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The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association Announces New Members of Staff

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#TurksandCaicos, December 16, 2022 – Football continues to develop strength in the Turks and Caicos Islands, growing in significant competition and participation. As a result of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association’s (TCIFA) strategic plan to take football forward, building on the progress of past years, TCIFA welcomed new members of staff in an effort to further best practices, and expand quality football and administration.

Lenford Singh’s sixteen-year long experience with the TCIFA’s National Football Team Programme, coupled with his strong work ethic and leadership skills, supported his transfer to the coaching staff as they begin a new era of success. Singh played for the Turks and Caicos Islands Men’s National Football Team as striker and wide midfielder. He retired in September 2022. Singh joins the Technical Department as Football Coach, Talent Development Leader and Assistant Coach for the Boys U15 National Football Team. “I have always been extremely passionate about football, even as a young boy growing up in my community. I see football as a positive way to encourage young people to express their talents and achieve their maximum level of athletic potential. I am, therefore, driven and committed to continue providing knowledge and nurturing personal growth as I motivate our young people, keeping them on a positive path to achieving their goals,” said Singh. “I am excited to contribute to the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association in my new capacity- the association which has been so instrumental in shaping me as a person, player, and now coach. Though there have been many great moments and memories as a player, now is the time to shift my focus. I look forward to influencing and molding our players into the leaders they are destined to be, whether on or off the field; and look forward to an exciting future ahead. I am thankful for the belief and continued investments ushered by President Sonia Fulford and the rest of the TCIFA.”

With a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, Jerisha Durham holds 5 years teaching experience at the Enid Capron and Ianthe Pratt Primary Schools in Providenciales. Durham now occupies the position of Executive Assistant to the Office of the President and General Secretary at the TCIFA, carrying a myriad of responsibilities. Her exemplary communication, organizational skills, and adaptability are but a few of her many strengths. She commented, “Babe Ruth once said, ‘Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back.’ This is the motto that I live by. Football is new to me, yet, I am not afraid to start afresh or embark on this wonderful experience in my capacity at the TCIFA. I am filled with so much gratitude. The opportunity has already proven to be rewarding one, by the great people I have come in contact with, and the professional and collaborative work environment that exists. I am looking forward to a bright future in football administration, and learning more about the nuts and bolts of the beautiful game.”

After spending much of her childhood years playing in the youth football programme and volunteering, Monae Gooden returns to the TCIFA as Clerical Assistant. In 2017, she was awarded a football scholarship by ASA College in Miami, Florida, USA- a result of the 2017 Identification Camp organized by TCIFA.  There, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Gooden continues to further her education at the University of the West Indies Bachelor’s Programme, studying Business Management and Economics. “The unparalleled beauty of the game is the reason for my passion,” said Gooden. “I am ecstatic to return home to be a part of the administration that continues to invest in the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, through football. In future endeavors, I hope to also do this as a player and a coach.”

TCIFA President Sonia Fulford commented, “It is truly an exciting time for football. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Singh, Durham and Gooden to the offices of the TCIFA. Not only will they bring a tighter focus to the work we are doing, but they will put forth significant contributions to our next chapter of growth and success. Our members of staff, each, embody the TCIFA’s values and mission. We are climbing the ladder and achieving a breakthrough. We are experiencing more active competition, both locally and internationally, than ever before. We are embracing this growth in every way possible and instituting multiple courses of action to keep up with this exciting momentum. We look forward to the new perspectives and dimension that these individuals will bring as we work collaboratively to raise the profile of football in these Turks and Caicos Islands.”

President Fulford continued, “It gives me great joy to see more Turks and Caicos Islanders becoming interested in football coaching and administration, as with our new members of staff, and we encourage more persons to become involved through our volunteer programme. I am also thrilled that Singh and Gooden has decided to shift gears and give back to our TCIFA from a different space. Football offers several options beyond the player’s field, and opportunities abound with exceptional growth chances. With that being said, there is always a place for everyone in football.”

For more information, please contact TCIFA Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@gmail.com

 

Address:

TCIFA National Academy

Venetian Road

Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

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Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards

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~Sandals Resorts hosts the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala & celebrates its 32nd consecutive win as The Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand~

 

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, October 8, 2025 – Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have been honoured with 16 awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas, underscoring their continued leadership across the hospitality landscape.

The Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian honoured the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the travel and tourism industry. The evening united government leaders and hospitality professionals for a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration.

Among celebratory toasts, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 32nd year in a row. Beaches Turks and Caicos also celebrated its 18th win as the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort, a recognition that comes ahead of the debut of its Treasure Beach Village, the resort’s $150 million expansion set to open spring 2026.

Other key wins include Sandals Dunn’s River, recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for the third year in a row after opening its doors in 2023 and Sandals South Coast, awarded the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort.

The 16 awards won under Sandals’ portfolio are:

  • Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025: Sandals Resorts International
  • Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Turks & Caicos
  • Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • Caribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
  • Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
  • Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
  • Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2025: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
  • Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Bahamian
  • Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
  • Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grenada
  • Jamaica’s Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Negril
  • Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Negril
  • Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay
  • Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Caribbean
  • Saint Lucia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
  • Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Surrounded by the beauty of Gros-Islet, St. Lucia, the peninsula location of Sandals Grande St. Lucian created the perfect backdrop for World Travel Awards’™ guests to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and breathtaking island views.

“At the heart of every Sandals and Beaches vacation is pure, inviting Caribbean soul, paired with world-class hospitality experiences for all our guests. The recognitions bestowed to our brands tonight are truly meaningful. They serve as a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our talented team members,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “It is yet another reminder of why we will never stop evolving, listening to our customers and refining our experiences year after year.”

For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com. For more information on the World Travel Awards™, please visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.

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Caribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands  

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Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson is the keynote speaker at CaribCon

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.

Elizabeth “Lady” Montano

Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives.                                                                                                                                                                                      Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat.                                                                                                                                   Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.

Simon Baptiste

“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.”                                                                                                                                                               CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.

Sponsors are:

Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.

Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.

Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.

For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.

For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co

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Guyanese Scholar and Olympian Arrested in Iowa ICE Crackdown

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

September 27, 2025 – In a shocking breach of public trust and institutional oversight, Ian Andre Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, who is a citizen of Guyana, was arrested on September 26 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under a string of serious offenses that raise troubling questions about hiring practices, accountability, and public safety.

Roberts, born in Georgetown, Guyana, is a former Olympian and accomplished scholar.  According to online reports, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University after transferring from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where he played soccer.  He holds two master’s degrees—from St. John’s University and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business—attended an Executive MBA program at MIT Sloan School of Management and earned a doctorate in education with a focus on urban educational leadership from Trident University.

Despite these accomplishments, Roberts was living and working without legal authorization.  ICE reported that he fled a traffic stop and abandoned his school-issued vehicle.  At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly in possession of a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash.  He also has a prior weapons-related charge.

ICE officials questioned how Roberts could hold such a prominent role while subject to a final deportation order issued in May 2024.  The school district said they were unaware of his immigration status, noting that he had undergone background checks and completed an I-9 form confirming work authorization.  Roberts was placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

This case highlights vulnerabilities in systems meant to safeguard public institutions and underscores the challenges ICE faces in identifying individuals operating outside U.S. immigration laws while in positions of authority.

For many, Roberts has become a near-literal poster child for these enforcement gaps.

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