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LUXURY WITH A CONSCIENCE – WYMARA RESORT + VILLAS LEADS THE WAY  IN TURKS & CAICOS

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Resort-wide customer-facing initiatives

Team activations supporting local activations

Striving for Green Globe Certification

 

31 January 2025: Turks and Caicos is known as a destination for being “beautiful by nature”. As a leading privately-owned resort, firmly embedded in its community, conservation and social responsibility are key drivers at Wymara Resort + Villas.

CEO Shelley Rincon says “At Wymara we understand that however luxurious our resort is, with the highest standards of service, the reason that many guests choose to come here is also because of the natural attractions close by. From snorkeling and scuba diving on one of the finest reef systems in the world, to kayaking in the mangroves with turtles, it’s a huge draw and one that we feel compelled to support as best we can.”

Supporting reef conservation

The resort takes a multi-faceted approach towards its corporate social responsibility, much of which goes to support the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund. Established in 2010 as a nongovernmental organisation, the Fund focuses on the protection of the fragile ecosystem around the islands.

Other projects led by the Fund include tackling Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, installing dive boat moorings, reporting on invasive Lionfish and surveying the coral reefs off the coast of uninhabited East Caicos.

These projects are all funded by private donations including the income generated by initiatives such as those put in place by Wymara as well as an ‘adopt-a-coral’ scheme, and research grants.

Wymara’s support for the Reef Fund encompasses straightforward donations, practical assistance and awareness-raising. A new Guest Surcharge introduced in 2023 and rising to $5 in 2025 sees optional donations added to each night’s stay on checkout.

Additionally, 10% of all revenue generated by cauliflower-based dishes served at the resort’s award-winning  restaurant Indigo also go directly to the Fund.

At a practical level, guests and team members are strongly encouraged to spend time with the Reef Fund on their ongoing activities, including working in the coral nursery where key varieties are propagated, and sinking new ‘coral ladders’ that help to maintain the integrity of the reef around the islands.

In 2024 alone, Wymara donated over $50,000 to the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund from the guest surcharge alone. Alizée Zimmerman, Executive Director of Turks & Caicos Reef Fund said “We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with Wymara. The additional $50,000 per year in guest donations will allow us to significantly increase our conservation initiatives. From creating new moorings to expanding our coral nurseries for reef restoration, we will be able to accomplish so much more.”

 Sustainable spa treatments

The Spa at Wymara Resort + Villas in Turks and Caicos represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration with on-island skincare brand The Wildflower Skincare Lab to dramatically shift its carbon footprint and cement its practical sustainability efforts.

Many treatments at the resort’s Spa are delivered using vegan, sustainable and organic products developed exclusively by The Wildflower Skincare Lab for Wymara. The collaboration also extends to include reef-safe sunscreen (SPF50 and SPF30), available at the Resort’s boutique.

Shelley Rincon says “Sustainability is one of the bedrocks of our development. We have banned single-use plastic from all departments across the Resort and the Villas and redesigned our water system to increase recycling of grey water. As a tropical island that traditionally relies heavily on imports, reducing our carbon footprint is a priority. 

“Since 2019, we have switched from miniatures to larger refillable toiletry bottles which helps to minimise imports and eliminates the use of single-use plastic. The new partnership with fellow islanders Wildflower – who also use minimal packaging, all of which is recycled and biodegradable – allows us to take that one step further in sourcing exclusive spa products onisland.”

In December 2024, Wymara announced a new spa partnership with 111SKIN, headquartered in Harley Street, London. The luxury skincare brand holds the coveted Butterfly Mark certification, for upholding exceptional standards of sustainability and philanthropy. All products are made with ethically-sourced ingredients and are cruelty-free, paraben-free and silicon-free, in readily recyclable packaging.

As Shelley explains “Our shared values with 111SKIN as well as their amazing products and treatments make this a brilliant partnership for Wymara. Their commitment to reducing their environmental impact in any way they can, and to giving back to organisations that really value their support such as Women for Women International really resonate with us”.

 A pragmatic approach

Other community organisations are also offered practical assistance. Wymara team members are given paid time off to assist with beach and coral clean-ups. With colleagues coming both from within the local community and a variety of international backgrounds, this is an excellent way to not only promote team bonding but to also embed them in their local community. A recent session saw the team collect over 70kg of rubbish from Grace Bay Beach, preventing it from entering the ocean and contaminating the marine environment.

In August 2024, the resort introduced a new range of uniforms, designed from Turks and Caicos and based on the concepts of natural coral and flora found around the islands in order to further highlight these endangered species to all of Wymara’s guests. What’s more, variance in colourways and styles for different departments helps the team to feel more connected to their colleagues, and aid guests in understanding each person’s role while further supporting local talent and issues.

Leading the way 

Wymara Resort + Villas is a Member of Green Globe, the International Standard for Sustainable Tourism. It is currently awaiting certification, based on the consistent achievement of 44 specific criteria and over 380 compliance indicators to assure guests of the highest level of sustainable operations and management.

Shelley explains “The exceptional marine environment around the islands is one of the highlights for any guest and we want to do everything we can to ensure that we help guests to travel responsibly and sustainably.”

Community support

In addition to sustainability-focused initiatives, Wymara Resort + Villas supports a whole range of local charities and voluntary organisations by way of sponsorship and donations. More than $44,000 has been distributed to 19 different beneficiaries in 2024.

In addition, in the past three years, Wymara has donated $300,000 to the Edward C Gartland Youth Center, in acknowledgement of the crucial role that it plays in providing extra-curricular activities and skills development for the youth of Providenciales and across the islands. As well as essential financial support, Wymara’s team members are heavily involved in specific tuition in mentoring and teaching notably in hospitality and catering.

“Hospitality is a huge element of the local economy,” explains Shelley. “We want to encourage as many young people from the islands to enter the industry, and equip them with the knowledge and tools to succeed. We believe that this genuinely helps to ensure the sustainability of tourism as the largest contributor to the Turks and Caicos economy, by training our young people here so that they can really see their own future without having to leave for other shores.”

 As a leading voice in the Turks & Caicos hospitality industry, Shelley keenly hopes that the example set by Wymara will encourage other luxury hoteliers across the islands to adopt similar initiatives.

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Beaches Turks and Caicos Showcases and Supports Local Creativity

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September 12, 2025                                                                                

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to a wealth of creativity, from artisans and craft vendors to musicians and performers. Beaches Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive family resort, has pledged its continued support for these individuals by providing meaningful platforms for them to share their skills and stories with guests from around the world.

The resort’s commitment is most evident in its weekly Cultural Night showcase, where visitors are immersed in the vibrant traditions of the islands. Guests enjoy live performances which feature local music genres such as ripsaw, while artisans display and sell handmade creations. This event not only enriches the guest experience but also strengthens economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Entertainment Division Manager Garett Bailey emphasized the significance of Cultural Night, “we want to showcase everything the Turks and Caicos Islands culture has to offer. Our goal is for guests to leave with a deeper appreciation of the island’s art, music and traditions, while giving local talent the opportunity to share their creativity with visitors from across the globe.”

Beyond Cultural Night, Beaches Turks and Caicos also welcomes local craft vendors onto the resort every Wednesday and Friday where they are offered a direct space to market their goods. Guests have easy access to the Turks and Caicos Cultural Marketplace, where they can purchase authentic local arts and crafts.

Managing Director, James McAnally, highlighted how these initiatives reflect the resort’s broader mission, “we are committed to celebrating and sharing the vibrant culture of these islands with our guests. By showcasing local artistry and music, we not only provide entertainment but also help sustain and grow the creative industries of the Turks and Caicos Islands. From our cultural showcases to nightly live music, we are proud to create authentic connections between our guests and the people of these islands.”

Local musician Keon Hall, who frequently performs at the resort, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership, “being able to share my music with Beaches’ guests has created lasting relationships. Some visitors return year after year and request songs from previous performances. This partnership continues to celebrate what we do and strengthens the bond between local artists and the resort.”

The resort’s support of local artisans and entertainers extends beyond business opportunity; it is about preserving heritage and sharing stories. Guests take home more than souvenirs; they leave with experiences that deepen their understanding of Turks and Caicos’ culture and history.

Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan, noted the importance of this commitment, “for many visitors, these interactions represent their first genuine connection to the Turks and Caicos Islands. From artisans and musicians to farmers and transport operators, our local talent helps shape every guest experience. At Beaches, we are proud to give them the stage to share their stories and their heritage.”

Beaches Turks & Caicos remains dedicated to developing cultural connections and supporting the artisans, musicians and entrepreneurs whose creativity makes the Turks and Caicos Islands unique. Each guest experience is an opportunity to celebrate and sustain the spirit of the islands.

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Caribbean News

“Barbecue” is Cooked! US Turns Over 11 Million Haitians into Potential Informants with $5 Million Bounty

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August 12, 2025

The United States just set fire to the underworld in Haiti — and this time, the smoke might finally flush out the man many call the most feared in the Caribbean.

On Tuesday, the U.S. government slapped a $5 million bounty on the head of Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, the ex-police officer turned gang boss accused of orchestrating massacres, torching neighborhoods, and strangling Haiti’s capital into chaos. This isn’t just a headline — it’s a full-blown game-changer.

That kind of cash — offered under the State Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program — is enough to turn the country’s entire population, more than 11 million people, into potential informants overnight. Add the millions in the Haitian diaspora, and Chérizier isn’t just wanted. He’s surrounded.

The Number That Changes Everything

Five million U.S. dollars today equals about 655 million Haitian Gourdes. In a country where many scrape by on less than $5 a day, that’s not just life-changing — it’s life-defining. It’s enough to rebuild homes, put generations through school, or buy a one-way ticket far from the gunfire.

In a place where trust is scarce and survival is everything, that figure is more than tempting — it’s irresistible. For Chérizier, it means every friend could be a future informant, and every loyalist might be calculating the cost of staying loyal.

‘We Will Find Them’ — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney

Jeanine “Judge Jeanine” Pirro, the U.S. Attorney, set the tone with fire in her voice.                                                                                                                                          “This indictment is the first of its kind,” she announced. “Jimmy Chérizier, also known as ‘Barbecue,’ is a notorious gang leader from Haiti who has orchestrated and committed various acts of violence against Haitians, including the 2018 La Saline attack in which approximately 71 people were killed. He both planned and participated in that massacre.

“Anyone who is giving money to ‘Barbecue’ cannot say, ‘I didn’t know.’ They will be prosecuted, and we will find them. They are supporting an individual who is committing human rights abuses, and we will not look the other way.”

Pirro wasn’t just going after Chérizier. She was sending a warning to the Haitian diaspora accused of feeding his war chest from abroad: the days of claiming ignorance are over.

‘No Safe Haven’ — Darren Cox, FBI

Then came Darren Cox, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI, delivering the muscle of America’s most powerful investigative force.                                                                                                                                                                                                                “There is no safe haven for Chérizier and his network,” Cox declared. “We are closing every link, every cell.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Since January, he said, the FBI has arrested three Top Ten fugitives, taken more than 19,000 criminals off the streets, and seized thousands of tons of narcotics — enough to save millions of lives across the U.S.

The FBI’s Miami and Houston offices have already bagged one of Chérizier’s Viv Ansanm associates inside the United States without firing a shot. “These efforts are a deliberate and coordinated plan,” Cox said, “to protect our communities and confront escalating threats from terrorist organizations like Viv Ansanm.”

‘Three-Year Investigation’ — Ivan Arvelo, HSI

Ivan Arvelo, Assistant Director of Homeland Security Investigations, brought the receipts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    “This is the result of a three-year investigation into Chérizier’s procurement networks, cash pipelines, and operational financing that violates sanctions,” he explained.                                                                                                                                                     Arvelo described 400 structures destroyed, entire communities erased, and a gang exploiting U.S. dollars, technology, and immigration loopholes to keep its killing machine running. “We tracked how Americans unwittingly bankrolled brutality,” he said — proof that the net is tightening both inside Haiti and abroad.

‘The Worst of the Worst’ — Chris Lambert, State Department

Chris Lambert, representing the State Department’s International Affairs division, gave the political bottom line.

“Mass violence in Haiti must end,” Lambert said. “The instability resulting from Chérizier’s actions fuels illegal migration, regional instability, and transnational crime. We will continue to apply every tool available — including our rewards programs — to stop the spread of unchecked violence, especially to target the worst of the worst criminal leaders threatening the people of our hemisphere.”

Lambert confirmed what many have long known: Chérizier is not just a gang leader. He commands Viv Ansanm, officially designated in May as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. In the eyes of the U.S., that makes him not just Haiti’s problem — but everyone’s.

Why Haitians May Not Resist

In Haiti, money talks — loudly. And when you put 655 million Gourdes on the table, it shouts.

That’s the kind of figure that turns casual acquaintances into informants and makes even the most hardened loyalist wonder if the payout is worth more than the risk. It’s not a matter of “if” word gets out, it’s a matter of “who will be first to collect.”

For grieving families, it’s a chance at justice. For the desperate, it’s a chance at survival. For Haiti as a whole, it’s hope — wrapped in the most dangerous of temptations.

An Answer to Prayers

For years, Haiti’s headlines have been a scroll of horrors — kidnappings, executions, burned neighborhoods, bodies in the streets. Chérizier’s name has been attached to too many of them.

This move by the U.S. isn’t just strategy. It’s personal. It’s a signal to every Haitian — at home or abroad — that the days of impunity could be ending.

I’ll admit it: when I heard the news, I danced, I sang, and I nearly cried. Not because $5 million is a lot of money, but because of what it means — the possibility, at last, of stopping the man accused of helping turn Haiti into hell on earth.

Four officials, four angles, one mission: Pirro’s fire, Cox’s grit, Arvelo’s precision, Lambert’s conviction. Together, they’ve put the heat on “Barbecue” like never before.

BBQ is cooked. The only question now is: which one of over 11 million potential informants will serve him up?

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Africa

What If Caribbean Dollars Flowed to Africa? A Trade Revolution Within Reach

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

What would happen if the Caribbean started spending more with Africa?

That question is no longer hypothetical. It’s the vision behind a growing movement that sees the Caribbean not just as a neighbor of the Americas, but as a key partner in the rise of a “Global Africa.” With shared history, deep cultural ties, and emerging trade frameworks, experts say the potential is enormous—if the will to act finally matches the passion of the speeches.

Billions on the Table

Today, trade between Africa and the Caribbean sits at just over US $729 million annually. But the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Afreximbank project that number could balloon to US $1.8 billion per year by 2028—more than doubling in just a few years.

This boost is expected to come not just from commodities, but increasingly from services, particularly in transport, travel, food exports, and creative industries. Two-thirds of that growth, according to analysts, could come from services alone—sectors where the Caribbean is eager to expand. (afreximbank.com).

Meanwhile, Africa’s consumer and business spending is forecasted to skyrocket to US $6.66 trillion by 2030, driven by a population boom and rising middle class.

The Case for a New Trade Axis

The Caribbean imports 80% of its food, but many of those goods can be sourced from African markets. What we offer in return? World-class logistics, tourism know-how, financial services, and proximity to the U.S. market. It’s a natural fit—one that is currently underdeveloped.

The recent call by Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell for a “Global Africa Commission” underscores this urgency. He urged stakeholders at the Afreximbank Trade Expo to stop the cycle of empty talk and get to work: building shipping routes, finalizing trade agreements, and boosting knowledge of what each region actually has to offer.

“We will not leave here with another communiqué,” Mitchell continued. “We will leave here with a commitment to act, to build together, to trade together, to succeed together and rise together.”                                                                                                                                                                                                   The statement underscored a central theme of the summit — that both Africa and the Caribbean can no longer afford to admire the idea of unity; they must operationalize it.Pilot platforms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) are already simplifying how cross-border payments work between African countries—and could extend to Caribbean partners. The system removes the need for U.S. dollars in trade between African nations, creating space for sovereign empowerment.

What’s the Hold-Up?

Let’s be blunt: political will, slow bureaucracies, and lack of coordination are stalling real action. Despite a decade of “Africa–Caribbean unity” talk, less than 3% of CARICOM trade currently involves the African continent. That fact continues to undermine these brave speeches and ambitious notions.

Where Caribbean Consumers Fit In

Caribbean consumers—especially the younger, tech-savvy generation—are already looking for affordable, ethical, and culturally relevant goods. African markets offer exactly that. Redirecting even a fraction of spending toward African-made clothing, beauty products, tech tools, or agro-processed foods could start a real trade revolution.

Bottom Line

If the political leaders won’t build the bridge fast enough, maybe Caribbean consumers will. The money is there. The interest is rising. Now it’s time to turn the “Global Africa” vision into a real economic shift—one shopping cart at a time.

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