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Beaches Turks and Caicos Celebrates International Housekeeping Week 2023

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands:   Guests who visit Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC) enjoy soaking up the sun, diving or leisurely swimming in the ocean, jamming by the swim up bar or enjoying a meal at any of the 20 dining locations, there is no doubt that at the end of a full day outdoors, theywant to return to a clean and comfortable room where they can cuddle up in the warm and fragrant sheets. To celebrate the hard work and commitment of the team and the resort, the world paused to the work and worth of this team.

International Housekeeping Week was celebrated under the theme, “We’re A Mess Without You!” The Housekeeping Department of Beaches Turks and Caicos had a host of activities that were designed to inspire and even make some perspire.

Housekeeping kicked things off with praise and worship sessions on day one. One of the guest speakers of the day, Michelle Parker, village manager, delivered a succinct yet very impactful charge to the housekeepers taking the word “mess” from the theme and forming an acronym.

Housekeepers were reminded that as they execute their daily duties, they serve as messengers of positive energy and hope. She also commended them on being an exceptional team as they render service with a smile in spite of the many personal or job related challenges, noting also that they are significant.  Applause erupted from her captive audience as she declared, “you have delivered more with less.”

Jennifer Lee, executive housekeeper, when asked what she hoped to accomplish from the week’s activities, shared, “housekeeping is the nucleus of everything so this week we are setting out to celebrate the team. We want to show them just how much we value them.”

Day two highlighted the origami making skills of team members in the Champion Artist Towel Origami Battle Royale. Contestants representing each village vied for the origami championship title. They had 10 minutes to create their masterpieces. The competitions were hotly contested. At the command of “Go”, hands moved speedily with precision as towels were contorted and finessed into the desired animal, heart and floral designs. The towel origamis were accentuated by artificial or real flowers, leaves and bows. The atmosphere was rife with excitement as fellow housekeepers watched and cheered. The judges declared Ramon Russell and Phanese Cledlas of French Village the winners for the morning shift and Joy Jorquia and Genelyn Dinglasa winners for the afternoon shift.

 

Though each team set out to win, the team spirit among the housekeeping staff was evident. Everybody was laughing and having a good time with vibe master Chad Gabbidon, assistant executive housekeeping manager, on the mic.

Gabbidon’s expression of appreciation for his team was palpable. When asked what he is most thankful for during theweek of celebration, he noted, “they are the stars,” in reference to the housekeepers. “They show up and I don’t just mean their physical presence but they show up with a positive attitude.”

The Appreciation Awards began on day three and culminated on day four with a luncheon at the Key West Conference Room. It was indeed a very festive and sentimental afternoon. After Marie Prospere, supervisor, blessed the proceedings, the guests of honour (the housekeepers) were invited to dine. The entertainment segment followed. One of the hosts of the event, housekeeper, Raquel Mitchell had team members on their feet. The dance-off generated much excitement and had persons chanting their winner. The event ended with the distribution of certificates and gifts.

The energy of the week shifted gears as the housekeepers transitioned from action oriented activities to a Health and Wellness Talk on day five. Dr. Meghan Oriley was the facilitator of the presentation which covered tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The housekeepers’ appreciated the health focus as this provided an opportunity for them to learn more about possible health concerns.

Housekeeping Olympics was held on Day six. It featured events such as blindfolded bed making competition, towel fold-off, cart racing and toilette paper bowling. For the bed making competition one member of the team was blindfolded while the other gave instructions. The morning shift’s defending champion, Sherice Reece, was determined not to relinquish her title. With the help of teammate, Gabrielle Jolly, they secured the win to give the Italian Village bragging rights for yet another year.

The second place title went to Kavine Warren and Aldre Thomas from the French Village. For the afternoon shift, Winston Donaldson and Iran Mark, two housemen of the Caribbean and French Village respectively, were crowned champions of the blindfolded bed making competition. Joy Jorquia and Genelyn Dinglasa of the Key West Village placed second.

Marland Audige folded 42 towels in five minutes to secure the title of Towel Folding Champion and Claudette Jones–Hinds placed second. The public area cart racing was won byLuccene Sileus and Elsi Maesna and the winner of the toilette paper bowling competition was Gener Mondelus.

After all those intensely contested competitions, there was no better way to bring an end to the celebration than with a lime on day seven. Director of Operations Rooms Division, Ian Harris, shared that the housekeepers had a perfect week of celebration. “The schedule was well organised,” he added. “It was comprehensive as it covered the housekeeper’s spiritual life, their health and highlighted their many skills in a fun way. We also had the joy of socializing with and learning more about each other.” On the final day, the housekeeping staff were invited to unwind.  As they rocked to the beat of their favourite tunes, games were played, conversations exchanged and pockets of laughter erupted. This mellow vibe brought the curtains down on the weeklong event which celebrated the dedicated housekeeping staff of Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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