News

From Mentee to Master: The Inspiring Story of Lashiko Seymour

Published

5 months ago

December 7, 2023

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Lashiko Seymour’s success story is rooted in humble beginnings. His life’s journey highlights the value of mentors and speaks to the transformative impact of resilience, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

Lashiko was born in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. As a youngster he had to relocate to Providenciales when his parents moved in search of work. Resources weren’t always plentiful but values of gratitude and the will to achieve were reinforced daily.

Throughout his high school years at Clement Howell, Lashiko aspired to becoming a professional basketballer. However, those dreams were short lived. Upon completing his secondary studies, he attended the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College where he did a hospitality course, after which he received a scholarship to Johnson and Wales University in Miami where he obtained a degree in Hotel Management.

Lashiko recounts his time in university as the first major turning point in his life. “I always understood the value of education but throughout high school I never put out any extra effort. It was when I got to university that I started to take my education seriously. Money was ‘tight’, especially when the scholarship funding was reduced. It was at that point that I decided that I would pick up more courses and finish ahead of time.” He fondly recalls the moment he had called the Department of Education and spoken with the lady in charge of the grants and scholarships.

When he had asked if he could take on some additional courses the lady was pleasantly surprised, acknowledging that he was the first scholarship recipient that had ever made such a request. This very mature decision on his part, would also benefit future recipients because his early completion would allow other persons to receive benefits sooner rather than later. When many persons at that stage of their lives would have been feting and enjoying college life, Lashiko was doubling down on his studies. He was focused on returning home with his degree so that he could help improve the quality of life of his family.

When asked why he did not seek employment in the United States, without hesitation he calmly yet proudly responded, “I rather be home. This is where I am comfortable.” Lashiko urges other young men and women who go abroad to pursue further studies not to abandon their home. “Turks and Caicos is our home and if we leave to certify ourselves and gain various credentials, we must be prepared at some point to return to contribute to the development of our home.”

Lashiko’s career in the hospitality industry began in 2010 when he joined Beaches Turks and Caicos as a front desk clerk. Eleven months in, he was promoted to night auditor where he served for an additional year and two months. It was at this point that he had a life altering experience. “Being a part of such a large organization, it is easy to remain in obscurity, especially when working the night shift like I did. We come in, we get things done but no one really sees us in operation. At least, that is what I thought before getting perhaps the most profound career advice of my life. In an exchange with one of the administrators from Sandals Resorts International, she told me to make my presence felt so that when my resume hits the desk of the managers, they will already know who I am. From that moment onward I became more assertive, I started to do things a bit more differently which left a lasting impression on those I encountered. I was no longer just a night auditor. People knew me by name.”

This is a winning principle for anyone starting a career to adopt. Additionally, he is grateful for the opportunities that the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) has provided for continued training and development. Through the SCU, he believes that every member of staff has an opportunity to get certified in mandatory courses as well as programmes of their choice, at no cost to them.

It’s one thing to receive advice but it takes someone who is humble and receptive to learning to take these golden nuggets of wisdom and apply them. At twenty-three years old, Lashiko was fortunate to have not one, not two, but three men, in addition to his father, offering advice on career choices, investment among other things. In fact, he credits his success to three of his mentors; Gerald Williams, Kenneth Hamilton and Ben Williams who were night managers at Beaches. “They were always on my case pushing me to pursue my goals. Because of them, I was motivated to acquire property at an early age, build my home and now I can provide financial security for my family.”

Having applied the wise counsel of his mentors, Lashiko is now comfortably enjoying the fruits of his labour. During the day he has the pleasure of taking care of his nine month old son. In his leisure time he enjoys watching basketball, comedy and action films. He notes that the advantage of working on the night shift is that he has ample time to spend with his family during the day.

Lashiko urges young people entering the hospitality industry to foster relationships with persons who can pass on positive values. “Sometimes you can spare yourself a lot of trouble when you listen to your elders. That is what saved me. Now I am able to mentor others, and I do not take this responsibility lightly.”

Lashiko Seymour, is an exemplary son of the soil. He is a dedicated family man and team member. His past challenges have equipped him with a spirit of resilience that fuels his desire for success on the job. His journey is a testament to the positive impact of mentorship, the unwavering pursuit of knowledge and the ability to overcome financial obstacles in pursuit of a brighter future.

Captions

Header: Lashiko Seymour, Senior Manager on Duty at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort makes his final look at some documents prior to him checking with the different departments on the resort

1st insert: Senior Manager on Duty at Beaches Turks and Caicos, Lashiko Seymour

2nd insert: Lashiko Seymour, Senior Manager on Duty at Beaches Turks and Caicos shares his mentorship skills with Concierge Agent Brianna Simon as they go through some assigned tasks

Government

US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Published

6 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 20, 2024 – The Governor’s Office can confirm that Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick will this morning receive a US Congressional delegation, who have requested a meeting to discuss the recent arrests of US nationals for possession of ammunition offences.

The US delegation, which arrived yesterday evening, was met by Protocol officials and is due to depart this afternoon.

News

Eleven Senators, Three Governors make appeals for Leniency; Five Americans now face 12 Years in Prison

Published

6 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicos, May 20, 2024 – US law makers are going to bat bigtime for their citizens detained in the Turks and Caicos for breach of the firearms ordinance, a congressional delegation arrived on Sunday for talks on an amicable conclusion in the controversial court matters.

Here for a meeting set to take place today, the congressional delegation is led by Senator Markwayne Mullin.

Five tourists are facing the 12 year minimum for possession of bullets, they say were inadvertently left in their checked baggage, but they can get a lesser sentence if the judge rules that it is warranted under the ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ clause in the Firearms Ordinance, newly amended and stiffened in 2022.

Eleven U.S. Senators and three State Governors have addressed letters to the TCI government beckoning for leniency in the cases of American citizens charged and detained for breach of Turks and Caicos gun laws which strictly prohibit the possession of unregistered firearms or ammunition; an infraction which carries with it a penalty of 12 years imprisonment.

It became known that at least one governor was communicating with Daleeni Daniel- Selveratnam, Turks and Caicos Governor about the unsettling situation.

J Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma appeared on television vocalizing his thoughts, calling the mandatory 12 year sentence “absurd.” His letter for leniency was endorsed by Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania and Glenn Youngkin, the Governor of Virginia.

“We humbly ask that your government – in its wisdom – temper justice with mercy and recognize that these made mistakes but had no apparent malicious intent,” states the May 14th letter signed by all three governors.

Twelve days before, Senators had already expressed their dire concern in correspondence dated May 2nd.

Magnetic Media obtained that letter which 11 senators have supported; their dispatch issued to the Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, KC.

Senators Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma; Robert P. Casey Jr, Pennsylvania; Mark Warner, Virginia; Tim Kaine, Virginia; James Lankford, Oklahoma; Michael Cloud, Texas; John Fetterman, Pennsylvania; Bob Good, Virginia; Guy Reschenthaler, Pennsylvania; Josh Brecheen, Oklahoma and former presidential contender, Ted Cruz of Texas boldly signed the document, with strong words for the TCIG.

“We do not discount the fact that the authorities in Turks and Caicos take the presence of unspent ammunition cartridges seriously to prioritize the safety of its civilians. However, based on our relationships and understanding of the circumstances of these American citizens, we strongly urge you to exercise leniency when reviewing their cases.”

Both letters point to the current good relationship between the Turks and Caicos and the United States as the reason to have the cases of Michael Lee Evans, 72 of Texas; Bryan Hagerich, Pennsylvania; Tyler Wenrich, 31 of Virginia and Ryan Watson, 40 of Oklahoma come to a reasonable conclusion.

Since Monday May 13, added to the four men and despite the media attention and US State Department warnings, Sharitta Grier, 45 of Orlando, Florida was arrested, sentenced and is now out on bail on near identical charges.

She is the fifth American held in recent months for the discovery of ammunition upon departure of the islands.

Grier, was on Thursday May 16 arraigned for allegedly having two bullets in her baggage; detected as she was exiting the Turks and Caicos following a Mother’s Day getaway with her daughter. By Friday, bail had been granted to the woman who is still expressing shock at the gravity of the consequences; a dozen years in a Grand Turk prison.

A week earlier, a Thursday May 8, media release by the Turks and Caicos National Security Council informed of the Attorney General’s report to the group, which included the Premier, Minister of Tourism and Governor on the nuances of the legislation, according to a recent Court of Appeal decision.

“The Attorney-General, in respect of the law applicable to the cases against US Nationals on charges relating to the possession of ammunition, confirmed that an Attorney General’s Reference to the Court of Appeal certified that where a court finds there are exceptional circumstances, the sentencing judge has discretion under the law, to impose a custodial sentence and a fine that are fair and just in the circumstances of each case rather than impose the mandatory minimum. The Chief Justice is advancing sentencing guidelines in this respect.”

On Sunday, Senator Mullin of Oklahoma landed in Provo, with him: “Rep. Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania; Rep. Good of Virginia; Rep. Brecheen of Oklahoma and Rep. Cloud of Texas. They have a few staff members and an escort of four marines. They will be in meetings all day. We are hoping for an agreeable resolution today,” explained a source close to the senate.

We’ve also learned that the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis may climb aboard this train in the name of reasonable justice after Floridian, Sharitta Shiniee Grier was last week charged.

On social media, Grier has opened up about her arrest.

“Once the police cuffed my leg to a chair and left me in a room by myself I started crying out to the Good Lord, saying I know you are real but I need you to move for me, right now! I need you to show me a sign that I’m going to be alright.”

Grier explains that before she could wipe away tears, “Mrs. Susan and her husband My Pop Pop” turned up, came to check on her while in police custody and are now lending her moral support.

Court correspondent Wilkie Arthur informed that during Grier’s arraignment, the courtroom was filled with some of the other Americans accused and their families; in her post, she called Ryan (Hagerich) and Bryan (Watson), both men who share a vacation villa as they await verdicts in their bullet possession matters, her ‘brothers.’

“I know it was God who placed them in my life. They have a heart of gold, just like me and I love them. We are family forever.”

It is this kind of solidarity that the defendants hope will work in their favour as their Representatives have reportedly taken advocacy to a new level; landing at the private airport in Providenciales on Sunday to – in person – make appeals on behalf of the five Americans with the hope of seeing them avoid the lengthy prison term mandated by TCI law.

News

Subject identified

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY

***MEDIA RELEASE***

May 18^th, 2024.

Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.

The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’.

During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.

In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.

Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.

The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.

A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.