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People need to be free to speak without fear of Victimisation  

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 25, 2022 – A very dangerous culture of quietness grips the Turks and Caicos people and residents.  This unnatural silence where people with opinions, concerns, suggestions or critiques are frozen by a fear of bringing their thoughts into open spaces is hampering the potential of the TCI by too often demoralizing and ostracizing the very thing the country needs most:  PEOPLE, thoughtful people.

The “climate of fear” label of 2008 is still stuck to the back of the Turks and Caicos, make no mistake.

Only a few indulge in the freedom of expression, as far more people believe if they say what they feel or what they’ve experienced they will be washed away by a tsunami of victimization.  Imagined or real, this is a prevailing view and it is a ‘kill shot’ to honest, earnest public engagement and national development.

A few weeks ago, Angela Williams of Ashley’s Learning Center – a special needs facility – decided to share her experience on a potential Ministry of Education partnership.  The deal which to her once had hope, flopped when she was asked to do, what she says she could not.  Williams believed the impasse developed out of some personal distaste for her by an unnamed ‘someone’ within the Ministry of Education.

A live streamed press conference from her school and media reports exposed the situation and thousands expressed outrage at the idea of the facility shutting its doors.

In uncharacteristic fashion, the Ministry of Education actually responded with notice of a press event.  It was not what I expected of a seasoned Government office.

While it appeared the Ministry was innocently setting the record straight on the issue, the true mission emerged and it was nothing more than a strategic attempt, led by the highest ranking officials in the Ministry of Education to muddy the reputation of Angela Williams and her school.

The damage was done and the message was sent:  when you mess with me, I will mess with you.  Tit-for-tat; basically, child’s play.

A chance for enlightened leadership was missed; and partisan fans praised the Government’s response.  It was not a praiseworthy moment.

Angela Williams should have been at that press conference with the Ministry of Education and the public, concerned about the welfare of dozens of special needs children, could have been given a ray of hope and a taste of something fresh from this newest PNP Administration.

We could have heard that an urgent meeting was called and the issues and concerns on all sides were hashed out and remedied.

The Ministry would have not only demonstrated in a tangible way its desire to see the school continue, but it would have redeemed itself without the need to utter one slight against Ashley’s Learning Center.

A focus on the partnership and using the platform to lay out the Ministry’s own plans and strides in Special Needs education would have raised the bar and demonstrated an empathy and wisdom of a government quick to care, not to cut down.  I believe this approach would have even earned the Ministry a public apology and a hearty thank you from Ashley’s.

In the weeks since both press events were held, there has been silence except for word that Ashley’s Learning Center is planning to certainly close.

The Education trio – Rachel Taylor, the Minister; Wesley Clerveaux, the Permanent Secretary and Jas Walkin, Special Needs Officer – came out in a live stream and shared damaging information and then rode off into the sunset seemingly feeling victorious.

But there was no win here. It was a significant regression.

The Ministry of Education owed the public the explanation; there was no error in their swift response to the alarming claim by Mrs. Williams.  But we got way more than we bargained for, way more than we needed.

In any leadership position, there are days when one is the hero and days when one is the villain.  It is impossible to control how people feel, but leaders are compelled to make those individual, independent decisions as situations emerge which help to shape public sentiment – for the positive – about them and what they stand for.

The people whom leaders serve need to be confident that they can express themselves without fear of unfair retribution; Protected by the Constitution but better than that, heard at the heart of their matter by leaders who understand the dynamism of their roles.

In retrospect, once you extricate the negative vibes between Ashley’s Learning Center and the Ministry of Education, you hear of some of the most progressive plans for Special Needs Education and Support the Turks and Caicos has ever revealed.

It took Angela Williams speaking out about her plans and issues for the country to learn about the intentions of the Ministry of Education which includes the construction of a Special Needs Centre.  That was a first.

Public expression has a place of importance in a country under development.  It is essential to not only have but to hear the dissenting voices, to welcome other ideas, broader perspectives and constructive criticism.

In Turks and Caicos, these varied expressions become particularly vital when you consider that the Government of the day was selected to serve by only 3,500 of Turks and Caicos’ 45,000 population.

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Community Comes Together as ISU Community Engagement Exercise Delivers Essential Services in Kew Town  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 3rd July 2026: Residents of Kew Town and neighbouring communities turned out on Saturday, June 27, to access a range of free services and information during the ISU’s Community Outreach Caravan at the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries.

The outreach initiative brought together several government agencies and partner organisations in a single location, providing residents with direct access to health, safety, and emergency preparedness services while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement within the community.

Services available throughout the day included health checks and education, vision screenings, emergency preparedness information, fire safety guidance, and community policing engagement. Participating partners included the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, the Turks and Caicos Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s Community Policing Unit, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, and Menzies Optometry.

The exercise forms part of the ISU’s ongoing community engagement programme, which seeks to strengthen relationships with residents while improving access to public services through collaboration with partner agencies. By bringing multiple service providers together in one location, the initiative offered residents a convenient opportunity to access information, seek advice, and connect directly with agencies whose work supports the well-being of their communities.

The Informal Settlements Unit extends its sincere appreciation to the residents who attended and contributed to the success of the exercise, the partner agencies and organisations that dedicated their time and expertise, and the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries for graciously hosting the event. The Unit remains committed to working alongside communities and partner organisations to deliver initiatives that encourage engagement, strengthen partnerships, and improve access to essential services across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos resort hosts high school tourism clubs from Providenciales and North Caicos  

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Clement Howell High School students and teachers being welcome by the General Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, Deryk Meany as they prepare to learn more about the daily operations of the resort and the team

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort recently welcomed students from Clement Howell High School in Providenciales and Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos for an immersive educational tour designed to expose young learners to the dynamic world of hospitality and tourism.

The visit formed part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to youth development and community engagement, providing students with insight into the operations of the Caribbean’s leading hospitality brand. During the tour, students were introduced to various departments across the resort, gaining a deeper understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within the industry.

General Manager Deryk Meany addressed the visiting students, encouraging them to think creatively about their future career paths and to remain open to exploring non-traditional roles within the hospitality sector.

“The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and there is space for innovation, creativity and leadership at every level,” Meany shared. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we are proud to provide opportunities for young people to jumpstart their careers, while also developing the skills needed to grow into future leaders.”

The local youth engaged with team members across multiple disciplines, including guest services, food and beverage, entertainment and operations.

Kawanza Morley, Tourism Club leader at Raymond Gardiner High School, expressed appreciation for the experience, noting its value in reinforcing students’ academic learning.

“This visit allowed our students to see firsthand how what they learn in the classroom translates into the operation,” Morley said. “We are grateful to Beaches Turks and Caicos for their hospitality and for creating such a meaningful and engaging experience.”

Educators accompanying the students also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between schools and industry leaders. Raphael Delpeche of Clement Howell High School commended the resort for its ongoing support of youth development initiatives.

“We are very pleased with the level of exposure our students received,” Delpeche stated. “This relationship continues to create valuable opportunities for our students to better understand the industry and envision their future within it.”

For many students, the tour provided inspiration and a renewed sense of possibility. Tamani Gardiner, a fourth form student from Raymond Gardiner High School, remarked on the professionalism and efficiency observed throughout the resort. “I was really impressed by how smoothly everything operates,” Gardiner said. “The level of professionalism from the staff shows what it takes to succeed in this industry.”

Similarly, Clement Howell High School student Tanika Lightbourne shared her enthusiasm for continued involvement with the resort through its internship programme.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Beaches Turks and Caicos for another year of internship,” Lightbourne said. “This experience has helped me grow and I’m excited to keep learning and developing as a young professional.”

Through initiatives like these, the resort continues to play a vital role in empowering youth across the Turks and Caicos Islands and preparing them for meaningful careers in one of the country’s most important industries.

 

Photo Caption (insert): Students from the Raymond Gardiner High School pause to capture a photo moment at the Treasure Beach Village overlooking the infinity pool during their recent resort tour and educational experience

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Caribbean News

Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts Launch Rebranded Loyalty Program, ‘Island Insiders Club’

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~All-inclusive resort company elevates rewards program, offering expanded benefits and member-only events & experiences, rooted in the spirit of the islands~

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, July 2, 2026 Sandals and Beaches Resorts unveiled today the introduction of its new Island Insiders Club, the next chapter of its refreshed loyalty program. Replacing the long-running Sandals Select Rewards program (established in 2008), the new program is designed to elevate the guest experience with a more immersive approach to awards and recognition. Effective July 1, 2026, the transition will preserve members’ current status and existing benefits, while expanding access to enhanced rewards, exclusive events and enriched experiences that bring members closer to the Caribbean.

“We are expanding how loyalty shows up across every stay to encapsulate what our loyal members already are — an inside part of the Sandals and Beaches family,” stated # SVP of Loyalty at Unique Vacations, Inc., worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “We developed this program side-by-side with the guests who know the resorts, the islands, and the people best, drawing on extensive focus groups, surveys, and direct feedback. The result is a loyalty experience that goes far beyond points, and is felt in every welcome home.”

Guests can enroll in Island Insiders Club before their very first visit, and begin earning status after their first stay. The program features seven levels of loyalty, the highest being Ambassador, followed by Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Coral and Shell (which replaces the former Select tier).

More Access. More Recognition. More Caribbean.

Sandals Select Rewards members will roll over to the Island Insiders Club on July 1, 2026, maintaining their status and benefits with no reset.

Island Insiders Club highlights include:

  • Choice of Insider Reward: A flexible credit that lets Insiders choose the experiences that best match their vacation style, from relaxing at the Red Lane Spa to embarking on an adventure with Island Routes.
  • The Insiders Shop: A private online merchandise store featuring premium collections and limited-edition drops, including handcrafted artisanal pieces, available exclusively for Island Insiders.
  • Room Upgrade Hotline: Now available exclusively for members, Insiders can request a room upgrade 30 days prior to travel and receive up to 50% off their upgrade when they call a dedicated number.
  • Dedicated VIP Concierge Line: A one-stop, full-service customer care team supporting Diamond, Pearl, and Ambassador members throughout their vacation journey, helping to book their flights, tours, special requests and more.
  • Expanded Insider Experiences, On and Off Resort: Exclusive Insider events including specialty weeks focused on diving, autism inclusion, and culinary experiences on resort. Plus, access to a series of experiential events across the globe.
  • 20% off Managers Wine List Discount: Returning members receive 20% off the Manager’s Wine List, offering another elevated touch for dinners, celebrations, and special moments on resort.
  • $200 Laundry Service Credit: Ambassador members will receive a $200 laundry service credit, adding an extra layer of ease and convenience to longer stays.
  • Complimentary Week Stay: A complimentary 7-night stay at any resort of choice is awarded to members after every 70 paid nights.
  • New Member Incentive: Those “newly inside” who book and travel will receive 5,000 bonus points after their first stay.

As always, Insiders enjoy special access to cabanas, a complimentary photo on every trip, member discounts on everything from retail and watersports to candlelight dinners, and added savings on future stays at the loyalty lounge.

New Name, New Look and a Nod to Nostalgia

The Island Insiders Club’s refreshed visual identity is built around a simple pair of sandals, now the signature symbol of Island Insiders Club and a throwback to an Insider tradition that’s been worn for decades, from vintage gold and silver pendants in the early days to the leather necklaces shared at member events today.

The new brand look will roll out across consumer touchpoints in the months ahead, from dedicated Island Insiders Club lounges to on resort signage, marketing and sales channels, digital and more, bringing Island Insiders Club to life through a modern design and multiplatform approach.

An Exclusive Inside Scoop

In true Insider fashion, Island Insiders Club was first unveiled to the brand’s most loyal members during a special “Step Inside Our Sandals” video conference. Designed as an Insider-first briefing, the call gives top members an early look at brand news and upcoming developments. Hosted by Peter Menges, the event walked members through the highlights of the new program, what to expect, and the refreshed look and feel of Island Insiders Club, before Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Executive Chairman Adam Stewart gave an exclusive look at what’s next and the reimagining of three iconic Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.

For more information about Island Insiders Club or to become a member, visit: www.sandals.com/islandinsidersclub.

Go behind-the-scenes of the Island Insiders Club with Peter Menges on the Sandals Palmcast and read the latest on the Sandals blog.

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