TCI News
Palmdale Primary gets Pinwheel Garden as part of Child Protection Month activities
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas is intent on maintaining safe environments in which children can thrive — free from all forms of abuse be it physical, mental, verbal and/or sexual, in addition to neglect, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda said Monday.
Mr. LaRoda was addressing a Child Protection Month planting of the Pinwheel Garden Ceremony (held Monday, April 15) at Palmdale Primary School. The event was a collaborative effort between the School, the Child Protection Unit and Child Protection Month Committee of the Department of Social Services, the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Unit, and The Bahamas Social Workers Association. It took place in the school’s Reading Garden where students are encouraged to travel the world through reading.
Child Protection Month was launched earlier this month by Minister LaRoda under the theme: “One Nation United to Protect our Children: Moving from Challenge to Change” and is a collaboration between the Ministry, its Department of Social Services, and the SCAN Unit.
Minister LaRoda provided students participating in Monday’s ceremony with a brief overview on the establishment of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which speaks to children’s rights to: Life, survival and development; the Right to healthcare; Protection from violence, abuse and/or neglect; the Right to an education that enables children to fulfil their potential; the Right to be raised by, or have a relationship with, their parents, and the Right to express their opinions and be listened to.
The Convention applies to everyone under the age of 18. Its aim is to ensure that children grow up in a spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity. The UNCRC was drafted in 1989 and is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.
“What we have found in our country is that there has been an increase in abuse against women, but also children, particularly girls. And so the Government of The Bahamas, along with Civil Society, the Church and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) constantly strive to make this country a better place for children to live, and to thrive in,” Minister LaRoda said.
“(In furtherance of that objective) an entire month is dedicated to the protection of children and the prevention of the abuse of children. Be mindful, however, that our efforts occur year-round.
“And so if you are, or if you have friends who are being subjected to abuse I want you to know that there are places you can go, people who you can trust (trusted adults) — whether it’s your teacher, parents, the Police, the Department of Social Services — so that none of you beautiful kids here this morning, or those throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, have to be subjected to abuse.”
Pinwheels serve as a reminder of the commitment to safe-guarding the innocence and well-being of every child, embodying the spirit of childhood – they spin freely, with joy, curiosity, and boundless energy and evoke memories of carefree days filled with laughter, innocence and wonder.
The Pinwheel’s constant motion symbolizes the momentum of the collective effort to prevent child abuse. It further serves as a reminder that societies must remain vigilant in their endeavors to protect one of its more vulnerable groups of persons – its children.
Moreover, the Pinwheel’s vibrant colours represent the diversity and resilience of children. Regardless of their backgrounds and/or circumstances, every child deserves to grow and thrive in an environment free from harm and fear.
“By displaying Pinwheel’s during Child Protection Month, we not only raise awareness, but also spark conversations about the importance of creating safe and nurturing communities for our children,” said Mrs. Ceonn Edwards, Guidance Counsellor at Palmdale Primary.
“Each Pinwheel planted serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of our responsibility to take action and to make a difference. Let us pledge to keep the Pinwheels spinning, not just for this month, but every day of the year. Together, we can create a world where every child is cherished, protected, and given the opportunity to flourish.”
Miss Knastachia Cooper, BaSW, President of The Bahamas Social Workers Association, said the occasion provided the Association with another opportunity to fulfill its mandate.
“Our Association was officially formed in 2021 to spread awareness to the community that we, as social workers, are here to protect and serve our communities; to rebrand and to get more persons into the profession because it is an important profession, as well as to spread awareness about social issues that may be happening in our communities,” Miss Cooper said.
“Child Protection Month and the planting of Pinwheel Gardens play significant roles in helping to spread awareness throughout our communities about the dangers of child abuse and that, as one nation, we must come together to stop child abuse – hence our theme: ‘One Nation United to Protect our Children.”
School principal, Mr. Clinton Josey, said the event provided the school with yet another opportunity to have a positive impact on “the whole child.”
“When we are talking about the whole child, it is very important in this day and time, to talk about child abuse/child protection because if we want our children to learn, we need to know exactly where they are as it relates to their emotional scales etcetera,” Principal Josey said.
“To bring awareness to child abuse and child protection by sharing with our children what child abuse could look like, the examples thereof, and the approach they can take as it relates to being safe and reporting these matters is very, very important to us.” (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has launched its 2026 Summer Internship Programme with a record-breaking cohort of 111 high school and tertiary-level students, marking the largest intake in recent years.
The six-week programme, which runs from July 6 to August 14, 2026, is designed to give young Turks and Caicos Islanders hands-on
exposure to the hospitality industry across a wide range of departments.
Human Resources Recruitment Specialist Fitzroy Virgo highlighted the programme’s growing significance, “this is the largest cohort we have had in recent times. We currently have 111 participants with a waiting list of almost another 100. We are happy that we have been able to attract some of the brightest and best young minds in the Turks and Caicos Islands as we have interns from Providenciales, North and South Caicos Islands.”
Virgo also noted that the programme goes beyond technical training, incorporating soft skills workshops in financial literacy, customer service, résumé writing and brand and image management.
General Manager Deryk Meany praised the human resources and training teams for the programme’s sustained growth. “The success of this programme has allowed us to grow each year as we continue to build a conducive learning environment for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Meany said.
He noted that many of this year’s interns were first introduced to Beaches through educational tours facilitated by the Sandals Foundation. “We are excited to provide training in the various areas but more importantly to train them in the soft skills areas that will allow them to be more marketable after they experience this internship programme.”
Among the interns is Maranatha Academy fifth form student Vernae Handfield, who has set her sights on the culinary arts. “My dream is to
explore the culinary world and to be a Michelin chef in the future — hence my reason for wanting to start my experience here at the largest resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Handfield shared. “I’m looking forward to learning from all these experts who have many years of experience in the different cuisines.”
For others, the programme offers a bridge between classroom theory and real-world application. Keiser University accounting major Sean Astwood II said the opportunity is perfectly aligned with his academic goals. “I want to be able to put into practice my theoretical knowledge into the field of accounting and eventually auditing. Getting the opportunity here at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort is the perfect environment for me to start to build my skills. I’m grateful for this experience to be immersed into this dynamic working environment.”
The programme has also fostered a culture of return, with several interns participating for multiple consecutive years — a testament to the quality and lasting impact of the experience. As Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to expand its community engagement through hospitality education, the 2026 cohort stands as a powerful reflection of the resort’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ hospitality workforce for years to come.
Photo Insert: A section of the audience at the Beaches Turks and Caicos 2026 summer internship programme at the Caribbean Village conference room
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, July 9, 2026- The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Blue Hills area off Tom Lightbourne Road and opposite the dump on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect Crown land from illegal occupation and encroachment.
The operation brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, the ISU, the Planning Department and the Royal Turks and
Caicos Islands Police Force who provided security for the exercise. Following a briefing, inspections were carried out across a number of parcels of Crown land where illegal structures and other unauthorised uses had been identified.
During the exercise, officers served a total of eleven (11) Letters of Illegal Occupation to occupied structures, while six (6) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Act. In addition to illegally constructed buildings, notices were also issued in relation to the unauthorised placement of vehicles, boats and a jet ski on Crown land. Where occupants were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or locations.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Act. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained programme aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with its partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorisation are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has officially unveiled its newly constructed Team Member Welcome Centre, marking a significant milestone in the resort’s ongoing Beaches 2.0 transformation.
The new facility, introduced as part of phase one of the development, is designed to centralize essential services and amenities for team
members while elevating comfort, convenience and overall workplace satisfaction. The space now houses a state-of-the-art cafeteria, a multimedia training room, the human resources department, expanded locker and changing facilities and an automated banking machine- creating a comprehensive, one-stop hub for team members.
Speaking at the opening, General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the broader vision behind the investment and its alignment with the brand’s evolution.
“This is one more step in Beaches 2.0 being consistent, providing personalized service and taking it to the next level for our team members to be comfortable. I want my team to know that this resort is the most ideal place to work and we are invested in their comfort and wellbeing” Meany stated.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition within the hospitality sector that employee experience is connected to guest satisfaction. Beaches Turks and Caicos has prioritized modern infrastructure and staff focused amenities to strengthen team engagement while reinforcing its reputation as a leading employer in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Regional Managing Director James McAnally described the Welcome Centre as a space for employees’ well-being and operational excellence.
“This project is a long-term plan that was designed to provide comfort for every team member,” McAnally said. “The new dining space can rival fine dining restaurants on the island. We have provided the best for our team and we want them to enjoy the amenities as we continue to enhance the family atmosphere at Beaches Turks and Caicos.”
The restaurant which is a standout feature of the new facility, offers a modern dining experience with upgraded seating, contemporary
finishes and an enhanced menu selection. Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the space reflects the resort’s commitment to quality for its team.
In addition to dining, the multimedia training room introduces advanced learning capabilities, supporting ongoing team development through interactive and technology-driven training sessions. The inclusion of human resources within the same complex further streamlines comprehensive space for staff related services, while the expanded locker and changing areas address a conducive working facilities space for the team.
Long-serving team member Carlton Salmon praised the development, noting its impact on morale and daily operations.
“This place is simply amazing,” Salmon shared.
“The style and design are similar to the new Treasure Beach Village. This is Beaches 2.0. Every team member has given positive ratings for not only the food, but the one-stop shop idea.”
The Welcome Centre’s opening signals more than just a physical upgrade. It shows that Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to position itself as a forward-thinking leader in Caribbean hospitality.
As phase one comes to fruition, anticipation is already building for future enhancements under the Beaches 2.0 initiative, which aims to further integrate innovation, community support and elevated service standards across the resort.
PHOTO CAPTION: The official ribbon cutting at the Welcome Centre has (l-r) Curtis Lee, Hotel Manager, Phildreka Campbell, Learning and Development Manager, Patricia Talbot, Restaurant Manager, Javain Campbell, Diamond team member, James McAnally, Regional Managing Director, Deryk Meany, General Manager, Owenta Coleby, Human Resources Manager, Tanya Swann, Executive Assistant Manager Treasure Beach Village, and Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs Services
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