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TCHTA Arbor Day Initiative Sparks Joy Among Turks & Caicos Students

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#TurksandCaicos, April 12, 2022 – Launched with an exciting video announcement by TCHTA Young Leader, Judith Guerrier, the TCHTA took its annual Earth Day TCI Shines initiative to another level as a part of their 30-year commemoration calendar.

Since 2009, TCI Shines has played a significant role in keeping Turks & Caicos beautiful by nature, and clean by choice. This year, the TCHTA’s Sustainable Tourism Committee joined forces with its Educational Committee and the DECR team to carry out a week-long tree planting exercise that would begin on Earth Day and carry on until Arbor Day.

With assistance and guidance from the DECR, the “Mighty Mahogany” was the clear tree choice for its resilience, size at maturity, and ease of care during the growth phase which was crucial as the country’s students would be the stewards of these majestic trees.

The mahoganies were collected by a team of TCHTA volunteers, and distribution began on April 20th, in preparation for Earth Day with the first shipment headed to North and Middle Caicos via the COMO Parrot Cay ferry. Each tree was accompanied by an information packet which would educate the students on the features of the Mighty Mahogany and provide instructions on how to plant and care for the trees. Most significantly, each tree came with a commemorative wooden plaque etched with the name of a TCHTA past President, Director, or stalwart in honour of this 30-year anniversary initiative.

Managing the first leg of the journey, Education Committee Chair, Tendra Musgrove, shared her enthusiasm, “At COMO Parrot Cay, we are always thrilled to be a part of efforts that allow us to engage with our local students. It is also a joy for me personally, which is why leading the Educational Committee is so important. It was a pleasure delivering to the schools, seeing the students’ excitement and eagerness to take responsibility for the trees. This is what our work is all about; engaging our students in ways that make it enjoyable to do their part in the sustainability of their island and our tourism product.”

Moving from one community to another throughout the islands, the team – which included Nello Lambert of TCI Distributors and Karen King of Point Grace Resort, both members of the TCHTA Sustainable Committee – delivered trees to thirty-eight schools, ensuring all islands throughout Turks & Caicos were a part of this grand exercise with the help of interCaribbean Airways. A video collage of the team and the students was shared on the association’s platform, celebrating Arbor Day 2022.

Speaking on the decision to organize this exercise, TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, explained, “There was no question…all schools and islands needed to be touched to the best of our abilities, and the hardworking team led by Mona Beeson, did just that. As we put our 30-year anniversary calendar together, we knew we wanted to make this year’s Earth Day TCI Shines truly impactful. As the time approached and we learned of the Ministry of Tourism’s plans to launch the Climate Change Summit, there was full alignment on all fronts. The DECR came on board in a stellar way, helping us decide on tree selection and being completely hands-on in mobilizing the project. We cannot begin to thank Amy Avenant and the team for their commitment and assistance.”

Through the collaboration, the tree-planting exercise will not only increase the population of indigenous trees and help to build the resilience of our ecosystems, but will also aid in teaching students to be stewards of their environment and responsible citizens in the fight against climate change.

Amy Avenant of the DECR shared her encouragement to the TCHTA, “We have been delighted to partner with the TCHTA on this commemorative initiative. The TCHTA is one of the DECR’s greatest allies in advocating for the natural environment, through regular clean-ups and initiatives such as these and we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on 30 years of a job well done!”, said Amy Avenant, DECR’s Outreach Coordinator.

Mona Beeson of The Hartling Group has led the Sustainable Committee for years and is passionate about the accomplishments achieved through the TCI Shines program over the years.

“For more than a decade TCI Shines has been a channel through which the communities of Turks & Caicos have taken pride in keeping the islands clean. What started out as a yearly initiative grew to bi-annual frequency and our members, individuals throughout the community, church groups, and civic organizations are always eager to participate,” Beeson said.

She continued, “Now celebrating 30 years as an Association, we wanted to make TCI Shines 2022 truly unforgettable. I am always excited for our sustainable activities, but this has been especially heart-warming to me. Partnering with our Education Committee and the DECR, delivering the trees directly to our precious children and seeing the joy this has brought them energizes us to keep challenging ourselves to continue amplifying our reach and engagement as we work to maintain the natural beauty and viability of these islands.”

Since tree deliveries have been completed, the TCHTA has received hundreds of photos from the schools that designated a special day for the children to plant the trees. The association says the smiles in those images speak more loudly than words ever could.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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