Beaches Turks and Caicos: Transforming lives through community outreach
Having participated in several educational outreach efforts in different schools throughout Providenciales on previous visits, Robb returned with a better understanding of what some of the needs of the wider society are.
Ginn uses her skill of organization and knowledge of the travel industry to serve her community service groups both locally and internationally. Knowing her passion for education, caring and outreach, once she made a request among her peers for unused copies of the literature to be provided, she received more than she had bargained for but left nothing behind. Titles of some of the study guides are, “From Wonder to Rejection”, From Conquest to Kingdom” and “From Captivity to Restoration”.
Accompanied by Orville Morgan and Jodian Scott-Banton, the Public Relations team at Beaches Turks and Caicos, Ginn visited the Jericho Baptist Church and the New Life Worship Centre.
Jericho Baptist Church, Administrative Assistant, Katerine Prospere received the donation on behalf of Pastor Pedro Williams, a respected stalwart in the community, known for his active engagement with the youth through sports and skills training. During the handover, Ginn said: “I am pleased with what the church has been doing to uplift youth and empower the disenfranchised. I am happy to have this opportunity to support such a worthy cause. By reading the literature many will be inspired to be a positive agent of change in their community.”
In response to the generous and timely donation Katerine beamed, “Thank you all for coming. When I was informed that you were coming, I had no idea what to expect but this has truly been a blessing. I know these books will be well utilized and I can’t wait to get started.”
The visit to the New Life Worship Centre was one of serendipitous connections. Ginn and the Sandals Foundation team were warmly welcomed by Pastor Derek Hanna and wife, Nicola Hanna. The conversational exchange revealed that Pastor Hanna’s mother, Helena Green, had worked at Beaches Turks and Caicos as a hostess at the Reflections restaurant between 1998 and 2002, and that Nicola, had also worked at Beaches as a Weddings and Sales Assistant in 1999 when Robbie Ginn made her first visit to Beaches Turks and Caicos. The two marveled over the fact that they may very well have crossed paths at that time and how this donation has allowed them to establish a direct connection twenty – four (24) years later.
Ginn said, “In places where I have been, there are many people whose lives are falling apart and we need to find a way to reach them so they can help reach others. I hope that this donation will help provide an opportunity for moral guidelines and principles to be strengthened among the members of the community thus promoting virtues such as honesty, compassion, and empathy.”
Pastor Hanna commended the initiative, saying, “Though we would not have been aware, Robbie was inspired to prepare for us. There was already a blessing on the way before we even asked. Thank you to the Sandals Foundation for considering us.”
Nicola, who also serves as the Principal of the church subsidized school, Alpha Christian Academy, added, “Our school will also benefit immensely from the literature that you have shared with us. This, I hope, will contribute to the students’ overall character development, provide comfort during challenging times and promote a positive mindset.”
Orville Morgan, Public Relations Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos noted that the initiative has sparked enthusiasm among other community stakeholders. “This initiative is viewed as a catalyst of unification. This is a step in the right direction as it promotes dialogue and fosters a spirit of tolerance among diverse community groups.”
As the donated books find their place in the hands and hearts of readers, the Sandals Foundation anticipates the positive transformation of the moral and intellectual landscape of the community.
