Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Charles Washington Misick, has praised Sandals Resorts International (SRI) for its major economic impact on the territory’s GDP since the opening of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa (BTC) in 1997.

Sandals Corporate University (SCU) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) have partnered to further develop the territory’s hospitality industry.

The MoU signing is the second of its kind for the SCU in the region, following a recent agreement with the UWI Global Campus.

Speaking during his keynote address at the recent ceremony for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, Misick spoke about the major investment SRI provided through the work of former chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart, and the continued support by now Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart.

“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 the following year, 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,” said Misick.

Additionally, he 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 (HDI) for the Turks and Caicos Islands, we’re building a more efficient economy,” said Misick.

“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,” he continued. 

Held at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the ceremony was also attended by Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Rachel Taylor, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management, Josephine Connolly, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, President and CEO of TCICC, Dr Candice Williams along with other dignitaries and leaders.

Taylor praised the partnership, adding that it represents, “a visionary initiative aimed at harnessing our collective strengths to bolster a sector that is vital to our economy. As we formalise this agreement, we are planting seeds for a future that holds unparalleled opportunities for our students, educators, and the hospitality industry at large.” 

In his remarks, Adam Stewart affirmed the significant role of the SCU in the region, encouraging team members to embrace it as a catalyst for personal growth and self-improvement. He also commended the partnership with SCU and TCICC, noting SCU’s commitment to providing internships annually is 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 ‘teach an individual to fish as opposed to giving them a fish’, provides them with careers, and 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.

TCICC President and CEO Dr Candice Williams added, “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.”

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

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

SCU will also provide the opportunity for TCICC students international certifications through their partnerships with accrediting bodies in all aspects of hospitality management and technical-related areas.