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Round One of TCREA Real Estate Mentorship Program Ends

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#TurksandCaicos, December 2, 2022 – Round one of the Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association’s Mentorship Program came to a close this past weekend with an afternoon of powerful presentations and a fitting celebration.

On Saturday, November 26th, the inaugural class returned to where it all began – the TCREA Head Office – this time flanked by family, faculty, and media. Smartly dressed as Junior Realtors, the mentees delivered final presentations to the program’s mentors and guests.

Showing a perfect range of variety, the teens displayed their mock Realtor biographies and a sales pitch on a pre-selected real estate listing. There was a show of presentations on vacant land, single homes, and condos, all placed on the big screen for viewing while the teens made use of their newly adopted real estate jargon and shared their listings’ best attributes with the room.

“Watching these bright minds deliver their presentations was a proud moment,” shared program mentor Nina Siegenthaler of Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s. “There was genuine excitement, and they showed just how much they have learned and retained over these past few months. She continued, “It has been a fulfilling experience sharing the industry with them, and I’m delighted that one or more of them may now consider real estate as an option for their future career.”

Launched by TCREA Ambassador Trevor Musgrove, the mentorship program aims to allow high-school and first-year college students to explore real estate through live mentorship sessions with premier industry experts in Turks and Caicos.

Participation was open to all islands, and the inaugural class was comprised of ten enthusiastic students from Providenciales and North Caicos: Dashawn Brooks and Alyssa Callum of Clement Howell High; Olique Stubbs, Lewis Walkin, Jr. of Raymond Gardiner High; Aniyah Bovie of Precious Treasures; Shamya Missick of Maranatha Academy; Pavla Lalakova and Andino Parker of British West Indies Collegiate; Abnise Noel, Antoine Gedeon of Louise Garland Thomas High.

Along with Siegenthaler, the teens had monthly access to Blair MacPherson of REMAX; Manfred Smith of Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s; Vernica Delancy and Dedra Gray of Keller Williams; and Sean O’Neill, Musgrove’s partner The Agency Turks & Caicos.

Asked how he felt about the program’s start, Musgrove said, “Overall, I could not have asked for a better outcome.  The excitement from both the mentors and the mentees has been amazing to see. We started this initiative to give something of ourselves and our industry to these young men and women, but they have also enriched us.” Reflecting on the program’s journey, the Director had one small point of dissatisfaction, “My only wish is that we had seen applications from students in the other islands well. The Ministry of Education has shown us how serious they are in extending the support needed. Because of it, the students from North Caicos had the transportation and chaperone necessary to facilitate their participation. We would love to see students from all the islands take advantage of the access so that we can share this opportunity with them all.”

The program has exposed the teens to the technical and practical sides of the profession. Terminology, securing a listing, marketing, selling a listing, professional etiquette, and following a strict code of ethics have all been shared with them. The program’s highlight was the open house exercise, which gave the mentees an opportunity for a real-time showing of a luxury oceanfront villa in Long Bay to a group of mock buyers, including the Minister of Education, Honourable Rachel Taylor.

“To watch this program materialize and grow has been an exceptional experience. These are the opportunities our school leavers need to know are out there, and I applaud Mr. Musgrove and his committee for doing their part in exposing our young men and women to this flourishing industry that is available to them right here in our islands,” said Honourable Taylor. She added, “I had the pleasure of visiting several sessions and was an inch away from buying a villa from the very bright and persuasive Andino Parker at the open house. The energy and excitement from the students were all the testament necessary to confirm that this was a much-needed, fresh opportunity that many will be delighted to take advantage of.”

The Ministry of Education has previously shared that the program aligns perfectly with the new Youth Policy, which incorporates 7 Pillars. Pillar 1 focuses on Enhancing Youth Economic Participation and Economic Empowerment. Both the association and the Ministry hope that this mentorship opportunity will result in more Turks and Caicos islanders becoming interested in joining this thriving sector, aiding in its sustainability, and opening other doors to local entrepreneurship.

TCREA Ambassador Musgrove expressed his gratitude to the real estate association for sanctioning the program and his colleagues for dedicating their time to mentoring the participants, “I can’t thank everyone enough for the support this program has received. I am grateful to the TCREA Board of Directors for giving the program the green light and to Honourable Rachel Taylor and her team for their support and presence throughout the program. I must extend special thanks to my colleagues for sharing their time and knowledge and to SOS Media for the public relations and social media support. Most of all, I am humbled by the community’s feedback and encouragement. I am ready to return to work for round two of the program.”

Certificates of participation and appreciation were presented to Mentees and Mentors by Musgrove, who also shared his thanks to the Media for their support throughout the life of the program. Saturday’s close-out ended with a celebratory lunch sponsored and hosted by Big Al’s Island Grill in The Salt Mills, Grace Bay.

Another ten spots will be available for the program’s 2nd round, which begins in January 2023. Interested parents and students are encouraged to look out for the invitation for applicants in December 2022 and to follow the TCREA Mentorship Program’s Facebook page for information and updates.

 

Release: TCREA

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Caribbean News

Canadian Woman loses two hands, husband fights off shark 

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – Some claim that it is an overpopulated ocean which is driving sharks closer to shore to feed, and it is leading to dangerous and deadly encounters with the apex predator in peaceful waters like those in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Seas were choppy, skies were partly cloudy but the white-capped waves and alluring turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands were the bait for two Canadian visitors whose morning swim was dramatically and tragically upended by a shark.

“There was a shark attack on the beach 10 minutes ago; close to where the horses are… “ informed a social media post shared with Magnetic Media.

Mr. and Mrs. Ross, a couple from Canada was swimming at the beach when Mrs. Ross was attacked by a shark, estimates put the creature at 6ft long.

Mrs. Ross lost both hands and a piece of her thigh.

The Royal TCI Police soon confirmed the tourist was injured, with this statement.

“At 10:33 am today (07th February), the Police Control Room of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force received a report that a female visitor had been injured while swimming.  Medical personnel and the police were dispatched to the given location in Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The 55-year-old victim was brought ashore and rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center for Treatment.”

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, DECR was summoned to the scene where they observed an approximately 6 foot long shark circling near where the family of the woman had huddled, distraught and tending to her life-threatening injuries.

By 1:26pm, the Thompson’s Cove Beach was closed by the DECR.

In the Turks and Caicos, this shark is protected as a valued part of the marine ecosystem but some residents speaking to us believe the shark

is a man eater.

“I was there for 40 minutes and it was still lingering.”

In truth, it appeared the shark was still in waters mere feet away from its victim, even as her loved ones struggled to offer medical care until EMS responded.

“That shark bite victim lost both her hands and some forearms.  Her husband tried to fight it off.”

It was reported that the woman, identified as Nathalie Ross, was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment.

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Caribbean News

Kenya’s Minister of Interior and National Administration Reports on Mission to Haiti

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February 8, 2025

 

“The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti continues to grow in troop numbers amid assurance of ironclad support from the international community.

This morning, I saw off an additional 144 police officers comprising 120 men and 24 women to bolster the 600 officers deployed earlier who have already made commendable progress in reducing gang violence in the Caribbean nation. Other countries, notably Guatemala and El Salvador, have in recent weeks deployed additional officers. Together with Jamaican and Belizean troops, and supported by Haitian police, we’re making concerted efforts to establish order.

Kenya’s leadership in this noble mission, which is supported by the UN Trust Fund for Haiti established under the UN Security Council Resolution 2699, is in recognition of our long-standing contribution to peacekeeping missions and peace support operations.

We’re constantly in touch with the UN and countries supporting this mission including the USA whose support in equipment and funding has been invaluable and unwavering.

Inspector General National Police Service Mr Douglas Kanja, Internal Security and National Administration PS Dr Raymond Omollo, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs PS Dr Korir Sing’Oei, National Security Advisor to the President Dr Monica Juma and Deputy National Security Advisor Mr Joseph Boinnet, among other senior officials, joined me in seeing off the contingent.”

 

Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen

Ministry of. Interior and National Administration

Kenya

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Bahamas News

Concierge Auctions Anticipates Strong Bidding Activity for Unique Short-term Luxury Rental Properties Demand for The Bahamas & Caribbean Soars

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Coconut Island Estate Listed for $5.4M, a luxurious retreat in Casuarina Point, presents an exceptional beachfront opportunity with proven rental income potential.

The Bahamas, February 8, 2025 – Calling the demand for sophisticated short-term vacation rentals ‘unprecedented,’ a Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions executive anticipates strong activity when bidding opens on two unique Caribbean-based properties – one in The Bahamas, another in Jamaica – this month.

A heated pool overlooks pristine white sand beaches, while the beachfront bar and grill create an ideal entertainment setting. Immaculate landscaping enhances the natural beauty of this one-acre sanctuary.

“It is extraordinary that two distinct properties, each designed with spaciousness, attention to architectural style and detail, as well as amenities that cater to a highly sophisticated luxury market, come to market at the same time,” said Danny Prell, Vice President of Business Development at the world’s largest luxury real estate auction house.

He stated that both properties offer a component critical to the demanding high-end vacation rental client – a unique location with unmatched beauty, privacy and serenity.

One of the properties, Coconut Island Estate in Abaco in the northern Bahamas, already has a proven track record of rental success, generating a significant six-figure income. Situated on a stretch of baby powder soft beach in the chain of islands known as the ‘sailing capital of The Bahamas’, the estate consists of four separate houses with a total of 10 bedrooms and nearly 9,000 square feet of space. The residence features a beachside bar and grill, a heated pool, and ample opportunities for guests to enjoy swimming and snorkeling without leaving the property. For those seeking adventure, nearby charter options offer boating, fishing, diving, or excursions to charming neighboring islands and settlements.

Kenyan Sunset Listed for $3.5M; offers a distinct fusion of Caribbean elegance and African inspiration across two majestic acres in prestigious Caribbean Heights. This exceptional estate comprises three thoughtfully designed structures, each embodying unique charm.

The second offering, Kenyan Sunset in Montego Bay, Jamaica is sprawled across two acres with three residences perched high atop a hill overlooking two world-famous golf courses and the historic Rose Hall Great House. Its fusion of Caribbean and African lends colour and features that give it the appeal of an architectural magazine cover. The main house features three bedrooms, a private office, a fully equipped kitchen designed for entertaining, a wine cellar, a media room, and a gym, all centered around a private pool. A second pool is located at one of the two cottages.

“The short-term vacation rental industry as we know it today was unheard of just a generation ago,” said Prell. “Globally, it is generating upwards of $87 billion annually and there is no sign of a slowdown. What is less well-known is the demand for luxury properties where those of a certain economic standing can enjoy all the family, friends and colleagues they want to have around them in a non-commercial environment. These properties, Coconut Island Estate in the Abacos of The Bahamas and Kenyan Sunset in Montego Bay, are quintessential opportunities for the client who wants everything at his or her fingertips in a location that is easy to access and hard to leave.”

The estate’s elevated position between the renowned White Witch and Cinnamon Hill golf courses delivers spectacular views, while sharing grounds with the historic Rose Hall Great House adds to its prestigious providence.

Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions is working in collaboration with local Sotheby’s associates in both locations. Coconut Island Estate is listed by Mitzi Pearce of Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty for $5.4 million with bidding expected to start between $1 million–$1.75 million. Kenya Sunset is listed by Coleen Samuels and Julian Dixon of Jamaica Sotheby’s International Realty for $3.5 million with bidding expected to open between $750,000 and $1.25 million. Both auctions are scheduled to open on February 21 and close on March 1 as part of an inaugural live sale event during ModaMiami in Coral Gables, Florida. Prell said he would not be surprised if a single bidder opts for both.

“Finding one revenue generating property at this level in excellent condition is rare, finding two in the same region at the same time is extraordinary,” he said. “It should be exciting and one of the most active auctions we have had in recent history because both lend themselves to the opportunity for owners to enjoy when they want and earn revenue when they wish.”

 

About Concierge Auctions

Concierge Auctions is the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace, with a state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. The firm matches sellers of one-of-a-kind homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Sellers gain unmatched reach, speed, and certainty. Buyers receive curated opportunities. Agents earn their commission in 30 days. Acquired by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc (NYSE: HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, Concierge Auctions continues to operate independently, partnering with real estate agents affiliated with many of the industry’s leading brokerages to host luxury auctions for clients. For Sotheby’s International Realty listings and companies, Concierge Auctions provides Sotheby’s brand exclusivity as Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. Since inception in 2008, the firm has generated billions of dollars in sales, broken world records for the highest-priced homes ever sold at auction and sold properties in 46 U.S. states and 35 countries. The firm owns one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, and it has committed to build more than 300 homes through its Key For Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes™, which funds new homes for families in need from every property the company sells. For more information, visit ConciergeAuctions.com.

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