PROVIDENCIALIES – The Premier and First Lady of Turks & Caicos Islands were both bowled over with the production of the recently-concluded 3rd annual Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival, which ended here at the weekend.
The festival attracted an impressive list of local and international artists, including Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee; local reggae group Stanley Roots; 2004 American Idol winner Fantasia; internationally acclaimed reggae band Steel Pulse; Grammy-award winning hip-hop artist Ludacris; Grammy-winning gospel songstress Yolanda Adams and the reputed queen of blue-eyed soul, Teena Marie.
“We had a bigger turnout than I imagined and I can only imagine that it’s going to get bigger and better every year,” said African American actress LisaRaye McCoy, wife of Premier Dr. Michael Misick, who thoroughly enjoyed the festival. “We’re one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean, (and) to some extent we want to keep it that way, (but) the purpose of this festival is to have a calendar event for residents and citizens, but also (one where) tourists and visitors can come and enjoy true Turks & Caicos hospitality,” said Dr. Misick, a British-trained lawyer.
Premier and First Lady
Photo by: Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board
Friendly people, a peaceful and safe environment, some of the best beaches in the word and heavenly turquoise waters are factors that contribute towards an exciting partnership between the Turks & Caicos Islands and BET Digital Networks, producers and promoters of the festival. “BET has helped us to reach some of the markets, particularly the African American market, that we were unable to reach in the past,” said Premier Misick, who has made a personal effort to reach out to African American tourists and investors. “I see a bright future (with BET),” said Dr. Misick, whose wife also wants to play her part in growing business on the islands. She said: “We are all Black people from the same descent (and) I think the power of our union brings curiosity, and with that I am going to be able to bring a bit of Hollywood to Turks & Caicos – that’s exactly what I want to do.”
Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
BET Digital Networks
“It has once again been a distinct pleasure to join forces with the Turks & Caicos Islands for the annual Music and Cultural Festival, in a beautiful part of the world,” said Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with BET Digital Networks, who enjoyed the festival experience so much that she has plans to return on vacation later this year.
