News
Beaches Turks and Caicos- Connecting Lives Through Music
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 p
art- 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 18th 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.”
Nassau, Bahamas, January 15, 2025 – CIBC Caribbean has warned about an ongoing ‘smishing scam’ targeting clients in The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
It noted that fraudsters have been sending text messages to persons stating that their accounts were placed on hold or that their cards were locked and requesting them to click on a link and to enter their banking credentials in order to regain access to their accounts.
The bank has reiterated that it does not send out texts or SMS messages with links for clients to click on.
Clients who receive any communication with links should check that they are from a bona fide source prior to attempting to click on them.
The latest fraud attempt is a smishing scam and we are taking the necessary steps to report the fraudulent sites, the bank said.
Smishing occurs when fraudsters attempt to steal customers’ data or money through a text message that tries to trick them into following a link and revealing personal details or login information.
If you believe that you have encountered a suspicious message, just follow these simple tips.
Firstly, don’t click on any links or attachments and don’t reply to the message. Try and establish the legitimacy of the message by getting in contact with the organisation through alternative means, for example, calling the phone number on your printed statements.
If the sender claims to represent CIBC Caribbean, then forward the email as an attachment to our dedicated fraud team (fraud@cibcfcib.com) and delete the message from your system.
It is also a good idea to regularly review all your financial accounts and if you spot any irregularities, contact the bank immediately. Additionally, email security should be reviewed and consider changing your password to a stronger one, using a combination of characters, letters and numbers. Never share your internet banking log-in credentials or One-Time Verification Codes (OTVC) with anyone!
January 13th, 2025 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is excited to announce the appointment of new officers and members of the BNT Council 2024 -2025, elected at the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October and later confirmed during a special meeting after the AGM.
Mrs. Joanne Smith has been elected as President of the Council. As President and Creative Director of Media Enterprises, she brings a wealth of experience to the role. A former President of the Rotary Club of East Nassau and a Lifetime Member of the BNT, Smith is a passionate advocate for environmental preservation. Her long-standing involvement in producing educational materials for the BNT and her expertise in public relations will be invaluable as the nonprofit strives to promote the national park system and expand its membership base.
Returning to the Council as Deputy President is Ms. Janet Johnson, a former BNT President. With more than 40 years of leadership experience in the tourism industry, both internationally and nationally, Johnson’s marketing expertise will be critical as the BNT implements its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, targeting expanded infrastructure and visitation for 12 national parks.
Mr. Phillip Cumming has been appointed Honorary Treasurer. A chartered accountant and past President of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, Cumming is also an avid birder and nature photographer.
Elected members of the BNT Council include: Geoff Andrews (immediate past President); Marvin Arrington; Glenn Bannister; Kevin Cartwright; Hank Ferguson; Janet Johnson; Marcus Laing; Neil McKinney; Devin Peet; Naisha Roberts; Karin Sanchez; Gary Sands; Tanya Woodside; and Eddie Carter.
Appointed members are: Dr. Maria Woodside-Oriakhi, University of The Bahamas; Dr. Ana Luz Porzecanski, American Museum of Natural History; Dr. Karen Bjorndal, University of Florida; Christopher Hughes, US Parks Service; Meredith Ross, Leon Levy Foundation; Dr. Pamela Reid, University of Miami RSMAS; Dr. Barney Long, re:wild; and Aurelio Ramos, National Audubon Society.
Representing The Bahamas Government are: Christina Davis-Justin and Holly Peel, Governor General’s Representatives; Ashley Sturrup, Ministry of Education; Dr. Kenneth Romer, Ministry of Tourism; Dr. Rhianna Neeley-Murphy, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; and Gregory Bethel, Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
“We are thrilled to welcome such a talented and diverse group of leaders to our Executive Board,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, BNT’s
Executive Director. “Their combined experience and dedication to The Bahamas’ national park system will be essential as we work to accomplish the goals outlined in our new five-year strategic plan.”
“It is indeed an honor to serve as the President of the BNT,” said Joanne Smith. “They have grown The Bahamas’ national park system to 33 national parks that protect marine resources, endangered species, and the habitats necessary for the survival of our island flora and fauna. I am looking forward to working with the BNT team and the Council to ensure we meet our strategic goals.
“One of my goals is to increase the membership of the organization and support sustainable finance mechanisms for the parks. I am especially grateful to past President Geoff Andrews, who has agreed to lead the Advancement Committee in successfully achieving our financial goals over the next five years. We hold our first full Council meeting at the end of January and look forward to working with the Council on initiatives that guide the BNT into its next chapter.”
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Turks and Caicos, January 13, 2025 – The Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force successfully intercepted two illegal sloops within the last 24 hours. In the first incident, at around 2:25 a.m. yesterday (January 12), the Maritime Operations Center tracked a suspicious target in the Bird Rock, Long Bay area.
Officers of the Marine Branch were informed, and at 2:35 a.m., they spotted a dark blue wooden vessel with two outboard engines carrying several individuals.
The illegal sloop was intercepted, and officers discovered TWENTY-SEVEN (27) illegal migrants- TWENTY-ONE (21) males, including two
minors and SIX (6) females. All individuals were handed over to the TCI Border Force for processing.
Shortly after 1 a.m. today, the Marine Branch, alongside the TCI Regiment, received information that a blue 38-foot wooden Haitian vessel with two outboard engines was in TCI waters.
The vessel was located and intercepted.
Onboard the vessel was ONE HUNDRED and TWENTY-ONE (121) persons – ONE HUNDRED and FOUR (104) males –including a minor and SEVENTEEN (17) females.
Assistant Commissioner (ag) Mat Newton said, “I am grateful to our partners—TCI Border Force and TCI Regiment—for their assistance and support in successfully processing the illegal migrants intercepted by the police. This shows that the layers of security in place are increasingly effective, and we continue to build our defensive measures to tackle this type of crime.”
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information anonymously.
Photo Credit: RTCIP
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