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From Mentee to Master: The Inspiring Story of Lashiko Seymour
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Lashiko Seymour’s success story is rooted in humble beginnings. His life’s journey highlights the value of mentors and speaks to the transformative impact of resilience, dedication, and a strong work ethic.
Lashiko was born in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. As a youngster he had to relocate to Providenciales when his parents moved in search of work. Resources weren’t always plentiful but values of gratitude and the will to
achieve were reinforced daily.
Throughout his high school years at Clement Howell, Lashiko aspired to becoming a professional basketballer. However, those dreams were short lived. Upon completing his secondary studies, he attended the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College where he did a hospitality course, after which he received a scholarship to Johnson and Wales University in Miami where he obtained a degree in Hotel Management.
Lashiko recounts his time in university as the first major turning point in his life. “I always understood the value of education but throughout high school I never put out any extra effort. It was when I got to university that I started to take my education seriously. Money was ‘tight’, especially when the scholarship funding was reduced. It was at that point that I decided that I would pick up more courses and finish ahead of time.” He fondly recalls the moment he had called the Department of Education and spoken with the lady in charge of the grants and scholarships.
When he had asked if he could take on some additional courses the lady was pleasantly surprised, acknowledging that he was the first scholarship recipient that had ever made such a request. This very mature decision on his part, would also benefit future recipients because his early completion would allow other persons to receive benefits sooner rather than later. When many persons at that stage of their lives would have been feting and enjoying college life, Lashiko was doubling down on his studies. He was focused on returning home with his degree so that he could help improve the quality of life of his family.
When asked why he did not seek employment in the United States, without hesitation he calmly yet proudly responded, “I rather be home. This is where I am comfortable.” Lashiko urges other young men and women who go abroad to pursue further studies not to abandon their home. “Turks and Caicos is our home and if we leave to certify ourselves and gain various credentials, we must be prepared at some point to return to contribute to the development of our home.”
Lashiko’s career in the hospitality industry began in 2010 when he joined Beaches Turks and Caicos as a front desk clerk. Eleven months in, he was promoted to night auditor where he served for an additional year and two months. It was at this point that he had a life altering experience. “Being a part of such a large organization, it is easy to remain in obscurity, especially when working the night shift like I did. We come in, we get things done but no one really sees us in operation. At least, that is what I thought before getting perhaps the most profound career advice of my life. In an exchange with one of the administrators from Sandals Resorts International, she told me to make my presence felt so that when my resume hits the desk of the managers, they will already know who I am. From that moment onward I became more assertive, I started to do things a bit more differently which left a lasting impression on those I encountered. I was no longer just a night auditor. People knew me by name.”
This is a winning principle for anyone starting a career to adopt. Additionally, he is grateful for the opportunities that the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) has provided for continued training and development. Through the SCU, he believes that every member of staff has an opportunity to get certified in mandatory courses as well as programmes of their choice, at no cost to them.
It’s one thing to receive advice but it takes someone who is humble and receptive to learning to take these golden nuggets of wisdom and apply them. At twenty-three years old, Lashiko was fortunate to have not one, not two, but three men, in addition to his father, offering advice on career choices, investment among other things. In fact, he
credits his success to three of his mentors; Gerald Williams, Kenneth Hamilton and Ben Williams who were night managers at Beaches. “They were always on my case pushing me to pursue my goals. Because of them, I was motivated to acquire property at an early age, build my home and now I can provide financial security for my family.”
Having applied the wise counsel of his mentors, Lashiko is now comfortably enjoying the fruits of his labour. During the day he has the pleasure of taking care of his nine month old son. In his leisure time he enjoys watching basketball, comedy and action films. He notes that the advantage of working on the night shift is that he has ample time to spend with his family during the day.
Lashiko urges young people entering the hospitality industry to foster relationships with persons who can pass on positive values. “Sometimes you can spare yourself a lot of trouble when you listen to your elders. That is what saved me. Now I am able to mentor others, and I do not take this responsibility lightly.”
Lashiko Seymour, is an exemplary son of the soil. He is a dedicated family man and team member. His past challenges have equipped him with a spirit of resilience that fuels his desire for success on the job. His journey is a testament to the positive impact of mentorship, the unwavering pursuit of knowledge and the ability to overcome financial obstacles in pursuit of a brighter future.
Captions
Header: Lashiko Seymour, Senior Manager on Duty at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort makes his final look at some documents prior to him checking with the different departments on the resort
1st insert: Senior Manager on Duty at Beaches Turks and Caicos, Lashiko Seymour
2nd insert: Lashiko Seymour, Senior Manager on Duty at Beaches Turks and Caicos shares his mentorship skills with Concierge Agent Brianna Simon as they go through some assigned tasks
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise
Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.
Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.
Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.
The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.
At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.
For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.
The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff. The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.
Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.
Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.
Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.
Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire
month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.
Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.
“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.
For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.
The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning
areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.
Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.
Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”
General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”
He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.
Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-
standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”
Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.
Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”
She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.
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