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“Building Careers at the World’s Best All Inclusive Family Resort”  

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#TurksandCaicos, June 30, 2022 – Beaches Turks & Caicos is pleased to announce the recent promotion of seven of its local managers to more senior roles within the Organization.

Former Island Routes Supervisor Mrs. Sandra Been has recently been promoted to the position of Destination Manager. In this new role, Mrs. Been will be responsible for overseeing and managing all staff, handling of the relationships with local tour operators, recruiting of new and innovative local tours as well as managing and maintaining the current tours.

Sandra was first employed at Beaches Turks & Caicos in February 2004 as Tour Desk Manager. When asked about how she feels about her new role, Sandra stated; “I am both nervous and excited about the new challenges that come with the position I now hold. My goal is to keep my clients happy and always do my best.”

Mr. Sheldon Wilson has been promoted to Executive Assistant Manager. He previously held the post of Village Manager (Key West Village). Mr. Wilson will be responsible for assisting the General Manager in the day to day operations associated with managing the resort.

Sheldon has completed the Leadership Action Training Certification – Fullerton Management Training Group, Guest Services Professional Certification – American Hotel and Lodging and the Sandals Certified Management Specialist Training. Sheldon joined BTC in 2013 as a Night Auditor and was promoted to Night Manager and Evening Manager shortly after.

“I am extremely excited about the promotion and looking forward to taking on my new role as Executive Assistant Manager and making my contribution to the tourism sector while ensuring that Beaches Turks & Caicos remain the number 1 family resort in the world!” stated Mr. Wilson.

Ms. Owenta Coleby has been promoted to Human Resource Manager. She started at BTC in 2018 and previously acted in the role until being made official in 2022. Ms. Coleby is now responsible for the day to day planning and execution of strategic HR functions for the resort in addition to overseeing the recruitment, retention, employee engagement and welfare strategies.  She will also collaborate with the Learning and Development Team, along with the “people” leaders to develop and execute our “people” development strategies.

A key part of her responsibility is to facilitate a harmonious relationship with the team members and external stakeholders through effective communication. This allows the leadership of the company to effectively communicate the goals and objectives of the organization which will allow the team members to perform to the best of their abilities.

Owenta is currently completing her Masters in Human Resources Management and Development and is a Certified Recruitment and Compliance Specialist

 “I feel grateful to be able to serve the team members at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa in this capacity, and also to be a part of the World’s Best Hospitality Experience Provider.  My belief is that in everything I do, I must put my best forward and let my work speak for me!” stated Ms. Coleby.

Mrs. Christelle Demosthene-Heron has been promoted to Weddings Manager. She previously served as the Assistant Weddings Manager after joining BTC in 2002 as a Waitress, Hostess and then Supervisor. In her new role, she will be responsible for Wedding Planning, Staff Development, Wedding Coordination and Execution, Monitoring and Reporting.

Christelle is a certified Hospitality Department Trainer, Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Events Manager, and Certified Hospitality Supervisor. She also received her Hospitality Certification from the Global University for Life Long Learning.

“I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity, on a day to day basis I remind myself that in life, where you start isn’t where you finish and I can attest to that after working with the company for 15 plus years. I’ve learned, I’ve grown and I’ve persevered as an individual as well as a professional,” stated Mrs. Demosthene-Heron.

Mrs. Sandra Lightbourne has been promoted to Executive Office Manager. She previously held the position of Executive Administrative Assistant after joining BTC in 2013 as Administrative Assistant.

In her new role, she will be responsible for effectively and efficiently managing the Administration Department which provides support for the General Manager, Hotel Managers, the Operations Manager and the Village Managers.

Managing guest complaints and special requests, internal travel preparations and liaising with the Sandal Resort International Corporate Office. She has received certifications in Customer Service, Sales and Marketing.

“It has been a pleasure to be a part of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Family. I look forward to working hard in my new role and intend to do my best to live up to all expectations,” stated Mrs. Lightbourne.

Mr. Alpheus Pinder has been promoted to the role of Village Manager. He previously held the post of Night Manager since joining in 2019.

Mr. Pinder has numerous years of experience in Tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the Bahamas.

“I couldn’t be more excited about being promoted to Village Manager. I have enjoyed every second here at Beaches Turks and Caicos and I look forward to more success in my future,” stated Mr. Pinder.

Ms. Kanora Seymour has been promoted to the post Departure Lounge Manager. She previously held the post of reservation agent since joining in 2013. In her new role, she will be responsible for coordinating the transportation of guest to and from the airports, as well managing the relationship between the local taxi drivers, VIP transportation drivers and Beaches Turks and Caicos.

“I am honored to receive the opportunity to serve as the Departure Lounge Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos. I intend to excel in this role as I have in my previous post,” stated Ms. Seymour.

Commenting on the recent promotions, James McAnally, General Manager, Beaches Turks & Caicos stated: “Beaches Turks and Caicos has always prioritized career development from within our organization. As you would have noticed, many of the recent promotions are staff that joined our family in a less senior capacity and were promoted multiple times having taken advantage of many training and development options made available to our staff.  This is a testament to our Learning and Development program that is unmatched.  Most importantly, these individuals have demonstrated a tenacity and passion to not only excel and climb the ranks, but to exceed the expectations of our guest, which is what we are known for here at the worlds #1 All Inclusive Family Resort.”

 

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Bahamian Man Extradited to Florida on Cocaine Trafficking Charges

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USA, April 23, 2026 – A Bahamian man has been extradited to the United States to face serious drug charges stemming from alleged offences committed several years ago.

Lernis Cornish Jr. was handed over to U.S. authorities on April 17, 2026, following extradition proceedings in The Bahamas. The case was heard before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley, who ordered that Cornish be surrendered to American officials. Cornish did not challenge the order.

He has since been transferred to Florida, where he is expected to face trial in connection with alleged drug-related activity dating back23 to 2020.

According to reports, Cornish is accused of possession of cocaine with intent to supply and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to supply. Related U.S. law enforcement notices also indicate that the matter is being pursued in Collier County, Florida, where authorities have listed charges including trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic cocaine, involving quantities of 400 grams or more.

The case now falls under the jurisdiction of the Florida court system, where prosecutors are expected to advance the matter through pre-trial proceedings ahead of any potential trial.

Extradition from The Bahamas to the United States is governed by bilateral treaty arrangements, allowing individuals accused of serious offences to be transferred to face justice in the requesting country once a Bahamian court is satisfied that legal requirements have been met.

Cornish’s extradition marks the continuation of a multi-year case, moving it from preliminary proceedings in The Bahamas into the U.S. judicial system, where the allegations will now be tested in court.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Experience Turks and Caicos Launches Strategic Travel Advisor Education Program in Partnership with Travelview International

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The Initiative Expands Marketing Efforts with a Video Driven Campaign Reaching 80,000 Travel Advisors Across the U.S. and Canada

 

 PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS: Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to announce its partnership with Houston-based Travelview International to launch a video-driven travel advisor marketing and education program across the United States and Canada – markets that collectively represent about 90 percent of the destination’s visitor arrivals.

Through this initiative, Experience Turks and Caicos will leverage Travelview International’s established platform to engage approximately 80,000 travel advisors across North America, including members of leading luxury consortia, through a series of highly targeted video campaigns on the Turks and Caicos Islands, including its lesser-known sister islands.

The program distributes twice-monthly emails featuring short informational videos that function as a “video FAM trip,” helping advisors quickly build destination knowledge and stay current on the islands.

The campaign underscores Experience Turks and Caicos’ ongoing commitment to deepening its engagement with the travel advisor community, as luxury travelers increasingly turn to these trusted professionals to curate and secure highly personalized, bespoke experiences.

“Our partnership with Travelview International reflects the critical role that travel advisors play in shaping high-value travel decisions and driving meaningful demand for destinations like Turks and Caicos,” said Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos.

“Advisors are indispensable partners in how luxury travel is planned and experienced today, and by investing in direct, consistent engagement, we are ensuring they are equipped with the insights and inspiration needed to confidently position our islands at the forefront of their recommendations.”

The content features concise, expertly narrated informational videos crafted for efficient learning and lasting recall. These videos highlight the destination’s defining attributes, including its geography, heritage, and cultural character; a curated overview of its resorts, villas, and accommodations; and distinctive experiences and excursions that set the Turks and Caicos Islands apart within the Caribbean luxury landscape – all while visually showcasing the natural beauty that the destination is renowned for.

As a respected publisher within the travel industry, Travelview International is recognised for delivering credible, non-advertorial content that advisors rely on to make informed recommendations for their clients. The platform seamlessly integrates editorial programming produced by Travelview with video contributions from private sector partners on specific resorts, villas, experiences, and services with direct pathways to additional information and booking opportunities.

To view the full collection of the Turks and Caicos Islands videos, please visit: https://tci.travelvideo.com/

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South Caicos pays Triple for basic Groceries; Bag of Rice hits $26 says TCIG Report

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Turks and Caicos, April 23, 2026 – Grocery prices across the Turks and Caicos Islands remain high, making shopping expensive for most consumers, but the latest government data shows that residents of South Caicos are facing even steeper challenges, with some essential items costing double—and in some cases nearly triple—the prices seen in Providenciales.

The findings come from the Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition (DTIFC) in its Breadbasket Price Report for April 2026, which tracks the cost of staple goods across major retail outlets throughout the country. The report, based on data collected between April 7 and 12, is intended to provide transparency and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, with the Department noting that it continues to monitor prices to promote fair competition in the marketplace.

However, a closer look at the data reveals significant disparities between islands, particularly for residents in South Caicos.

Among the most striking examples is rice, a staple item, where a 5-pound bag that sells in Providenciales for as low as around six to eight dollars is listed at as high as twenty-six dollars in South Caicos.  Eggs also show a sharp divide, with some of the lowest prices in Providenciales hovering near two to five dollars, compared to prices reaching as high as twelve dollars in South Caicos.

The pattern continues across other essential items. Chicken, one of the most commonly consumed proteins, shows notable variation, with lower-end prices in Providenciales around seven dollars, while in South Caicos the same category of product can reach as high as eighteen dollars. Similar gaps are observed in cooking oil, flour and other everyday grocery items that form the core of household consumption.

While the Department’s report highlights both the highest and lowest prices for each item—marked in red and green respectively—the overall trend points to consistently higher costs outside of Providenciales, where a larger number of retailers and increased competition appear to keep prices comparatively lower.

In contrast, smaller markets such as South Caicos, with fewer retail outlets and greater reliance on imported goods routed through Providenciales, continue to experience higher prices across much of the breadbasket.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition maintains that the monthly report is designed to improve transparency and allow consumers to compare prices, but the April findings also underscore a broader issue—access to affordable food remains uneven across the islands.

For residents in South Caicos, the data suggests that the cost of living continues to be significantly higher for basic goods, reinforcing long-standing concerns about price disparities and the challenges faced by consumers in smaller island communities.

The Department has encouraged the public to review the full Breadbasket Price Report and stay informed as it continues its monitoring efforts.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

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