#TurksandCaicos, June 1, 2024 – Scotiabank TCI  recently supported the Edward Gartland Youth Centre’s (EGYC) Earth Day Sculpture initiative to amplify awareness of the reduction of plastic waste and its impact on the environment.

The financial institution donated $5000 US to support the charity’s environmentally-friendly initiative, which engaged youth from various schools in Provo to create sculptures that depict the Earth Day 2024 theme, ‘Planet vs Plastic’.

“We are honoured to have partnered with the Edward Gartland Centre for this inspiring endeavour,” said Dr. Suzan Snaggs-Wilson, Managing Director and Country Head, Scotiabank Turks and Caicos. “Scotiabank is a firm proponent of environmental preservation, and we recognize the critical role of education, engagement and advocacy for addressing environmental issues.”

Using artificial and natural materials, the students developed a flamingo from dried leaves and a turtle from plastics collected over a series of weeks. The collaborative structure saw students in the environmental clubs of five local schools partnering to create the final structures.

“I am happy to have seen the beautiful designs the students came up with and was pleased to be part of the conversation to encourage environmental preservation through the reduction of plastic waste. Our support for initiatives such as this will hopefully ignite a passion for sustainability and encourage responsibility regarding caring for the environment for the next generation,” said Dr. Snaggs-Wilson.

Roxann Wake-Forbes, Executive Director of the EGYC, expressed gratitude for the support received from Scotiabank over the years, noting that the collaborative efforts led to the project’s success. “We are tremendously grateful for the support of our Earth Day initiative. Today’s contribution is for the future, and we hope to continue to encourage the preservation of our environment through creative and engaging initiatives like this with the support of our corporate partners. Together, we can protect the planet for the next generation,” she said.

The sculptures have been on display at the Scotiabank main branch and several other locations within Provo since Earth Day on April 22.

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Patricia Affonso-Dass, Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados, is the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Hotelier of the Year. This recognition is a testament to her decades-long dedication and exemplary leadership in the hospitality industry, underscoring her significant contributions to Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.

A true product of the Caribbean, Affonso-Dass was born in Dominica and lived in in Trinidad and Antigua before moving to Guyana where she grew up. She has lived in Barbados for the past 22 years.

After earning her degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University, she embarked on an impressive career spanning over 30 years. From her initial role with CHTA (formerly CHA, under the Caribbean Hospitality Training Institute), to her pioneering work in Guyana where she managed an eco-resort and was one of the founding members and early presidents of the Guyana Hotel and Tourism Association, to her current position at Ocean Hotels Group, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence and a commitment to elevating Caribbean tourism standards.

A passionate believer in the power of local hotel and tourism associations to be change agents for the industry and their countries, she served as President of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, while also contributing to the regional development of the industry, serving on the Board and Executive Committee for CHTA and later being elected by her peers to serve as the organization’s president.

As CHTA President from 2018 to 2020, the hotelier navigated unprecedented challenges posed by a series of major hurricanes, followed by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her presidency, she played a pivotal role in shaping tourism policy and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA’s Acting CEO and Director General, commented, “Patricia’s exceptional leadership was instrumental in steering the association through this period of uncertainty and recovery. Her deep-rooted support for the development of Caribbean people has been exemplified throughout her career, as she’s discovered and developed countless local talent, mentoring and guiding them, with many moving on to positions of senior management and leadership in the industry.”

Under Affonso-Dass’ strategic guidance, Ocean Hotels Group has become a center of hospitality excellence in Barbados. Her hands-on approach and visionary leadership have led to the successful management of properties such as O2 Beach Club & Spa, Sea Breeze Beach House, and The Rockley. Each property offers guests an unparalleled experience rooted in Bajan authenticity.

Renée Coppin, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), remarked, “Patricia’s commitment to service and excellence is unmatched. Her leadership has not only elevated Ocean Hotels Group but has also positively impacted the wider Caribbean tourism landscape.”

Beyond her professional endeavors, Affonso-Dass has tirelessly advocated for the industry, serving in various capacities within the BHTA. As President, she played a pivotal role in shaping tourism policy and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.

The Caribbean Hotelier of the Year Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by CHTA, recognizes excellence in Caribbean hotel operations. It celebrates superior achievement in resort operations, food & beverage, marketing and sales, resort maintenance, staff training and motivation, innovative management, environmental practices, community affairs, and involvement with national and regional lodging industry associations.

CAPTION:  Patricia Affonso-Dass (center) with Barbados Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill and Renée Coppin, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, in Montego Bay today.

NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Ministry of Public Works and Utilities and Family Island Affairs hosted a press conference and $7 million contract signing at the ministry’s head offices on Friday, May 24, 2024.  The contract signing was between the Bimini Airport Development Partners and Knowles Construction Company for the civil works component of the South Bimini International Airport development project.  Mr. Jeremy Ebie, director, Bimini Airport Development Partners, and Mr. Emile Knowles, president, Knowles Construction Company, are pictured signing the contract.   Both parties of the contract guaranteed the best work to Bimini, the Bahamas Government, and all Bahamians.  They are also pictured standing with Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini, Kingsley Smith (center), with Mr. Knowles, left, and Mr. Ebie, right.

(BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)