News
TCREA Ambassador Launches Revolutionary Mentorship Program for Turks & Caicos
#TurksandCaicos, April 29, 2022 – The Turks & Caicos Real Estate Association (TCREA) has announced a pioneering initiative to shape the next generation of real estate gurus for the country.
In a forum with local media, a dynamic group of industry stalwarts and trendsetters shared that local high school students aged 14-17 will now get a first-hand look at the burgeoning real estate domain here in Turks & Caicos through the TCREA Real Estate Mentorship Program.
Led by TCREA Ambassador, Mr. Trevor Musgrove, the initiative seeks to educate school-leavers on the advantages of becoming a part of one of the country’s foremost industries which has seen remarkable growth throughout the years and has recently enjoyed record-breaking numbers even amidst a global pandemic.
The Committee is an impressive one and boasts a group of the most accomplished, internationally celebrated, and experienced brokers and realtors in the game: Blair MacPherson of REMAX; Nina Siegenthaler, Manfred Smith, and Richard Sankar of Sotheby’s; Vernica Delancy and Dedra Gray of Keller Williams; and Sean O’neill, Musgrove’s partner in Turks and Caicos’ newest real estate firm, The Agency.
Sharing more about his decision to launch the initiative, Musgrove stated, “Mentorship is something I truly care about. As a young boy growing up in North Caicos, I could never have predicted that this is where I would be. But I can tell you with certainty that I am where and who I am because of people who took the time to steer me in the right direction when I shared my dreams and goals with them.
“It is said that to whom much is given, much is required. I am a firm believer that one of the most important things you can do is to provide an open door to those who wish to see their own dreams realized and are willing to work hard to do so.”
He continued, “Each of the real estate professionals that have graciously volunteered their time to this initiative encompass what the spirit of this program is all about. Some of these individuals were the ones I looked up to and have emulated, and we will continue to do the same for more young men and women here in Turks and Caicos.”
Musgrove says that the program is much more than an introduction to an expanding and lucrative industry. It will allow youngsters to see the side of Turks and Caicos that appeals to the ‘movers and shakers’ of the world. It is his hope that after going through the program the teens will have a better appreciation of their country and will understand why it is a captivating and award-winning destination, and why so many seek to make it a second home.
The Minister of Education, Honourable Rachel Taylor, was also present for the grand announcement proudly declaring the Ministry’s endorsement of the program.
“I was delighted to receive Mr. Musgrove’s communication that this mentorship program was being developed, as it aligns perfectly with one of the key pillars set out in our National Youth Policy.
“I understood that the group’s initial plans were to share this opportunity with students on Providenciales only, for logistical reasons. I believe that this is an experience that should be extended to all high school students in the Turks & Caicos Islands, and I promptly requested that Mr. Musgrove disseminate this information to Grand Turk, North Caicos, and South Caicos with a commitment that my Ministry will provide the necessary transportation for successful Sister Island applicants to travel to Providenciales for their in-person mentorship sessions.
“It is my hope that all eligible students will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity which I and my Ministry are proud to endorse and support.”
“I must point out that our National Skills Audit of 2017 speaks to the soft skills gaps in the areas of Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Analytical Skills, Communication, Team Building and Customer Services. I am elated that this TCREA Mentorship Program seeks to develop and harness these areas as we prepare our youths to become productive citizens of this country.
“This program is indeed in line with our Youth Policy which incorporates 7 pillars. Pillar 1 speaks to Enhancing Youth Economic Participation and Economic Empowerment. This youth led initiative will aid in promoting the concept of workplace learning as they use the workplace as a learning space through this Mentorship opportunity. This program will bridge the gap in supporting school-to-work transition initiatives for the cohorts of students who may have an eye for Real Estate,” said the Minister.
The TCREA Mentorship Program will run from May to December of this year, culminating in a special retreat. Mentees will receive educational modules at the start of each month and will come together with Mentors at the end of the month to engage in interactive sessions putting their education to practice. These in-person sessions will take shape in office meetups, open house visits, and other exciting activities.
Applications for enrollment into the program were sent to high schools just before the Easter break, with the final day for submissions slated as Friday, April 29th 2022. Musgrove says this first group will be capped at 10 students, as they wish to ensure a personal experience for all involved. He is confident the program will be continued by future TCREA Ambassadors and will grow in size from year to year.
Release: SOS Media
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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