Minister Taylor Says Beaches Provides Hope for TCI’s Young People

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor has praised Beaches Turks and Caicos for providing meaningful opportunities and renewed hope to young people across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Minister Rachel Taylor addressing the Beaches 2026 Beaches Interns Graduation at the Caribbean Village on Thursday, August 13

She delivered the remarks during the resort’s 2026 Summer Internship Graduation Ceremony, held on Thursday, August 13, at the Caribbean Village Conference Room.

Approximately 120 students graduated from the programme after gaining practical experience across various departments at the resort.

Minister Taylor commended Beaches for its continued investment in youth development and for operating one of the country’s largest private-sector internship programmes.

She said the initiative demonstrates the value of cooperation between the Government and the private sector.

“This opportunity that has been presented to you is a clear indication of a true partnership between you and Beaches Turks and Caicos,” she told the interns.

The Minister said participants were given an opportunity to explore possible careers in tourism, develop workplace skills and gain experience that would remain valuable long after the summer ended.

While some interns may have initially joined the programme to earn money during the school break, she said they were leaving with something even more important, a wealth of knowledge and practical experience.

Interns entertain the audience with a well-choreographed dance

Minister Taylor also thanked the resort’s management, mentors and programme coordinators for supporting the interns and creating an environment in which they could learn and grow.

She recalled instances in which Beaches responded quickly when asked to assist vulnerable and unemployed young people. In one case, she said, a young man who had been out of school for three years and did not have a job was promptly offered a place in the programme.

The Minister said this level of collaboration was helping to “provide hope for the young people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

She encouraged the graduates to take advantage of employment opportunities offered by Beaches and other businesses throughout the country. She also challenged them to become the change they wanted to see in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Minister Taylor paid particular attention to the country’s young men, urging them not to allow negative stereotypes or poor choices to determine their futures.

“You can be the best version of yourselves, but you have to make that decision,” she said. “No one can make it for you.”

She advised the interns to choose their friends wisely, remain focused and continue trying even when they encounter setbacks.

“The road ahead is not always paved with gold,” the Minister said. “There will be trials and there will be tribulations.”

However, she reminded the young people that the Turks and Caicos Islands had demonstrated its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and could continue to overcome challenges.

A section of the audience  in the room

Beaches Turks and Caicos General Manager Deryck Meany also congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to consider careers in hospitality, which he described as critically important to the national economy.

Meany invited the graduates to return as interns or become permanent members of the resort’s team.

Minister Taylor concluded by congratulating the interns, their parents and everyone who helped to make the programme possible.

She assured the young people that the Government would continue working with its partners to empower them and help them realise their potential.