MEDIA RELEASE

 PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Sailing and exploring the high seas has always been a fascination for Wesly Dumorne. And even though his first employment stint was in the loss prevention and risk management at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, Wesly’s mission was to work in the watersports department. After six years, Wesly copped his dream job as boat captain at the family resort.

In order to smoothly transition into his new role, he needed to be fully trained in all key areas of the operation, which included knowledge of the standard operating procedures, mastering the required safety equipment for each watercraft and understanding the wind factors and the effects of the current and the tide for each activity.

For each boat captain, the mission is to ensure that each passenger is comfortable at sea and that the safety of the guests and the vessel they operate is always top priority. Hence, the role of a captain covers navigating and maintaining the seaworthiness of the outboard and inboard engine vessels, monitoring weather conditions, planning voyages while ensuring a safe trip for crew and guests.

While sharing his story, Wesly noted that his growth was only possible because of the developmental plans that the organisation have in place for the team members. “Beaches Turks and Caicos through the Sandals Corporate University and the learning and development department has a plan in place to help every team member with the interest and drive to achieve their educational goals. This opportunity to cross train was what propelled me from being a loss prevention and risk management officer to the newest boat captain in the watersports department. There is a structured programme in place for team members to follow their dreams and grow within this company,” Wesly shared.

Wesly started his journey with the company in May 2019. Within a few years he had expressed interest in joining the watersports department and with guidance from the leaders in the learning and development, embarked on a training programme in 2023. He eventually got transferred to his new department in August 2023.

Through the resort’s mentorship programme, he was able to join forces with Senior Boat Captain Lancelot Gordon as a spotter on the different vessels. Seeing his interest, the leadership team and the department of Maritime and Fishing created his training schedule.

“The most challenging part of the training for me was learning the navigational system and studying the landmarks within the Turks and Caicos waters. Lancelot was patient with me in making sure that I understood the skills needed to operate the different vessels. The wind factor, the current, the tide flow and very importantly ensuring the crew and the guests felt comfortable driving with me. He is more like a brother to me, he is my mentor,” Wesly noted.

A satisfied Gordon, while sharing his role in giving back to the next generation of maritime leaders, noted that his more than sixteen years’ experience at Beaches Turks and Caicos has added to his passion for teaching. He shared that because of the support and mentorship he benefited from when he decided to start his career as a boat captain at age 18, he is inspired to be a dedicated mentor to others looking to chart a similar path.

“The learning and development culture within the company plays a big part in the growth for every team member. As a certified dive instructor with Professional Association of Diving Instructors, (PADI) and a Master SCUBA diver trainer, the leadership within the organisation continues to give us the drive to soar to higher heights and follow our dreams. My proudest moment was having the privilege of sharing my knowledge with Wesly and seeing him accomplish his goal of becoming a boat captain,” Gordon noted.

Elvis Grant, dive shop manager added, “this accomplishment by Wesly has shown to other team members that the opportunity for growth is within reach. The platform for elevation within the organisation is available to every team member. Our mentorship and training programme continues to reap success as we seek to build a cadre of trainers and leaders within the department to help foster succession planning. Every leader within this company has been tasked with building a team to lead at the different levels. Lancelot is one of our exemplary leaders who continues to mentor potential boat captains.”

Managing Director James McAnally beamed as he spoke about Wesly’s promotion, “we believe in personal and professional development. Wesly’s growth within the company marks a clear vision of what our leaders promote for every team member. He has shown the determination to utilise the training opportunities to excel in the different areas of his career. The leadership team in the watersports department should be commended for the developmental programme that they have in training and promoting from within their team.”

Captions:

Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Watersports Captain Wesly Dumone (right) presents a token of appreciation and recognition to Captain Lancelot Gordon for his support to his professional growth and development at the Dive Shop on the resort

1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos Dive Shop Manager Elvis Grant (left) congratulates Wesly Dumone on his recent promotion to the rank of Captain in the Watersports department at the resort

2nd insert: Watersports at Beaches Turks and Caicos Captain Lancelot Gordon (left) accepts a token on one of the resort’s vessels from the recently promoted Captain Wesly Dumone