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Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit Hosts Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education in Collaboration with PAHO

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: On 25 February 2025, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services successfully hosted a hybrid Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education, equipping participants with the skills to educate and empower youth and communities on key health and social issues.

The training was facilitated online by experts from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), including:

  • Dr. Anton Best, Advisor for Health Systems and Services, PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Ms. Sandra Jones – Advisor, HIV/STI, TB and Viral Hepatitis, Sub Regional Programme based in PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Mrs. Tanya McFall-Major, Communications Consultant, PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands

Deputy Permanent Secretary Howell-Robinson delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening peer education as a key strategy for health promotion.

PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Eldonna Boisson commended the Ministry of Health for its leadership in peer education, emphasising the vital role of trained youth in promoting health, bridging awareness gaps, and advancing Universal Health Coverage.

Dr. Anton Best further reinforced the importance of this initiative, stated,“This training programme underscores our collective commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage through strengthening health promotion and education. By targeting vulnerable individuals, including youth, we are laying the foundation for healthier communities and a more resilient public health system.”

This Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education is the first step in a larger initiative to expand peer education programs across schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The trainers who successfully completed this programme will go on to train student peer educators within their respective schools and organisations, ensuring that youth are empowered to lead health promotion efforts among their peers.

Representatives included members from the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, the TCI Health and Wellness Foundation, the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, the Cadet Corps, and guidance counsellors from primary and secondary schools, as well as Department of Education Officer, Ms. Stacey Jogie.

Schools represented included: Primary Schools: Ianthe Pratt Primary, Oseta Jolly Primary, Enid Capron Primary, Thelma Lightbourne Primary, Eliza Simons Primary, Ona Glinton Primary, Iris Stubbs Primary, Doris Robinson Primary, and Adelaide Oemler Primary.

High Schools: Raymond Gardiner High, Helena Jones Robinson High, Marjorie Basden High, Clement Howell High, and A. Louise Garland Thomas High.

The workshop covered critical topics to enhance peer education, health promotion, and community outreach, including:

  • Peer Education Strategies – Leadership and effective facilitation skills.
  • Communication Skills – Active listening, assertiveness, and empathy.
  • Conflict Resolution & Peer Support – Mediation and negotiation techniques.
  • Health Education – Sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, nutrition, and physical activity.
  • Mental Health Awareness – Reducing stigma, self-care, and well-being strategies.
  • Self-Care & Stress Management – Building resilience and coping mechanisms.
  • Substance Abuse Prevention – Understanding peer influence and legal/social consequences.
  • Gender Equality & Social Justice – Preventing gender-based violence and fostering inclusivity.
  • Digital Literacy & Online Safety – Responsible social media use and internet safety.

Reflecting on the success of the workshop, Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director of Health Promotion, emphasised, “Empowering our trainers with the knowledge and skills to educate others is a key step in fostering healthier communities. Through this initiative, student peer educators will play a crucial role in supporting and guiding their peers, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the country.”

 Chief Medical Officer Dr. Astwood added “Peer education is a powerful tool in public health, especially among youth. By equipping young people with accurate health information and essential skills, we are not only empowering them to make informed decisions but also fostering a culture of prevention and wellness. This initiative strengthens our healthcare system by promoting early intervention, reducing health disparities, and building healthier communities from the ground up. Investing in peer education today means a healthier, more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands tomorrow.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to advancing peer education and youth empowerment, ensuring that young people are equipped to promote health and well-being within their schools and communities.

For more information please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

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Community Comes Together as ISU Community Engagement Exercise Delivers Essential Services in Kew Town  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 3rd July 2026: Residents of Kew Town and neighbouring communities turned out on Saturday, June 27, to access a range of free services and information during the ISU’s Community Outreach Caravan at the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries.

The outreach initiative brought together several government agencies and partner organisations in a single location, providing residents with direct access to health, safety, and emergency preparedness services while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement within the community.

Services available throughout the day included health checks and education, vision screenings, emergency preparedness information, fire safety guidance, and community policing engagement. Participating partners included the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, the Turks and Caicos Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s Community Policing Unit, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, and Menzies Optometry.

The exercise forms part of the ISU’s ongoing community engagement programme, which seeks to strengthen relationships with residents while improving access to public services through collaboration with partner agencies. By bringing multiple service providers together in one location, the initiative offered residents a convenient opportunity to access information, seek advice, and connect directly with agencies whose work supports the well-being of their communities.

The Informal Settlements Unit extends its sincere appreciation to the residents who attended and contributed to the success of the exercise, the partner agencies and organisations that dedicated their time and expertise, and the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries for graciously hosting the event. The Unit remains committed to working alongside communities and partner organisations to deliver initiatives that encourage engagement, strengthen partnerships, and improve access to essential services across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos resort hosts high school tourism clubs from Providenciales and North Caicos  

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Clement Howell High School students and teachers being welcome by the General Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, Deryk Meany as they prepare to learn more about the daily operations of the resort and the team

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort recently welcomed students from Clement Howell High School in Providenciales and Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos for an immersive educational tour designed to expose young learners to the dynamic world of hospitality and tourism.

The visit formed part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to youth development and community engagement, providing students with insight into the operations of the Caribbean’s leading hospitality brand. During the tour, students were introduced to various departments across the resort, gaining a deeper understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within the industry.

General Manager Deryk Meany addressed the visiting students, encouraging them to think creatively about their future career paths and to remain open to exploring non-traditional roles within the hospitality sector.

“The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and there is space for innovation, creativity and leadership at every level,” Meany shared. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we are proud to provide opportunities for young people to jumpstart their careers, while also developing the skills needed to grow into future leaders.”

The local youth engaged with team members across multiple disciplines, including guest services, food and beverage, entertainment and operations.

Kawanza Morley, Tourism Club leader at Raymond Gardiner High School, expressed appreciation for the experience, noting its value in reinforcing students’ academic learning.

“This visit allowed our students to see firsthand how what they learn in the classroom translates into the operation,” Morley said. “We are grateful to Beaches Turks and Caicos for their hospitality and for creating such a meaningful and engaging experience.”

Educators accompanying the students also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between schools and industry leaders. Raphael Delpeche of Clement Howell High School commended the resort for its ongoing support of youth development initiatives.

“We are very pleased with the level of exposure our students received,” Delpeche stated. “This relationship continues to create valuable opportunities for our students to better understand the industry and envision their future within it.”

For many students, the tour provided inspiration and a renewed sense of possibility. Tamani Gardiner, a fourth form student from Raymond Gardiner High School, remarked on the professionalism and efficiency observed throughout the resort. “I was really impressed by how smoothly everything operates,” Gardiner said. “The level of professionalism from the staff shows what it takes to succeed in this industry.”

Similarly, Clement Howell High School student Tanika Lightbourne shared her enthusiasm for continued involvement with the resort through its internship programme.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Beaches Turks and Caicos for another year of internship,” Lightbourne said. “This experience has helped me grow and I’m excited to keep learning and developing as a young professional.”

Through initiatives like these, the resort continues to play a vital role in empowering youth across the Turks and Caicos Islands and preparing them for meaningful careers in one of the country’s most important industries.

 

Photo Caption (insert): Students from the Raymond Gardiner High School pause to capture a photo moment at the Treasure Beach Village overlooking the infinity pool during their recent resort tour and educational experience

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Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts Launch Rebranded Loyalty Program, ‘Island Insiders Club’

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~All-inclusive resort company elevates rewards program, offering expanded benefits and member-only events & experiences, rooted in the spirit of the islands~

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, July 2, 2026 Sandals and Beaches Resorts unveiled today the introduction of its new Island Insiders Club, the next chapter of its refreshed loyalty program. Replacing the long-running Sandals Select Rewards program (established in 2008), the new program is designed to elevate the guest experience with a more immersive approach to awards and recognition. Effective July 1, 2026, the transition will preserve members’ current status and existing benefits, while expanding access to enhanced rewards, exclusive events and enriched experiences that bring members closer to the Caribbean.

“We are expanding how loyalty shows up across every stay to encapsulate what our loyal members already are — an inside part of the Sandals and Beaches family,” stated # SVP of Loyalty at Unique Vacations, Inc., worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “We developed this program side-by-side with the guests who know the resorts, the islands, and the people best, drawing on extensive focus groups, surveys, and direct feedback. The result is a loyalty experience that goes far beyond points, and is felt in every welcome home.”

Guests can enroll in Island Insiders Club before their very first visit, and begin earning status after their first stay. The program features seven levels of loyalty, the highest being Ambassador, followed by Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Coral and Shell (which replaces the former Select tier).

More Access. More Recognition. More Caribbean.

Sandals Select Rewards members will roll over to the Island Insiders Club on July 1, 2026, maintaining their status and benefits with no reset.

Island Insiders Club highlights include:

  • Choice of Insider Reward: A flexible credit that lets Insiders choose the experiences that best match their vacation style, from relaxing at the Red Lane Spa to embarking on an adventure with Island Routes.
  • The Insiders Shop: A private online merchandise store featuring premium collections and limited-edition drops, including handcrafted artisanal pieces, available exclusively for Island Insiders.
  • Room Upgrade Hotline: Now available exclusively for members, Insiders can request a room upgrade 30 days prior to travel and receive up to 50% off their upgrade when they call a dedicated number.
  • Dedicated VIP Concierge Line: A one-stop, full-service customer care team supporting Diamond, Pearl, and Ambassador members throughout their vacation journey, helping to book their flights, tours, special requests and more.
  • Expanded Insider Experiences, On and Off Resort: Exclusive Insider events including specialty weeks focused on diving, autism inclusion, and culinary experiences on resort. Plus, access to a series of experiential events across the globe.
  • 20% off Managers Wine List Discount: Returning members receive 20% off the Manager’s Wine List, offering another elevated touch for dinners, celebrations, and special moments on resort.
  • $200 Laundry Service Credit: Ambassador members will receive a $200 laundry service credit, adding an extra layer of ease and convenience to longer stays.
  • Complimentary Week Stay: A complimentary 7-night stay at any resort of choice is awarded to members after every 70 paid nights.
  • New Member Incentive: Those “newly inside” who book and travel will receive 5,000 bonus points after their first stay.

As always, Insiders enjoy special access to cabanas, a complimentary photo on every trip, member discounts on everything from retail and watersports to candlelight dinners, and added savings on future stays at the loyalty lounge.

New Name, New Look and a Nod to Nostalgia

The Island Insiders Club’s refreshed visual identity is built around a simple pair of sandals, now the signature symbol of Island Insiders Club and a throwback to an Insider tradition that’s been worn for decades, from vintage gold and silver pendants in the early days to the leather necklaces shared at member events today.

The new brand look will roll out across consumer touchpoints in the months ahead, from dedicated Island Insiders Club lounges to on resort signage, marketing and sales channels, digital and more, bringing Island Insiders Club to life through a modern design and multiplatform approach.

An Exclusive Inside Scoop

In true Insider fashion, Island Insiders Club was first unveiled to the brand’s most loyal members during a special “Step Inside Our Sandals” video conference. Designed as an Insider-first briefing, the call gives top members an early look at brand news and upcoming developments. Hosted by Peter Menges, the event walked members through the highlights of the new program, what to expect, and the refreshed look and feel of Island Insiders Club, before Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Executive Chairman Adam Stewart gave an exclusive look at what’s next and the reimagining of three iconic Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.

For more information about Island Insiders Club or to become a member, visit: www.sandals.com/islandinsidersclub.

Go behind-the-scenes of the Island Insiders Club with Peter Menges on the Sandals Palmcast and read the latest on the Sandals blog.

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