Connect with us

Education

From Service to Significance: Beaches Turks and Caicos Graduates LEAP into Excellence

Published

on

Members of the Graduating Class with facilitators

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: At Beaches Turks and Caicos, exceptional service isn’t left to chance—it’s cultivated, crafted and continuously refined. This commitment to excellence was on full display as over fifty passionate team members graduated from a dynamic six-week Customer Service Excellence training, designed and delivered through the Sandals Corporate University (SCU).                                                                                                                                                                                The immersive training programme focused on building essential soft skills for hospitality professionals in an increasingly competitive industry. From communication strategies to emotional intelligence and resourcefulness, graduates were empowered to sharpen their personal brand and elevate the guest experience across every touchpoint.

Held at the resort’s Caribbean Village conference room, the graduation ceremony was charged with energy, optimism and purpose. Guest speaker Sabrina Green, former director of the Turks and Caicos Human Rights Commission and best-selling author, delivered an inspiring keynote under the theme: “Level Up and Lead: Elevating Service Standards.”

“You are now change agents,” Green told the graduates. “Your success depends not only on what you say but how you say it—through empathy, clarity and emotional intelligence. At Beaches Turks and Caicos, excellence is not optional; it’s your way of life.”

She further emphasized that being resourceful and adaptable is key. “Guests may call on you for anything—sometimes beyond your job description. This course has equipped you to listen, empathise, apologise and provide a solution. That’s the Beaches way.”                                                                                                                                         Assistant Learning and Development Manager Jodian Scott-Banton celebrated the group’s transformation and encouraged them to LEAP—Listen, Empathize, Act, Perform—in their roles moving forward.

“Through the Sandals Corporate University, you’ve been given tools to elevate your service standards,” said Scott-Banton. “You’ve grown in confidence and skill and I’m confident you’ll now serve as ambassadors of excellence, raising the bar in every interaction.”

The training was a creative blend of theory, practice and performance. Participants showcased their learning through presentations and dramatized scenarios—sparking both engagement and insight. The standout group, Personal Branding, was hailed as the most effective, thanks to their unique blend of youth, experience and dynamic communication.

Kimberley Mowatt, representing the winning team and a proud member of the Food and Beverage department, reflected on the collaborative spirit. “Our group mastered the art of synergy. We brought energy, creativity and clarity—traits we’ll continue to harness in shaping guest experiences.”

Managing Director James McAnally offered congratulations and grounded the celebration in the broader mission of the brand.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            “This course was so much more than completing a programme—it was about igniting transformation. Our goal is to train, certify and empower our team members to consistently deliver world-class service. When our team thrives, our guests feel the difference.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                 McAnally further affirmed that the SCU Customer Service Excellence course is an academic achievement and even more so, it’s a cultural commitment. “The true value lies in how each team member now thinks, acts and serves—with greater awareness, accountability and care.”

As Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to set benchmarks for Caribbean hospitality, this latest cohort of graduates serves as a shining example of the resort’s deep investment in its people—and the enduring power of service with heart.

PHOTO CAPTIONS: 

1st insert: Guest speaker Sabrina Green, former director of the TCI Human Rights Commission shares with the graduating class the on the purpose of level up and lead: Elevating Service Standards

2nd insert: Members of the Food and Beverage department, Javian Campbell (left) and Anne Francis share a celebratory moment at the commencement of the graduation exercise

3rd insert: Assistant Learning and Development Manager Jodian Scott-Banton (right) presents a token of appreciation to guest speaker Sabrina Green at the Customer Service Excellence graduation exercise

4th insert: Denekia Hall (right) from the Food and Beverage department accepts her certificate from Sabrina Green guest speaker

5th insert: Sabrina Green presents to Racquel Mitchell

Education

Champions for Christ International School of Excellence

Published

on

Tiffany D. Grant-Saunders, MSW, BA Acting Principal/Guidance Counselor

Turks and Caicos, September 5, 2025 – It is our esteemed pleasure to introduce you to Mrs. Tiffany D. Grant-Saunders, MSW, BA, as the new Acting Principal/Guidance Counselor for Champions For Christ International School of Excellence, effective September 1, 2025.

Mrs. Grant-Saunders is the youngest daughter of Millicent R. Grant and Kenneth Grant.  Raised in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, she is a 2016 graduate of Champions For Christ International School of Excellence.  She holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Clinical Counseling from Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, FL, having graduated Magna Cum Laude.

She brings her experience as a Mental Health Technician and Education Liaison in Dade City, FL. In addition, she completed her internship as a Therapist Intern with North Tampa Behavioral Health and Zephyrhills Behavioral Health.

We are excited to have Mrs. Grant-Saunders return to the Turks and Caicos Islands and invest her time and talents in the continued building of our student body here at Champions For Christ International School of Excellence.

Please join us in welcoming her home!

 

Claudette M. Basden

Founder & Executive Director 

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Holmes Rock Junior High School on Track to Open in September

Published

on

Bahamas Information Services

 

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith along with Deputy Director of Education for the Grand Bahama, Bimini, and The Cays District, Michelle Bowleg toured Holmes Rock Junior High School to assess ongoing progress and ensure the project remains on track to welcome students for the new academic term in September.

Following the tour, Smith expressed optimism regarding the ongoing progress, stating, “Having toured the site and seeing the work that is being done on the weekend, shows the commitment and dedication to getting it completed.”

He also noted that after discussions with the contractors, he was assured that with sufficient manpower and around-the-clock work, the project remains on track for completion by September 1, 2025.

“One of our underlying goals is really access, so we are happy that the school will be up and ready for our students,” said Bowleg.

She highlighted that several zoom meetings were held with parents to keep them informed about key updates including booklists, uniforms, and staffing. According to Bowleg, feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It is a beautiful facility, one that parents will be very proud of, and the entire West Grand Bahama community,” she added.

(BIS Photos/Danielle Rollon)

Continue Reading

Education

Belize Students Explore Cruise Careers Aboard Carnival Paradise

Published

on

Belize City, Belize (Aug 19, 2025) – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, recently welcomed 40 students from five educational institutions in Belize aboard the Carnival Paradise cruise ship. The visit was part of an initiative organized in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, aimed at inspiring future careers in the maritime industry.

The students represented Gwen Lizarraga High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High School, Nazarene High School, Anglican Cathedral College, and the Hope Center after-school program. The visit provided a firsthand look at cruise industry operations from Carnival’s perspective, highlighted onboard career opportunities, and supported ongoing youth empowerment efforts in Belize City.

During the guided tour of the ship’s public guest areas, the students were able to observe daily cruise operations up close, describing the experience as inspiring and educational, with many noting they learned about opportunities available in the cruise industry.

Captain Ivan Vatovic, Chief Engineer Domenico Bibita; Hotel Director Vivek Menon; Food & Beverage Director Stephen Kim Reynolds; Human Resources Director Daniel Marques De Oliveira; and Environmental Officer Daniela Ramos Licon spoke with the students about their respective roles aboard the ship. Learning & Development Manager John Philip Ortega provided an overview of Carnival Cruise Line’s recruitment process and the various shipboard career opportunities available.

Kwame Scott, Cruise Relations Specialist at the Belize Tourism Board, highlighted the positive impact of the initiative, “Partnering with Carnival Corporation has supported us to expose Belizean youth to viable career paths within the tourism sector. When students can see firsthand how the cruise industry operates, it opens their minds to possibilities they may never have considered.”

Julian Mortis, Director of The Hope Center, praised the program’s powerful educational value in an interview with 7 News Belize. She explained that the tour provided students with more than just a glimpse into a cruise ship. By learning about the roles and requirements, the children realized that a career on a ship, and the opportunity to travel the world, was a real and achievable possibility for them.

Photo Caption: Some of the participating Belizean students and teachers pose for a group photo aboard Carnival Paradise during an educational ship visit.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING