Caribbean News
TCI: What if we – TOGETHER – invested the $11 Million?
#TurksandCaicos, March 8, 2021 – Spanx, now a billion dollar company was launched with just $5,000 of personal savings and family support to a then 27-year old Sara Blakely.
The Ritz-Carlton brand, which we are soon to see officially labelling a new luxury hotel on Grace Bay was started in the 1920s with just under $6 million; now the franchise has 30,000 resort rooms all over the world.
So far be it from possible to think $11 million dollars in capital couldn’t revolutionise the lives of ordinary Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Here is the man who dares us all to dream bigger, instead of flushing a free gift down the consumer toilet.
Benneth Williams is known as a hard-working man who wears a number of caps which lead him to lend to the development of children, protection of the environment, healthier living and cultural appreciation.
“My father’s name is Arthur Williams and my mother’s name is Winefred McIntosh. I’m from Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. I was brought up in the Bight, Providenciales. I went to school in South Caicos,” said Williams when we asked him to tell us who he is.
The husband and father goes on to speak about the family he has now built and his personal passions including in sports and environmental sustainability.
Eventually he gets to the meat of the matter, that the money Government is giving in a cash stimulus could become the gift that keeps on giving.
This story started with Benneth Williams sending to me advice on what to do and what not to do once I received the government-granted $1,000 cash stimulus, as a relief to economic hardships brought on by the Coronavirus Pandemic.
“Create a budget; address essential needs; add to a personal emergency fund; pay down on debt; help your local community; open a high-yield savings account; invest in yourself and improve your skills; donate to those in need…just my two cents,” said Mr. Williams on March 2, 2021 in a WhatsApp message.
Williams is a man of many opinions and many ideas about what it takes for Turks and Caicos to be better. He put those thoughts to action, when he offered in the 2016 general elections. He was not successful in the bid, but this advocate is not silenced.
“You probably don’t want to hear what I think about this $11 million dollars. I think all of us should collectively open up our own bank and use this $11 million dollars. All of us would have shares or maybe if all of us decided, we’re not going to take this money and invest it in a hotel where all of us have shares in that hotel,” said Williams who added, “I understand there is a hotel on Grace Bay where its profit last year was $126 million dollars. A hundred and twenty-six million dollars! I’m not sure if what I heard was right but you’re talking $11 million dollars investing in something where everybody, all 11,000 of us could be shareholders!”
Williams sees the cash grant as a not-to-be-wasted opportunity for financial security of islanders.
The Progressive National Party ran an election campaign which promised residents that a substantial payout of cash was what the effect of the pandemic demanded and what the people of the islands required.
Seven days after taking office, the announcement of a $1,000 hassle-free cash stimulus to all Turks and Caicos Islanders and all British Overseas Territory Citizens (resident in TCI 12-months) came. Two days later the registration portal was opened and two days after that, residents began receiving e-mail messages that they had been approved for the money.
“People should really consider this money and see what we can do with this money, because you don’t have the money now and you’re still living so maybe use it for something bigger.”
Benneth and Shauna, his wife have been married for 22-years and have three children.
One son wants to attend what Mr. Williams called, “an expensive football school…” and as parents of the talented athlete, they want to give him the best possible education and experience they can. Williams said a national coming together of this kind would make that lofty dream more of a reality for Turks and Caicos families.
“This is $11 million dollars and if you give it to me and with my $1,000 I go ahead and invest it, then five years from now what really is my investment going to be? Not much. But I think if collectively we put that money together and decide that we are going to invest it into something that is tangible and unique to the Turks and Caicos Islands we can see something that our children can say, this is the sacrifice our parents made and this is the reward I am getting right now from their investment, that they did 10 years or 15 years ago.”
Key ideas coming from the swimming and football coach were for a re-boot of a Turks and Caicos bank or a 100% Turks and Caicos Islander owned hotel, in the northwestern end of Providenciales.
“How about that? Banking with your own bank. Doing business with your own bank. Make your money, make money for you. Or what about a hotel down in Northwest Point? Nothing much is up there, but there is a hotel in that area raking in millions of dollars. Why not, we do the same thing! Villas are making money, private villas are making money and that is the same thing in northwest point. Let us invest in something that is tangible, that we can have somebody run it and all I am looking at is the bottom line so that I can get the return on my investment. Something I can use to send my kids to school, I can use to make other investments, I can help my daughter with swimming lessons, help my kid in going to the school he really wants to.”
Williams said so many islanders have to face an often heart-breaking reality when they are unable to provide for their families in more meaningful ways.
Williams said the stifling feeling of lack can all be a thing of the past if recipients of the free-cash were to merge the money for this cause of greater financial security.
“We don’t own anything in Grace Bay and that can all change. It’s just my thought, maybe we could invest the money versus all of us going to pay a company that is already raking in millions of dollars to take yourself out of a hole only to still be in indebt years from now.”
The message of Mr. Williams is not a unique one, though at this time it grabs special attention.
Economic empowerment for Turks and Caicos Islanders is often touted by politicians, preachers, corporate and civic leaders and the layman, but unlike any other time in history, the Government has been given the green light to distribute funds to help and indigenous islanders and those funds could wisely be used to build a revenue generating future.
“We can all sell this destination for ourselves but we have to do it collectively, together and that is all I’m saying.”
May 2, 2024 – Bēchë, the premier swimwear of the Turks and Caicos, known for its innovative designs, commitment to quality, philanthropy and cultural storytelling, is thrilled to announce its official partnership with the prestigious return of Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting fashion and beauty, with the event scheduled to take place in Providenciales on July 26th and 27th 2024.
As the exclusive swimwear partner for this esteemed pageant, bēchë will be outfitting all contestants with its latest collection curated specifically for each lady. This collection is designed to empower women and celebrate their individuality. This partnership aligns with bēchë’s mission to inspire confidence and elegance through exceptional swimwear that caters to all body types, while telling a story about our nation.
Event Highlights and Swimwear Showcase
Bēchë’s “Miss Universe Turks” designs will be featured during the promotional photoshoots leading up to the event, during the bikini
competition and official photoshoots of the reigning queen. Attendees will witness firsthand the fusion of fashion and poise as the contestants grace the stage in bēchë’s standout pieces, each crafted to highlight the beauty and culture of the Turks and Caicos and our women.
Exclusive Offers and Engagement
In celebration of this partnership, bēchë will offer exclusive promotions and giveaways leading up to and during the event. Pageant attendees and fans worldwide will have the opportunity to engage with both brands through interactive social media campaigns and live-streamed segments of the pageant. The curated collection will be available to the general public for pre-order on the night of the pageant.
A Commitment to Community and Fashion
“Partnering with the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant is an honor and a testament to our dedication to high-quality, accessible fashion,” said Cyprianna Jackson, Designer and Founder of bēchë. “This event not only highlights the talent and beauty of its participants but also shines a spotlight on the global appeal of inclusive fashion. We are excited to bring our designs to such a dynamic stage and look forward to an ongoing relationship with the pageant.”
The Miss Universe Turks and Caicos organization shares bēchë’s enthusiasm, with National Director Gabriela Clesca stating, “We are truly honored and thrilled to announce the return of the Miss Universe competition to Turks and Caicos after 10 years, alongside our esteemed swimwear partner, bēchë. Together, we’re positioning ourselves to showcase the extraordinary talent and beauty of this island, offering a global stage to showcase the captivating essence of TCI.”
~ Caribbean students graduate with Diploma in Hospitality Leadership ~
May 2, 2024, Montego Bay, Jamaica – In keeping with Sandals Resorts’ mandate to train and develop 400 managers in the next three years, The Sandals Corporate University (SCU) has added another sixteen managers to its growing list of graduates in the Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme.
Melissa Migliavacca, valedictorian
The leadership initiative, a partnership with the SCU, Florida International University(FIU) and Accelerating Leaders hosted its second graduation ceremony, at Sandals Barbados which was attended by members of the SCU team, Sandals and Beaches Executives, representatives of FIU and Accelerating Leaders and well-wishers of the graduates.
In his greeting, Dr. Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism expressed his joy in celebrating with the team members. He shared, “all of you embody the spirit of service, innovation and community that is embedded into the DNA of Sandals Resorts International. You’ve demonstrated that true leadership is about more than just guiding others. It’s about inspiring them, lifting them up, and striving for excellence in every endeavour. As you move forward from today, remember that the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired are tools not just for personal success, but for making a difference in the world. The hospitality industry, with its endless challenges and opportunities, awaits your contribution. You are the future of this industry, and we have every confidence that you will lead with integrity, creativity, and compassion.”
Managing Director for Sandals Resorts International, Stephen Blackburne, in his keynote address expressed how impressed he was with the graduates for taking a very calculated approach to their future with the organization. He said, “waiting to be asked is a passive approach. Instead continue to be intentional and proactive in shaping your future and making a meaningful impact wherever you go. I urge you to embrace this moment with pride and excitement. You are not just graduates, you are ambassadors of excellence, emissaries of change and architects of the future.”
Je’mel Francis, club sandals supervisor for Sandals Grande Antigua
Students for cohort B were recruited from Sandals Resorts across St. Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Barbados and Grenada. Cohorts C and D will commence in April and May respectively, and the SCU anticipates that by the end of 2024, five cohorts will earn their diplomas.
To close out the evening on an inspiring note, Sandals Grenada’s Spa Manager, and valedictorian for Cohort B Melissa Migliavacca, took the time in her address to motivate her colleagues as they look towards the future. She said passionately, “it took discipline, dedication and focus as well as effective time management for us to follow through. There were times that we stumbled upon obstacles but giving up was not an option. Lisa Nichols says, that in this life we can choose to be a victim or a victor, the choice is always ours. I’m so glad we’re all standing victorious today because we made the choice to be brave and sign up for this programme and we saw it through to the end.” She concluded by encouraging her colleagues to pay it forward when they return to their operations by helping train team members and cultivating a standard of excellence.
The Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme is a six-month long interactive course leveraging workshops, discussion groups, case studies and industry best-practices. Entry and mid-level managers are challenged to apply new knowledge, gain advanced skills and create positive behaviours as they prepare for the future and continuous achievement of excellence in the industry.
~END~
Captions:
Header – Proud graduates of Cohort B of the Diploma in Hospitality Leadership come together for their group shot ahead of their graduation ceremony. The cohort consisted of managers from Sandals Resorts to include Grenada, Barbados, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and St. Lucia.
1st insert – Melissa Migliavacca, valedictorian, gave a riveting address on behalf of her colleagues. She encouraged them to return to their resorts and impart what they have learnt to empower their various teams.
2nd insert – Je’mel Francis, club sandals supervisor for Sandals Grande Antigua, paused for a photo with Stephen Blackburne, managing director, SRI as he collected his diploma certificate. The Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme is offered by SCU in partnership with Accelerating Leaders and the Florida International University.
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