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Renessa Williams Appointed as Deputy Secretary

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#TurksandCaicos, March 12, 2022 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Renessa Williams to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Ms. Williams career with the Turks & Caicos islands Civil Service began in 2001, in the area of Auditing. During the period 2004–2005, Ms. Williams proceeded on study leave and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the American Intercontinental University.

On her return, she rejoined the Audit Department for a short stint as an Auditor and was later appointed in 2007, as Human Resource Officer within the Human Resource Management Directorate Office.

Serving in that capacity for five (5) years; she monitored human resource practices across Ministries/Departments. Because of Ms. Williams’ ambitious drive towards an effective Public Service, she was nominated as a key member on the technical committee that worked in collaboration with National School of Government UK. This committee facilitated the restructuring exercise of the Performance Based procedures and the development of Competency Based Interviews and Job Descriptions which are used across TCIG to date.

In 2012, Ms. Williams was appointed as Head of Secretariat within the Ministry of Health & Human Services where she served in that capacity as the liaison between the Permanent Secretary and Minister, and to the wider public and private stakeholders. She was also responsible for coordinating the secretariat functions, ensuring that the Ministry of Health’s business progressed efficiently through the political and administrative processes.

Over the years Ms. Williams led on many initiatives within in the Ministry of Health and because of her passionate and meticulous demeanor, she was recommended to act temporarily in the role of Deputy Secretary.

Commenting on her appointment Ms. Williams stated:

“For with God NOTHING shall be impossible – Luke 1:37. At the age 17 years, I commenced my career as a Public Servant. I was nervous yet eager to learn and make a beneficial contribution towards the overall productivity of the Public Service.
“People don’t get promoted for doing their jobs really well. They get promoted by demonstrating their potential to do more”. – Tara Jaye Frank

I believe that my professional background coupled with experiences gained over the years has prepared me to serve with the utmost level of integrity. I will remain steadfast to support my team as we work diligently and strategically to advance the goals and objectives of this Ministry.

I am delighted to be appointed to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. With humbleness, I express gratitude and a BIG THANK YOU to the individuals who considered me to be capable of carrying out this role and who have supported me throughout my professional journey.

To serve in the capacity of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health is a golden opportunity for me to do my part in achieving our vision of “A healthier and empowered people throughout the life course.”

I can assure you that I will remain committed to performing to the best of my abilities in this new role, whilst working collaboratively with the “A-team” towards continuously improving the overall health of all citizens and ensuring that Ministry of Health delivers on its key objectives.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks to Ms. Williams stated:
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Ms. Renessa Williams on her appointment to the post of Deputy Secretary within the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Having joined the public service at the tender age of 17, Ms. Williams has undergone a journey over the last 20 years in upgrading her educational background and experience, which has propelled her to work across a number of fields in Audit, HR and the Ministry of Health during her tenure with the Turks and Caicos Government.

During the height of the pandemic, she was temporarily appointed to act in the capacity of Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health to assist the Ministry in their response and did an exceptional job during the period. No doubt helping to prepare her to be a top performer in the recent Deputy Secretary Recruitment exercise.
We wish her well on her new appointment and on her continued public service journey.

Congratulations Renessa!”

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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences

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Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio

Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group.  Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.

The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.  Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment.  The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.

PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.

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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches

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The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.

Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.

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Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

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PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.

With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.

Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.

The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:

• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.

Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

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