News
Turks & Caicos Junior Swimmers dominate at Race for the Conch 2022
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 30, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos may have found its sports niche as the Islands junior swimmers put on a world class showing at the “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim tournament last weekend. Despite the races being populated mainly by adults, all but one of them saw a TCI youngster placing in the top three.
Swimmers from the US, Canada, the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas entered the June 25 competition, which is now in its 12th year. Four races in all: a 2.4 mile, a 1 mile, a half mile, and a 100m kiddie race and while only 14 young TCI swimmers were participating in the races the country snagged 10 of the 18 podium spots not counting the 100m kiddie race.
“[There were] actually more adults in those races than youngsters. Which makes the achievement of the youngsters all the more remarkable,” said Ben Stubenberg, race organizer.
The one mile swim was topped by TCI Aquatics (TCIASC) swimmer, Lenin Hamilton Jr. in 22:10. Hot on his heels were Tajhari Williams, also from Aquatics in second place, clocking only four seconds off the winning time; Luke Haywood of Provo Aquatics Club (PAC) was third; Sean Walters, also PAC, came in fifth; CARIFTA medalist, Jayden Davis (PAC) was sixth, and Ethan Gardiner (PAC) in got seventh place.
It bears repeating in a race with 22 participants the Turks and Caicos’ young men snatched five of the top ten spots.
On the ladies’ side, Sophie Taylor of Provo Aquatics bagged the No. 2 spot followed by her team mate, Angelina Lindenhahn in third and Thais Burgess (PAC) in fourth, placing the TCI in three of the top five spots.
Not only did they show out in the one mile, but the students swept the half-mile as well!
Again, Lenin Hamilton in fine form pulled off a double win, placing first in 12:14 seconds followed for TCIASC. He
was followed by by Ethan Gardiner in second.
On the girl’s side, primary schooler Lenika Hamilton (TCIASC) powered through to the No. 2 spot followed by Thaiss Burgess (PAC) in 3rd with Danielle Burgess (PAC) placing fifth overall.
If that wasn’t enough, nicknamed “iron man” after competing in back to back races at Saturday’s open sea swimming competition, Tajhari Williams took on the longest race, the 2.4 mile, and placed 2nd. Impressively, he completed the job in 51:24 for his club, TCI Aquatics.
It was exciting to note, all but one of the 14 TCI swimmers placed within the top 10 finishers in every race, still Salt Rakers Aquatic Club was proud of the performance 10-year old Rishith Gururaga who placed 14th in the one mile event.
Additionally, Lenin, Ethan, Tajhari, Luke, Lenika, Thaiss, Sophie, and Angelina all made it to the medal podium placing in the top three in their respective races.
Ben, who cofounded the event with Chloe Zimmerman, is a pioneering figure in local swimming, and both are
ecstatic.
“Another thing was the terrific placement of local island kids, we had some top finishers in all of the races. A lot of them are young teens and managed to come in first in all of the races, male and female. We are very, very proud of them!” he explained.
There were at least 12 under 10-year-olds in the kiddie 100 m race and even more astonishing at least three 10-year-olds in the mile and half a mile swims and several 11 and 12-year-olds as well. All in Stubenberg’s estimation, performing very well in the international competition staged on Grace Bay Beach, at Ricky’s Flamingo Café.
“It’s just so great to see more Turks and Caicos Islanders on the beach and participating in the swim. We’re so happy to be putting it on to increase and enhance swim on the island,” Stubenberg said.
The 14 Turks and Caicos competitors in the open races in alphabetical order are: Danielle Burgess, Thaiss Burgess, Jayden Davis, Alyssa Gardiner, Danielle Gardiner Ethan Gardiner, Rishith Gururaga, Lenika Hamilton, Lenin Hamilton, Luke Haywood, Angelina Lindenhahn, Sophie Taylor, Sean Walters, and Taijari Williams.
The incredible performance of these young athletes proves the Government’s commitment of an Olympic standard pool is promise whose time has come.
PUBLIC NOTICE
FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BORDER FORCE
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force informs the yachting community and marina operators of a new requirement for using the SailClear platform. Effective 1 May 2024, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) implemented a $25 annual subscription fee for SailClear users. This fee allows unlimited application submissions, helps improve service quality, and expands SailClear’s capabilities.
SailClear, introduced by the TCI Customs Department in February 2023, provides a secure and efficient platform for submitting electronic customs declarations. The annual subscription ensures continued investment in maintaining rigorous service standards including system reliability and efficient processing of notifications implement upgrades and to expand the services to additional maritime jurisdictions.
Pleasure craft operators are reminded that electronic pre-arrival and pre-departure notifications via SailClear are mandatory. The master of a vessel must electronically submit a Sailclear notification to Border Force at least 24 hours prior to the vessel’s estimated time of arrival at a port. Additionally, before departing, the master must submit a Sailclear clearance notification to Border Force at least 24 hours prior to the estimated departure time.
Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes an offence under the Customs Ordinance. Those found guilty of this offence will be subjected to a fine of $5000.
Important Reminder for Yacht and Watercraft Owners:
- Non-Registered Users: SailClear use is enforceable under section 5 of the Customs (Pleasure Craft) (Amendment) Direction 2022 (Legal Notice 82 of 2022). For those not yet subscribed to SailClear, visit sailclear.com and click “Subscribe Here” to follow the registration process.
- Pre-Arrival and Pre-Departure Notifications: All pleasure craft owners arriving or departing the Turks and Caicos Islands must submit pre-arrival/departure notifications to Border Force through SailClear. Failure to submit electronic notifications via SailClear constitutes an offense under the Customs Ordinance.
- For Inquiries: Contact support@cclec.org for further information or assistance.
This update ensures the continued efficiency and reliability of the SailClear platform, allowing for a seamless customs clearance experience for the yachting community in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Carlencia Lightbourne
Public Relations and Communications Officer
KINGSTON, September 18 (JIS): National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors and mortgagors affected by Hurricane Beryl are being reminded to apply for the organisation’s post-hurricane peril moratorium by September 30.
Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick, told JIS News that the newly introduced initiative is designed to offer financial relief to those who experience property damage or economic hardship as a result of natural disasters.
Under this arrangement, eligible individuals can temporarily suspend their monthly mortgage payments, which is crucial support during the recovery process.
The duration of the moratorium is tailored to individual circumstances, with a maximum period of up to six months.
“We understand that life happens, and circumstances of individuals may change from time to time. The NHT has made special resources available for individuals who are making applications for any of our [relief] initiatives. We are looking out for them, and we will expedite the applications to ensure that the process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible,” Mr. Berbick said.
The NHT’s special mortgage moratorium is accessible to all affected parties, including those who have previously benefited from other NHT Loan facilities.
Mr. Berbick underscored that this inclusive approach will ensure that everyone who needs assistance can receive it.
Applicants are required to complete an application form and submit a valid government-issued identification and Tax Registration Number, along with additional documents where applicable. These include photographs of property damage, proof of reduced income, or proof of unemployment.
Mr. Berbick is urging all eligible individuals to act promptly to secure the support they need.
The post-hurricane peril moratorium forms part of the NHT’s wider strategy to provide relief and support to contributors and mortgagors during challenging times. Other initiatives include the Special Home Improvement Loan and Disaster Grant.
For more information on how to apply for this or other relief options, persons can visit the nearest NHT office or the entity’s website at www.nht.gov.jm.
CONTACT: ROCHEDA BARTLEY
PHOTO CAPTION: Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the National Housing Trust, Dwayne Berbick.
Photo: Adrian Walker
CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper sits with the top three contestants (l-r), Khari Gonsalves of St. Kitts, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and Anthurium Lewis of Tobago, while other youth congress participants look on.
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Keyana Warner, the Junior Minister of Tourism from Nevis, has been crowned the winner of the 20th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Warner, a student from Charlestown Secondary School, secured the victory following an outstanding presentation on Thursday at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa.
The Congress, a highlight of the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and held under the theme “Caribbean Tourism: Through the Eyes of Tomorrow”, featured 12 talented young tourism advocates from across the Caribbean. These young minds shared their innovative ideas and passion for the future of the region’s tourism industry, exploring topics such as adventure tourism, solo travel, collaboration across cultures, and the blue economy.
Anthurium Lewis of Bishop’s High School in Tobago claimed second place, while Khari Gonsalves of Basseterre High School in St. Kitts secured third place.
“The Congress, along with the activities leading up to this event, plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the significant impact tourism has on our region,” said Master of Ceremonies Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development. “It is not just a competition; it is a gateway to nurturing the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators who will shape the future of the Caribbean tourism industry.”
The week leading up to the Congress saw the junior ministers of tourism engage in several workshops, including a VR/AR masterclass facilitated by Ed and Claudia Limon, and a workshop exploring Cruise Tourism Awareness and Careers in the Cruise Sector facilitated by Beth Hatt of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.
udges for the Congress Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Aquila’s Beth Hatt; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, are all smiles in the Cayman Islands.
The 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress received generous support from the Government of the Cayman Islands, title sponsor Tropical Shipping, Carnival Corporation & plc in partnership with Acordis International Corp, Winged Whale Media, and Breeze Travel Solutions. This event provided a valuable platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, gain experience, and develop leadership skills.
The Congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands.
Judges for the Congress were Aquila’s Beth Hatt; Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Participating countries included Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
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