Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Services, proudly announces that Daysha Andrews, a student of the Helena Jones Robinson High School, has been selected to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands in the 54th International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People, organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

This marks the first time the Turks and Caicos Islands has participated in this global competition, which sees entries from over 190 countries. Daysha’s powerful and expressive letter captured the spirit of this year’s theme, earning her the honour of being the country’s inaugural representative on the international stage. The international results are expected to be released in October 2025, in celebration of World Post Day.

In addition to Daysha’s outstanding performance, the Ministry also recognizes the accomplishments of the national finalists:

• Nathan Garland of Shining Stars Preparatory School, who was named Second Runner-Up, and
• of Best Institute, who secured the position of Third Runner-Up.

Presentations have already been made by the Ministry and the Postal Services to Daysha Andrews and Nathan Garland in recognition of their achievements. A presentation to Laila Reynolds will be made in the near future to honour her contribution and commendable effort.                                                                                                                                                                                            Postmaster General, Ms. Elizabeth James, expressed her pride in the students and the significance of the territory’s participation:                                                                                                                               “This is the first time the Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Services has participated in this prestigious competition.   I would like to congratulate the seven students from the four schools that entered.   All the letters were exceptional, but only one person could be chosen.   I would like to thank the winner, Ms. Daysha Andrews, and I wish her all the best as she now competes internationally with over 190 other participants.   The result is expected in October 2025 for World Post Day.”

Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, the Honourable Otis Morris, praised the initiative and student involvement:

“We are incredibly proud of all our young writers who participated in this landmark event. Daysha has made history for Turks and Caicos, and we eagerly anticipate the international outcome. This competition underscores the importance of self-expression, literacy, and global connection. We thank every student who participated and look forward to even greater engagement next year.”

Permanent Secretary, Mr. Desmond Wilson, added:

“This competition has sparked a new wave of inspiration among our students. The Ministry remains committed to nurturing opportunities that amplify youth voices and celebrate their potential. We are grateful to our Postal Services team for spearheading this important initiative and ensuring its success.”

The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities and the Postal Services Department extend their sincere appreciation to the students, parents, educators, and schools who supported this effort. As we look ahead, we hope to see greater participation across even more schools and islands in next year’s competition.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: At Beaches Turks and Caicos, exceptional service isn’t left to chance—it’s cultivated, crafted and continuously refined. This commitment to excellence was on full display as over fifty passionate team members graduated from a dynamic six-week Customer Service Excellence training, designed and delivered through the Sandals Corporate University (SCU).                                                                                                                                                                                The immersive training programme focused on building essential soft skills for hospitality professionals in an increasingly competitive industry. From communication strategies to emotional intelligence and resourcefulness, graduates were empowered to sharpen their personal brand and elevate the guest experience across every touchpoint.

Held at the resort’s Caribbean Village conference room, the graduation ceremony was charged with energy, optimism and purpose. Guest speaker Sabrina Green, former director of the Turks and Caicos Human Rights Commission and best-selling author, delivered an inspiring keynote under the theme: “Level Up and Lead: Elevating Service Standards.”

“You are now change agents,” Green told the graduates. “Your success depends not only on what you say but how you say it—through empathy, clarity and emotional intelligence. At Beaches Turks and Caicos, excellence is not optional; it’s your way of life.”

She further emphasized that being resourceful and adaptable is key. “Guests may call on you for anything—sometimes beyond your job description. This course has equipped you to listen, empathise, apologise and provide a solution. That’s the Beaches way.”                                                                                                                                         Assistant Learning and Development Manager Jodian Scott-Banton celebrated the group’s transformation and encouraged them to LEAP—Listen, Empathize, Act, Perform—in their roles moving forward.

“Through the Sandals Corporate University, you’ve been given tools to elevate your service standards,” said Scott-Banton. “You’ve grown in confidence and skill and I’m confident you’ll now serve as ambassadors of excellence, raising the bar in every interaction.”

The training was a creative blend of theory, practice and performance. Participants showcased their learning through presentations and dramatized scenarios—sparking both engagement and insight. The standout group, Personal Branding, was hailed as the most effective, thanks to their unique blend of youth, experience and dynamic communication.

Kimberley Mowatt, representing the winning team and a proud member of the Food and Beverage department, reflected on the collaborative spirit. “Our group mastered the art of synergy. We brought energy, creativity and clarity—traits we’ll continue to harness in shaping guest experiences.”

Managing Director James McAnally offered congratulations and grounded the celebration in the broader mission of the brand.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            “This course was so much more than completing a programme—it was about igniting transformation. Our goal is to train, certify and empower our team members to consistently deliver world-class service. When our team thrives, our guests feel the difference.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                 McAnally further affirmed that the SCU Customer Service Excellence course is an academic achievement and even more so, it’s a cultural commitment. “The true value lies in how each team member now thinks, acts and serves—with greater awareness, accountability and care.”

As Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to set benchmarks for Caribbean hospitality, this latest cohort of graduates serves as a shining example of the resort’s deep investment in its people—and the enduring power of service with heart.

PHOTO CAPTIONS: 

1st insert: Guest speaker Sabrina Green, former director of the TCI Human Rights Commission shares with the graduating class the on the purpose of level up and lead: Elevating Service Standards

2nd insert: Members of the Food and Beverage department, Javian Campbell (left) and Anne Francis share a celebratory moment at the commencement of the graduation exercise

3rd insert: Assistant Learning and Development Manager Jodian Scott-Banton (right) presents a token of appreciation to guest speaker Sabrina Green at the Customer Service Excellence graduation exercise

4th insert: Denekia Hall (right) from the Food and Beverage department accepts her certificate from Sabrina Green guest speaker

5th insert: Sabrina Green presents to Racquel Mitchell

Turks and Caicos, June 6, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) marked a significant milestone on Monday, June 2, with the debut of a moving documentary that chronicles its 30-year journey of shaping minds and transforming lives. Held at Brayton Hall in Providenciales, the event brought together community members, alumni, educators, and government officials for a reflective evening of celebration and pride.

The 55-minute production, which featured heartfelt testimonials from alumni and current lecturers, underscored the College’s enduring impact on national development. Remarks from Premier Hon. C. Washington Misick and Education Minister Hon. Rachel Taylor added to the occasion’s significance, reaffirming TCICC’s pivotal role in expanding access to higher learning in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

With sights now set on achieving university status, the College used the occasion to highlight its vision for the future while honoring its humble beginnings. The documentary served not only as a retrospective but as an inspiring call to continue investing in education as a cornerstone of national progress.

Guests left the event with a renewed sense of appreciation for the institution that has empowered generations. TCICC remains committed to its mission: fostering knowledge, resilience, and opportunity for all who walk through its doors.