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Barbara Lyn Missick, Helping Children to Explore the Art & Craft at BTC

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Children live what they learn. With this in mind, the Beaches Turks and Caicos Kids Camp department is ensuring that children who visit this award-winning all-inclusive family resort are able to find joy in being creative, all under the guidance of experienced ‘crafters’ such as Senior Crafter, Barbara Lyn Missick.

Within its cadre of offerings, the Kids Camp department provides craft, games, and a myriad of fun activities for children of all ages. Missick, who joined the company 24 years ago in September 199,8 has been fostering a creative environment for children to learn art and craft, or just enjoy the opportunity to express their creativity through their own unique designs.

According to Missick, “I believe that in order to lead the craft area of this resort, one must have a passion for creativity, a high level of patience, and motherly instincts. Being able to experience children, and sometimes their parents too, entering the creative arts centre and at the end of the day they are able to celebrate the finished product of their hard, but fun labour, is always rewarding. Art and craft for me has been a transformation from a mere passion to becoming a career, primarily due to what this resort has been able to offer to families who visit our shores.

“Being a part of the BTC family has allowed me to thrive in a very comfortable environment where I have grown professionally and earned significantly while doing something that I enjoy. This craft centre within the Kids Camp is never seen as work as I am able to create an environment where I can see children smile and have a great time every day and I am rewarded whenever returning families make a specific request for me to teach their children,” the resort veteran continued.

Missick went on to add, “Ideas for craft within the area have been born out of the natural environment inspired by the different islands of the Turks & Caicos, hence the opportunity to teach and share the culture of our island home has positioned me to be an ambassador to our visitors and I love it!”.

“The vast levels of leadership available at BTC present great opportunities to grow as a professional and are just some of the main influencers for my longevity with the resort as I have grown from camp counselor to crafter, then to senior crafter and look forward to even more advancement. In addition, the chance to help in the development of this skilled area, especially with the younger team members has created a symbiotic relationship where we build this department as a team. Sharing with my colleagues while learning new and more modern techniques daily, allows us to evolve into being the best all-inclusive family,” Missick shared.

On building prospective leaders within the organisation, general manager James McAnally highlighted the values needed for a strong leader like Barbara. Said McAnally, “Being able to satisfy the creative needs of our guests and especially the children, is of paramount importance at a family resort such as ours. Barbara’s impact within this area is undoubtedly immeasurable. Her creative prowess has allowed our young guests to be at home with the arts and craft through which they get the chance to express themselves. Barbara has been that champion who has given great effort in building and maintaining this area of the Kids Camp at BTC and we are proud to have her as part of our team.”

Sherly Joseph, counselor at the Kids Camp was quick to highlight her own experiences, learning from Barbara. Joseph said, “As a young professional, being able to work with Barbara is like sitting in a classroom. She is a reservoir of knowledge. She is always willing to share her skills and creativity while teaching those around her the value of working within this industry. She is like a mother to all of us.”

Barbara is never one to shy away from sharing life and professional experiences with those around her as she lives the company’s mandate of succession planning especially within her skilled area. “I’m always willing to encourage our younger employees – follow your dreams and ensure that as you work, seek to learn something new every day. I always say to them, invest your time and skills in what you do as you can only become a better professional with each experience,” Missick concluded.

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JAMAICAN STUDENTS GAIN SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN CUBA

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KINGSTON, April 25 (JIS):

Fifteen young Jamaicans have gained scholarships to pursue tertiary training in medicine, nursing and civil engineering in the Republic of Cuba, under the Jamaica-Cuba Bilateral Scholarship Programme.

Speaking at the awards ceremony for the students, held at the Embassy of Cuba in St. Andrew on April 24, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, said the scholarship component of the partnership is one of the many successes for Jamaicans.

“Through this valuable programme, the Government of Cuba has consistently invested in the educational development of Jamaican students, through the provision of well-needed and appreciated undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, primarily in Medicine and Health Sciences,” Mr. Terrelonge said.

He highlighted that the long-standing, meaningful and mutually beneficial bond of friendship and cooperation has been shared between Jamaica and Cuba for more than 50 years and has provided invaluable support to Jamaica, with several agreements in the areas of Health, Science, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Education.

The Minister of State said that Jamaica is grateful for the unwavering support towards Jamaica’s development, adding that “not only are we close geographical partners but our relationship is based on, among other things, mutual respect and strong people-to-people connections”.

Mr. Terrelonge told the students that they have succeeded in securing their places in the various programmes and have proven themselves to be the “crème de la crème, having successfully undergone a rigorous selection process”.

“I commend you for your drive, hard work and dedication towards your educational development,” he said.

“As you prepare to depart Jamaica for diverse and vibrant Cuba, I encourage you all to continue to work diligently in your respective fields of study, to remain faithful to the goals you have set for yourselves, and to fly, even higher, the Jamaican flag in Cuba. It is my hope that you will not only meet but exceed your and your families’ expectations,” the State Minister added.

He also encouraged the students to view the scholarship not only as an opportunity to advance academically but to also “immerse yourselves in the rich culture of the Cuban people” and to form new connections, build networks, explore new adventures, improve their Spanish-speaking skills, and to stay connected with the Jamaica Embassy in Havana.

Under the full scholarship, tuition, accommodation, meals, clothing allowance, study materials and medical care are covered by Cuba.

The programme is administered by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in conjunction with the Scholarship Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and other entities. Every year, the Cuban Government invites applications from persons wishing to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

 

CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

 

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Caribbean News

GROUND BROKEN FOR HIGH SCHOOL AT CHRISTEL HOUSE

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KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):

Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.

“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.

She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.

Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.

She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.

“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.

“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.

Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.

“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.

The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.

Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.

In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.

With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.

 

CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

 

 

 

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Education

Sandals Corporate University signs MOU with TCI Community College

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – Sandals Corporate University is now an official partner of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) and the two will be working together to create hospitality specific courses to equip students.

During the MOU signing on April 29, Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport, explained the process, describing it as a visionary initiative,

“Through this collaboration TCICC and SCU will jointly develop and implement training content tailored specifically to the needs of the hospitality industry covering crucial areas such as rooms, food and beverage service, field management, watersports and technical and mechanical training.”

The Minister explained that the custom-made curriculum would also be enriched further by experts from Sandals and Beaches Resorts via guest lectures.

In addition to that up to 100 TCICC interns will be placed at Sandals Resorts for experience annually; lecturers at the TCICC will also be given resort experience periodically to make sure that they’re using the most modern teaching methods.

“This is not just a formal agreement but a shared commitment to the future of our people both young and seasoned; and the robust growth of our hospitality and tourism industry,” Taylor said.

She was backed up by Adam Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Group International

“You will have 100% support from my office,” he promised

Adam Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Group International 

Stewart who flew in for the event explained that the idea for a joint teaching space had come about over a lunch of conch chowder with TCI officials, including the Governor, only months earlier.

”The best thing you can do for the people of the Caribbean has got to be education. We have seen time and time again, division by division and island by island across the Caribbean, where we invest in people, we see [returns],” Stewart said.

He highlighted that SCU is the first hotel-led Corporate University in the Western Hemisphere and now connected to the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC). Beaches Turks and Caicos is the largest hospitality employer in the country and is currently understaffed and in need of hundreds more workers.

“I’ve never seen an MOU come together faster, I’ve never seen the private in public it to work together in [such] a way which to me signals how serious this is,” Stewart said.

The MOU was signed by Dr Luz Longsworth (on behalf of Sandals) witnessed by Stewart and Washington Misick, TCI Premier.

Attending the event was a host of dignitaries including Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor, Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Josephine Connollly, Minister of Tourism, other ministers, TCICC  executives and Sandals officials.

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