Caribbean News
Brighter Futures Center Grand Opening
#TurksandCaicos, January 24, 2023 – The Salvation Army Brighter Futures Community Center held its grand opening Saturday, January 24th. The event brought together supporters, dignitaries, and the general public in a celebration of a brand-new facility dedicated to the development of youth in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Tonight, we celebrate over ten years of fundraising, planning, and construction”, Salvation Army TCI Advisory Board Chairperson stated, “this facility will provide the children of our nation hope”. Foss explained that he knew they could not raise the $2.6 million needed to purchase the land and construct the building by holding traditional fundraisers. “We did not want to impact our regular fundraising which supports several programs such as the hot lunch program for at-risk students, textbook and school uniform initiatives, food insecurity assistance, the seniors’
transportation program in Middle Caicos, or any of the other good work that occurs regularly in our islands. We focused on private donations, and even then, we were careful not to disrupt the funding of other local non-profits also doing great work”.
Foss explained that it took several years to get their first large donation. A donation that gave them the confidence and hopes that they could eventually reach their goal, “the first major step toward the reality of what we were trying to do came when the Salvation Army Bahamas and the Salvation Army International organizations donated the funds to purchase the land, which we did immediately. Before the land was purchased, I would go to people and ask them if they would donate to the facility and they would say, ‘where will it be built’? and I would have to say that I did not know yet. People are generous by nature and they want to help good causes, but they also want to know that they are donating to something that is going to happen”.
Once the land was purchased and the site of the center was known, he states that things started to change when he approached possible donors, “now that we had a site, I could give my pitch with confidence and four years into the effort we received a $50 000 donation from Canadians Dale and Wendy Papke of Ports of Call. That donation gave me hope. While we managed several $5000 and $10 000 donations, we still had a long way to go until I met the David and Julie Brown family, also from Canada. The Brown family loves the Turks and Caicos Islands and makes it their home many months of the year. They also care about young people and want to provide as many opportunities as possible. They were game changers with a total commitment of $750 000 toward the project.”
In his address to the crowd on Saturday night, Foss explained that it was not just money that was needed to get the project built, but expertise and assistance. “Not only did the Brown Family offer critical financial support, but the entire family also including their son Kyle helped me produce a marketing plan and materials. When you have like-minded caring people helping you do the heavy lifting, it becomes easier to move forward. We found an amazing contractor in Phillip ‘Skintight’ Handfield to build the facility at cost. Another huge step forward occurred when Mark and Anna Parrish offered their support. Mark, owner of the quantity surveying firm Concept Plus agreed to project manage the construction process as a volunteer. Anna donated all the stone and ceramic tiles along with most of the windows for the building”.
The volunteer Advisory Board Chair said momentum was on their side and they began building the facility before they had all the funding needed in place. He stated, “we had momentum, and we didn’t want to lose it by waiting for all the money and we were confident once people could see the construction occurring, they would lend their support. We started the build just before the pandemic and were cruising along with donations continuing to come forward. However, during the pandemic, the cost of construction materials began to rise dramatically and suddenly we were going to be short approximately $200 000 to cover the increases. I made an appeal to the members of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) and within forty-eight hours we had raised the extra funds to complete the facility. It was an incredible show of caring corporate citizenship”.
The building consists of the Salvation Army church, a large multi-purpose event center, an early childhood education classroom, and a commercial community kitchen to be used to supply hot lunches to at-risk students in government schools, counseling rooms, and the Salvation Army TCI administration offices. Eventually, the facility will include a community garden and will become a certified hurricane shelter for the general public.
Foss said he and his wife Leslie, a volunteer responsible for all Salvation Army TCI fundraising events, are humbled by the opportunity to be involved and excited to see the building completed and in use. Most importantly, Todd Foss
let it be known that the theme of the building is Hope and that it will be home to other non-profits offering hope to the youth of Turks and Caicos, “since 2007 the Salvation Army TCI has done amazing work in our country, all without a permanent facility. Not having a facility made things challenging. We want other youth-based non-profit organizations to call the Brighter Futures Community Center home so they can expand their work. We are excited to offer the use of the facility to Jr. Achievement TCI, the TCHTA Little Chefs program, the TCHTA Hospitality Program, The TCI Youth Parliament, the Police Youth Band, and others. In addition, we look forward to joint partnerships with amazing organizations such as the Ed Garland Youth Center”.
As the facility began to rise, so did violent crime among the Island’s young population, making the Brighter Futures Community Center more important than ever. Foss suggested that “too often I see people suggesting that troubled youth is a government problem to solve, or it is the parent’s fault, or I hear a lot of what is the Governor doing or why are the police not arresting all the bad people. The truth is that at-risk youth is a complex issue with no easy solution, but whatever the solution it is up to all of us to be a part of it. The Salvation Army TCI Brighter Futures Community Center’s purpose is to bring Hope to the youth of our country and Hope is the best tool to guide young people down a path towards a positive life”.
Sponsored by the Salvation Army Bahamas and the generous donations of Mr. Frank Crothers, the Salvation Army began work in Turks and Caicos in 2007. In 2011, it became the 131st country to receive official country status within the organization. Formed in 1865, the International Salvation Army operates in 133 countries and is the second-largest non-profit organization in the world. It is an integral part of the Christian Church with objectives to advance the Christian religion while providing important humanitarian work in education, relief of poverty, and other charitable efforts benefiting society and the community of mankind as a whole.
Caribbean News
Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts Launch Rebranded Loyalty Program, ‘Island Insiders Club’
~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.
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – A young man who learned to play hockey on Cayman Islands’ only roller hockey rink has achieved
what once seemed impossible—becoming the first Caymanian ever selected in the National Hockey League Draft.
Eighteen-year-old Jaxon Cover was chosen 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators, making him the final first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and the first player from the Cayman Islands to hear his name called by an NHL franchise.
The achievement is remarkable not only because of where Cover comes from, but because of how recently he began playing on ice.
Growing up in Grand Cayman, Cover developed his skills playing roller and ball hockey, as the islands have no permanent ice rink. He did not lace up ice skates until he was 13 years old, yet within just five years had developed into one of the world’s top junior prospects.
Last season, the talented right winger starred for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, recording 52 points on 20 goals
and 32 assists in 67 games, performances that caught the attention of NHL scouts.
His mother, Nanalie Cover, described the family’s emotions as “very thankful, grateful and humbled,” adding that she hopes her son’s journey becomes “a symbol of what we can do, and what is possible for all, irrespective of where they originate.”
The Cayman Islands Government also hailed the milestone, saying Cover had “redefined the boundaries” of Caymanian sport and demonstrated the limitless potential of the nation’s young people.
Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Isaac Rankine called the draft selection “a proud and historic moment for the Cayman Islands,” saying Cover’s success will inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional the path.
For a country better known for beaches than ice rinks, Jaxon Cover’s remarkable rise proves that talent, determination and opportunity can overcome even the most unlikely beginnings.
From a roller rink in the Caribbean to the bright lights of the NHL, Cayman has produced its first hockey trailblazer—and perhaps not its last.
What Caribbean migration dialogues reveal about the region’s future
By Patrice Quesada, Coordinator, IOM Caribbean
Migration has become one of the defining issues shaping the Caribbean’s future—not simply because people are moving, but because our economies, labour markets, populations and climate realities are changing.
Over the past several weeks, I have participated in migration discussions at the global, regional and national levels. While each conversation
was different, they all pointed to the same conclusion: the Caribbean is beginning to recognize migration not only as a border issue, but as a development issue.
The challenge now is moving from dialogue to action.
From Global Commitments to Caribbean Solutions
That shift was evident during the International Migration Review Forum held at the United Nations in New York, where Caribbean participation was particularly strong. Delegations from ten Caribbean countries, including ministerial representatives from Barbados and Belize, reinforced the region’s growing commitment to shaping international migration policy.
Two messages emerged clearly.
First, migration governance must be grounded in each country’s realities and supported by concrete national commitments. Second, migration cannot be viewed in isolation. It is closely linked to labour markets, demographic change, climate vulnerability and long-term development planning.
Every Caribbean Country Has Its Own Story
Across the region, governments are approaching migration through different lenses.
In Saint Lucia, the launch of the country’s draft migration policy reflected concerns about declining birth rates, labour shortages and continued emigration. The discussions recognised that labour needs, diaspora engagement, remittances, return migration and protection must all work together within one national strategy.
Jamaica demonstrated how migration planning can begin at the local level, with Clarendon becoming the country’s first parish to integrate migration considerations into its long-term development strategy.
Guyana, meanwhile, is managing migration in the context of rapid economic growth, balancing increased labour demand with worker protections and orderly migration systems.
Barbados has also begun incorporating migration into broader population planning as it addresses demographic decline and an ageing population.
The Bahamas has focused on disaster preparedness, bringing together government agencies to strengthen national plans for managing inter-island and cross-border movement during emergencies while safeguarding the rights and dignity of displaced people.
Different countries face different challenges—but all are recognising migration as an essential part of national planning.
The Caribbean’s Greatest Untapped Asset
One message resurfaced repeatedly throughout these discussions.
The Caribbean diaspora should no longer be viewed simply as a source of remittances.
Across the region, citizens living abroad continue to contribute through investment, entrepreneurship, professional expertise, advocacy and, in many cases, by returning home with new skills and experience.
The opportunity now is to engage the diaspora more deliberately as a strategic development partner.
Turning Dialogue into Action
Technical discussions held throughout May demonstrated that governments are beginning to move beyond policy conversations.
CARICOM, supported by the International Labour Organization and the Inter-American Development Bank, convened regional labour migration specialists to explore how migration can help address workforce shortages while ensuring fair recruitment and decent working conditions.
Together, these initiatives suggest the Caribbean is entering a new phase—one where migration is no longer viewed simply as movement across borders, but as a tool for economic resilience, demographic planning and sustainable development.
The conversations have begun.
The next challenge is ensuring they lead to meaningful action.
-
Caribbean News2 days agoSandals® and Beaches® Resorts Launch Rebranded Loyalty Program, ‘Island Insiders Club’
-
News2 days agoBeaches Turks & Caicos resort hosts high school tourism clubs from Providenciales and North Caicos
-
Bahamas News1 week agoHe’s Not Dusting Off Yesterday’s Plan… He’s Trying to Rebuild Government
-
News1 week agoTurks and Caicos Islands Expands US Reach with New United Airlines Denver Route
-
Bahamas News5 days agoDiamond Stubbs, 17 • Betrica Brown, 19 • Stania Webb, 19 • Fourth victim yet to be identified
-
News1 week agoDDME Hurricane Preparedness Expo, Huge success in The Nation’s Capital
-
Bahamas News1 week agoTwist of Timing Shifts Focus in Jonathan Gardiner Case
-
Caribbean News4 days agoMigration Is No Longer Just About Borders