MEDIA RELEASE

 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, June 12, 2024 — What could be better than a Reading Road Trip experience where vacationers get to visit a local school to read to children? A Reading Road Trip featuring three generations of family members! This unique experience recently unfolded when travel agent and Chairman’s Royal Club (CRC) member Renee Rice and her family vacationed at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

A key highlight of their vacation was the highly anticipated visit to Oseta Jolly Primary School. In honour of the school’s 50-year anniversary, the family donated approximately fifty (50) pounds of school supplies. Renee was joined by her husband Bruce, daughters Cheyenne, Brigitte, and Marily, and grandchildren Kyla, Kinsley, Banks, Jackson, and Evey. The group was also accompanied by a team of Sandals Foundation ambassadors.

This is just one of many contributions Rice and her family have made to schools in the Turks and Caicos, their home away from home. These generous donations have been facilitated through the partnership between the Sandals Foundation and the U.S.-based nonprofit Pack for a Purpose initiative. This partnership allows guests staying at Beaches or Sandals resorts to bring educational supplies for local communities, making a meaningful impact.

The donated items included pencils, folders, crayons, markers, washable paint, and activity pads. Vice Principal Sharonica Grant accepted the items on behalf of the school, expressing her gratitude. “We thank you for visiting us to help us celebrate our golden year. Your time with us is invaluable. Our students had a blast during the reading sessions, and they will continue to benefit from the school supplies after you’re gone,” she shared.

Marilyn Burke, one of Rice’s daughters and a Special Education Coordinator for the Oxford City Schools in Alabama, chose to read to the Special Needs class with her daughter Kinsley. In line with the Sandals Foundation’s theme of promoting food security and healthy nutrition, they spent time teaching the children about the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. Special Education teacher, Tevynn Lewis remarked, “my children always enjoy having visitors, and we are always happy to welcome people from our community who are willing to share with our children. It was evident that they enjoyed the stories that were shared.”

A heartwarming moment occurred when eight-year-old Evey James took charge of a group of six kindergarteners, reading to them, explaining concepts, and guiding them through their worksheet and colouring activity.

Orville Morgan, Public Relations Manager, was thrilled with the success of the event. “I am happy we were able to make this Reading Road Trip a reality despite the unfavourable weather earlier in the day. The students enjoyed the visit, and the family has already formed bonds with the children, promising to return next year. These are the moments that I live for. I was particularly impressed by how well the teens and grandkids handled themselves. They were very much in control of things while being patient and comical in their interactions,” he noted.

For 15 years, the Sandals Foundation has positively impacted communities across the Caribbean through the pillars of education, community development, and environmental conservation. The Rice family’s visit to Oseta Jolly Primary School is a testament to the lasting and meaningful connections that can be formed through such initiatives.

Photo Captions: 

Header: Oseta Jolly vice principal Sharonica Grant (3rd right) accepts the gifts from Renee Rice

1st insert: These boys share a keen moment with their work sheet

2nd insert: Evey James, grand daughter of Renee Rice goes through the paces with students during one of the activities at the Oseta Jolly Primary School

3rd insert: One of the students at the Oseta Jolly Primary shares his creative skills with one of Renee’s granddaughter