News
“Building Careers at the World’s Best All Inclusive Family Resort”
#TurksandCaicos, June 30, 2022 – Beaches Turks & Caicos is pleased to announce the recent promotion of seven of its local managers to more senior roles within the Organization.
Former Island Routes Supervisor Mrs. Sandra Been has recently been promoted to the position of Destination Manager. In this new role, Mrs. Been will be responsible for overseeing and managing all staff, handling of the relationships with local tour operators, recruiting of new and innovative local tours as well as managing and maintaining the current tours.
Sandra was first employed at Beaches Turks & Caicos in February 2004 as Tour Desk Manager. When asked about how she feels about her new role, Sandra stated; “I am both nervous and excited about the new challenges that come with the position I now hold. My goal is to keep my clients happy and always do my best.”
Mr. Sheldon Wilson has been promoted to Executive Assistant Manager. He previously held the post of Village Manager (Key West Village). Mr. Wilson will be responsible for assisting the General Manager in the day to day operations associated with managing the resort.
Sheldon has completed the Leadership Action Training Certification – Fullerton Management Training Group, Guest Services Professional Certification – American Hotel and Lodging and the Sandals Certified Management Specialist Training. Sheldon joined BTC in 2013 as a Night Auditor and was promoted to Night Manager and Evening Manager shortly after.
“I am extremely excited about the promotion and looking forward to taking on my new role as Executive Assistant Manager and making my contribution to the tourism sector while ensuring that Beaches Turks & Caicos remain the number 1 family resort in the world!” stated Mr. Wilson.
Ms. Owenta Coleby has been promoted to Human Resource Manager. She started at BTC in 2018 and previously acted in the role until being made official in 2022. Ms. Coleby is now responsible for the day to day planning and execution of strategic HR functions for the resort in addition to overseeing the recruitment, retention, employee engagement and welfare strategies. She will also collaborate with the Learning and Development Team, along with the “people” leaders to develop and execute our “people” development strategies.
A key part of her responsibility is to facilitate a harmonious relationship with the team members and external stakeholders through effective communication. This allows the leadership of the company to effectively communicate the goals and objectives of the organization which will allow the team members to perform to the best of their abilities.
Owenta is currently completing her Masters in Human Resources Management and Development and is a Certified Recruitment and Compliance Specialist
“I feel grateful to be able to serve the team members at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa in this capacity, and also to be a part of the World’s Best Hospitality Experience Provider. My belief is that in everything I do, I must put my best forward and let my work speak for me!” stated Ms. Coleby.
Mrs. Christelle Demosthene-Heron has been promoted to Weddings Manager. She previously served as the Assistant Weddings Manager after joining BTC in 2002 as a Waitress, Hostess and then Supervisor. In her new role, she will be responsible for Wedding Planning, Staff Development, Wedding Coordination and Execution, Monitoring and Reporting.
Christelle is a certified Hospitality Department Trainer, Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Events Manager, and Certified Hospitality Supervisor. She also received her Hospitality Certification from the Global University for Life Long Learning.
“I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity, on a day to day basis I remind myself that in life, where you start isn’t where you finish and I can attest to that after working with the company for 15 plus years. I’ve learned, I’ve grown and I’ve persevered as an individual as well as a professional,” stated Mrs. Demosthene-Heron.
Mrs. Sandra Lightbourne has been promoted to Executive Office Manager. She previously held the position of Executive Administrative Assistant after joining BTC in 2013 as Administrative Assistant.
In her new role, she will be responsible for effectively and efficiently managing the Administration Department which provides support for the General Manager, Hotel Managers, the Operations Manager and the Village Managers.
Managing guest complaints and special requests, internal travel preparations and liaising with the Sandal Resort International Corporate Office. She has received certifications in Customer Service, Sales and Marketing.
“It has been a pleasure to be a part of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Family. I look forward to working hard in my new role and intend to do my best to live up to all expectations,” stated Mrs. Lightbourne.
Mr. Alpheus Pinder has been promoted to the role of Village Manager. He previously held the post of Night Manager since joining in 2019.
Mr. Pinder has numerous years of experience in Tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the Bahamas.
“I couldn’t be more excited about being promoted to Village Manager. I have enjoyed every second here at Beaches Turks and Caicos and I look forward to more success in my future,” stated Mr. Pinder.
Ms. Kanora Seymour has been promoted to the post Departure Lounge Manager. She previously held the post of reservation agent since joining in 2013. In her new role, she will be responsible for coordinating the transportation of guest to and from the airports, as well managing the relationship between the local taxi drivers, VIP transportation drivers and Beaches Turks and Caicos.
“I am honored to receive the opportunity to serve as the Departure Lounge Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos. I intend to excel in this role as I have in my previous post,” stated Ms. Seymour.
Commenting on the recent promotions, James McAnally, General Manager, Beaches Turks & Caicos stated: “Beaches Turks and Caicos has always prioritized career development from within our organization. As you would have noticed, many of the recent promotions are staff that joined our family in a less senior capacity and were promoted multiple times having taken advantage of many training and development options made available to our staff. This is a testament to our Learning and Development program that is unmatched. Most importantly, these individuals have demonstrated a tenacity and passion to not only excel and climb the ranks, but to exceed the expectations of our guest, which is what we are known for here at the worlds #1 All Inclusive Family Resort.”
Press Release
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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