best joined leaders from the OPEC Fund, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage to discuss expanding development finance and building resilience.

OPEC Fund President Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa emphasized that development institutions must move beyond responding to crises and instead help countries prepare for them.

“The real test is whether we can help countries move from strategy to implementation, and from implementation to results,” Alkhalifa said.

The discussions reflected a growing regional push for innovative financing solutions as Caribbean nations continue to confront climate vulnerability, infrastructure demands and economic uncertainty.

Beyond discussions on financing and resilience, the Annual Meeting also featured youth engagement activities, including the Youth FIRE Forum, where young Caribbean leaders participated in conversations about innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and the future of regional development. Senior government officials, development professionals and youth delegates exchanged ideas on the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation, reinforcing a recurring message throughout the conference: that investments made today must ultimately improve opportunities for Caribbean youth tomorrow.

That theme was echoed by Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, who used the opening ceremony to challenge regional leaders to invest in future generations.

“We must invest in the one asset that no agency can ever downgrade, and that no storm can ever wash away: the mind of a Caribbean child,” Davis told delegates.

With Belize now assuming the chairmanship, regional leaders say the focus remains on transforming ideas discussed in Nassau into tangible results for Caribbean people.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Caribbean News

Beaches Turks and Caicos and Sandals Foundation share educational material with primary school in Providenciales

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: May 29, 2026 – Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and the Sandals Foundation, recently brought smiles and inspiration to students at the Community Christian Academy through a meaningful Reading Road Trip and educational material donation initiative.

The outreach effort, which forms part of the Sandals Foundation’s ongoing commitment to education and community development across the Turks and Caicos Islands, saw team members and volunteers engaging directly with students while delivering a wide range of essential school supplies.

Among the donated items were books, footballs, volleyballs, pencils, rulers, sharpeners, Bibles, Christian literature, sun glasses, writing pads, educational cue cards, erasers, markers, crayons, glue, scissors, paper clips, coloured chalk, and pens. The contributions were carefully curated to support both academic learning and extracurricular development for students at the institution.

A highlight of the day’s activities was an interactive reading session with the kindergarten and grade one classes, where volunteers shared stories and encouraged early literacy in a fun and engaging environment. The young students responded with enthusiasm, creating a lively and memorable experience for all involved.

Travel Advisor Renee Rice, who participated in the initiative alongside her family, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to give back. “We are happy for this experience as we partnered with the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort in sharing in the development of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Rice said. Her family actively participated in reading sessions and interacting with the students, further enhancing the impact of the visit.

Principal Krystal Vincent welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing the school’s mission. “These educational materials will go a far way, and we are happy for this relationship that we have established with the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort in helping to support the growth of the students and the institution,” Vincent noted.

Chairman of the School Board, Pastor Bradley Handfield, also expressed gratitude during the presentation of the items. He commended the donors for their continued investment in the community and their willingness to support the nation’s youth. Pastor Handfield highlighted the significance of corporate and philanthropic partnerships in strengthening educational foundations across the islands.

The Reading Road Trip initiative is part of a broader effort by the Sandals Foundation to promote literacy and provide access to educational resources for children throughout the Caribbean.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has long been an active partner in community outreach, consistently supporting initiatives that uplift local communities and empower young people. Through collaborations such as this, the resort continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.

The visit to Community Christian Academy stands as a testament to the power of partnership and the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations and individuals come together with a shared purpose. For the students, the day was not only about receiving supplies but also about feeling encouraged, valued, and inspired to pursue their educational journeys with confidence.

As the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort continue to expand their outreach efforts, initiatives like the Reading Road Trip remain vital in shaping the future of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands—one child, one book, and one meaningful connection at a time.

Photo Caption:

The Sandals foundation is a registered charity in Jamaica with the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies, a CRA registered charity in Canada, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England & Wales that was created in March 2009 to continue and expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of over four decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.

Caribbean News

850 Fish Pots in the Making: Further Support Helps Fishers Rebuild Their Livelihoods After Hurricane Melissa

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Whitehouse, Westmoreland, Jamaica – May 28, 2026 — Continuing its support to hurricane-affected fishing communities, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with Good360 to equip 170 fishers from Belmont in Westmoreland and Galleon and Parrottee in St. Elizabeth with critical mesh wire—materials that will be transformed into as many as 850 fish pots, further strengthening livelihoods and local food supply across Jamaica’s western coastline.

The wire, valued at J$2.97 million, supports the coastal districts where Hurricane Melissa dismantled fishing gear, disrupted income streams, and placed added strain on already vulnerable food systems. The initiative will be implemented through local fishing leaders, who will oversee the equitable distribution of materials to those most impacted by the Category 5 storm.

This latest distribution builds on a series of targeted interventions delivered by the philanthropic organization over the past six months. In November, the Sandals Foundation distributed 120 rolls of fish wire and 6,720 litres of gasoline courtesy of RUBiS Energy Jamaica to over 100 fishers in Whitehouse and Old Bay. The intervention enabled the production of up to 600 fish pots and the restart of fishing operations. Earlier this year, a partnership with Good360 also saw the provision of more than 50 generators to fishing villages and schools to continue the recovery process.

“Rebuilding takes root when people are able to earn again,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “For fishers, that begins with the tools to return to sea. This continued support is about restoring independence, strengthening communities, and ensuring that the systems people rely on every day can function again.”

Recovery from a storm like Hurricane Melissa takes months, sometimes years,” said Morgan Loomis, Vice President of Disaster Response & Recovery at Good360. “For coastal communities, the storm destroyed people’s homes and livelihoods overnight. Our work with the Sandals Foundation is changing that reality. When fisherfolk have access to critical materials like fishing wire, the ripple effects reach the entire community. Fishers get back to work. Pot makers have orders to fill. Families have income. Children stay in school. That is what meaningful recovery looks like in action,” she said.

Across the Caribbean, coastal fishing communities play an outsized role in national food security and local economies. Strengthening their recovery is not just about rebuilding individual livelihoods—it is about reinforcing the systems that sustain entire populations.

Because when the sea begins to provide again, communities begin to steady.