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“Building Careers at the World’s Best All Inclusive Family Resort”  

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#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.”

 

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Search for Missing American Tourist Intensifies in Turks and Caicos

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U.S. Officials, Family Join Local Efforts as Disappearance Enters Ninth Day

By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor and Wilkie Arthur | Eagle Legal News

 

Turks and Caicos, July 4, 2025 – The United States Department of State has confirmed it is aware of the disappearance of American citizen Brian Tarrence in Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Embassy in Nassau is actively assisting in the ongoing investigation. Tarrence’s mother is now on the island, anxiously hoping for good news as the search for her son enters its ninth day.

Tarrence, 51, of New York, vanished on June 25 while vacationing with his wife in Providenciales. The couple was staying at the Inn at Grace Bay in a privately rented villa booked via Airbnb. CCTV footage reviewed by Eagle Legal News shows Tarrence walking away from the property around 3:00 a.m., alone and without signs of immediate distress. He has not been seen since.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is treating the case as high priority, and a search operation is underway in Grace Bay, with efforts expanding to The Bight and nearby districts. U.S. private investigator Carl DeFazio, hired by Tarrence’s family, is also on the ground and working alongside local authorities.

“We are tracking any activity—credit cards, digital devices—that could point us toward his location,” said DeFazio. “This is a coordinated effort, and we are committed to bringing Brian home.”

Sources close to the investigation say Tarrence may have been in a vulnerable state prior to his disappearance. His wife reported that he had relapsed into alcohol use and was displaying increasingly erratic behavior, including signs of paranoia and delusional speech. He reportedly believed people were outside their villa and made concerning remarks hours before he disappeared.

When his wife woke that morning, Tarrence—and his phone and wallet—were gone. The devices remain unreachable, and no transactions or confirmed sightings have been reported.

His wife continues to cooperate fully with police, while his mother, who recently arrived in TCI, has joined local and diplomatic efforts in hopes of a safe resolution.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477.

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Race for the Conch Celebrates 15th Year

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Turks and Caicos, July 4, 2025 – Grace Bay once more delighted swimmers at the 15th annual Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim on June 28, 2025. The 2.4-mile, 1 mile, and 1/2-mile events drew 75 participants from the US, Canada, Barbados, and Mexico along with 35 TCI swimmers. Another 16 youngsters under 10 years and undertook part in the 100-meter swim.

Each race saw several outstanding open water swimmers competing for conch trophies in near perfect sea conditions. Other swimmers wanted to challenge themselves while enjoying the experience of gliding through the inviting turquoise waters. As before, the start and finish took place on the beach in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe.

Local swimmers once more showed they could compete with the best. Sean Walters and Asher Soderquist (just 10 years old) picked up extraordinary 2nd and 3rd places respectively in the 1/2 Mile Men’s Division. Isaac Farley secured a splendid 3rd place in the 1-mile Men’s Division, while Lex Olerenshaw grabbed a superb 3rd place in the 2.4-mile Men’s Division. Several other TCI swimmers placed among the top 5 or 10 in each event.

Orrin Meyer from the US turned in a blistering time of 51 minutes, 15 seconds to win the 2.4-mile (Ironman distance) Men’s Division, just over 10 minutes faster than 2nd place male finisher—his father, Jay Meyer. The Women’s Division swimmers in the 2.4 mile were no less impressive with Samantha Peck from the US coming in 1st with a smashing time of 1 hour, 2 minutes, 31 seconds. She was followed by Nathalie and Carrie Trantner.

Ari Henson won the 1-mile Men’s Division followed by Ryan Williams. while the Women’s Division was won by Julie Henson followed by Mary Mackley and Mary-Anne Savage.

In the 1/2-mile Men’s Division Garry Mahon from Barbados took 1st, while Celia Wolf took 1st in the Women’s Division followed by Stella Lord and Cara Stein.  Race organizers Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann could not be more pleased with the wonderful turnout, especially the increasing numbers of TCI swimmers in the race. Stubenberg said, “It is so gratifying to see how the race has progressed over the years. We love welcoming the new swimmers, as well as reconnecting with the swimmers who return year after year. No venue can match Grace Bay for open water swimming.” Zimmermann added, “We are thrilled at how the race generates so much enthusiasm among participants who all push themselves to go the distance and do their personal best.”

Unsurprisingly, “The Race for the Conch” is consistently listed as one of the top 100 open water swim races in the world by the World Open Water Swimming Association.

Stubenberg and Zimmermann take seriously the second part of the event name, “Eco-SeaSwim” by asking that all swimmers use reef-safe sunscreen devoid of harmful ingredients. To help ensure that request, organizers have partnered with one of the top reef-safe sunscreens in the world, Caribbean Sol, and made it available to all swimmers on the beach.

In addition, the organizers strive to use local services and products. These include conch medals for everyone carved by Stanford Handfield, conch trophies created by Lucie Stubbs, T shirt designs by Alizee Zimmermann, T shirt printing by Wise Solutions, and Proud of My Island goodie bags created by Sammy Kildegaard and Emiliano Otin.

Stubenberg and Zimmermann praised the tremendous support of 20 volunteers on the beach and in the water. “They are the backbone of the event’s success,” they stated. “We could not do this without them or our generous sponsors and providers.” They include: Experience Turks & Caicos, Grace Bay Club, Ocean Club, Projetech, Whole Health, Atlantic Aviation, Hartling Group, Surfside Ocean Academy, Silver Palm Charters, Finishing Touch, Natural Trade Distribution, Visittci.com, Gabriel Kulcsar, Big Blue Collective, Got-U-Covered, Jafooe Computer, DJ Dayhoh, Caribbean Bottling Company, Caicu Naniki Tours, and Marco Travel.

The organizers also want to give a big shout out to the TCI Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources, TCI Marine Police, Provo Ambulance Service, TCI Red Cross, Big Blue Collective, and the TCI Regiment for their essential safety support.

The “Race for the Conch” is a registered TCI nonprofit. Proceeds from the race going to Provo Children’s Home, Red Cross, TC Reef Fund, and Project Inclusion Turks & Caicos.

The next “Race for the Conch” will take place on Saturday June 27, 2026.

More information about the race can be found on their website www.ecoseaswim.com

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Spence Security Demands Gun Reform for Officers After Third Tragic Killing

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, July 4, 2025 – Spence Security & Investigation Services Ltd is calling for immediate legislative change to allow trained private security officers to carry firearms and protective gear—following the third fatal shooting of one of its officers in recent months.

In a strongly worded statement, the company’s founder and chairman said the lack of legal protections and equipment is costing lives.  “Our officers are being slaughtered because they lack the tools, the legal authority, and the support to defend themselves,” he said.   “This is no longer tolerable.”

The slain officer, like many in the industry, was unarmed and not even allowed to wear a bulletproof vest under existing laws.   “He was forced to abandon his cover without the ability to defend himself.   That cost him his life,” the statement said.

The company is urging the government and Governor’s Office to amend the law to permit properly vetted and trained security personnel—many of whom are former police or military—to be armed.   The chairman emphasized that security officers serve on the same dangerous front lines as police yet face escalating threats without the same rights or resources.

He also criticized the lack of response from national leaders.  “There’s been no acknowledgement, no empathy, no call from government officials or the governor.  Our people are dying in silence, and the silence from those in power is unacceptable.”

Beyond firearms, the firm is also calling for legal access to non-lethal tools such as handcuffs, pepper spray, and protective equipment—currently restricted by law.

Spence Security’s statement ends with a stark warning: “Security lives matter. We protect this country’s banks, businesses, and people—but we are left vulnerable.  If we do not act now, more innocent lives will be lost.”

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