News
Wesly Dumorne: From Security to Spotter to Boat Captain at Beaches Turks and Caicos
MEDIA RELEASE
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Sailing and exploring the high seas has always been a fascination for Wesly Dumorne. And even though his first employment stint was in the loss prevention and risk management at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, Wesly’s mission was to work in the watersports department. After six years, Wesly copped his dream job as boat captain at the family resort.
In order to smoothly transition into his new role, he needed to be fully trained in all key areas of the operation, which included knowledge of the standard operating procedures, mastering the required safety equipment for each watercraft and understanding the wind factors and the effects of the current and the tide for each activity.
For each boat captain, the mission is to ensure that each passenger is comfortable at sea and that the safety of the guests and the vessel they
operate is always top priority. Hence, the role of a captain covers navigating and maintaining the seaworthiness of the outboard and inboard engine vessels, monitoring weather conditions, planning voyages while ensuring a safe trip for crew and guests.
While sharing his story, Wesly noted that his growth was only possible because of the developmental plans that the organisation have in place for the team members. “Beaches Turks and Caicos through the Sandals Corporate University and the learning and development department has a plan in place to help every team member with the interest and drive to achieve their educational goals. This opportunity to cross train was what propelled me from being a loss prevention and risk management officer to the newest boat captain in the watersports department. There is a structured programme in place for team members to follow their dreams and grow within this company,” Wesly shared.
Wesly started his journey with the company in May 2019. Within a few years he had expressed interest in joining the watersports department and with guidance from the leaders in the learning and development, embarked on a training programme in 2023. He eventually got transferred to his new department in August 2023.
Through the resort’s mentorship programme, he was able to join forces with Senior Boat Captain Lancelot Gordon as a spotter on the different vessels. Seeing his interest, the leadership team and the department of Maritime and Fishing created his training schedule.
“The most challenging part of the training for me was learning the navigational system and studying the landmarks within the Turks and Caicos waters. Lancelot was patient with me in making sure that I understood the skills needed to operate the different vessels. The wind factor, the current, the tide flow and very importantly ensuring the crew and the guests felt comfortable driving with me. He is more like a brother to me, he is my mentor,” Wesly noted.
A satisfied Gordon, while sharing his role in giving back to the next generation of maritime leaders, noted that his more than sixteen years’ experience at Beaches Turks and Caicos has added to his passion for teaching. He shared that because of the support and mentorship he benefited from when he decided to start his career as a boat captain at age 18, he is inspired to be a dedicated mentor to others looking to chart a similar path.
“The learning and development culture within the company plays a big part in the growth for every team member. As a certified dive
instructor with Professional Association of Diving Instructors, (PADI) and a Master SCUBA diver trainer, the leadership within the organisation continues to give us the drive to soar to higher heights and follow our dreams. My proudest moment was having the privilege of sharing my knowledge with Wesly and seeing him accomplish his goal of becoming a boat captain,” Gordon noted.
Elvis Grant, dive shop manager added, “this accomplishment by Wesly has shown to other team members that the opportunity for growth is within reach. The platform for elevation within the organisation is available to every team member. Our mentorship and training programme continues to reap success as we seek to build a cadre of trainers and leaders within the department to help foster succession planning. Every leader within this company has been tasked with building a team to lead at the different levels. Lancelot is one of our exemplary leaders who continues to mentor potential boat captains.”
Managing Director James McAnally beamed as he spoke about Wesly’s promotion, “we believe in personal and professional development. Wesly’s growth within the company marks a clear vision of what our leaders promote for every team member. He has shown the determination to utilise the training opportunities to excel in the different areas of his career. The leadership team in the watersports department should be commended for the developmental programme that they have in training and promoting from within their team.”
Captions:
Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Watersports Captain Wesly Dumone (right) presents a token of appreciation and recognition to Captain Lancelot Gordon for his support to his professional growth and development at the Dive Shop on the resort
1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos Dive Shop Manager Elvis Grant (left) congratulates Wesly Dumone on his recent promotion to the rank of Captain in the Watersports department at the resort
2nd insert: Watersports at Beaches Turks and Caicos Captain Lancelot Gordon (left) accepts a token on one of the resort’s vessels from the recently promoted Captain Wesly Dumone
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News4 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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