News
Sandals Foundation Educates and Empowers the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards During World Oceans Day Celebrations
KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 22, 2023 —With a commitment to protecting the Caribbean’s breathtaking natural resources and the unique ecosystems that support their health, the Sandals Foundation engaged schools across the Caribbean in commemoration of World Oceans Day to help students develop an appreciation for the biodiversity of
the aquatic space.
“Environmental education is a big part of what we do at the Sandals Foundation because informed people can make better decisions,” said Georgia Scarlett, the Sandals Foundation’s Environmental Projects Coordinator.
“In keeping with this year’s theme for World Oceans Day which speaks to the need for us to conserve our wonderful marine resources for future generation it was important for us to engage children across the region through environmental education sessions. By empowering children to take action for environmental protection, we are creating a strong platform for the sustained protection of our region’s natural resources,” she added.
Across the islands of The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, and Grenada, teams of Sandals Foundation Ambassadors with the use of marine-focused worksheets, story books and other fun learning materials, engaged students on a cross section of topics including plastic pollution, overfishing, marine sanctuary management, as well as biodiversity and coral health and function.
Robin Cox-Foster, principal at Thelma Lightbourne Primary was elated to have the Sandals Foundation
Ambassadors engage students in this manner.
“The curriculum for our upper school students got a major reinforcement from the Sandals Foundation team as they shared in the World Oceans Day presentation. The coral reef benefits and the need for each of us to support the financial protection needed for the fisher folks and other entrepreneurs as well as the tourists who visit for scuba diving and marine life exploration were discussed.”
For 12 year old Shenrika Gabriel, the day’s session was enlightening as the protection of the corals and the wider benefits for the islands were discussed. Today was super exciting as I have learnt that the protection of the ocean and the corals is everybody’s business. The little things that we do will definitely provide for us the environmental protection needed for each of the islands in the long term. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos made the activities for us very entertaining and fun.”
Earline Raphael, Purchasing Manager and avid Sandals Foundation Ambassador described the day’s proceedings as a success noting, “the opportunity that I had to share with these students was creative and fun. These students were very engaging and knowledgeable about their roles in providing protection for the environment and the corals. They even referenced a previous activity where the Sandals Foundation planted trees at their school as one of the major ways for them to protect the environment and the oceans. Another high point for me was helping them with the activities where they were able to draw and colour corals throughout the day.”
“What resonated best with the children at the Charles Hubert James Primary school in North Caicos was the way that these children were able to share in the group discussions on how to protect the oceans and the corals. They shared that even though the island depends a lot on the tourism industry, it is everybody’s responsibility to protect
the fishing industry by not over fishing or deliberately damaging the coral which houses many marine life,” Mary Williams, Kids Camp Counselor shared.
Over the years, the Sandals Foundation has led and supported numerous initiatives geared towards increasing environmental education in schools and communities across the region.
In collaboration with marine education organization Sharks4Kids, the Sandals Foundation has engaged more than 2,000 children in interactive learning sessions about the ocean’s most curious creatures. Participating students learn about shark conservation, shark tagging, and the important role sharks play in the Caribbean waters.
Photo Captions:
Header: Shanice Maxwell, Sandals Foundation Ambassador from Beaches Turks and Caicos Entertainment department shares with some students from the Charles Hubert James Primary School in North Caicos during the World Oceans Day presentation at the institution.
1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Director of Sales, Groups and Conventions and Sandals Foundation Ambassador Tanya Swann shares a moment with students at the Charles Hubert James Primary school in North Caicos during the World Oceans Day presentation.
2nd insert: Uldean Harris-Wright, grade six teacher at the Charles Hubert James Primary school pauses from her interaction with the students during World Oceans Day activities at the school recently.
3rd insert: Grade six students from the Thelma Lightbourne Primary school consult each other as they share in their group presentation during the World Oceans Day presentation with the Sandals Foundation team from the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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