News
TCI Delegation Makes Waves at CHTA ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ and CHIEF 2024
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) proudly announces the commendable achievements of its national culinary team and delegation at the recent ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ competition and the Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), both held from November 18-20, 2024, at Florida International University’s Kovens Conference Center.
TEAM TCI, made up of a four-member culinary team showcased exceptional talent and creativity, medaling once again in the Caribbean National Team category. Their performance highlighted the rich gastronomic heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA, expressed her pride, stating, “Our team’s success at Turks and Caicos is no surprise. Every individual put their heart and soul into their performance on this regional stage, and they left their mark. We are exceptionally proud of them.”
The team – Kenyatta Forbes of The Palms, Andre Maragh of Seven Stars Resort, Ronel Charles of Seven Stars Resort, and TCHTA Lit’l Chef medallist, Gabrielle Martin – were all newcomers to the competition stage and held their own in true Team TCI style with training from their senior mentors Executive Chefs Edwin Gallardo (Seven Stars) and Rajasekar Ravindran (The Hartling Group), and under the leadership of Chef Charles Joseph (“Chef CJ”), a past competitor and Gold medallist.
Reflecting on Chef CJ’s first bout as team leader, Executive Chef Gallardo shared, “My heart was full watching Chef CJ step up in this way. He has taken everything he has experienced as a mentee, a private chef, and a past competitor and guided this young team with a discipline, structure, and complete support. He is a shining example of the growth and potential we have in the culinary community here.”
The team now joins the inaugural group of Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Regional Culinary Ambassadors, providing them more access to training, opportunities and exposure. TEAM TCI has a distinguished history at ‘Taste of the Caribbean,’ including multiple gold medals and individual accolades such as Hall of Fame inductions in the Pastry Chef of the Year and Junior Chef categories.
‘Taste’ made its return for the first time since the pandemic alongside the premier educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals, CHIEF. A robust group of industry stakeholders attended the event, with Turks and Caicos taking center stage at three of the event’s sessions: Stacy Cox moderated the sessions “Wellness Matters: Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being for Guests and Staff” and “Authentic Engagement: Leveraging Social Media to Immerse and Inspire”, while Karen Whitt, CHTA 1st Vice President and TCHTA Marketing Chair, led “Real Revenue Strategies: Maximizing Profit through Authentic Offerings”.
The annual event focused on best practices, operational excellence, and strategic planning to enhance the region’s hospitality sector. The TCHTA delegation engaged with industry leaders, discussing sustainable tourism practices, investment opportunities, and innovative strategies to bolster the Turks and Caicos tourism industry.
Watching updates and live streams shared via social media, the Turks and Caicos community followed the delegation’s activities and celebrated along with them.
The TCHTA is thankful to The Shore Club, Seven Stars, Beaches, Parallel 23, Sui-Ren, Grace Bay Club, Point Grace, Rock House, and Skyline Distributors. These TCHTA members are sponsors of the Taste of Tapas fundraiser which allows the culinary team to travel and take part in this opportunity.
About ‘Taste of the Caribbean’:
Organized by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ is an annual event that brings together culinary teams from across the region to compete, share, and celebrate Caribbean gastronomy.
About the Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHIEF):
CHIEF is the premier educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals, focusing on best practices, operational excellence, and strategic planning to enhance the region’s hospitality sector.
About Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA):
The TCHTA is the voice of the Turks & Caicos tourism and hospitality sector, championing sustainable growth, professional development, and the prosperity of our islands. Our strategic initiatives underscore our commitment to establishing Turks & Caicos as a world-class destination while fostering a community of service, innovation, and inclusivity.
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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