TCI News
TCI Top Models Take New York by Storm: A Global Future in Sight
NEW YORK CITY, New York– Monday, 25th August, 2025 —Three of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ brightest rising stars have taken a major leap toward international modelling success following a transformative and career-shaping journey to New York City, the beating heart of the global fashion industry.
Shakem Charles, TCI Top Model 2025; Brittney Bien-Amie, TCI Top Model Muse 2025; and Hubert Prospere, Cycle 6 First Runner-Up, recently travelled to the fashion capital with a clear goal: to meet with leading fashion and commercial agencies and secure international representation that could launch their careers onto the global stage.
Curated and led by Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer and Founder of the TCI Top Model Contest, the visit was more than a talent showcase—it was a strategic career development initiative aimed at placing TCI models on par with the world’s top talent.
“This trip marked an essential next step in elevating our models from local promise to international prospects,” said Robinson. “Our meetings confirmed what we already knew—TCI talent is world-class. The response from agencies has been overwhelmingly positive, and our models represented both themselves and the Turks and Caicos Islands with pride, poise, and professionalism.”
Over several days, the trio participated in a rigorous schedule of agency interviews with top-tier fashion and commercial representation, runway walk assessments, digital photoshoots, and self-taped auditions. Each model left a strong impression on industry executives, setting the stage for potential signings with agencies that have global networks spanning US states: New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, along with international cities: London, Milan and Paris.
In between meetings, the models explored New York’s most iconic neighbourhoods and cultural landmarks, absorbing the city’s dynamic
energy and artistic spirit. Highlights included the cobblestone streets of SoHo, the edgy vibrance of the Lower East Side, the architectural grandeur of Hudson Yards and the bright lights of Times Square. At The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), they explored the exhibitions Face Value: Celebrity Press Photography, The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, and Oasis in the City. At The Metropolitan Museum of Art, they experienced Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, Lorna Simpson: Source Notes, and Arts of Africa and Oceania. These cultural encounters provided creative fuel and deepened the models’ understanding of global aesthetics, visual storytelling, and self-expression.
Reflecting on his experience, Shakem Charles shared, “Walking into those agencies in New York felt like stepping into a vision I’ve carried quietly for years—something I wasn’t sure would happen so soon. It wasn’t just a series of interviews—it was a pivotal moment that sharpened my focus and deepened my resolve. Each meeting confirmed that this is where I’m meant to be. I’m no longer watching from the sidelines—I’m ready to take my place on the world stage.”
Brittney Bien-Amie, who captivated agencies with her commanding presence, said, “New York was surreal—like watching pieces of my own dream come to life. I’ve always held this vision in my heart, but to actually be seen, heard, and embraced by some of the biggest names in the industry—it was overwhelming in the best way. I wasn’t just showing them my portfolio—I was showing them my journey. And I walked out knowing, not hoping, that I belong. This is just the beginning of something bigger than I ever imagined.”
Hubert Prospere, known for his sharp editorial edge, added, “This trip wasn’t just about meeting agencies—it was about proving to myself and the world that I belong at the highest levels of this industry. Every meeting, every look, every conversation confirmed that my talent and professionalism stand shoulder to shoulder with the best. The agencies were genuinely impressed, not only by my portfolio but also by the passion and discipline I showed. This is not the finish line—it’s the launching pad for a path that will take us well beyond what we envisioned. The possibilities ahead are limitless.”
What especially stood out to the agencies was the calibre of the models’ portfolios, built in collaboration with leading TCI Top Model’s creative forces—particularly renowned local photographer Renau Destine, who has been a mainstay of the creative team since 2012. His work has helped shape the visual identity of the competition and prepared the models for the international spotlight, ensuring their materials matched the standard of top global talent.
With meetings concluded and follow-ups underway, the models are now awaiting final decisions regarding agency representation, development deals, and placement in international markets. Many of the agencies have affiliate offices across major fashion hubs, opening doors to careers that span continents.
“This moment isn’t just about modelling,” Robinson emphasised. “It’s about representation, visibility, and proving that world-class talent can come from anywhere—even a small island nation. This is a win not just for the models, but for the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole.”
As they return home to await the next chapter, one thing is clear: they didn’t just visit New York—they made their mark.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a
culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality. As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.
“At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”
The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush
landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.
Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership. Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”
With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo Captions
1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.
2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief
Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and
Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort. The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.
“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”
Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local
agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.
“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”
The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches
Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.
Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”
Photo Captions
1st insert: Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally
2nd insert: Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event
3rd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (December 17th, 2025) – As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors for the 2025/2026 winter season, forward bookings for the peak travel period from December to March are projected to surpass those of the same period last year. Experience Turks and Caicos is also forecasting steady month-on-month growth throughout the first half of 2026, with forward bookings already tracking ahead of 2025 levels.
“This is welcome news for our tourism sector, which experienced modest declines over the last two quarters,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook,
Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “One of the key drivers of this positive outlook is increased airlift, including a 19 percent increase in capacity from Canada for the winter season and a six percent increase from the United States.” Mr. Pennicook also attributed the improved projections to targeted marketing and trade engagement efforts led by Experience Turks and Caicos, particularly ongoing training and education for travel advisors and tour operator call-centre agents across all key source markets.
“We have maintained a strong presence through product launches and travel trade events such as Delta Vacations University, while significantly increasing the destination’s visibility through co-op advertising with major tour operators in our three primary markets,” he added.
Public relations activity has also played a critical role, with several hosted media visits from journalists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, alongside proactive pitching efforts that resulted in more than 100 placements in travel trade and consumer publications in 2025.
Analysis of current booking patterns also indicates a notable shift toward shorter booking windows. “One major U.S. tour operator reports
that over the past several weeks, approximately 90 percent of bookings have been for travel within the next 60 days,” Mr. Pennicook noted. “Hoteliers are reporting similar trends, suggesting the potential for further growth as we move into 2026.”
Despite the positive outlook, October and November recorded declines in stayover arrivals. Preliminary data shows 30,508 air arrivals in October, representing a seven percent decrease compared to October 2024, largely due to reduced airlift from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as the impact of Hurricane Melissa on travel to the region. November recorded 52,547 stayover arrivals by air, a marginal one percent decrease year-on-year.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors back to its shores this winter season, Experience Turks and Caicos would like to reassure that the island remains safe and welcoming. Statistics from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force show that overall crime is down, with a 40 percent reduction in murders. Experience Turks and Caicos is working closely with the police force to ensure tourism areas are well monitored and patrolled to enhance visitor security.
