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Uton Graham, Bars Manager at BTC masters his mix with training the next generation

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Persons having an interest in careers within the hospitality industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands, will always look towards attaching themselves to the most recognised international brand in the industry, the Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC) resort. This is true for Bar Manager, Uton Graham, who has been with BTC for over 25 years.

Having developed his craft within the department, this father of four credits his growth to the training and mentorship of the largest all-inclusive family resort on the islands, Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Joining the organisation in 1998, Uton started as a bar porter. With training, came regular promotions to bartender, supervisor, assistant manager and now the manager of one of the most dynamic departments at the resort.

“When I started with this company, little did I know that I would become the head of the bar department. I knew that this was the best place for me to improve my skills and Beaches Turks and Caicos provided the best opportunities for growth and improvement,” Graham shared.

While revealing that he knew very little about the standards affiliated with providing international bartending services at family resorts, he was quick to point out that it was through the many training courses that he became an expert. “Within Sandals and Beaches resorts, training and mentorship the hallmarks we live by. Former bars manager at BTC, Sam Hall, was the first person who saw the talent in me and exposed me to the qualities of being the leader I am today,” Uton noted.

Being guided by experienced leaders throughout his career, Uton is committed to also training and building those who enter his department. He views as one of the major factors of his leadership structure, the need to empower and build leaders in whatever career path they may be interest in. This experience, according to one of his protégés, Simone Woodfine, a bartender for more than 10-years is one of Uton’s biggest strengths. “Uton is patient with us as team members and is always encouraging us to challenge ourselves to be certified and empowered in our respective areas. The many online courses that are offered by the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) are mandated by him as our manager. He oftentimes tells us about his growth within the organisation and reminds us about the value of working at BTC,” Woodfine shared.

James McAnally, general manager shared, “Uton is arguably one of the finest leaders that we have at our resort. He has grown within the organisation and is currently sharing the blueprint of his success with those he’s leading. He maintains an open door policy which allows his team members and those from other departments to relate to him as a leader and friend. He has shown genuine interest in the development of his team members and has been a father figure to the young professionals entering the field.”

“Being able to manage the bar department at a family resort takes tact and drive. You have to be firm and fair in how you train the staff to relate to guests while maintaining a professional demeanour at all times. Uton adds value to his team as he empowers them to enroll in SCU courses that will allow them to grow and develop as leaders,” McAnally noted.

When asked what would be his advice to young professionals entering the industry, Graham shared “The opportunities for growth, educationally and professionally are endless. In order to excel in the career of choice each person is given the tools with which to build their skillset. It is not difficult to accomplish your goals here at BTC, you just have to prepare yourself for the change and make it happen. The opportunities are endless.”

Having shared his story of seizing every opportunity to grow, Uton oftentimes encourages his team members to always look for new ways to excel. Getting started as a bartender was never easy, but the leaders he had around him saw the potential in him and empowered him to grow beyond his comfort level. “The support from family, both at work and at home, will always be the pivotal part of my career as these are the people who enabled me to dream bigger and enjoy a more prosperous and fulfilling life. They are my biggest supporters and they have consistently made it possible for me to empower my team to be able to provide world-class professional service to all our guests,” Graham shared.

 

Release: BTC

Photo Captions: 

Header: Bar Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos Uton Graham

1st insert: Uton Graham, Bar Manager at BTC pours one of his signature cocktails at one of the many bars at the resort

2nd insert: Uton Graham (left) Bar Manager at BTC and Bartender Andrew Clarke show off two of the many top shelf liquor that they have within that department

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Government dismisses IDPADA-G remarks as nonsensical, divisive

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– Labour minister reaffirms the government’s inclusive approach

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has dismissed as “nonsensical” and “divisive” the recent comments made by Chairman of the International Decade for People of African Descent-Guyana (IDPADA-G), Vincent Alexander, which accused the government of marginalising Afro-Guyanese.

The comments were made following Minister Hamilton’s address at the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The forum, which runs under the theme “United for reparatory justice in the age of artificial intelligence,” concludes on Thursday.

In a Tuesday interview with the Department of Public Information, Minister Hamilton said the claim bears no relation to the government’s track record.

“It’s so sad that when these guys who want to suggest that they represent people of African descent’s interest, when they have the opportunity…they [would] rather utilise their two minutes to…bring this narrative that is profane in nature [and] has no basis in reality,” he said.

The minister added that while the forum was designed to address developmental challenges, such as those posed by artificial intelligence, individuals had used the platform to promote what he described as hate, racism, and division.

The labour minister argued that Afro-Guyanese have begun to reject what they see as an attempt to monopolise their representation.

“Vincent Alexander and IDPADA-G have assigned to themselves that they are the spokespersons for Afro-Guyanese.  And daily, thousands of Guyanese are saying to them, ‘you go to hell, you don’t speak for me’,” he stated.

Responding to criticisms that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) had failed to include an Afro-Guyanese commissioner in its delegation, the minister said this was not intentional.

“The reality is that Norris Whitter, who is a member of the ERC, was slated to come to New York…and at the late moment, he declined to come,” he explained.

Minister Hamilton stressed that the Government of Guyana remains committed to delivering inclusive development policies.

“We have rolled out educational programs that will affect positively every Guyanese, including people of African descent. The University of Guyana, being free from this year, will affect positively thousands and tens of thousands of Afro-Guyanese…so the government’s program is delivering to the Guyanese people [and] that includes people of African descent,” he said.

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PM Davis: New Solar Power PPA is ‘a bold step forward’

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, during his remarks at the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, that it was “a bold step forward”.

“We take a step toward energy security, where clean, reliable, and affordable power is no longer a distant dream but a reality unfolding right before us,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the ceremony held at the Blue Hills Power Station.

“This signing represents a promise fulfilled: a declaration made by this administration signaling to the nation and the world that The Bahamas is ready to embrace renewable energy,” he added.  “For too long, we have been at the mercy of volatile fuel markets, burdened by high electricity costs, and vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. From this moment onward, we will begin redefining our energy reality.”

Prime Minister Davis noted that, with that agreement, his Government accelerated its” mission to achieve 30% renewable energy by 2030.

“As we advocate for more international action to lower global carbon emissions, we are demonstrating to the world that we will lead by example,” he said.                                                                                                                                                                      Prime Minister Davis added:  “INTI’s – trading as Madeleine Solar Power, Ltd. — project will integrate seamlessly into the national grid, adding critical capacity right here at Blue Hills Power Station. Seventy megawatts of solar power is supported by 35 megawatts of battery storage.  That is the overall goal; but this contract provides for 20 megawatts. This system is designed to stabilize, sustain, and support our growing energy demands.”

He pointed out that, of course, his Government’s solar expansion was bigger than New Providence.

“Across our Family Islands, independent power producers are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more independent energy future for our Family Islands – Abaco to Andros, Eleuthera to Exuma, Long Island to San Salvador – the shift is happening with tailor-made solutions for each island,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“Minister Coleby-Davis and her team have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” he added.  “I commend their dedication, and their determination to push past bureaucratic barriers and drive real, tangible change.”

He also thanked the Energy Committee for their integral role.

Prime Minister Davis said:  “To INTI – trading as Madeleine, partners – thank you. Your investment, expertise, and commitment will power homes, businesses, and industries. More importantly, we will power hope.  We are powering a future where Bahamians no longer ask, “Can we afford electricity?” but instead ask, “What more can we achieve with it?”

“Let me be clear – this is only the beginning,” he added.  “As we continue to integrate renewables and invest in cleaner fuel alternatives, we are creating a new energy paradigm for future success where Bahamian families and businesses no longer struggle with keeping the lights on.”

He continued:  “We are proving that small island nations can think big; that we can innovate; that we can rise above our challenges, carve out a sustainable path forward, and lead the way.

“Today, we sign this contract.  Tomorrow, we break ground.  Soon, we will enter this new era for energy in this country, powered by the sun.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis takes part in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signing between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Madeleine Solar Power Ltd., on March 17, 2025, at Blue Hills Power Station.  Also bringing remarks was Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

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NASSAU CRUISE PORT AND ARAWAK PORT DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATE WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN MARITIME AND CRUISE

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Dr. Brenda Cleare of the LJM Maritime Academy with students

Nassau, Bahamas, March 15, 2025 – On Friday, March 7, 2025, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) and Arawak Port Development (APD) held an exclusive luncheon in honour of International Women’s Day.  The goal of this special event was to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Bahamian women in the maritime and cruise industries under the theme “A Sea of Change: Women Accelerating Action.”

The event brought influential women from Nassau Cruise Port, Arawak Port Development, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Maritime Authority, the Port Department, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Royal Caribbean Group Bahamas, LJM Maritime Academy, and other key stakeholder organizations together, providing an elevated platform for networking, collaboration, and empowerment.

“Women have been instrumental in the driving growth of the Bahamian maritime and cruise industries in many ways, and it is important that we recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions.

“Women play a vital role in the success of Nassau Cruise Port with over 50% of our team being female maritime professionals,” stated Mike Maura, CEO & Director of Nassau Cruise Port.

“This event marks the beginning of an annual tradition to empower the women in our sector and to inspire future female leaders.  Congratulations to all the women who were honored today and attended this event, and to women everywhere. Your efforts are driving positive change in our industry, and we wholeheartedly support your success.”

Dion Bethell, President & CFO of Arawak Port Development, provided some additional perspective. “Women are making waves in the maritime sector, and their impact is undeniable. According to recent statistics, women now represent 20% of the global maritime workforce—an impressive increase that highlights the potential for growth, innovation, and leadership in this vital industry.  At Arawak Port Development, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women are empowered to chart new courses and redefine the future of maritime.”

The keynote address was delivered by Senator Ja’Ann M. Major, a Director at the Bahamas Maritime Authority, who highlighted some of the major accomplishments of Bahamian women in the maritime industry. She also encouraged the audience to embrace leadership opportunities and to continue to advocate for a more inclusive industry.  “It is often said that when women gather with purpose and passion, the energy is palpable, and theimpact is transformative. Standing here today, I can’t help but feel inspired by the resilience and unwavering commitment of Bahamian women to making a difference in our maritime industry.”

She continued, “Women are increasingly taking on pivotal roles, steering the industry toward a more inclusive and dynamic future.  Events like this one are not only necessary to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in this industry, but it underscores our collective commitment to fostering an environment where women continue to thrive and lead.

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