News
Beaches Turks & Caicos Earth Guardians Recognise Selfless Environmental Hero…
#TurksandCaicos, October 12, 2022 – Team members and managers from Beaches Turks and Caicos recently collected nearly 100 bags of garbage from the Lower Bight area, which included Princess Drive and the Public Basketball Court as part of the company’s continued dedication to environmental assistance. This cleanup was made even more special as it followed an official recognition of a true friend to the local streets, sidewalks and beaches of
Providenciales.
Norman Rogers, affectionately referred to as “Norm”, has a long history of hands-on demonstration when it comes to caring for the planet as many residents has seen his familiar face while driving along the highway in the mornings, where he collects trash five days a week. He is also no stranger to the Sandals Resorts International brand.
Citing his journey to the Turks and Caicos, Norm stated; “We first learned of Beaches Turks and Caicos at a Sandals returning guest dinner and visited the Turks and Caicos Islands for the first time in 2000 and instantly fell in love. Unfortunately, I had a mild heart attack in 2003 which led me to think about my future, so in 2004 we purchased a home on the island. We often visit Fort George Cay to photograph birds, but the litter always got in the way, so I began to collect litter every time we visited the other smaller islands and cays.
“During the lockdown in 2020, people were allowed to go for walks in the morning and evening. During my walks I began to notice litter along the streets and did not like it at all, so each time I went for a walk I would pick up some and bring it back home.
“I have been picking up litter ever since and collected over 2000 bags, which brings me joy because if the hurricane winds come, that litter will not end up in the ocean. This shirt I am wearing today says ‘STOP LITTERING!’ on the front and ‘ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERERENCE’ on the back, words I live by.”
The massive cleanup project was a collaborative effort between the Beaches Turks and Caicos managerial staff and the internal group – the Earth Guardians – who are resort Ambassadors, responsible for positively impacting the environment.
The combined team focused on the section of the Lower Bight adjacent to the Key West Village, which is the scene of ongoing road works and new sidewalk construction.
The environmental team started early in the morning after presenting Norm with an official certificate of recognition and his very own Sandals 40th Anniversary Team Member T-shirt. They proceeded to gradually work their way east along Princess Drive collecting plastic bottles, paper and plastic supplies, as well as disposable masks and other debris.
Beaches Turk and Caicos Environment Health and Safety Manager, Shuntal Gibson, cited the importance of recognising members of the community who tirelessly work to preserve and protect the environment.
Gibson stated; “All of us are familiar with Norm and his continued efforts to contribute to the ‘Beautiful by Nature’ brand of Turks and Caicos. That’s why it was such an honour to not only recognize his consistent work but also to collaborate with him on a cleanup initiative. As Earth Guardians, we conduct community and beach cleanups very often. This also allows us to build relationship with the residents in these communities and they have come to understand how important their communities are to us and Sandals Resorts International as an organisation.”
Release: Sandals Resorts
Photo Captions:
Header: Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Earth Guardian team are all smiles after conducting a community clean-up in the Lower Bight community.
Insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos Director of Operations, Ghislain Boutoulle (left) and Environment Health and Safety Manager, Shuntal Gibson (right) present Environmentalist Norman Rogers with a Certificate of Appreciation for his continued street and beach cleanup efforts.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands— Thursday, 24 September 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and
Emergencies (DDME) was invited by Digicel to deliver a hurricane preparedness presentation to members of their staff.
The engaging 90-minute presentation formed part of DDME’s ongoing public education and awareness efforts aimed at strengthening preparedness across the Turks and Caicos Islands. During the session, Digicel employees were provided with important information on the potential impacts of hurricanes and other emergencies, as well as the actions that individuals and organisations can take to reduce risks and protect lives, property and essential operations.
The presentation emphasised that preparedness is a shared responsibility and should begin well before a storm or other emergency threatens the country. Staff were encouraged to understand the risks associated with hurricanes, remain informed through official sources and develop personal and workplace preparedness plans.
DDME recognises the important role that businesses play in national disaster preparedness and resilience. Corporate organisations are
encouraged to establish and regularly review emergency plans that clearly outline responsibilities, communication procedures, evacuation arrangements, business continuity measures and recovery actions.
“Preparedness is most effective when it is planned and practised before an emergency occurs,” Jason Hills, DDME Director. “Organisations that invest in preparedness today are better positioned to protect their people, maintain essential services and support the wider community during times of crisis.”
Corporate organisations, schools and government departments interested in DDME’s assistance with hurricane preparedness training, emergency drills support or assistance with developing a business contingency plan are encouraged to contact the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies via email at ddme.tci@gmail.com.
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio
Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.
The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive
resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.
The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”
The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in
guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.
BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
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