Beaches Turks and Caicos Ignites Hospitality Careers for over 100 Students with Enhanced Summer Internship Programme
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort recently launched its 2025 annual Summer Internship Programme, welcoming over 100 high school and college students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over the next six weeks, these aspiring professionals will embark on a personalized and integrated experience, designed to advance their hospitality careers through hands-on experience and comprehensive exposure into the dynamic world of hospitality.
The programme kicked off on Monday, with interns assigned to various departments across the resort, including food and beverage, concierge, cost control, front office and public relations. They will work alongside seasoned departmental trainers and team members, learning standard operating procedures and receiving mentorship throughout their journey.
Focusing on the innovative outlook of this year’s programme, Human Resources Manager, Owenta Coleby, shared insights into the internship’s refined approach. “This year’s programme is designed to offer a more personalized experience – beginning with onboarding, where participants will be introduced to the company's training benefits. Interns will be more integrated into the work environment, allowing them to engage in daily activities alongside their colleagues.”
Coleby further highlighted the programme's commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging environment. “Forums for interns to share their experiences and provide feedback on how we can enhance the internship will be provided.
This approach aims to encourage interns to consider full-time positions upon the completion of the programme.”
Another standout addition to this year’s internship experience is the introduction of weekly soft-skills development sessions, spearheaded by the resort’s learning and development division. “We believe this is a great opportunity to add significant value to the training our interns will receive,” shared Phildreka Mayham, learning and development manager. “Not only will interns be trained in day-to-day operations, but they will also acquire essential life skills that is transferable across any industry they choose to pursue.” These sessions will cover a diverse range of topics, including personal branding, financial management, customer service excellence, resume development and interview skills.
Further enhancing the programme experience, a community service project has been integrated, led by the public relations team. “The Beaches brand is renowned for its commitment to giving back to the communities in which we operate,” Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan shared. “So we are passionate about exposing this year’s interns to our ongoing programmes and initiatives, and they will be tasked with participating in one of these projects, playing their part in corporate social responsibility.”
Managing Director James McAnally, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s evolution. “I am excited for this year’s programme and eager to witness the development of our interns over the next six weeks. This enhanced internship experience underscores Beaches Turks & Caicos’ dedication not only to providing invaluable career exposure but also to cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals who may become integral members of the resort’s team in the future. By offering a hands-on, immersive experience combined with direct feedback channels, the programme will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry demands, strengthening the hospitality sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
Celebrating its 17th year, the resorts prestigious Summer Internship Programme has been a cornerstone in introducing local students to the world of hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over 1500 locals have benefited from the programme, with many going on to secure full-time employment at Beaches and progressing to senior management positions within the resort. Others have charted diverse career paths, crediting the programme for fostering their early learning and growth, as affirmed by Sabrina Green who shared, “I’m proud to say I’m a Summer Internship Programme alum. What I received at Beaches was more than training. It was branding. It was a mindset. It encouraged me to set the bar high and to never settle for anything less than excellence. The experience provided professional grounding that eventually led to my appointment as chair of the Board of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands. I carried the Beaches ethos into every boardroom, every negotiation and every decision.”
The Beaches Summer Internship Programme remains a source of pride for the resort's community developmental mission, providing valuable opportunities for residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to gain hands-on experience and learn new skills while enhancing their employability and contributions to the growth and success of their communities.
TCI Health Team enhances Regional Public Health Emergency Readiness At CARPHA Workshop In Jamaica
A team of senior health professionals from the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) recently returned from a critical regional training workshop aimed at strengthening the Caribbean’s capacity to respond to public health threats through advanced early warning and emergency response systems.
The four-member delegation – Mr. Andrico Garland (Chief Medical Technologist), Ms. Alrisa Gardiner (Primary Health Care Manager), Ms. Khris-Ann Lawson (Environmental Health Officer), and Ms. Natasha Robinson (Health Surveillance Officer) – represented the Ministry of Health and Human Services at the Regional Multisectoral Workshop hosted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) from July 8 to 11, 2025, in Kingston, Jamaica.
The training, under the theme Strengthening Emergency and Response (E&R) and Integrated Early Warning Systems (EWS), brought together over 60 health professionals from 11 CARPHA Member States. It focused on enhancing national preparedness, outbreak response, and real-time coordination through integrated early warning systems (EWS) and digital surveillance platforms tailored for the Caribbean context.
The workshop provided TCI’s health team with hands-on experience in using CARPHA’s digital surveillance tools, including the Tourism and Health Information System (THiS), and the Mass Gathering Syndromic Surveillance System (MGSS). These systems will be pivotal in improving the country’s ability to detect, respond to, and manage health threats, especially in high-risk environments such as tourism zones and during mass gatherings.
A key highlight was the introduction of the Timeliness Metrics Strategy – a new regional framework that enables countries to evaluate how swiftly they move from detecting a health threat to initiating a response. This strategy is crucial for small island nations like TCI where rapid action can prevent widespread outbreaks.
Through participation in the workshop, the TCI health delegation identified several critical areas to enhance the territory’s public health preparedness. Among these is the need to enhance the pandemic preparedness plan that will guide coordinated responses across different units within the health sector. The team also emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable early warning systems into TCI’s existing surveillance infrastructure, while recognizing the challenges that can arise from multisectoral coordination and data-sharing across agencies.
The delegation also noted the growing importance of mental health and recommended that psychological first aid and mental health preparedness be embedded into emergency response strategies. These insights will inform future planning and help ensure that TCI is better positioned to manage public health emergencies.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services is committed to incorporating these recommendations in to their work plan. Emphasis will be placed on securing additional resources to support detection infrastructure, building national resilience, and ensuring alignment with international health regulations.
This initiative forms part of CARPHA’s broader Pandemic Fund Project, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union, aimed at bolstering regional health security through prevention, preparedness, and response.
For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth.
Turks and Caicos Islands Strengthens Maritime Sector Through Participation in 2025 Red Ensign Group Conference
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, governance, and international collaboration by actively participating in the 36th Red Ensign Group (REG) Conference, held in Guernsey from 23–26 June 2025.
The TCI delegation included Deputy Attorney General Khalila Astwood from the Attorney General’s Chambers, Senior Maritime Officer Trevor Williams from the Department of Maritime and Shipping, and Harbour Master Eric Cooper from the Ports Authority. Their participation underscored TCI’s engagement in strengthening its maritime administration and aligning with global best practices.
The REG Conference is a flagship annual gathering of maritime administrations from the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies, and Overseas Territories. Delegates from all sixteen REG jurisdictions convened to address key developments and challenges in the global maritime sector.
Over four days, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions on areas critical to the operation of ship registries and maritime governance. Topics included:
Performance of the Red Ensign Group fleet
Compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and evolving UK legislation
Developments under the International Labour Organization (ILO)
Integration of emerging maritime technologies
Strategic direction of the IMO Mandatory Instrument (Triple “I”/III Code)
Maritime accident investigations
Oversight and regulation of domestic shipping, including contributions from TCI and other Overseas Territories
Maritime security, resilience, and enforcement of sanctions
The sessions yielded several actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening maritime safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable operations across the REG network. These outcomes will help reinforce each territory’s role as a flag, port, and coastal state, particularly important for TCI as it seeks to expand and modernise its maritime sector.
Statements from TCI Delegates
Deputy Attorney General Khalila Astwood emphasized the importance of legal frameworks in maritime development noting; “Attendance at this important conference is vital to the continued development of the maritime sector, particularly through enhanced compliance with IMO instruments. The event provides a valuable platform for deepening our understanding of legal obligations and promotes collaboration across regional and international administrations to improve maritime governance.”
Senior Maritime Officer Trevor Williams highlighted the impact of shared learning; “The conference is a powerful example of what collective effort can achieve. The knowledge exchanged and lessons learned allow us to tailor solutions to our unique maritime challenges, which is vital for our local economy. To grow our registry, we must stay ahead of innovations and learn from the experiences of fellow REG members.”
Harbour Master Eric Cooper underscored the value of collaboration; “The 2025 REG Conference was exceptionally insightful. The unwavering support from REG to its member administrations was evident in every session. The registrar workshops, in particular, showcased how collaboration and open dialogue are essential to overcoming challenges and identifying opportunities for growth.”
Since its inception in 1988, the REG Conference has evolved from a forum for registrars to harmonise procedures into a wide-ranging event addressing seafarer welfare, regulatory policy, and coastal preparedness—including search and rescue and environmental protection.
Hosted annually by a different member, the conference reflects the geographical diversity and shared purpose of the Red Ensign Group. REG members include the UK, Crown Dependencies (Guernsey, Jersey, and Isle of Man), and Overseas Territories (including TCI, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena). Delegates also attended from non-registry territories such as South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha.
Through continued participation in REG, the Turks and Caicos Islands reaffirms its dedication to maritime excellence, international cooperation, and the sustainable growth of its shipping and port operations.
Kecha Delusma Chase Appointed as Deputy Chief Librarian
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Kecha Delusma-Chase as the Deputy Chief Librarian within the Department of Library Services with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
Since beginning her career with the Department of Library Services in 2015 as a Library Assistant, Mrs. Delusma-Chase has consistently demonstrated dedication to human development and lifelong learning. She earned an Associate's Degree in Computer Studies from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Librarianship (Second Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, completed in 2024, with support from the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Professional Development Fund.
Mrs. Delusma-Chase's exceptional academic achievements were recognised in being awarded the prestigious Quida Rowe Prize for Most Outstanding Academic Performance in her final year of the Librarianship Programme.
In a continued effort to advance her education, Mrs. Delusma-Chase has been accepted into the Master's program in Library and Information Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
Speaking on her new role, Mrs. Delusma-Chase said, "I am deeply honoured and grateful to be appointed Deputy Chief Librarian within the Library Department. This journey has instilled in me resilience and discipline and I am truly grateful to God for His guidance and strength in bringing me to this moment.
I extend my sincere appreciation to my family, mentors, and colleagues for their unwavering encouragement throughout my journey.
Deepest gratitude to my husband Dario Chase, whose steadfast support has been a pillar of strength during the most critical moments.
As Deputy Chief Librarian, I also want to highlight my initial concerns regarding the library's technical aspects in this rapidly evolving technological era. It is essential that we embrace innovation to ensure our library remains relevant and accessible to the community.
Guided by Mahatma Gandhi's words, 'Be the change you wish to see in the world', I am committed to challenging the misconception that libraries are obsolete and instead highlighting their essential role in our community's growth and development, particularly in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. I look forward to implementing new initiatives, strengthening library services and working collaboratively with my colleagues to enhance access to information and resources for all."
The Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, in congratulatory remarks, said, "Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Delusma-Chase on her well-deserved appointment as Deputy Chief Librarian.
Throughout her career, she has exemplified a deep commitment to excellence and a passion for lifelong learning that resonates not only within the Library Services but also in her drive for excellence and success.
We are pleased to have been able to provide financial support for her academic studies from the TCIG Professional Development Fund and encourage other public servants to do the same.
We are certain that Mrs. Delusma-Chase's extensive knowledge and innovative spirit will undoubtedly lead to a transformative impact on our libraries, making them more accessible and engaging for everyone. I look forward to witnessing the positive changes she will bring and the inspiration she will provide to both her peers and our future generations.
Congratulations Ms. Delusma-Chase on your promotion.”
Two dead after flash flooding in New Jersey and New York
Torrential rains in New York and New Jersey on Monday night brought flash flooding that killed two people and led New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency.
Officials had to perform rescues after flooding left drivers stranded as their vehicles rose in the waters.
In Plainfield, New Jersey, two people died when a car was swept away by floodwaters as the storm hit, Governor Murphy said on Tuesday.
Additional storms are expected on Tuesday with the potential for more flooding in the north-east as well as Florida and the mid-western US, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
As of Tuesday morning, several main roads in New Jersey were closed because of the floods, while both New York City and New Jersey experienced subway delays.
New Jersey saw more than 6in (15 cm) of rain in a matter of hours on Tuesday evening, leading to flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport.
In Scotch Plains, New Jersey, people had to be rescued, including one instance in which responders had to use a rope to pull a man out of his car to escape the floodwaters, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.
Flood waters also rushed through subway stations in New York City on Monday evening, pouring into subway cars and forcing passengers to kneel on their seats to avoid getting wet.
New York City saw its second-ever highest hourly rainfall in over 80 years - 2in of rainfall in just 30 minutes.
Source- BBC
Mulder says Lara wanted him to break record
South African Wiaan Mulder says West Indies batting legend Brian Lara told him he should have tried to “create his own legacy” by going after his Test batting record.
Mulder was on the verge of breaking Lara’s 21-year-old record of 400 not out for the highest individual Test score, but opted to retire on 367 in the second Test against Zimbabwe on Monday.
He defended his decision by describing Lara as a “legend”, saying he deserved to keep the record.
However, Mulder said he had since spoken to Lara, who admitted he would have loved to see him set a new record.
“Now that things have settled a little bit, I’ve chatted a little bit to Brian Lara.
“He said to me I’m creating my own legacy and I should have gone for it. He said records are there to be broken and he wishes if I’m ever in that position again, I actually go and score more than what he had,” Mulder told SuperSport.
“That was an interesting point of view from his side, but I still believe I did the right thing and respecting the game is the most important part for me.”
5-year-old boy dies in hot car, mother thought she dropped kid off at day care: Police
A 5-year-old boy in Texas died after being left in a hot car, with his mother "fully" believing the child was at day care, according to the San Antonio Police Department.
The mother, 22, typically drops her son off at day care at Pinnacle Kids' Academy in San Antonio and then goes to work, which is "right next door," police said. But on Wednesday, she went to work at 8 a.m. — "fully" believing that the child was at day care — with the boy left in the back seat of the vehicle, officials said.
When she finished work at approximately 4:30 p.m., the mother drove to the day care to pick up her son, but staff told her she did had not dropped him off, police said.
"That is when she realized he left him in the vehicle," police said in a statement.
The mother then went back to her vehicle and "noticed he was still in his car seat and unresponsive," police said.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and "made notification that he died," police said.
As of Thursday, there have not been any arrests made and the investigation remains active, officials said.
Ruthless Sinner beats Djokovic to set up Alcaraz final
Jannik Sinner will face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final after a ruthless demolition of Novak Djokovic's latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic, 38, was left reflecting on how age was catching up with him after a humbling 6-3 6-3 6-4 defeat by a man who plays uncannily like the seven-time champion in his prime.
Sinner's victory put him into a first Wimbledon final and set up a re-match of last month's epic French Open showpiece, where he lost in five sets to Alcaraz having led by two sets and seen three championship points saved.
At least one of Sinner and Alcaraz have contested the men's singles final at the last six Grand Slam tournaments, while Sinner is going for a first title away from the hard courts against Alcaraz, a two-time winner at the All England Club.
Djokovic had admitted previously that this tournament on his favourite surface offered probably his best chance of setting a standalone record of major singles title.
"These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with tank half empty. It's just not possible to win a match like that," Djokovic said.
"I don't think it's bad fortune. It's just age, the wear and tear of the body."
Having been largely outplayed for two sets, Djokovic threatened a comeback in the third but Sinner remarkably won five games in a row on his way to securing a fifth Grand Slam final.
Three-time major winner Sinner, 23, has now won the last six meetings against Djokovic but this was the first time on grass.
Beaches Turks and Caicos Ignites Hospitality Careers for over 100 Students with Enhanced Summer Internship Programme
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort recently launched its 2025 annual Summer Internship Programme, welcoming over 100 high school and college students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over the next six weeks, these aspiring professionals will embark on a personalized and integrated experience, designed to advance their hospitality careers through hands-on experience and comprehensive exposure into the dynamic world of hospitality.
The programme kicked off on Monday, with interns assigned to various departments across the resort, including food and beverage, concierge, cost control, front office and public relations. They will work alongside seasoned departmental trainers and team members, learning standard operating procedures and receiving mentorship throughout their journey.
Focusing on the innovative outlook of this year’s programme, Human Resources Manager, Owenta Coleby, shared insights into the internship’s refined approach. “This year’s programme is designed to offer a more personalized experience – beginning with onboarding, where participants will be introduced to the company's training benefits. Interns will be more integrated into the work environment, allowing them to engage in daily activities alongside their colleagues.”
Coleby further highlighted the programme's commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging environment. “Forums for interns to share their experiences and provide feedback on how we can enhance the internship will be provided. This approach aims to encourage interns to consider full-time positions upon the completion of the programme.”
Another standout addition to this year’s internship experience is the introduction of weekly soft-skills development sessions, spearheaded by the resort’s learning and development division. “We believe this is a great opportunity to add significant value to the training our interns will receive,” shared Phildreka Mayham, learning and development manager. “Not only will interns be trained in day-to-day operations, but they will also acquire essential life skills that is transferable across any industry they choose to pursue.” These sessions will cover a diverse range of topics, including personal branding, financial management, customer service excellence, resume development and interview skills.
Further enhancing the programme experience, a community service project has been integrated, led by the public relations team. “The Beaches brand is renowned for its commitment to giving back to the communities in which we operate,” Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan shared. “So we are passionate about exposing this year’s interns to our ongoing programmes and initiatives, and they will be tasked with participating in one of these projects, playing their part in corporate social responsibility.”
Managing Director James McAnally, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s evolution. “I am excited for this year’s programme and eager to witness the development of our interns over the next six weeks. This enhanced internship experience underscores Beaches Turks & Caicos’ dedication not only to providing invaluable career exposure but also to cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals who may become integral members of the resort’s team in the future. By offering a hands-on, immersive experience combined with direct feedback channels, the programme will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry demands, strengthening the hospitality sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
Celebrating its 17th year, the resorts prestigious Summer Internship Programme has been a cornerstone in introducing local students to the world of hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over 1500 locals have benefited from the programme, with many going on to secure full-time employment at Beaches and progressing to senior management positions within the resort. Others have charted diverse career paths, crediting the programme for fostering their early learning and growth, as affirmed by Sabrina Green who shared, “I’m proud to say I’m a Summer Internship Programme alum. What I received at Beaches was more than training. It was branding. It was a mindset. It encouraged me to set the bar high and to never settle for anything less than excellence. The experience provided professional grounding that eventually led to my appointment as chair of the Board of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands. I carried the Beaches ethos into every boardroom, every negotiation and every decision.”
The Beaches Summer Internship Programme remains a source of pride for the resort's community developmental mission, providing valuable opportunities for residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to gain hands-on experience and learn new skills while enhancing their employability and contributions to the growth and success of their communities.
US measles cases hit highest number in 33 years: CDC
Measles cases in the United States have reached their highest number in more than 30 years, according to new federal data published Wednesday.
There have been 1,288 confirmed measles cases across 38 states nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By comparison, the U.S. recorded 285 cases all of last year, CDC data showed.
This marks the highest number of cases since 1992. The previous high occurred in 2019 when the U.S. reported 1,274 cases.
Source- ABC