News
Beaches Turks and Caicos Celebrates International Housekeeping Week 2023
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Guests who visit Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC) enjoy soaking up the sun, diving or leisurely swimming in the ocean, jamming by the swim up bar or enjoying a meal at any of the 20 dining locations, there is no doubt that at the end of a full day outdoors, theywant to return to a clean and comfortable room where they can cuddle up in the warm and fragrant sheets. To celebrate the hard work and commitment of the team and the resort, the world paused to the work and worth of this team.
International Housekeeping Week was celebrated under the theme, “We’re A Mess Without You!” The Housekeeping Department of Beaches Turks and Caicos had a host of activities that were designed to inspire and even make some perspire.
Housekeeping kicked things off with praise and worship sessions on day one. One of the guest speakers of the day, Michelle Parker, village manager, delivered a succinct yet very impactful charge to the housekeepers taking the word “mess” from the theme and forming an acronym.
Housekeepers were reminded that as they execute their daily duties, they serve as messengers of positive energy and hope. She also commended them on being an exceptional team as they render service with a smile in spite of the many personal or job related challenges, noting also that they are significant. Applause erupted from her captive audience as she declared, “you have delivered more with less.”
Jennifer Lee, executive housekeeper, when asked what she hoped to accomplish from the week’s activities, shared, “housekeeping is the nucleus of everything so this week we are setting out to celebrate the team. We want to show them just how much we value them.”
Day two highlighted the origami making skills of team members in the Champion Artist Towel Origami Battle Royale. Contestants representing each village vied for the origami championship title. They had 10 minutes to create their masterpieces. The competitions were hotly contested. At the command of “Go”, hands moved speedily with precision as towels were contorted and finessed into the desired animal, heart and floral designs. The towel origamis were accentuated by artificial or real flowers, leaves and bows. The atmosphere was rife with excitement as fellow housekeepers watched and cheered. The judges declared Ramon Russell and Phanese Cledlas of French Village the winners for the morning shift and Joy Jorquia and Genelyn Dinglasa winners for the afternoon shift.
Though each team set out to win, the team spirit among the housekeeping staff was evident. Everybody was laughing and having a good time with vibe master Chad Gabbidon, assistant executive housekeeping manager, on the mic.
Gabbidon’s expression of appreciation for his team was palpable. When asked what he is most thankful for during theweek of celebration, he noted, “they are the stars,” in reference to the housekeepers. “They show up and I don’t just mean their physical presence but they show up with a positive attitude.”
The Appreciation Awards began on day three and culminated on day four with a luncheon at the Key West Conference Room. It was indeed a very festive and sentimental afternoon. After Marie Prospere, supervisor, blessed the proceedings, the guests of honour (the housekeepers) were invited to dine. The entertainment segment followed. One of the hosts of the event, housekeeper, Raquel Mitchell had team members on their feet. The dance-off generated much excitement and had persons chanting their winner. The event ended with the distribution of certificates and gifts.
The energy of the week shifted gears as the housekeepers transitioned from action oriented activities to a Health and Wellness Talk on day five. Dr. Meghan Oriley was the facilitator of the presentation which covered tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The housekeepers’ appreciated the health focus as this provided an opportunity for them to learn more about possible health concerns.
Housekeeping Olympics was held on Day six. It featured events such as blindfolded bed making competition, towel fold-off, cart racing and toilette paper bowling. For the bed making competition one member of the team was blindfolded while the other gave instructions. The morning shift’s defending champion, Sherice Reece, was determined not to relinquish her title. With the help of teammate, Gabrielle Jolly, they secured the win to give the Italian Village bragging rights for yet another year.
The second place title went to Kavine Warren and Aldre Thomas from the French Village. For the afternoon shift, Winston Donaldson and Iran Mark, two housemen of the Caribbean and French Village respectively, were crowned champions of the blindfolded bed making competition. Joy Jorquia and Genelyn Dinglasa of the Key West Village placed second.
Marland Audige folded 42 towels in five minutes to secure the title of Towel Folding Champion and Claudette Jones–Hinds placed second. The public area cart racing was won byLuccene Sileus and Elsi Maesna and the winner of the toilette paper bowling competition was Gener Mondelus.
After all those intensely contested competitions, there was no better way to bring an end to the celebration than with a lime on day seven. Director of Operations Rooms Division, Ian Harris, shared that the housekeepers had a perfect week of celebration. “The schedule was well organised,” he added. “It was comprehensive as it covered the housekeeper’s spiritual life, their health and highlighted their many skills in a fun way. We also had the joy of socializing with and learning more about each other.” On the final day, the housekeeping staff were invited to unwind. As they rocked to the beat of their favourite tunes, games were played, conversations exchanged and pockets of laughter erupted. This mellow vibe brought the curtains down on the weeklong event which celebrated the dedicated housekeeping staff of Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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