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TCIFA to Host First Annual Awards Gala In Aid of Youth Development

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#TurksandCaicos, September 24, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) will be hosting the Inaugural Awards Gala Ball, honoring members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Community who have demonstrated leadership, vision, dedication and outstanding achievement under the theme “Continuing a Legacy of Excellence.” The event will take place on Friday, October 13th at the Shore Club Ball Room, featuring a Welcome Reception and four-course Awards Dinner; promising to be an exciting evening. Seats and tables are opened to the general public for purchase.

The Awards Gala will serve as one of TCIFA’s biggest fundraising initiative in support its Youth Development Programs, and is expected to become an annual celebration. Currently, football grassroots/ youth programs are conducted on the islands of Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos and North/Middle Caicos. TCIFA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop football throughout the entire Turks & Caicos Islands, encouraging positive youth involvement in society. In order to meet its mission, and provide for the Youth Development Football Programmes, the FA relies heavily on its fundraising efforts, and community support.

In attendance to the Awards Gala, will be The President of Concacaf and Vice-President of FIFA, Victor Montagliani. The event will also see the presence of international football celebrities Davis Dein and Andrew “Andy Cole.”

David Barry Dein, former Co-Owner and Vice-Chairman of Arsenal Football Club, was instrumental in convincing some of the world’s greatest talents to join the club, and transforming it into what it is today, on and off the pitch. Arsenal is seen as an example of a leading club in world football and is admired around the world. Dein was also a one of the major architects of the FA Premier League in 1992, reshaping the structure and finances of English football; and a former Vice-Chairman of the Football Association (The FA). Additionally, he spent some time as President of the G-14 group of European football clubs sitting on various committees within FIFA and UEFA, including UEFA’s Club Competition Committee and Executive Committee. In 2010, Dein was appointed as international President of England’s 2018 World Cup Bid.

Dein continues to remain active on the football scene, providing his views on the future of football around the world, whether it be via interviews, conferences, or public speaking engagements.

Andrew “Andy” Cole is a former English professional striker, playing from 1988-2008. He spent six years with Manchester United after being transferred from Newcastle United, and won nine trophies including the Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in 1999. He also played in the top division of English football for Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Sunderland, as well as in the Football League for Bristol City, Birmingham City, Burnley and Nottingham Forest. He is the fourth-highest goal-scorer in Premier League History with 187 goals, and held the Premier League records for most goals scored in a 42-game season (34) before year 2023, and fastest to score 50 goals (65 matches), as well as being the first player to top the Premier League’s goalscoring charts and assist charts in the same season in their own right in 1993-4.

Cole has the distinction of being one of the few players in England to have swept all possible honors in the English game, including the PFA Young Player of the Year awards, as well as coveted UEFA Champions League title. Cole was also capped 15 times for the England National Team between 1995 and 2001, scoring once against Albania in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Cole announced his retirement from football, ending his 19-year career, in November 2008.

To secure seats/tables, contact the TCIFA offices at (649)941-5532, or WhatsApp (649)333-0244.

For more information, please contact TCIFA Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@gmail.com

Address:

TCIFA National Academy

Venetian Road

Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

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Bahamas Offers Condolences After Deadly Air India Crash as Sole Survivor Speaks Out

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Story by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Published: June 12, 2025

 

AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India early Wednesday morning. The crash killed 241 people and left behind a single, severely injured survivor — a British national. The aircraft reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure less than a minute into its ascent, plunging into a populated area just outside the city.

The scale of the devastation has been described by BBC reporters on the scene as “apocalyptic,” with both passengers and residents on the ground among the dead. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but Indian aviation officials confirmed that rescue operations have concluded, and one of two flight data recorders had been recovered.

As the world reels from the scale of the disaster, governments across the globe are responding with condolences and offers of support. Among them, The Bahamas has joined the international chorus of grief and solidarity.

Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon:                                                                                                                                                                                                           “The Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas extend deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of India, the families of those aboard the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad on 12th June, and all affected communities.                                                                                                                                                                                        We are saddened by the tragic loss of life, including both passengers and residents on the ground, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

We stand in solidarity with India and join voices worldwide in offering support during this time of grief.”

He added:

“The Bahamas commends the swift and coordinated efforts of Indian emergency services and international responders. May those who perished rest in peace, and may those who survive recover fully.”

The lone survivor of the crash has been identified by BBC News as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent. He is currently being treated in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage.

Speaking with BBC reporters from his hospital bed, Ramesh shared a chilling description of the moment disaster struck:

“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise… it all happened so quickly,” he said.

“I don’t know how I survived. Everything went dark.”

Ramesh has since been visited by India’s Minister of Home Affairs. His family in Leicester, UK, is being supported by British consular staff.

Air India has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the airline said:

“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”

The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Dozens of victims have been identified, and grief-stricken relatives have begun arriving in Ahmedabad.

The Bahamas’ expression of sympathy marks the Caribbean nation’s formal recognition of the tragedy and its global significance. As the lone survivor begins to recover, the world looks to investigators for answers on what went so horribly wrong just seconds after takeoff.

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Sandals Foundation and CDEMA Celebrate Success of 3-Year Leadership Development Programme

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MEDIA RELEASE

 

REGIONAL, JUNE 11, 2025 – Forty-five (45) Senior Officers from three cohorts at the National Disaster Organisations (NDOs) and National Emergency Sectors in seventeen (17) Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Participating States have benefited from a Strategic Leadership Development training programme that is in its third year, building their capacity and advancing disaster preparedness and response across the Caribbean.

As we enter the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30), Senior Officers from Anguilla, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, , Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia , Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands have been equipped with strategic leadership skills to enhance their ability to develop and implement disaster preparedness plans, coordinate and manage emergency responses, and support recovery efforts to strengthen their coordination, communication, and leadership in times of emergency.

Taking a holistic approach to Disaster Risk Management, the intensive programme enhances leadership skills through six (6) courses over a six-month period with modules in Leadership, Strategic Management, Project Management, Financial Management, Proposal Writing, and Crisis Communication and Incident Management.

In partnership with Sandals Foundation and the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (ALJGSB) at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), the carefully curated curriculum successfully used interactive lectures, one-on-one coaching, and psychometric assessment to enhance officers’ approach to community wellbeing before, during and after a natural hazard.

Gayle Drakes, Education and Training Specialist at CDEMA, said, “The preventative approach to Disaster Risk Management at CDEMA is risk-reduction centred, emphasising an understanding of hazard exposure, vulnerabilities and capacities, and styling appropriate interventions for building more resilient communities.”

“By completing this three year programme with the Sandals Foundation, our region’s Senior Officers now have enhanced knowledge in advanced level competencies, all aimed at promoting our Comprehensive Disaster Management agenda [an integrated approach to risk management],” Drakes added.

“CDEMA is proud to have collaborated with the Sandals Foundation and the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business on this initiative to strengthen the foundation of national and regional resilience. As we enter the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, we are confident that this cadre of professionals is better equipped to lead preparedness, response, and recovery efforts that result in safeguarding lives and livelihoods throughout the Caribbean.” said Executive Director of CDEMA, Elizabeth Riley.

Sandals Foundation, for its part, provided necessary funding to implement the programme for its three-year duration, valued at some US $150,000. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation, says she is optimistic about the future for both NDO Officers and the citizens of the Caribbean.

“Improved Disaster Risk Management starts with our leaders. A holistic approach starts with education and training. When we equip our leaders with the resources they need, we feel confident in their ability to guide us toward a culture of preparedness and awareness, especially in the face of natural hazards,” said Clarke.

The Sandals Foundation has routinely partnered with organisations that promote disaster preparedness and building resilience across the Caribbean – training NDO Officers and small business operators, and educating youth and community members in safety protocols and disaster mitigation and prevention. Some of its partners to date have included the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica, and the Youth Emergency Action Committee (YEAC) in Grenada.

 

Header: In partnership with Sandals Foundation and the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, 45 Senior Officers in 17 Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Participating States have benefited from a Strategic Leadership Development training programme, building their capacity and advancing disaster preparedness and response across the Caribbean.

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Annual Taste of Tapas Takes Culinary Showcase to the Next Level

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Shore Club once again set the stage for one of the destination’s most anticipated culinary events, the annual Taste of Tapas, hosted by the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). The evening brought together 15 of the country’s finest restaurants for a night of culinary creativity, collaboration, and cause – all in support of the association’s Hospitality Adventure programs and National Culinary Team.

Guests were treated to a diverse array of bite-sized culinary masterpieces, each representing the signature style and flavours of the participating restaurants. This year’s lineup featured:

Beaches Turks & Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, Indigo, LUA Restaurant, Parallel 23, Rock House, Seven Stars Resort, Sui-Ren, TCI Culinary Ambassadors, The Del Mar, The Ritz-Carlton TCI, The Source, Point Grace, and Provo Caribbean Cafe.

The welcome drink was graciously sponsored by Java Island, setting the tone for an evening of elegance and island flair.

In addition to the culinary showcase, attendees had the opportunity to bid on a host of luxury experiences and items during the silent auction, thanks to generous contributions from: Beaches Resort Villages & Spa, Pine Cay, The Ritz-Carlton, Point Grace, COMO Parrot Cay, The Shore Club, Grace Bay Club, South Bank, The Ital Lifestyle, and VIP Flyer’s Club.

TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, reflected on the evening’s impact, stating: “Taste of Tapas is a beautiful representation of what makes this industry so special – the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and giving back. The funds raised will go directly into programs that empower our local talent and elevate our destination’s culinary service standard.”

The evening also served as the perfect platform to announce the TCHTA Pop-Up Series, a new fundraising initiative that will replace the former annual Golf Scramble. First up is a Canadian-Inspired Dinner, set for June 26th, 2025 at The Farm at Seven Stars Resort, featuring Executive Chef Craig Nazareth of Beaches Turks and Caicos.

This dinner is a celebration of culture through cuisine,” said Chef Nazareth. “I’m excited not only to bring a taste of Canada to the islands, but also to once again work alongside Executive Chef Edwin Gallardo as we prepare the National Culinary Team to go head-to-head with the region at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in Florida later this year.”                                                                                                                                                                                                    The team’s feeder program, the Hospitality Adventure Summer Camps, are just around the corner with registration open for the following programs:

  • Junior Lit’l Chef: July 7–11
  • Spa Adventure: July 14–18
  • Lit’l Chef: July 21–26

Back on the TCHTA’s calendar is the thrilling TCHTA Cocktail Competition, traditionally used to select the successful Bartender to join the national competition team.

The TCHTA thanks members, sponsors, and supporters as the organization maintains its commitment to cultivating talent and crafting world-class experiences for the destination.

Registration for the Summer Camps can be accessed here: https://www.tcihospitalityadventure.com/. Follow the TCHTA’s social media pages for updates on the Pop-Up Series and future events.

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