News
Another jewel in the crown of Beaches Turks and Caicos Sales Department Leader
Garfield Ekon
Staff Writer
Turks and Caicos, November 16, 2024 – Tanya Swann, the Beaches Turks and Caicos (TCI) Resorts Villages and Spa, Executive, Tanya Swann was recently awarded the Sandi McCoy for excellence in Sales Department Leadership.
The event was hosted by Unique Vacations, a worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.
Swann, was one of several sales managers awarded at the ceremony, which recognizes the best in sales and marketing for Sandals, in the Americas.
The awardee said she felt happy and “elated and blessed to have been recognized for such an esteemed Award,” within the chain, through
the Caribbean, and “I am indeed proud to be chosen, and honoured,” she said.
Her working with Beaches Resorts, began in April 2004, as a secretary for Food and Beverage, and her tenacity and excellent work ethics led to a promotion as Executive Administration to the General Manager.
Several promotions came after, and in 2019, she was named Director of Sales at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
She credits her rise within the company to mentorship and a willingness to learn and to tackle new challenges, noting that she learned to adapt, took on additional roles, and was clear on where she wanted her career to go.
“In each position that I have worked in at BTC I was given the opportunity not just by management but also by the potential and success which they saw in me. Just like everything in life, sometimes it was not easy, but it was worth it because it got me where I am today. What I have already done and what I will continue to do will determine where my next level of success will be,” she said
Over the years, the awardee has been a key lead in marketing the Beaches Turks and Caicos brand to international partners, speaking at road shows, sales blitz and promotional events across the United States. Swann works closely with travel agents, airline representatives and Business Development Managers to promote the brand and the Turks and Caicos destination, to new and existing customers.
“Sometimes no matter how rough and challenging our lives may be, we must always take a moment and be proud of ourselves no matter what.
God is indeed a good God, a faithful God and he allows us to be recognised when the time is right and not before as his timing is always the right one and the on time one,” she stated.
Tanya Swann was born in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), to a single parent, and has worked in the tourism industry for the past 25 years, with almost 19-years spent at the BTC.
She said after joining the entity, she has had the privilege of going on trips to the various properties, as well as “I did some presentations at the call centres, to the agents,” she said, while pursuing and academic achievements, such as: Associates Degree in Hospitality and Tourism, Certificate Course for Train the Trainer, Certificate in Customer Service Management, Certificate in Business Management, Professional Bachelor Degree in Hotel and Tourism, and Professional Master’s Degree in Hotel and Tourism.
Miss Swann has also received other awards: Most Reliable and Responsible Employee, Award for Sports Woman of the Year, Award for Manager of the Year, Award for being “A Silent Warrior,” as well as receiving the Prestige Special Service Award, Spirit of Excellence Award 2015, Spirit of Excellence Award 2016, the TCHTA Shining Star Award 2016, and the Sales Manager of the Year 2019.
She said “with all the above, I was given the opportunity not only by management, but also myself personally, because I knew what I wanted, and where I wanted to go, so I took every opportunity that i was afforded, and made the best of it. The tools that I live by every day is, confidence, communication, and active listening,” she said.
Story by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Published: June 12, 2025
AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India early Wednesday morning. The crash killed 241 people and left behind a single, severely injured survivor — a British national. The aircraft reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure less than a minute into its ascent, plunging into a populated area just outside the city.
The scale of the devastation has been described by BBC reporters on the scene as “apocalyptic,” with both passengers and residents on the ground among the dead. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but Indian aviation officials confirmed that rescue operations have concluded, and one of two flight data recorders had been recovered.
As the world reels from the scale of the disaster, governments across the globe are responding with condolences and offers of support.
Among them, The Bahamas has joined the international chorus of grief and solidarity.
Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon: “The Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas extend deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of India, the families of those aboard the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad on 12th June, and all affected communities. We are saddened by the tragic loss of life, including both passengers and residents on the ground, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
We stand in solidarity with India and join voices worldwide in offering support during this time of grief.”
He added:
“The Bahamas commends the swift and coordinated efforts of Indian emergency services and international responders. May those who perished rest in peace, and may those who survive recover fully.”
The lone survivor of the crash has been identified by BBC News as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent. He is currently being treated in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage.
Speaking with BBC reporters from his hospital bed, Ramesh shared a chilling description of the moment disaster struck:
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise… it all happened so quickly,” he said.
“I don’t know how I survived. Everything went dark.”
Ramesh has since been visited by India’s Minister of Home Affairs. His family in Leicester, UK, is being supported by British consular staff.
Air India has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the airline said:
“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”
The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Dozens of victims have been identified, and grief-stricken relatives have begun arriving in Ahmedabad.
The Bahamas’ expression of sympathy marks the Caribbean nation’s formal recognition of the tragedy and its global significance. As the lone survivor begins to recover, the world looks to investigators for answers on what went so horribly wrong just seconds after takeoff.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently welcomed 35 students from Clement Howell High
School’s Social and Environmental Arts Club for an immersive educational tour showcasing the resort’s sustainable waste management and composting systems, including grey water recycling.
The visit was part of BTC’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Students explored the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including how kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost to support the property’s vibrant gardens.
Gerry Harris, 15, said the experience was eye-opening. “It showed me how simple but effective waste disposal can be—even at home. Seeing it first-hand made a big difference.”
17-year-old Onerce Oriol, who aspires to be a construction engineer, was especially drawn to the composting demonstration. “It was exciting to learn how common kitchen scraps can enrich the soil. I never realized how waste could be reused in such a beneficial way.”
The interactive, hour-long tour gave students a chance to engage in the process directly, enhancing their understanding through hands-on learning.
“This was a very informative experience,” said Robert Toby Grant, creative environmentalist and teacher at Clement Howell High. “Our
students gained practical knowledge of BTC’s sustainability efforts and how they can apply these practices in their own lives.”
Jamie McAnally, managing director at Beaches Turks & Caicos, emphasized the value of community partnerships, “engaging students is key. One inspired student can influence an entire household, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and ultimately, the island.”
BTC continues to champion environmental stewardship across Turks & Caicos, partnering with schools, government agencies and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. One standout collaboration is with the Edward Garland Youth Centre, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the resort into eco-art and garden installations.
Beaches Turks & Caicos is proud to support initiatives that build a greener future for the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands.
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