News

Beaches TCI Prestige Awards, an Intergalactic Experience

Published

1 year ago

September 24, 2023

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: The Open Air Theatre at Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC) was transformed into a dazzling and elegant intergalactic setting beckoning those who ‘dared to travel beyond the mundane.’ The event was the resort’s annual Prestige Awards celebrations. The venue exuded opulence with all the tapestries being accentuated by glittering chandeliers and lush floral arrangements. The spectacularly decorated venue with flashing lights was synonymous to that of the Oscars or Golden Globe Awards.

As team members arrived with their guests, they were greeted by photographers who lined the red carpet. They were interviewed and entertained by red carpet host, Antoinette Thomas who otherwise serves as the human resources recruitment and compliance specialist. Guests were dressed to the nines and they clearly understood the mission and came ready to represent the event’s theme, “Soaring to Excellence”. Gentlemen were dapperly attired in their suits and bedazzled blazers while the ladies were sophisticatedly attired in their flowing ball gowns.

The crowning moment of the evening saw Front Office supervisor Hardsen Martial being named Diamond Team Member of the Year. Said Martial, “this is one of the most rewarding periods of my career within this industry. Every team member here at BTC is challenged to be the best each day. I remained consistent, the guests recognised my professionalism and the management of the resort saw it fitting to present me with this award. I’m truly grateful for this recognition.”

Masters of Ceremony for the night were Patricia Smith and Obrien Forbes, both connoisseurs of the art. They navigated the ‘spacecraft’ safely through the awards ceremony, interspersed by performances and several jocular moments.

The Prestige Awards is the largest, resort-driven, team-member event that celebrates excellence and honours those who continually go beyond the call of duty. The Prestige Awards is a culmination of the monthly awards that acknowledge the hard work of staff members. General Manager, James McAnally in his welcome, commended all nominees and thanked the staff for being such excellent team players. Awardees received cash prizes, framed certificates, trophies and an assortment of gifts.

The category winners are as follows:

Diamond Team Member of the Year Award- Front Office supervisor Hardsen Martial
Platinum Team Member of the Year Award – Learning & Development Clerk Alex Bernadin
Mover and Shaker of the Year Award – Security supervisor Rammeshee Thompson
Legendary Team Member of the Year Award – Concierge supervisor Richard Rowe
Circle of Joy of the Year Award – Houseman Gener Mondelus
Earth Guardian of the Year Award – Guest Experience manager Patricia Smith
Sandals Foundation Sentinel of the Year Award – Spray Technician Lloyd Wisdom
Standing Ovation Award – Assistant Food & Beverage Director Ancell Williams
Money Maker Award – Spa therapist Swean Wright-Frazer
Heart of the House Award – Finance Administrator Walner Registre
The People’s Choice Award – Butler Melissa Codner
Pace Setter of the Year Award – Assistant HR Manager Roxanne Wade
All Rounder of the Year Award – Assistant Steward Manager Dionne Lawson
Founder’s Circle Award – Chef Eric “Fortune Cookie” Johnson
MVP of the Year Award – Restaurant Manager Shereka Dobson
The ‘A’ Team of the Year Award – Grounds Department

Commenting on the success of the evening’s event, Tanya Swann, director of sales, noted that the outcome of the programme exceeded her already very high expectations. “To say we soared to excellence for the Prestige Awards would be an understatement. This event was beyond excellent. Thanks to the hard work of the human resources department, under the management of Owenta Coleby and all other departments that gave very strong support to ensure that our colleagues had a memorable night.”

Owenta Coleby, HR manager, stated that it was only fitting that team members be given the best because they are expected to give of their best. “I am very pleased with the success of the event,” she stated. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we work hard and play hard. We are already preparing to deliver an awe- inspiring, jaw dropping Prestige Awards for 2024.”

Photo Captions:

Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos Prestige winners share a moment with General Manager (centre seated) at the culmination of the resort’s prestige awards

1st insert: Member of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Grounds department, Spray Technician Lloyd Wisdom (left) and Assistant Manager Kemar Jones accept their reward from General Manager James McAnally as they were crowned A-Team of the year at the resort’s annual prestige awards

2nd insert: Front Office Supervisor, Hardsen Martial (left) who was crowned Diamond Team member of the year accepts his accolades from General Manager James McAnally at the resort

3rd insert: Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Entertainment team show off their skills in one of the activity during the resort’s annual prestige awards celebrations

Government

TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT – 11 DECEMBER 2024

Published

14 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41^st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11^th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the TCI Airports Authority.
Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:

PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration

PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna

PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

Government

TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT – 4TH DECEMBER 2024

Published

14 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40^th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4^th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

Bahamas News

BNT Releases 2023-2024 Impact Report Highlighting Conservation Achievements

Published

15 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.

Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.

“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”

Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.

The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.