February 7-13, 2015
NEWS 19
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Industry leaders to be awarded during annual event BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE TURKS and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) is preparing for the seventh annual Star Awards on February 26 at the Tropicana Supper Club in
Providenciales. A press conference was held at the Regent Palms on Tuesday (February 3) to announce that this year there will be 15 categories, including the addition of two new categories.
Volunteers welcome at children’s home RESIDENTS with a little time to spare could make a huge difference to the lives of a group of children in Providenciales. Tanis Wake-Forbes, chair of the Providenciales Children’s Home (PCH) Board, spoke to the Weekly News this week about the joys of volunteering. “We are so lucky in that our community is filled with people from all walks of life and different experiences and skills,” she said on Monday (January 26). “To be able to pass on your knowledge to children who are eager to learn is very rewarding.” Those skilled in English, mathematics or science and an ability to teach small groups or individuals are highly sought after for after school tutoring. But most skills or talents can be of use at the home, said Wake-Forbes. Reading programmes, computer and IT training, cooking classes, arts and crafts, are all great projects to be involved with. Drivers that can spare time in the mornings, afternoons or weekends would be a great help for the school run or escorting the children to activities. The home is also in need of gardeners who can work with the children and staff planting and growing vegetables that often find their way onto the dinner table. Volunteers only need to give up a few hours of their time but it is important that they are able to commit to at least three months at a regular day and time. This will provide a sense of stability to the children and enable them to build a rapport with the visitors, Wake-Forbes explained. Those who can spare a full day each month are encouraged to take part in the Friends Day Out programme. “That will be an adult or an adult and their family, that has been vetted, and they will take one child, one day of the month for a fun day out. “They will go out with this family, experience their lifestyle, go to a barbecue, the beach, to a pool or kayaking, and spend that day with them. “The idea is not to buy them things but instead let them be the focal point of attention for that one day and enjoy a family outing.”
Provo Children’s Home, based in Chalk Sound, was established in January 2010 as a sanctuary for orphans or children in need - not to be confused with juvenile delinquents. Since then 63 children have been given shelter, food and care within its walls – ranging in time from a single overnight stay to several years in residence. Those wishing to volunteer at the home or find out more can contact Tanis Wake-Forbes on 231-5012 or email buildgroup@pch.tc, or manager Ashley Adams at 242-7197 or email ashley@pch.tc.
The first addition is the Hospitality Hero, where anyone in the community can nominate anyone to win. Karen Whitt general manager for the Regent Palms said nominations do not have to come from the tourism sector, they can actually come from any sector, and be anyone that the public feels plays a role in impacting hospitality in the country. The second is Fan Favourite where fans will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite overall winner online. She said: “It is really amazing because we have grown from strength to strength every single year. “Not only in terms of the community support, the sponsorships, the criteria, but the competition has gotten much stiffer as the years go on.” Whitt said that when she reflects on each event, she can tell that year after year each event has something special. “Being in the hospitality world, you’ve got to give your heart and your soul. “It’s the type of industry that requires a certain type of passion and
dedication.” MCs for the event will be Takara Bain and E Jay Saunders. Nicholette Thomas, office manager for TCHTA, said that there are from 100 to 130 nominees annually for the competition. “We have a criteria that is sent to our members because Star Awards is mostly for our members. “Some categories are chosen by judges and some are voted by the members.” Nominations will be taken online and there will be an online voting poll. The cost for tickets will be $75 per person. More information is available on the TCHTA Facebook page. Among judges are Colin Sterling
from CSC Insurance Brokers, Sean Brathwaite from Scotia Bank, Michelle Hosten, head of hospitality studies at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, and Tremmaine Harvey, Attorney at Law for Misick and Stanbrook. TCHTA represents a wide range of members from hotels and resorts to insurance companies and financial service providers, from watersports operators to catering outlets, from taxi drivers to human resources. The association aims to assist the organisations through networking opportunities, training, promotional activities and representation at all levels of decision-making in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the region.
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