TCI News

Turks and Caicos Collection Staff Awards

Published

7 years ago

February 7, 2019

#Providenciales, February 7, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The beach deck of Beach House, the turquoise waters of the TCI and that famous tropical trade breeze formed the perfect backdrop for the Turks and Caicos Collection Staff Awards on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. The ceremony recognized the OUTSTANDING achievements and 10 years of dedication of their staff. The event re-enforced the important role of the staff to the overall success of the company and the tourism sector generally.

Imperial Laundry Long Service Awardees

n the presence of members of the senior management, CEO of Waterloo Holdings Ltd (WIHL) Mrs. Caroline Van Scheltinga commented that this ceremony is held quarterly as a tradition of appreciation and encouragement to the staff and in recognition of their loyalty and devotion to hard work. CEO Van Scheltinga told staff that they all do so many things that blow her away every day with the delivery of exceptional service and that with any other team the goals and accomplishments might just not have been possible, but you all make me realize we can do anything together.

Emphasizing team work, Mrs. Caroline Scheltinga said “Teamwork gives us the edge that makes winners out of all of us. Thank you for everything. Thank you for making each day of work something we can all be proud of.”

Director of Human Resource Wayne Garland echoed the sentiments of the CEO in his remarks stating that our human resources are our assets we’re most proud of. “Like a circle, the pursuit of excellence has no end. We salute your unwavering commitment to outstanding performance each day.

Armando Pizzuti, Vice President of Hospitality Services expressed thanks to staff of the Collection and remarked, “The success of our organization is a direct result of your efforts and dedication. Your commitment to quality and personal and professional integrity is the differentiating factor that sets us apart from our competition.”

A proud VP of Hospitality Services with obvious admiration congratulated the resort teams. He went on to say “Today, we celebrate you, your individual and collective contributions to our success, and we look forward with great expectancy to many more good years to come.”

TCC staff will be honoured in five categories of awards:

Resort Shining Star
Supervisor of the Quarter
Employee of the Quarter
Heart of Hospitality
Manager of the Quarter

Additionally, nine staff will be honoured for their long service to Turks and Caicos Collection. These staff members have dedicated ten years (or more of committed, loyal and exemplary service to the company which has contributed to the organisation’s overall success.

The long service awardees are:

Marie Dorelus 15 years Imperial laundry
Zandley Anderson 15 years Imperial laundry
Ardene Mullings 14 years Imperial Laundry
Ricardo Santos 11 years Imperial Laundry
Alejandro Cuadra 11 years Imperial Laundry
Hendrika Arthur 10 years WIHL
Roselande D’Aout 10 years Alexandra Resort
Riguad Donus 10 years Imperial Laundry
Yohlean L. Smith 10 years Alexandra Resort

ALEXANDRA RESORT-3rd QUARTER HONOUREES

FARAR BOSICAULT -Resort/Hotel Shining Star. You are truly deserving of this award as you are indeed a shining star.! Congratulations Farar for being a shining star and bringing us joy!

REGINALD FORBES -Supervisor of the Quarter

This supervisor is nominated for outstanding performance in the 3rd quarter because of consistency and dedication to service excellence. Congratulations Reggie Forbes!

Alexandra Resort Staff

JOSIANNE DUMME-Employee of the Quarter

Always on time, works well with others, always willing to learn new things stay back when ask too and goes the extra mile. Congratulations Josianne! You’re a Shining Star!

CLERVIL TEODEL – Heart of Hospitality

This individual possesses the best never say NO attitude. You are a Rockstar and we wouldn’t be able to be a successful as we are without you. Congratulation Clervil “Artist” Teodel.

LILLA WILLIAMS – Manager of the Quarter

Being a veteran in her field, she produces results; instead of giving excuses she provides solutions. Congratulations Lilla “Lil” Williams.

ALEXANDRA RESORT- 4th QUARTER HONOUREES

LUCKSON BLANFORT – Resort/Hotel Shining Star

You are a fantastic employee who always shows up to work on time. Congratulations Luckson “LUIGI” Blanfort!

NATALIA URBE – Supervisor of the Quarter

You lead with great enthusiasm and good ethical behaviour. Congratulations Natalia Urbe we are thankful for your dedication and hard work.

DERRICKA DAMES – Employee of the Quarter

A hard-working individual with great determination that will to go above and beyond to ensure that our guests are satisfied. Congratulations Derricka for becoming a leader and ensuring guests and colleagues are satisfied at all times.

RENANTE PEDOR – Heart of Hospitality

This individual is nominated for their outstanding performance in providing service to guests, pride in their work and performs with little supervision. Congratulations Renante Pedor! We love you and appreciate you.

LATISHA- Manager of the Quarter

BEACH HOUSE – 3rd QUARTER HONOUREES

DeWAYNE BOGLE -Resort/Hotel Shining Star

It is not only your colleagues who enjoy and appreciate the service you provide but also the guests who continuously rave about you friendly and professional approach. Congratulations Dewayne Bogle for your hard work and dedication.

LATOYA HARRIS-Employee of the Quarter

Beach House Staff

You are very dependable, hardworking, fun and loving. With your attitude and work ethics you will go very far in the hospitality industry. Congratulations Latoya Harris please continue to be the dedicated individual that you are.

REBBY BUKING – Manager of the Quarter

We would like to commend this manager for her outstanding and consistent work at Beach House over the last year. We see an abundance of potential in you and we’re excited about what your future in this industry can become. Congratulations Rebby Buking!

BEACH HOUSE – 4th QUARTER HONOUREES

ALBERTO VOLORIO-Employee of the Quarter

You have been nominated for Employee of the 4th quarter based on your personality and willingness to always work hard without fail. Congratulations Alberto Vilorio from the entire Beach House team!

MAYRA REYES – Manager of the Quarter

You have worked extremely hard developing and delivering our all-inclusive concept ensuring our concept is up to standard. You demonstrate only the best work ethics and understand what it takes to deliver upscales service. Congratulations Mayra Reyes for your tremendous contribution!

BLUE HAVEN RESORT – 4th QUARTER

ANGELINA AUGUSTINE- Resort/Hotel Shining Star

Your “radiant morning smile” is always noted in the TripAdvisor comments made by guest. You perform your role with high efficiency and dependency. Congratulations Angelina Augustine for always ensuring breakfast is a delight for all our guests!

ROSANYILI GARDINER – Supervisor of the Quarter

In many ways you have exceeded the requirements and expectations for this award. You are hardworking, dependable, honest, talented and a dedicated individual. Congratulations Rosanyili Gardiner

CHEF PERRY ACOSTA – Heart of Hospitality

Your commitment to total guest satisfaction is always noted by the quality of products produced. Your superiors describe you as a true team player who is always willing to fill in whenever someone is absent. Your calm demeaner, team loyalty and creative skills makes you deserving of this heart of hospitality award. Congratulations

Blue Haven Staff

Chef Perry Acosta from the entire Blue Haven team!

O’NEIL RILEY– Manager of the Quarter

You possess excellent leadership qualities and is respected by the entire Blue Haven Team. your passion for serving guest is evident by the raving reviews found on trip advisor. One guest describes you as someone who “creates memorable experiences”. Congratulations O’Neil Riley!

BLUE HAVEN MARINA – 3rd and 4th QUARTERS

TIFFANY HANDFIELD – Employee of both Quarters

You work excellent and professionally with the team as well as our clients. You handle many tasks and challenges without hesitation and is never afraid to seek assistance and put into practice the new knowledge obtained-an quality which is very critical in our industry. Congratulations to 3-time employee of the quarter winner Tiffany Handfield!!

AMBERGRIS CAY – 4th QUARTER HONOUREES

CAROLEAN PADUA – Resort/Hotel Shining Star

Dependable, organised, always sincere and very professional. Positive attitude, respectful and doesn’t shy away from new duties. A brilliant career ahead of her in the industry. Congratulations Carolean!

SHAUN AUSTIN -Supervisor of the Quarter

Your knowledge, skills willingness to help others and your dedication has positively impacted the entire team. You are a true champion with a tireless commitment to serving guests, owners and colleagues. Congratulations Shaun! Well done!

CARMEN SMITH-Employee of the Quarter

Ambergris Cay Staff

A great leader, caring employee and colleague, warm heart and great sense of honour. A dedicated employee who works hard every single day to ensure guests’ needs are met. Congratulations Carmen! Thank you!

CLAUDE AGENOR – Heart of Hospitality

Goes beyond what is expected of him, great attendance and always strives to be accurate and detailed. Congratulations to Claude!

FRANCISCO HODGE– Manager of the Quarter

An incredible work ethic and never misses work! Kind, courteous and a team player. A walking billboard for Ambergris Cay and the Turks and Caicos Collection. Don’t change Francisco. Congratulations! Thank you.

TCC MOST MENTIONED EMPLOYEE (TripAdvisor)

PEJOE CESAIRE

With over 50 mentions during January to December 2018 this employee was most deserving of this award. Some of the comments guests made were:

“You always had a smile and understood our jokes.” “You did an amazing job taking care of us, you were the friendliest staff.” “Special shout out to our favourite person, you were fantastic. Your upbeat personality shone and you were always making sure my father in law was taken care of.” “You are super fun and the kids thought it was great when you jumped in the pool fully clothed to help with the volleyball game. Thanks to you we will be back!” “Ask for him, he is the best!”

Let’s hear it for Pejoe Cesaire of the Alexandra Resort the most mentioned employee for 2018.

The winner of this award is selected based on the number of positive mentions received from guests on TripAdvisor. The winner of the award with receive a certificate, round trip ticket for two (2) to New York and cash prize.

Release: Peak Consulting Ltd.

News

Ministry of Health Welcomes Appointment of New NHIB Chief Executive Officer and Highlights Progress of Organisational Transformation

Published

1 day ago

July 15, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 13 July 2026: The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Ralph Patrick as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB).

The appointment marks an important milestone in NHIB’s ongoing transformation journey and comes as the organisation continues to implement a broad programme of stabilisation, improvement and reform under the examination process initiated in March 2025.

Over the past twelve months, NHIB has made significant progress in strengthening its financial management, operational controls, technology infrastructure and strategic planning. Through this work, the organisation has gained greater visibility over its finances, improved reporting capabilities, enhanced cybersecurity, strengthened governance arrangements and identified opportunities to improve both healthcare outcomes and value for money.

Minister of Health, Hon. Knowles, said:

“The appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer comes at a pivotal time for NHIB. Over the past year, significant effort has been invested in stabilising the organisation, improving transparency and building the foundations for long-term sustainability. We are grateful for the dedication of the NHIB team, the Interim leadership, Board members and our advisers who have helped drive this progress. The new CEO inherits an organisation with a clearer understanding of its challenges, stronger controls, better information and a solid platform from which to drive future improvements.

The Ministry is also advancing the recruitment of additional senior leadership positions to further strengthen NHIB’s executive capacity. Building a permanent and capable leadership team will be critical to sustaining momentum, enhancing accountability and supporting the delivery of long-term organisational and service improvements.”

The newly appointed CEO will work with the Board and stakeholders to build on the progress already achieved, helping to embed sustainable improvements, strengthen organisational capability and support the delivery of NHIB’s long-term strategic objectives.

The Ministry also thanks the Interim CEO, Dr. George, and the team at NHIB for their leadership, commitment and resilience during a period of significant change and transition.

News

PDM Alleges Governor ‘Bias’, Opposes One-Year Extension

Published

2 days ago

July 15, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader Douglas Parnell is urging the United Kingdom not to extend Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam’s tenure, alleging that a pattern of decisions and omissions has demonstrated “bias” in the exercise of her constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking during a nationally streamed address from PDM Headquarters on Friday evening, Parnell said his party’s National Executive Committee had carefully reviewed the Governor’s performance and concluded that she should leave office when her current term expires.

“We believe she should depart the Turks and Caicos Islands and not be given an extension,” Parnell declared. “The Governor must not be extended for another year.”

The Governor was appointed on June 29, 2023, to a four-year term. Parnell claimed that during the June 25 sitting of the House of Assembly, Government members confirmed to the Leader of the Opposition that efforts were underway to secure a one-year extension.

Parnell outlined what he described as six reasons for opposing any renewal of the Governor’s appointment.

Foremost among them, he said, was her refusal to commission an independent review of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force promotion process after such a request was made by the Opposition.

He also criticized what he described as delays in making constitutional appointments, citing the appointment of Dudley Been to the Integrity Commission.

“His appointment was held up for over six months,” Parnell alleged, arguing that constitutional appointments should be made in a timely manner.

The Opposition Leader further accused the Governor of neglecting the Office of the Governor in Grand Turk, saying she spends only “a small fraction” of her time there. He suggested that if the United Kingdom no longer intends to occupy Waterloo, the historic waterfront property should be transferred to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for redevelopment, either as an official Premier’s Office and residence or as a beachfront hotel investment for Islanders.

Parnell also criticized the absence of a Boundaries Commission following the General Election, saying one should already have been established given the prospect of constitutional changes.

He further argued that constitutional discussions with UK Minister Stephen Doughty should have included the Leader of the Opposition.

“That failure demonstrates bias,” Parnell said, adding that he was also concerned by what he described as the selective leaking of sensitive information that, in his view, could only have originated from the Governor’s Office, the Premier’s Office or the Civil Service.

The Governor has not publicly responded to the allegations made by Parnell during his address.

News

Government Takes Case to Washington After U.S. Keeps TCI at Level 2

Published

2 days ago

July 15, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands is taking its case for an improved United States travel advisory all the way to Washington, enlisting the British Embassy as the Government argues that the destination’s dramatic reduction in violent crime deserves greater recognition.

The objective is clear: convince the United States that current security conditions justify moving the Turks and Caicos Islands from Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution to the more favourable Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions.

Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams confirmed that the Governor’s Office is “working with the British Embassy in Washington to ensure that the internal security situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands is accurately represented in U.S. travel advisories.”

That carefully worded statement signals that the matter has moved beyond local reassurance and into diplomatic channels. The Government is effectively taking its evidence to Washington after the latest State Department review maintained Level 2 because of crime, particularly in Providenciales, and cited potentially limited police resources for investigations.

Premier Charles Washington Misick says the statistics demonstrate meaningful progress. Murders are reportedly down 40 percent, while serious sexual offences have fallen 33 percent year over year. He also pointed to increased investment in border security, intelligence-led policing, crime prevention and law enforcement.

Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly added that the territory welcomed 203,587 stayover visitors during the first quarter, more than 10,500 above the corresponding 2025 period, with March alone approaching 80,000 arrivals.

The combined argument is unmistakable: crime is falling, visitor numbers are rising and hundreds of thousands continue to enjoy the destination safely—so why has the rating not improved?

This is also not the first time TCI has challenged an American assessment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, then Health Minister Erwin “Jay” Saunders publicly objected after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered TCI only from Level 4 to Level 3. Calling the assessment disproportionate and potentially arbitrary, Saunders said he would contact the CDC directly and demand clarity about the criteria being used.

TCI was subsequently classified by the CDC at Level 1 — Low Risk, with the territory promoting its strong vaccination programme, low positivity rate and stringent visitor protocols.

That history will likely encourage the Government as it begins this latest fight—tongue firmly in cheek—with Washington.

This time, however, the issue is not a temporary health emergency. It is the international safety reputation of a tourism-dependent country. The Government hopes its falling crime figures, strong visitor performance and diplomatic engagement through the United Kingdom will persuade U.S. authorities that Turks and Caicos has earned a better rating.