TURKS and Caicos Islands Premier Charles Washington Misick has saluted Sandals and Beaches resorts for the major economic impact they have had on the islands.

Alluding to the significant growth in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) since the opening of Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa (BTC) in 1997, Misick pointed to the major investment the luxury, all-inclusive chain provided through the work of former Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart, and the continued support by now Executive Chairman Adam Stewart.

In his keynote address at a recent ceremony for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sandals Corporate University (SCU) and Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), Misick said: “I used to meet Butch in Miami at Coconut Grove where we had many conversations about him potentially acquiring the hotel for the chain. He did so [in] 1997. Fast-forward to today, BTC has become a staple and one of the reasons why we’ve been able to do so much in these islands.”

Misick also lauded the continued work of the brand to empower the labour force, under the leadership of Adam Stewart.

“The partnership between SCU and TCICC was conceived with the vision of strengthening the local workforce. In under four months we’ve made remarkable progress. By elevating educational standards and creating job opportunities we’re not just enhancing the human development index for the Turks and Caicos Islands, we’re building a more efficient economy.
“The focus is on improving education, improving quality of life, but also, as a small country, we would like to be able to expose our young people to what is happening in the other corners of the Caribbean, and the world,” added Misick.
The memorandum of understanding is the second of its kind for SCU in the region, following a recent agreement with The UWI Global Campus.
In his remarks Stewart affirmed the significant role of SCU in the region, encouraging team members to embrace it as a catalyst for personal growth and self-improvement.

He also commended the partnership between SCU and TCICC, as he pointed to SCU’s commitment to providing internships annually as just a fraction of the exciting opportunities available through this collaboration.

“People are at the centre of what we do. The best thing you could do for the people of the Caribbean is to provide opportunities for education. The quintessential saying of teach an individual to fish as opposed to giving them a fish provides them with careers, exposure, and builds their confidence to be able to be the best version of themselves. In turn, they can achieve their own independent economic goals and dreams.

“So what we’re doing is just one more commitment to the Turks and Caicos Islands, to the people of the Caribbean, to say everything that we’ve learned we’re sharing with you. We are fully committed at Sandals Resorts International and will remain an absolute investor in this country,” said Stewart.

In her address on behalf of TCICC, president Dr Candice Williams said: “As we embark on this partnership with the SCU we recognise its transformative potential for our students and our country. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise we will enhance the quality of education and training and create pathways for our students to excel in their careers and become leaders in the industry.”

SCU will also work with TCICC to identify subject matter experts from Sandals and Beaches resorts to give guest lectures, provide input into the curriculum being developed for TCICC’s hospitality and tourism management programmes, and provide opportunities to promote enrolment of Sandals and Beaches team members in relevant programmes offered at TCICC.

Additionally, SCU will endeavour to facilitate the placement of up to 100 interns from TCICC within Sandals and Beaches resorts each year for work experience, and a formal internship programme for students at various levels.

SCU will also, where possible, provide the opportunity for TCICC students to gain international certifications through its partnerships with accrediting bodies in all aspects of hospitality management and technical related areas.