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Wymara Resort + Villas Achieves Green Globe Certification, Setting a New Benchmark for Sustainable Luxury in Turks and Caicos

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Turks and Caicos, April 17, 2025 – Wymara Resort + Villas is proud to announce that it has officially been awarded Green Globe Certification, a globally recognized standard for sustainable tourism. Timed with Earth Month, this milestone underscores Wymara’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, community support, and best-in-class sustainable practices — all while delivering luxury with a conscience, a hallmark of the Wymara experience.

In its inaugural audit, Wymara placed among the top-performing first-time applicants, laying the groundwork for continued progress toward climate-conscious hospitality.

“Achieving Green Globe Certification is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of — it reflects not only our values, but the collective passion and effort of our entire team,” says Shelley Rincon, CEO, Wymara Resort + Villas. “Sustainability has been woven into our DNA since day one, and this certification affirms our position at the forefront of responsible luxury travel in the Caribbean.”

 A True Changemaker in Caribbean Hospitality

Wymara Resort + Villas isn’t just checking boxes — it’s redefining what sustainable luxury looks like in the Caribbean. With deep-rooted values and a future-focused mindset, Wymara has implemented comprehensive initiatives that not only minimize its environmental impact, but actively invest in the health, culture, and future of the Turks and Caicos Islands — a destination proudly known as Beautiful by Nature.

This commitment ensures that the island’s pristine beauty, rich marine life, and vibrant community are preserved for generations to come.

From eliminating plastics to restoring coral reefs and supporting youth development, Wymara is proof that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive — they’re stronger together.

  • Plastic-Free Commitment: Wymara has eliminated single-use plastics resort-wide, including the introduction of wooden key cards and convenient water refill stations located throughout the property, along with other operational changes that remove plastic from daily use.
  • Smart Water Management: In a destination where fresh water is limited and often imported, Wymara has taken steps to reduce unnecessary water use in landscaping. Rainbird sensors have been installed throughout the property’s irrigation system to provide precise, real-time readings of soil moisture. These sensors automatically suspend watering when moisture levels exceed preset thresholds — helping to conserve water and reduce strain on local resources.
  • Commitment to Marine Conservation: One of Wymara’s most innovative initiatives is its end-of-stay donation program, launched in 2023. Since then, the resort and its guests have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, directly advancing coral reef conservation. In 2025 alone, the program is projected to raise over $140,000. Guests are invited to contribute $5 per night, and select menu items donate 10% of proceeds to the Fund. Wymara’s long-term vision is to inspire other hotels and watersports operators across the islands to adopt similar programs — a collective effort that could significantly change the future of reef preservation in Turks and Caicos.
  • Community Investment: $300,000 donated in the past three years to the Edward C. Garland Youth Centre, directly supporting education and youth development on-island.
  • Coastal Clean-Ups: Wymara organizes monthly beach clean-up days to protect the surrounding coastline and marine environment. These efforts engage both guests and the local community and reflect the resort’s recognition that its success is directly tied to the preservation of the island’s natural beauty, including the world’s third-largest reef and diverse marine life.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: From spa products made with on-site botanicals by The Wildflower Skincare Lab to eco-conscious offerings from 111SKIN, Wymara integrates sustainability into every touchpoint. In the kitchen, menus feature locally caught fish and island-grown produce, reducing the resort’s footprint and supporting regional farmers and fishers.

“The precedent-setting support we have received from Wymara for our coral reef conservation efforts has been instrumental to our ability to expand our operations,” says Alizee Zimmermann, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, the country’s only environmental advocacy NGO. “Coastal and marine ecosystems are culturally valued by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Wymara Resort + Villas are exemplary when it comes to embodying sustainable practices for all the right reasons.”

Sustainability That Goes Beyond the Surface

As a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, Wymara’s impact goes beyond sustainability. The executive team champions gender equality, employee development, and cultural connection through mentorship programs, staff training, and partnerships that elevate local artisans and suppliers.

Wymara is one of just six resorts in Turks and Caicos to be recognized by Forbes Travel Guide with a Four-Star rating. Now, with Green Globe Certification secured, the resort is doubling down on its pursuit of Five-Star status — blending world-class luxury with meaningful change.

A Global Endorsement of Impact

Green Globe is the premier global certification for sustainable tourism. Certified members are independently audited based on over 380 criteria, covering everything from energy use and waste reduction to community involvement and biodiversity protection. With increasing pressure on travel and hospitality brands to meet net-zero targets by 2050, Green Globe Certification provides credible, third-party assurance to travelers who care about their environmental footprint.

Green Globe Certification CEO Birte Pelayo congratulated Wymara Resort + Villas, the newest member of the elite sustainable hospitality community.

“The Caribbean is home to some of the first resorts in the world to achieve certification by Green Globe, and we are excited to welcome Wymara to this elite collection of sustainable hospitality businesses,” said Birte Pelayo, CEO, Green Globe Certification. “From supporting coral reforestation to eliminating single-use plastics and restoring sand dunes and natural ecosystems, Wymara is active and engaged in preserving and improving its holiday destination.”

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

  • Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

  • Murder
  • Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

 

RBPF, PACD

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Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

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by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

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