SIX TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HOTELS AMONG WINNERS IN THE 2025 FORBES STAR AWARDS
Experience Turks and Caicos congratulates the Turks and Caicos Islands properties that are among the winners in the 2025 Forbes Star Awards.
Amanyara, Wymara Resort and Villas, and Seven Stars Resort were awarded Four-Star status, given to exceptional properties offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match. Como Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, and Somerset on Grace Bay were given a Recommended rating, which awards them for being excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities.
The Forbes Star Awards is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships. The awards are determined following visits by incognito inspectors who pose as everyday guests. They test hundreds of exacting standards that emphasise exceptional service, which accounts for 70 percent of a property’s rating. The quality and condition of the facilities account for the remaining 30 percent. The inspectors also assess the intangibles that help guests to have an unforgettable experience.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, congratulated the six properties, stating: “Turks and Caicos continues to set the bar for luxury travel, and these awards reaffirm our place among the best in the world. Congratulations to our winning properties and to the dedicated teams that made these achievements possible. Their commitment to excellence ensures that Turks and Caicos remains the premier destination for discerning travellers. With several new luxury resorts on the horizon, we are poised for even greater success, creating more opportunities for our people, enhancing visitor experiences, and strengthening our reputation as a leader in high-end hospitality.”
Mrs. Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) said: “The TCHTA is very proud of our properties and the consistently high standards they continue to uphold to make the Turks and Caicos a sought-after destination. Every year, our own Star Awards are dedicated to showcasing the excellence across the hospitality sector from the exceptional cuisine to the amazing service that puts us among the best in the world. Congratulations to the six properties and I look forward to seeing even more on that list in the future.”
In 2025, Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards honoured more than 2,000 properties in 85 countries.
Moratorium on Water Billing Ends; Billing Resumes April 17, 2025
The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, in collaboration with the Water Undertaking Department, announces that the moratorium on water billing officially ended at midnight on March 16, 2025. Consequently, the first set of bills under the resumed billing cycle will be issued on April 17, 2025.
The Water Undertaking Department recognizes the ongoing water supply challenges, particularly in northern Grand Turk, and sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience. We assure residents that we are actively working alongside Provo Water Company and our internal team to resolve these issues.
To enhance water supply reliability and capacity, the department is installing a new Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant capable of producing 1 million gallons of water per day, along with two 1-million-gallon storage tanks. These critical upgrades will significantly improve water availability across the island.
Additionally, we kindly request that all individuals who did not receive water during the moratorium period share their information with both the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities and the Water Undertaking Department to ensure accurate record-keeping and billing adjustments, where applicable.
We appreciate the public’s patience as we work diligently to complete these improvements. In the meantime, we encourage all residents to conserve water wherever possible to help manage demand.
The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities and the Water Undertaking Department remain committed to delivering sustainable and reliable water services and appreciate the community’s cooperation and understanding.
VIRTUAL ASSET CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING HELD IN THE TCI FOR THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS
The Turks and Caicos Islands Anti-Money Laundering Committee (AMLC), in partnership with the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), delivered a Virtual Assets Capacity Building Training in Providenciales from March 3rd - 7th, 2025.
The training introduced local law enforcement, regulatory supervisors, and related agencies to a basic understanding of virtual assets (cryptocurrencies), explaining how they work, their risks, and the opportunities they present. The training included a special workshop to raise awareness on virtual assets (cryptocurrency) for regulated businesses and the private sector.
The virtual assets training was conducted within the context of the National Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Weapons Proliferation Risk Assessment (NRA), which is currently underway in the Islands. As part of the NRA, it will help to inform the Cabinet’s decision-making regarding the development of a framework to regulate and supervise virtual assets.
The UNODC is an international organization that provides capacity-building training worldwide. The AMLC engaged the UNODC to assist the Turks and Caicos Islands in navigating this complex area, leveraging the UNODC's experience in other jurisdictions.
The Honourable Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Chair of the AMLC commented: “The training fostered both inter-agency collaboration and greater engagement with the private sector on considerations for the development of a proportionate and risk-sensitive regulatory framework for the supervision of virtual assets (cryptocurrency), thereby making the Turks and Caicos Islands not only compliant with international standards, but also competitive in the global market.”
US and Jamaica hold “constructive and productive discussions”
Prime Minister Andrew Holness Wednesday said he had “productive and constructive discussions” with the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as the two countries reinforced their bond of long standing friendship.
Holness said that the discussions focused on strengthening the partnership and expanding opportunities for collaboration.
“During our meeting we addressed several critical areas of cooperation, security…and we re-affirmed our commitment to enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crime, ensuring the collective safety of our citizens an mutually secured borders
“We discussed a global war on gangs and there is already significant policy alignment with both countries in this regard,” Holness told reporters, adding that the United States has been instrumental in supporting Jamaica’s efforts to bolster its marine awareness and intelligence surveillance capabilities, crucial in the fight against organised crime.
Holness said that discussions had also been held on “expanded and repurposing development assistance towards shared goals including security ,” adding this will significantly expand the cooperation between the two countries in fighting lottery scams, trans-national organised crimes, trafficking in guns and building safer communities.
“We are committed in ensuring that our partnership delivers results in driving down criminality and trafficking in this hemisphere,” Holness said.
Rubio said that while Washington may use another phrase other than “global war on crime, nonetheless “we are talking about the same problem.
“It is amazing if you look across the region and many parts of the world how many of the threats we face in the world now once came from an ideological terrorist organisation or from a nation state and are now coming from non governmental organisations who in some cases are more powerful than governments in some of theses countries.”
He said that it is a significant challenge, including in Haiti and “it is a multifaceted challenge.
“How many of the guns and weapons being used by gangs to commit acts of violence here in Jamaica are purchased in the United States and we want to commit to doing more to stopping the flow at the same time we want to do more to increasing your capacity…in helping Jamaica build its own capacity , its own ability to confront these challenges”.
He said that Washington is reactivating the center that will deals with lottery scamming, providing synthetic detection equipment for Jamaica forensic labs, another counter gang recruitment programme and providing intelligence software to combat gangs as well as night vision googles and technology.
The meeting also discussed the ongoing situation in Haiti where criminal gangs have been seeking to overthrow the government ever since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
“We look forward to continued partnership with the United States as we seek to work with the Haitian leadership and stakeholders to address the ongoing crises in Haiti,” Holness said, acknowledging that the situation in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country posses “ a huge threat to Haitians, regional stability and indeed to its close neighbours, including Jamaica.
“We agreed we must do everything we can to stablise the situation in Haiti so that they are better able to build capacity and address their political and humanitarian challenges”.
Holness said that on the issue of trade, with bilateral trade surpassing three billion dollars in 2023, “we explored avenues to further expand trade relations between our two countries, the renewal of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act…as a matter of critical importance for trade for ourselves and for all member CARICOM states.
Holness said the discussions also explored means to attract increased US investment into Jamaica’s emerging sectors, adding that “Jamaica is open for enhanced US investment across multiple sectors including energy and near shoring.
“I am confident that today will lead to tangible outcomes benefitting both our peoples and contributing to mutual stability and prosperity,” Holness said.
Rubio said that Washington is in the midst of realigning its trade policy “primarily to reset global trade in a way that is fair to the US after 20 or 30 years of what we believe is unfairness, not when it come sot Jamaica…
“From that will come new opportunities to create new alignments and new trade opportunities and I believe Jamaica is one of those places that together we both can benefit.”
Rubio said that he also believes there are opportunities for investment, particularly in energy.
He said the United States would be producing a lot of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) “which we have in abundance and we will seek to export.
“You cannot have manufacturing without reliable and affordable energy and it is one of those things I think we could continue, along with other things…to utilise the resource of the country ina responsible way.”
He said discussions were also on the tourism sector, promising to go back and re-look the travel advisories on Jamaica “to ensure that they do reflect the reality of the new numbers…when it comes to the murder rates and so forth.”
Rubio said one of the reasons he wanted to visit Jamaica today was to deal with the issue of aid.
“The United States is not getting out of the aid business. We are going to be providing foreign aid. The difference is w e want to provide foreign aid in a way that is strategically aligned with our foreign policy priorities and the priorities of our host countries…that we are partners with.
“How it has worked in the past is that USAID or some other entity would come into a country and say this is what we think you need and they go and hire an NGO and they are the ones that convince them that’s what you need and give them a bunch of money and they come into the country and they do things.
“Some of these programmes are fine, they are nice things, other times no so much,” he said, adding “how we want it to be in the future is out embassies are involved with our host governments…and we ask them what are your needs and we provide assistance geared towards the needs of the nation state that is hosting us,” Rubio added.
Source-CMC
St. Vincent PM warns of “severe blows” to Caribbean economies as a result of USTR
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Wednesday that the region could face severe economic problems if the United States goes ahead with a proposal to impose a port fee of one million US dollars per port call on any Chinese-built vessel calling at US ports.
“I want everybody to listen to me carefully. This matter, if implemented as proposed by the US it will be one of the most severe blows to the economies of the Caribbean.” Gonsalves said during his weekly radio programme on the state-owned NBC radio,” adding, “I don’t want to be hysterical”.
Gonsalves said that the matter had been discussed during last Friday’s virtual meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, as well as with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) last Tuesday.
The US government’s investigation into China’s dominance in shipbuilding, maritime and logistics started under the Biden administration and in January, the USTR issued its findings on the matter.
In a statement on February 21, the USTR said that “to obtain the elimination of China’s acts, policies, and practices, and in light of China’s market power over global supply, pricing, and access in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, USTR proposes to impose certain fees and restrictions on international maritime transport services related to Chinese ship operators and Chinese-built ships, as well as to promote the transport of US goods on US vessels.”
The high fees being proposed are seen as a way to channel more shipbuilding back to the United States.
CPSO president, Dr. Patrick Antoine, has already informed the USTR that the fees would lead to “astronomical levels,” the increased cost of goods being moved out of US ports into the Caribbean.
“Indeed, the social and economic ramifications of any such measures by the United States is unthinkable,” Antoine said, adding “the CPSO also recognises the immediate jeopardy which any measure as may be under consideration by the USTR, will hold for CARICOM member states, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname, among others, where well over 50 per cent of the ships plying these routes are Chinese constructed”
Gonsalves said that the move by Washington is also intended to penalise the future purchase of Chinese-made vessels “by entities wishing to access the US market, both inbound and outbound.
“So they are targeting existing Chinese vessels, and they are deterring the future purchase of such vessels by entities going in or coming out of the US,” he said, adding that “these punitive charges target Chinese operators of vessels directly as well as the fleets which operate with Chinese-built vessels.
“So they want to deal with the Chinese operates and they want to deal with the Chinese fleets and in the process privileging US interest an US built vessels,” Gonsalves told radio listeners.
“They are penalising the Chinese operators and the Chinese ships, which already exist. They are penalising the operator who ordering ships,” Gonsalves said. “If you want to take US goods out, 20 percent must be on a US flag ship or US-built ship.
Gonsalves said the Caribbean trade has links with the United States, “so we are really exposed to the harmful effects of these policy measures as the main shipping lines serving the region are comprised of a significant number of Chinese-built ships, mostly plying routes linked to ports in Southern Florida.
“The primary operators on these routes as you know, are Tropical Shipping…which has at least 47 per cent of its fleet built in China. Seaboard Marine, another company which ply our area, with around 48 percent of its fleet built in China, and King Ocean, with about 25 percent of the fleet built in China,” Gonsalves said, noting that there are other major shipping lines that have announced plans to expand their fleet.
He said these companies intend to do so using the Jones Act, a shortened version of the Marine Act of 1920, “which mandates that goods exported between US ports must be carried on vessels built, owned and crewed by Americans aiming to support the domestic maritime industry.
“You could see straight away that Tropical Shipping and Seaboard Marine…ships with substantial Chinese fleet going to have some challenges,” Gonsalves added.
Source-CMC
US vows to protect Guyana, issues warning to Venezuela
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Venezuela that if it attacks oil assets in Guyana’s Stabroek Block or takes military action against Guyana it would face tough consequences.
Rubio was speaking during a press conference here on Thursday, following a bilateral meeting with President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
“It would be a very bad day for the Venezuelan regime if they were to attack Guyana or attack ExxonMobil or anything like it…..it would not end well for them. I’m not going to get into details of what we’ll do.”
The Secretary of State also pointed to the presence of a US Navy vessel currently in Guyana’s waters, saying this is “demonstrating our ability”.
He added that the US has a “big navy” and “we have commitments that exist today with Guyana.”
“We want to build on those, expand on those and we’ll leave it for the appropriate time, but suffice it to say that if, if that regime were to do something, such as that it would be a very bad move, it would be a big mistake for them,” he said.
On March 1, Venezuela, sent a military offshore patrol vessel into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and communicated with a number of ExxonMobil-operated floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels and other vessels, telling them that they were in Venezuelan waters that are disputed and yet to be delimited with Guyana.
Meanwhile, Ali pledged to afford the United States special treatment in exchange for Washington’s support for its defence and other areas.
Speaking during the news conference the president said they discussed the impact that the imposition of fines on China-built ships would have on the Caribbean. It was at that juncture that he was quick to point out that Guyana would be flexible with the US, a “great friend of ours”.
‘I will say very boldly that such friends must have some different and preferential treatment because a friend who will defend me when I need a friend to defend me, must be a friend that enjoys some special place in our hearts and in our country, and that will be the case,” he said.
Ali also said the US has made it very clear that it would “stand” by Guyana in its development, economic expansion, security and defence.
President Donald Trump’s administration said it envisioned a relationship with Guyana akin to those with oil-rich Gulf Arab nations>
“The security of Guyana is a key priority for us in the same way that we have been working with countries in the Gulf states to ensure the security cooperation from the regional threats there,” said Mauricio Claver-Carone, the US special envoy on Latin America.
Rubio, who flew to Guyana after talks in Jamaica, will also stop later Thursday in neighbourimg Suriname, whose own oil production is on the rise.
Source-CMC
Trinidad PM says meeting with US Secretary of State was “very good”
Prime Minister Stuart Young Thursday said he held “successful” discussions with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio on Wednesday and that he remains confident that Trinidad and Tobago’s oil agreements with Venezuela to develop the energy sector will not be significantly affected.
Young, speaking at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting, told reporters that during his meeting with Rubio in Jamaica, Port of Spain had been able to advocate what is best for the country and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM) after Washington had earlier announced a new directive that eliminates oil and gas licenses for foreign companies in Venezuela.
“I took the opportunity to start out by emphasising that Trinidad and Tobago is an ally of the United States, the importance of the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States,” Young told reporters, “we are also making it clear that Trinidad and Tobago is seven miles off the coast of Venezuela.
“We are the closest Caribbean island to the South American continent and that the role we play in between that relationship, between Venezuela, the United States, Europe etc. It was recognised that Trinidad and Tobago is a leader in CARICOM,” Young old reporters.
Trinidad and Tobago has been planning to request an extension from Washington for a license granted to Shell and the National Gas Company (NGC) to develop the Dragon gas project in Venezuela.
The license, initially issued in early 2023, allows the companies to proceed with planning the project, which aims to supply gas to Trinidad by 2027. The Dragon field is located in Venezuelan waters near the maritime border with Trinidad.
In 2023, the US amended the license to permit payments to Venezuela and its state company PDVSA in hard currency or in kind, extending its expiration to October 2025. Shell and NGC require an extension to begin production following their final investment decision (FID) expected this year.
US State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, speaking following the talks between Young and Rubio, said the American official had thanked Prime Minister Young for “Trinidad and Tobago’s cooperation to promote energy security, deepen our security partnership, and enhance coordination on the deportation of illegal aliens”.
Young said at all times during the meeting “there was mutual respect and an understanding of both country’s positions on certain policy matters.
“It gave me…the opportunity first hand to discuss with the Secretary of State the matters in energy. They had as one of the items as did we, the need to discuss energy security, not only for us here domestically, but throughout the region and as I emphasised we also do supply LNG (liquified natural gas) products to Chile in South America, …and in the past to the eastern seaboard of the United States”.
Young said he then took the discussion to the “Dragon gas deal, to our relationship with Venezuela and emphasised the importance of it, not only to Trinidad and Tobago, but I was able to set out how it will also affect the rest of the CARICOM region because of the important role we play in supporting some of our CARICOM brother and sister nations throughout the region.
“That was accepted,” Young said, adding “yesterday was a day that was a good day for Trinidad and Tobago.
He said as a result he was able to get into some level of “granular detail and discuss with the Secretary of State, who is one of the main people who is going to be charged with determining the policy to deal with Venezuela, and particular energy going forward exactly how this transaction is structured, the work we have already done with Shell to make it a reality and the effects that I will have in particular on the rest of the region.
“I was happy in that conversation Secretary of State Rubio did indicate that he was pleased with the information because he was getting it first hand. He understood and he said that US foreign policy is no way meant to affect or harm Trinidad and Tobago, in particular what we are doing for energy security”.
Young said that there was a recognition that “Trinidad and Tobago’s role in energy security is not limited to our domestic situation”.
Young said he also discussed ongoing exploration work in the gas and energy section “and his team understood that because these are the conversations I have been having with the decision makers in Washington for the past few years”.
The specific amended Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license issued to Trinidad and Tobago on October 17, 2023, is valid until October 31, 2025. Trinidad and Tobago also secured a 30-year exploration and production license from the government of Venezuela for the Dragon gas field on December 21, 2023.
Young, who is also the Energy and Energy Industries Minister, told reporters that with the Dragon field project “we are continuing…we haven’t slowed down.
“Understand please as our largest trading ally, the effects that can have if it doesn’t happen and Secretary of State Rubio is very very clear that he appreciated the opportunity to hear from us…and the effects it would have and he kept emphasising we are not going to harm Trinidad and Tobago”.
He told reporters that it would be speculative to discuss whether or not the OFAC license would be extended, adding, “what I can tell you, you could recall a few weeks ago Chevron licence was not continued …
“What has happened since then with that license…Chevron was then granted a further extension. Things are fluid,” he added.
Young said Trinidad and Tobago is making sure that “all of the eggs in the gas sector are not …in the Dragon basket” and welcomed the announcement on Thursday by bpTrinidad and Tobago (bpTT) regarding the Ginger gas development and exploration success at its Frangipani well.
The company said that taking FID on Ginger and discovering gas at Frangipani are the latest demonstrations of upstream activity this year for bp, in line with its strategy to grow its oil and gas business.
THE Ginger gas development off the southeast coast of Trinidad, which is expected to produce an average of 62,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, has officially been green-lit by bpTT. It said this project is set to be one of its ten major projects slated to start up in the next two years and that the first gas for the Ginger project is anticipated in 2027.
“I am very proud to announce these two milestones. With Frangipani, our objective was to prove that our continued progress in exploration and appraisal activity could unlock new fields and investment opportunities for the region. And the sanction of Ginger represents our commitment to continuing the development of resources in our existing acreage and to producing the gas that Trinidad and Tobago – and the world – needs,” said bpTT president, David Campbell .”
Ginger is located approximately 50 miles off Trinidad’s southeast coast in water depths of less than 300 feet. Drilling on the first well began in January and is expected to resume in Q4 of this year. Frangipani is located east of the existing Mahogany field, approximately 50 miles off the southeast coast.
Young also told reporters that the government has been “very engaged” on making Calypso, which is a deep water project a reality.
“The government completed the negotiations on the fiscal terms some time ago and it was then up to BP and Woodside to work out how they would be executing the project. We continue to be engaged with them, and I am told in the new few weeks, we should be able to come back to the population…and make announcements as to what’s going on there”.
Source-CMC
GOLD CUP-RESULTS CONCACAF Gold Cup
Results from matches in the Concacaf Gold Cup on Tuesday.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO beat CUBA 4-0 atthe Ato Boldon Stadium:
T&T: Isaiah Lee (22′, 37′), Kevin Molino (51′), Nathaniel James (84′).
SURINAME beat MARTINIQUE 1-0 at the Stade Municipal Pierre-Aliker:
SUR: Immanuel Pherai (80′).
JAMAICA beat ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES 3-0
JAM: Warner Brown (27′), Andrew Johnson (89′ OG), Renaldo Cephas (90’+4).
GUATEMALA beat GUYANA 2-0 at the Estadio Cementos Progreso:
GUA: Rubio Rubin (11′), Erick Lemus (76′).
GUADELOUPE beat NICARAGUA 1-0 at the Estadio Nacional de Futbol:
GDL: Raphael Mirva (64′).
COSTA RICA beat BELIZE 6-1 at the Estadio Nacional in Costa Rica.
CRC: Donell Arzu (1′ OG), Alejandro Bran (6′, 66′), Alonso Martínez (8′), Manfred Ugalde (36′), Álvaro Zamora (69′).
BEL: Carlos Bernárdez (47′).
HONDURAS beat BERMUDA 2-0 at Estadio José de la Paz Herrera Uclés:
HON: Jorge Benguché (53′), Luis Palma (57′).
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TCIFA Girls Festivals Supported by FIFA Women’s Football Campaign
On Saturday, March 15th, The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) proudly hosted a vibrant Girls Festival at the TCIFA National Academy in Providenciales, marking a significant milestone in the development of women’s football in the region. Supported by the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign, the event attracted over 103 enthusiastic young girls, with the majority of participants being unregistered new players, all eager to hone their skills and embrace the spirit of the game.
This festival is part of a broader initiative. The events are integral to FIFA’s global commitment to advancing women’s football and creating opportunities for girls to participate in sports. By supporting local initiatives like the TCIFA Girls Festivals, FIFA aims to inspire the next generation of female athletes and encourage widespread participation in football. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by participants underscored the growing passion for football among young girls in Turks and Caicos.
Building on this success, TCIFA announced upcoming girls' festivals across the islands. The next event will be held at the South Caicos Sports Complex on March 29th, followed by another at the Raymond Gardiner High School Grounds in North Caicos on April 5th. These festivals are open to all young girls, providing an opportunity to engage in football, develop their skills, and be part of an inspiring community of athletes.
The festivals not only focus on technical skills and gameplay but also emphasize teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. Interactive sessions are designed to inspire confidence and instill a sense of achievement, ensuring that each participant leaves with more than just improved football skills. The camaraderie and joy shared during these gatherings extend beyond the game, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Local coaches and volunteers play a crucial role in the success of these events. Their dedication and passion for the sport are instrumental in creating a nurturing environment where girls can thrive and pursue their love for football.
“As TCIFA continues to expand its reach and influence through these festivals, the hope is to create a ripple effect. Together, we can build a future where young girls everywhere have equal opportunities to shine in sports and where football becomes a powerful tool for empowerment and change. This initiative is a testament to the transformative power of sports and the commitment to fostering a vibrant community of young female athletes. Join us in celebrating the power of football to unite and empower young girls across Turks and Caicos,” commented TCIFA President Sonia Fulford.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE COMMEMORATES SOCIAL WORK MONTH
The Department of Social Development and Welfare, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, celebrated Social Work Month under the theme “Compassion + Action” through a series of impactful events. A key highlight was the rededication and blessing ceremony on March 20, 2025, at St. Monica’s Anglican Church in Providenciales. The ceremony featured a moving performance by Clement Howell High School students, a Social Work Litany led by Acting Permanent Secretary Ms.
Keisha Taylor, and a Child Safeguarding Pinning Ceremony. Notable attendees included Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Hon. Otis Morris, Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang, Reverend Desiree Johnson, DPS Keisha Taylor, and Ms. Giselle Armbrister (Social Work Intern). During the event, 26 social workers were officially pinned as Child Safeguarding Ambassadors.
Social workers also participated in a virtual Trauma-Informed Self-Care workshop on March 20, led by UK-based expert Le’Siran Edwards. This session explored self-care as a holistic approach that acknowledges the effects of trauma while promoting healing, resilience, and well-being. Strategies included creating safe spaces, fostering self-awareness, and adopting recovery-focused practices.
From March 20-22, social workers convened for a retreat in the scenic twin islands, focusing on team-building, training, and community service. Among the key sessions was Family and Children Risk Assessment, presented by Dr. Samantha Phippard, Service Development Lead at Hampshire Council, UK. Dr. Phippard introduced techniques for evaluating risks and protective factors within family systems that affect children’s safety, well-being, and development. Using the "War Plan and Parable of Resilience," she illustrated the significance of reinforcing undamaged areas of bullet-riddled planes, reflecting the hidden protective factors that support resilience within family assessments.
Another standout session, Empowering Ourselves to Find Balance, was led by Social Work Therapist Candace Washington, founder of The Production Wellness House and Restorative Mind Therapeutic Wellness. She emphasized the necessity of balancing personal needs with community and family responsibilities. Her “Rest-Reset-Restore” approach inspired participants to practice self-care, prioritize well-being, and sustain resilience.
The retreat’s highlight was an exhilarating 3.5-hour scavenger hunt, where five teams of social workers—Resource Rangers, Change Makers, Mission Possible, Advocacy Avengers, and Community Champions—competed in challenges blending physical obstacles and social work trivia. Participants engaged in tasks such as bicycle races and other demanding activities that tested their endurance, teamwork, and knowledge. The Resource Rangers emerged victorious, excelling in all challenges.
The retreat concluded with an Elderly Give Back initiative, during which social workers distributed care packages to the elderly community in Middle Caicos, underscoring the department's dedication to uplifting and supporting this vital population.
Beyond professional development, the retreat underscored the transformative role social workers play in individual lives and the broader community. It provided social workers with a chance to recharge, enhance their skills, and reflect on their pivotal contributions to social change and resilience.
