PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has officially unveiled its newly constructed Team Member Welcome Centre, marking a significant milestone in the resort’s ongoing Beaches 2.0 transformation.

The new facility, introduced as part of phase one of the development, is designed to centralize essential services and amenities for team members while elevating comfort, convenience and overall workplace satisfaction. The space now houses a state-of-the-art cafeteria, a multimedia training room, the human resources department, expanded locker and changing facilities and an automated banking machine- creating a comprehensive, one-stop hub for team members.

Speaking at the opening, General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the broader vision behind the investment and its alignment with the brand’s evolution.

“This is one more step in Beaches 2.0 being consistent, providing personalized service and taking it to the next level for our team members to be comfortable. I want my team to know that this resort is the most ideal place to work and we are invested in their comfort and wellbeing” Meany stated.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition within the hospitality sector that employee experience is connected to guest satisfaction. Beaches Turks and Caicos has prioritized modern infrastructure and staff focused amenities to strengthen team engagement while reinforcing its reputation as a leading employer in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Regional Managing Director James McAnally described the Welcome Centre as a space for employees’ well-being and operational excellence.

“This project is a long-term plan that was designed to provide comfort for every team member,” McAnally said. “The new dining space can rival fine dining restaurants on the island. We have provided the best for our team and we want them to enjoy the amenities as we continue to enhance the family atmosphere at Beaches Turks and Caicos.”

The restaurant which is a standout feature of the new facility, offers a modern dining experience with upgraded seating, contemporary finishes and an enhanced menu selection. Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the space reflects the resort’s commitment to quality for its team.

In addition to dining, the multimedia training room introduces advanced learning capabilities, supporting ongoing team development through interactive and technology-driven training sessions. The inclusion of human resources within the same complex further streamlines comprehensive space for staff related services, while the expanded locker and changing areas address a conducive working facilities space for the team.

Long-serving team member Carlton Salmon praised the development, noting its impact on morale and daily operations.

“This place is simply amazing,” Salmon shared.

“The style and design are similar to the new Treasure Beach Village. This is Beaches 2.0. Every team member has given positive ratings for not only the food, but the one-stop shop idea.”

The Welcome Centre’s opening signals more than just a physical upgrade. It shows that Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to position itself as a forward-thinking leader in Caribbean hospitality.

As phase one comes to fruition, anticipation is already building for future enhancements under the Beaches 2.0 initiative, which aims to further integrate innovation, community support and elevated service standards across the resort.

PHOTO CAPTION: The official ribbon cutting at the Welcome Centre has (l-r) Curtis Lee, Hotel Manager,  Phildreka Campbell, Learning and Development Manager,  Patricia Talbot, Restaurant Manager,  Javain Campbell,  Diamond team member, James McAnally, Regional Managing Director,  Deryk Meany,  General Manager,  Owenta Coleby, Human Resources Manager,  Tanya Swann,  Executive Assistant Manager Treasure Beach Village, and Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs Services

By Lindsay Thompson

Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis participated in ceremonies commissioning Completed Rooftop Solar Installations at the University of The Bahamas, a move towards energy sustainability.

Prime Minister Philip Davis

“Today, we turn a new page on how we power our lives, how we protect our environment, and how we define Bahamian leadership in the 21st century.

Energy is foundational to national development,” the prime minister said.

The ceremony commissioning installation completion, under the Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in The Bahamas (RRESB) programme, was held on Friday, July 3, 2026 at Courtyard Choices, University of The Bahamas.

“With this commissioning, the University of The Bahamas takes its place at the vanguard of our energy transition. You are setting an example and proving your commitment to stewardship – leaving our islands better than we found them,” the prime minister said.

He said it was good to mark the commissioning: “The country has turned a new page on how we power our lives, how we protect our environment, and how we define Bahamian leadership in the 21st century,” he said.

The prime minister regarded energy as fundamental to national development, and added, “It determines how effectively we educate our children, how reliably we deliver healthcare, and how competitive our businesses can be.”  So, today is about solar panels, yes.  But it is also about how we power this country and what that means for the future we are building together. This is why programmes like RRESB matter.”

He said that it reflects his administration’s commitment to strengthening the systems that underscore daily life in the country, while building a country that is more sustainable and more energy-secure.

“We live on the frontlines of a changing climate.

“We have felt the fury of the winds and the rising of the tides. We know, better than most, that the old ways of generating power – reliant on volatile oil and fragile, centralized grids are no longer enough to guarantee our safety.

“This is why this administration will continue to strengthen our critical infrastructure and improve the resilience of our energy sector.

“As Prime Minister, I see these investments as investments in our future. They will serve our country for many years to come – while reflecting a broader shift in how we think about development.

Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation JoBeth Coleby-Davis

The Prime Minister said: “Sustainability is no longer separate from growth – it is essential to it.”

He extended sincere appreciation to Mr. Ruiz, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, The Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands, and to Mr. Fache, Program Manager with the European Union Delegation, for their partnership.

And, he commended partners at the Inter-American Development Bank, the University of the Bahamas, the Project Execution Unit, AnO Technologies, the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis and the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation for their dedication and expertise in implementing this program.

“Today’s achievement reflects what can be accomplished when we work together in pursuit of a stronger Bahamas.

“This is the work of nation-building. It is not accomplished in a single day or in a single project. It is steady work – consistent and purposeful.”

(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)

By Kenroy Roach

The Caribbean’s food systems challenge is fast evolving into a broader development challenge.

Despite decades of policy attention and investment, the region remains one of the most food import-dependent in the world, spending over US$6 billion annually. At the same time, countries continue to grapple with food insecurity, high rates of diet-related non-communicable diseases, climate vulnerability, and exposure to external shocks that can disrupt supply chains and drive up food prices almost overnight.

For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), food security has shifted from an agriculture focus alone, it’s about economic resilience, health, climate resilience and sustainable growth.

Recognizing this reality, Caribbean governments have elevated food systems transformation as a regional priority through the CARICOM 25 x 25 Plus Five Agenda, which seeks to reduce food import dependence while strengthening domestic production, regional trade, and resilience. Across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, governments have also developed National Food Systems Pathways that identify the investments, partnerships, and policy reforms needed to transform food systems and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Yet one challenge has remained persistent: financing.

In the face of high levels of public debt and limited fiscal space, while public investment remains critical, Caribbean governments simply cannot shoulder the financing burden alone. Transforming food systems at scale requires mobilizing far greater private capital, alongside development finance and public resources.

This was the rationale behind the recent convened in Barbados.

The Forum brought together governments, investors, international financial institutions, private sector leaders, regional organizations, and the United Nations around a simple proposition: food systems should be viewed not only as a development priority, but also as an investable asset class.

A distinguishing feature of the innovative gathering was its focus on attracting private investment—particularly private equity, impact investment, and blended finance solutions capable of supporting businesses and infrastructure across food value chains. By helping enterprises access growth capital and connecting investors with scalable opportunities, the initiative sought to unlock financing that complements public investment rather than adding to already constrained public balance sheets.

A key outcome was the launch of a regional Deal Book comprising approximately US$320 million in investment opportunities across seven countries, spanning agriculture, fisheries, agro-processing, logistics, and strategic food systems infrastructure. The Deal Book created a practical bridge between capital seeking opportunities and opportunities seeking capital, while enabling direct engagement between governments, enterprises, and investors.

The results were encouraging.

Across four sector-focused deal rooms, participants explored investment-ready and near-investment-ready opportunities and discussed blended finance private equity, risk-sharing, and partnerships to advance projects toward implementation.

The Forum highlighted a shift in perspective: food systems are now seen as strategic drivers of economic diversification, resilience, competitiveness, and growth. Investments across production, processing, logistics, and distribution can strengthen regional supply chains, create new businesses, generate jobs, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

For the United Nations, this experience reinforced an important lesson.

Transforming food systems requires more than the technical expertise of individual agencies. It requires integrated solutions that connect agriculture, nutrition, health, climate resilience, trade, private sector development, and financing.

This is where the Resident Coordinator System plays a critical role.

Across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the Resident Coordinator Office has united UN system capabilities around a common food systems agenda. Working with FAO, WFP, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, and other partners, the RCO has helped align policy support, technical expertise, partnerships, and financing with nationally identified priorities.

The Forum demonstrated this integrated approach by convening governments, investors, development finance institutions, private sector actors, and UN agencies around a common objective. It showcased the UN’s comparative advantage as a trusted broker capable of connecting development priorities with investment opportunities.

The Forum’s success will be measured not by dialogue generated, but by investments mobilized, businesses expanded, and progress made toward resilient, competitive Caribbean food systems across the Caribbean.

Its most important outcome may therefore be what comes next.

The work starts now.

Kenroy Roach is Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean