News
Sandals Foundation and Sandals Corporate University Spearhead Regional Empowerment Sessions to “Inspire Inclusion” on International Women’s Day
PROVIDENCIALES, March 14, 2024 – In a decisive move to strategically engage, listen to and empower young women across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation partnered with Sandals Corporate University and the Learning and Development Team at Sandals Resorts International to inspire more than 700 women across the Caribbean.
Michelle Parker – BTC Village Manager makes her presentation
Through a series of uniquely curated sessions for teenage girls and young adults, a contingent of approximately 60 volunteers visited high schools, learning centres and girls’ homes across eight islands to explore the importance of training and education to make their mark in the world.
“Since the theme for IWD is “Inspire Inclusion” we wanted to focus on the importance of education and training for growth, confidence and self-esteem to ensure that our young women are ready to take their place in the workplace and society,” says Dr. Luz Longsworth, Senior Corporate Director, Sandals Corporate University.
Here in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, topics of individuality and self-expression, self-discipline and perseverance, self-care, self-growth, and overcoming life’s challenges were covered by three presenters from the Beaches Turks and Caicos team. Tanya Swann, Director of Sales spoke on “The Importance of Education and Training for Growth”. Michelle Parker, Village Manager discussed “The Importance of a Young Woman’s Development of Confidence and Self – Esteem” and Mirlande Nomincy, Front Office Shift Leader, helped the young women “connect the dots” by guiding them on how to use what they had learnt as she transitioned to the topic, “Taking Your Rightful Place in the Workplace and Society”.
A total of thirty students from all the high schools in Providenciales were invited to take part in the morning session. Students in attendance were from British West Indies Collegiate, Holy Family Academy, Maranatha Academy, Clement Howell High School, Louise Garland Thomas High School and Wesley Methodist High School. Students and teachers converged at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre for what turned out to be a very inspiring, emotional and riveting session.
Mirlande Nomincy shares with the women present
Each participant was crowned upon arrival with a tiara to be reminded, according to Public Relations Coordinator and Sandals Foundation Ambassador, Jodian Scott–Banton, “That they are royal and special. It is that spirit of self- confidence that will propel them through life and lead them to take their rightful places in society.”
Using personal stories and experiences as anecdotal lessons of transformation, the presenters who were representatives of Sandals Corporate University and Sandals Foundation team sparked enthusiasm and honest interaction from the targeted young women.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation said, “as we enter our 15th year of operation, the Sandals Foundation is placing sharp focus on tangible ways we can empower lives in every respect. We were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the Sandals Corporate University to partner with us on this initiative, bringing their expertise to the lesson development for this special day.”
“Our young women are powerful beyond measure with sometimes only needing a guide to help direct their path,” Clarke continued, “And as a Caribbean organisation, it is our duty to lend our resources, time, and expertise to empower the next generation in any way we can.”
Participants make notes of the presentations
Speaking to the impact of the session, student of Maranatha Academy, Ebony Levy shared, “I appreciate the way in which the presenters shared their personal experiences. They made themselves vulnerable when they shared their personal challenges but most importantly, I think we all were encouraged to keep pushing and doing our best. These ladies are leaders, and they are setting the foundation for future leaders like me,” Levy commented.
Hotel Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Sharon Fagan expressed her satisfaction with the IWD initiative. “As women we have come a far way, but we still have a far way to go. I am happy that the young ladies of our nation can recognise that Beaches Turks and Caicos supports their growth and success and that we are willing to assist them in various ways.”
The women’s empowerment sessions form part of the Sandals Foundation’s Women Helping Others Achieve (WHOA) Programme which provides mentorship, education, training and other tools needed to help marginalized women across the Caribbean find inspiration and strength to advance and transform their personal and professional lives.
On March 18, the Sandals Foundation will commemorate 15 years of empowering Caribbean communities with a mission to inspire hope.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Sandals Foundation:
The Sandals Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, a CTA registered charity in Canada and registered charity- Charity Commission England & Wales that was created to continue and expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of close to four decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY & UTILITIES
May 8th, 2024 – The Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) 2024 concluded last week in Miami, marking another milestone in advancing the region’s energy agenda. This year’s forum, held from April 24-27, at the JW Marquis Hotel in downtown Miami, attracted some of the most distinguished names and advocates in the field of renewable energy.
The delegation from The Turks and Caicos Islands led by Hon. Kyle Knowles of the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities included Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Energy and Utilities Commissioner Mr. Delano R. Arthur, Energy Analyst Dr. Eric F. Salamanca, Senior Legal Drafter Ms. Priscilla Paquette, and Executive Administrator Ms. Jasmine Malcolm.
Hon. Knowles was among the high-caliber panelists in the session called “Caribbean Leadership: Delivering on the Vision” where he highlighted the policy directions of TCI government towards transitioning to renewable energy. Hon. Knowles served as a panelist, discussing the transformative strategies required to integrate renewable technologies across the Inland territory, Turks and Caicos Islands (a UK Overseas Territory Caribbean). His insights on policy enhancements and infrastructural development were met with high interest and acclaim, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape.
Commissioner Delano R. Arthur, a key transformative leader in the energy sector, presented a compelling paper titled “Renewable Energy and Resource Bill for the Turks and Caicos Islands.” His presentation highlighted the legal framework for transition
to renewable energy, interconnection agreement, licensing among others. He also emphasizes the use of mature commercial technology, rather than emerging technologies that have not been proven in commercial scale. He also presented an approach to overcoming logistical and financial challenges in TCI. Com. Arthur’s pragmatic and innovative solutions offered a visionary perspective that resonated with the attendees.
Dr. Salamanca, and Atty. Paquette, also contributed to a roundtable discussion on Regulatory Framework led by the Caribbean Development Banks’ Mr. Joseph Williams and Mr. William Hinds, each bringing unique viewpoints and solutions to the challenges facing the TCI energy sector.
The attendance at year’s CREF also provided opportunity to establish networks. Among the most notable side event meeting was with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) where the TCI delegates discussed various projects in support of transition to green/renewable energy in the Turks and Caicos Island.
Commenting on his first CREF, the Hon Minister noted, “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in the
Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) held in Miami, Florida. The Forum provided a valuable platform for discussions on the advancement of renewable energy solutions in the Caribbean region.
During the event, I engaged with key stakeholders, industry experts and government officials to exchange ideas on strategies to promote sustainable energy development. Renewable energy plays a crucial role in enhancing energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic growth in our region.
He concluded, “I am committed to working collaboratively with partners both regionally and globally to further renewable energy initiatives and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Our participation in events such as CREF our underscores our dedication to advancing clean energy solutions and building a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the benefit of our citizens.”
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
May 8th, 2024 – After millions of people took the AstraZeneca vaccine as their choice of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization announced on March 5, that it is withdrawing its vaccines from the market worldwide, effective as of May 7 as it was reported to cause side effects.
It is said 170 countries received doses of AstraZeneca; it was expected 35.3 million doses would be shared with 36 Caribbean and Latin
American countries through the COVAX program, according to PAHO.
First reported by the Telegraph, the side effects are identified as blood clots and low blood platelet counts. In fact, the medical issues have reportedly been linked to 81 confirmed deaths in the UK alone. Many others are suffering some other medical injury due to the vaccine popularized as an answer to the then new virus.
AstraZeneca is also being sued by more than 45 affected people.
The vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, the Telegraph informs, can no longer be used in the European Union and it will be the same for other countries and the UK in the coming months. Over 17 million doses made it into EU countries.
Reports say AstraZeneca made the revelations of the side effects in court documents, adding that the withdrawal of their vaccine is also due to a decrease in demand.
Photo Caption: Public Health Nurse, Patricia Coates (left), administers Daniel Adams’ first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, during the second COVID-19 Vaccination Blitz at the National Arena in St. Andrew, on Saturday (April 3).
JIS photo from 2021.
News
DTR AND DECR HOST STAKEHOLDERS MEETING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES TO IMPROVE COVERAGE FOR JETSKI OPERATORS
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND COASTAL RESOURCES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th May 2024 – The Department of Tourism Regulations aims to bridge the gap between insurance companies and water sports operators struggling to acquire adequate business insurance. The goal is to create a robust and sustainable tourism product that ensures safety and reliability for all stakeholders. On April 30, 2024, the DTR hosted a meeting with four insurance companies to address concerns regarding liability risks, enhance coverage options, and explore avenues
to bolster safety measures through comprehensive insurance provisions
The meeting involved key representatives from prominent insurance companies, namely from ‘NW Hamilton’: Elianise Rigby and Jewel Ewing; ‘JS Johnson’: Queen Been; ‘CSC Insurance’: Alicia Palmer; and GK Insurance: Marie Beckford. Government officials present from DTR: Director Avi Adams, Deputy Director Talia Thomas, Regulation Development Specialist Sasha Arthur, Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Gardiner, Communication Officer Alique Harvey, and DECR’s Deputy Director Jatavia Howell, as well as Experience Turks and Caicos representative Strategic Development Manager Courtney Robinson, to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Jetski operators within the local tourism landscape.
Currently, insurance options for Jetski owners in the Turks and Caicos Islands are limited, posing challenges for operators and regulators. Through collaborative efforts with insurance providers, the DTR is committed to expanding coverage options and streamlining insurance processes to promote compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry.
“The Department of Tourism regulations is in charge of ensuring that the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands is robust and sustainable. Upon setting regulations, we realize that some companies, local companies struggle with obtaining insurance,” said Avi Adams, Director at the Department of Tourism Regulations. “Our department, along with the DECR and the TCIG at large, is on a mission to bridge that gap to ensure that local vendors can obtain the insurance that is needed to offer a tourism product that can be
safe and reliable, while also helping to mitigate some of the risks that insurance companies may have challenges with.”
Remarking on the proceedings of the meeting, Queen Been of J.S Johnson Insurance said “I am grateful to the Department of Tourism regulations in the TCI for hosting a timely, informative presentation on enacting laws for best practices for water sports and other tourism businesses. This will be of interest to all stakeholders, and the safety of our guests. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and lend my voice to encourage responsible management of our tourism product by all.”
The meeting outcome will inform the DTR’s ongoing efforts to implement regulatory measures that prioritize safety without stifling the growth of recreational activities vital to the local tourism sector. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its promises and fostering a climate of trust, transparency, and accountability within the industry.
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