News

Beaches Turks and Caicos- Connecting Lives Through Music

Published

1 month ago

May 31, 2024

MEDIA RELEASE

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: An appreciation luncheon was recently held to honour the external entertainers who have been offering their services at Beaches Turks and Caicos over the years.

Beaches Turks and Caicos staff gathered in the resort’s Caribbean Village Conference Room to honour its longstanding part- time entertainers, who, through their musical expertise, have been helping the resort maintain its vibrant and engaging entertainment package. Present were: Barbara Johnson, Julian Garland, Reuben Hall, Quinton Dean, Jervon Laporte, Keno Hall, Noel Browne, Dexter Landy, Craig Archibold, Kitchener “Kitch” Penn of the We Funk Junkanoo band, Arnold Simmons and Neilton Bonner.

There were expressions of gratitude shared by the administrators of the resort and leaders of the entertainment department. Toasts also flowed in abundance from the entertainers who were being honoured. As they shared how their journey at Beaches began, it became evident that they were all connected either by extending an invitation to another entertainer for a gig, or playing a supportive role, sharing musical equipment or soundtracks. Connections were also made as the more experienced entertainers helped to hone the talent of the incoming artistes. It was beautiful to witness how this network of love for music and their fellow countryfolk has blossomed throughout the years.

In fact, one of the speeches that exemplified the impact these entertainers have had throughout the years was that of Emily Merriman, one of the fulltime entertainment playmakers at the resort who detailed her experience of coming to the island on vacation. From as early as eight years, she recalls coming to the islands and experiencing the cultural music and the sweet, soulful singing of the likes of Noel Browne, Barbara Johnson, and Quinton Dean to name a few. “I will never forget Barbara Johnson’s voice. As a child I would sit near Turtles Bar and listen to her beautiful voice. On my visit to the resort for my 18^th birthday, when my mom told Miss Barabara it was my birthday, she stopped her set and sang me a birthday song. That was so special. Experiences like these made me decide that I wanted to leave England and join the entertainment team here at Beaches Turks and Caicos.”

Members of the internal entertainment team deemed it a privilege to perform for the guests of honour. The trio of Shanice Maxwell, Emily Merriman and Mariela Rodriguez belted out the classic tune originally sang by Tina Turner, “Simply the Best”. The audience clapped and sang along, signaling their enjoyment of the performance.

Managing Director, James McAnally, could not resist commenting on how apt the song, “Simply the Best” was. He shared, “all of you have given of your best throughout the years and you have helped to bolster our entertainment team and keep our guests entertained. Your dedication is evident, and we want you to know that we appreciate each of you for you are indeed, among the best.”

Quinton Dean, veteran musician who has established a relationship with Beaches since 1996 commented, “this luncheon is a big deal. I am elated over the fact that they considered us. We appreciate the gifts, but it didn’t matter whether we were given any gifts. Just being recognised was most important. As artistes, we sometimes feel that with all our efforts no one really understands all that we put into what we do, but, today’s appreciation luncheon shows us how much we are appreciated. Thanks to the whole team at Beaches for having us.”

Songbird of the TCI, Barbara Johnson delivered an emotionally stirring expression of gratitude. She recognised Quinton Dean for his instrumental role in creating the Beaches connection for her. She also thanked Beaches for maintaining their 28-year relationship. “Mr. Quinton Dean was very instrumental in getting me to work here in 1996 when it was Royal Bay at the time. So I am indebted to him for recognising my talent and pushing me forward to come here to perform. Thank you, Beaches Turks and Caicos. There were times when I did not even have a babysitter, but I was allowed to bring my children in a stroller. Up to the point when I started having medical challenges with my legs on the main stage, I was not told to go home. I was told, “we are aware that you are having difficulties but how would you do in a lawn setting?’ I thank you Beaches for recognising that my vocal chords are not in my knees and for keeping me working to provide for myself and my family.”

Noel Browne, vocalist and Jervon Laporte, saxophonist also credits Quinton for having “jumpstarted” their relationship with Beaches. “Quinton has been very supportive throughout the years, and we appreciate that,” stated Jervon.

When Quinton was asked what compelled him to help forge so many connections between Beaches and fellow entertainers, his response was, “I find it a pleasure to assist other artistes to get on the bandwagon because it’s just normal. That’s part of my character. Once I see the potential for another to gain, I will involve as many persons as I can. There are many talented musicians in our country and sometimes they just need a little boost.”

Garett Bailey, in his new role as entertainment divisions manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos noted, “I have been with the company since 2002 but coming to this resort, I have learnt a lot by observing the operations here and seeing the external entertainers in action. You have impacted the guests and our entertainment team each day. We appreciate what you do, especially from a cultural standpoint. Having witnessed your impact, I was passionate about us meeting in this fashion, where we recognise your efforts and you in turn can feel the love from us, for indeed, we are a family.”

Garett also noted that the event surpassed his expectations as the expressions of love, gratitude, and the connectivity among the entertainers especially, transcended anything he could have planned for.

Each external entertainer had the opportunity to address the audience to express their gratitude or share a fond memory of their work experiences at Beaches. Barbara Johnson echoed the sentiments of all the entertainers when, in directly addressing Garett she shared, “I am grateful, and I feel appreciated today. Persons may see this as a small gesture, but this is huge for us.”

Education

Ministry of Education and DECR announce Green Flag Awardees

Published

13 hours ago

July 3, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Schools from across the Turks and Caicos Islands gathered to showcase their environmental initiatives at the ‘Greening Our Schools’ awards and presentation ceremony. Attended by ministries, departments, officers, teachers, students and parents, the event highlighted the innovative and creative projects developed by students to reduce their carbon footprint.

The ‘Greening Our Schools’ initiative is an environmental and conservation program focused on four key pillars: biodiversity, waste management, energy conservation and water conservation. Through this programme, students implemented new initiatives and technologies within their schools to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.

During the ceremony, 12 of the 17 participating schools were honoured with the Green Flag, an eco-symbol representing a green school. This recognition underscores the schools’ commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence.

Green Flag Awardees:

Adelaide Oehmler Primary School
Charles Hubert James Primary School
Clement Howell High School
Eliza Simons Primary School
Enid Capron Primary School
International School of the TCI
Iris Stubbs Primary School
Marjorie Basden High School
Oseta Jolly Primary School
Provo Primary Middle School
Raymond Gardiner High School
Thelma Lousie Primary School

Primary School Category:

Second Runner-Up: Provo Primary (Biodiversity)
First Runner-Up: International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands (Waste Management)
Champion School: Enid Capron Primary School (Water Conservation)

Special Prizes:

Green Ribbon for the most innovative project
$1,000 from the Department of Education
$1,000 from Provo Water Company
Supplies and 6 months of technical support from EA Landscaping
$300 Cash Prize TCI Waste
School Supplies (Fortis TCI)

High School Category:

Second Runner-Up: Clement Howell High School (Biodiversity)
First Runner-Up: Raymond Gardiner High School (Biodiversity)
Champion School: Marjorie Basden High School (Biodiversity)

Special Prizes:

Green Ribbon for the most innovative project
$1,000 from the Department of Education

Supplies and 6 months of technical support from EA Landscaping
$300 Cash Prize TCI Waste
School Supplies (Fortis TCI)

The Department of Education and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) extend their heartfelt thanks to our sponsors: EA Landscaping, TCI Waste, Provo Water Company, and Fortis TCI, for their invaluable support throughout the programme. This event demonstrated the power of student-driven initiatives in fostering a greener, more sustainable future for the Turks and Caicos Islands. We encourage all schools to continue their efforts and look forward to even more innovative projects in the coming years.

The Minister for Education, Honourable Rachel Taylor speaking to participants stated, “To those schools that were awarded the prestigious Green Flag or Green Ribbon, congratulations on your outstanding efforts. Your commitment to sustainability and your innovative approaches set a powerful example for all of us. Your achievements are a testament to what can be accomplished when we work together toward a common goal. To the schools that were not awarded, I would like to encourage you to take up the task again. You can do this! The Green Flag is not just a symbol of your hard work but a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire country.”

The Greening Our Schools initiative will continue, with registration reopening TODAY, Tuesday, 25 June 2024. Schools are reminded that the Green Flag is a prestigious honour that can be revoked if sustainable projects are not maintained during the next assessment period. Schools may use the following link to register their school, they can also contact programme leads Elisann Delancy (edelancy@gov.tc) or Amy Avenant (aavenant@gov.tc) for more information.

Speak to your school’s principal and register TODAY!

Caribbean News

Government Progressing with Plans to Build Seven STEM and STEAM Schools

Published

13 hours ago

July 3, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#MontegoBay, July 3, 2024 – The Government is progressing with plans to construct six Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Schools and one Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says arrangements to build the STEAM school, being cited in Montego Bay, are “proceeding.”

“The land is acquired and the budget is in place from the Ministry of Finance [and the Public Service]. By the end of the year the Ministry of Education [and Youth] can give a timeframe on it,” he stated.

Regarding construction of the STEM Schools, Dr. Chang advised that “we will be opening the first one in Portmore [St. Catherine] very soon.”

He was speaking during the University of Technology (UTech) Western Campus’ recent STEM Summer camp launch at the institution’s campus in Montego Bay, St. James.

The camp, being held in western Jamaica for the first time, will see some 100 youth from communities in Hanover, Trelawny and St. James engaging in several STEM-related activities.

For his part, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) President, Oral Heaven, said Jamaica has been declared a ‘STEM island’, adding that the camp serves as testament to the country’s growing prominence in the global STEM landscape.

“This designation opens the door for so many things, through multinational STEM investments [and] real money for our people, positioning Jamaica as a hub of innovation and technological advancement,” he outlined.

Dr. Chang pointed out that there is “a legacy of STEM activity” in the west, noting that the Government is committed to expanding opportunities in the sector.

“It is imperative, therefore, that we attract some of these investments to Montego Bay”, adding that, “we must focus on the positives and potential solutions that STEM can offer.”

The STEM Summer Camp will be held in two phases for junior and senior participants under the theme: ‘Think, Collaborate and Innovate to Grow and Be Resilient’.

Junior participants will attend from July 8-19, and the older youth between July 15 and 26.

Contact: Serena Grant

Release: JIS

Caribbean News

Persons in Low-Lying Areas Urged to Evacuate as Hurricane Beryl Approaches

Published

13 hours ago

July 3, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#Kingston, Jamaica, July 1, 2024 – As Hurricane Beryl approaches Jamaica, persons living in low-lying and flood prone areas are being urged to assess their situation and make the decision to relocate as early as possible.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the call during a press conference at Jamaica House on Monday (July 1).

“I quite understand that people don’t want to leave their property; but the most important thing is your life. So I would encourage you, please, the security forces or emergency services would not be able to operate in the heights of the hurricane and even just before, and there might even be a delay afterwards,” he noted.

“We encourage you to please secure yourself by moving to higher ground and moving to safer ground. Make arrangements with your family members to find a safer place to be. So if you live, particularly in low-lying areas, starting from the most eastern end of the island, that would be anywhere in Portland and St. Thomas coming up to the Manchioneal area, and if you are in areas in East Rural St. Andrew, please, you’re going to be impacted, so take the necessary steps,” Mr. Holness advised.

He said the Government is making the necessary arrangements to respond quickly after the hurricane has passed, including ensuring that persons can access food and water.

“We have two weeks supply of fuel, our telecommunication services have been investing significantly in improving the resilience of their hard infrastructure and we expect that they should stand up,” the Prime Minister indicated.

“But if there is any disruption or a break, we are pursuing alternatives to ensure that we are still connected, particularly for government entities,” he assured.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness encourages all citizens to pay close attention to the government information outlets and the traditional, credible, well-established media sources.

He informed that the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) will be working directly with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which oversees the coordination and response of Jamaica’s emergency preparations.

“An important part of our emergency response is how we communicate with the public; and so JIS will be working directly, now, with ODPEM to ensure that it gets out the information. So the JIS will be your central source. But all the media that are here, are established, credible sources. They will be getting their information from the JIS. So there will be a consistent and even flow of information to the public to help you to make the decisions necessary for your safety,” Mr. Holness said.

Regarding curfews, he said the Government is not yet contemplating any limitation on movement.

“But as we get closer to the time, and we are able to assess the intensity of the hurricane, then we will make those decisions and that will be communicated,” Mr. Holness stated.

Contact: Latonya Linton

Release : JIS