Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 26th October 2023 -The Turks and Caicos Islands Government proudly announces the appointment of Mrs. Donessia Gardiner-Skippings, a returning student and trained professional, as the Quality Assurance Officer within the Ministry of Tourism's Department of Tourism Regulations.
This appointment marks a significant addition to the team responsible for ensuring exceptional experiences for travelers and upholding the highest standards of service and satisfaction.
Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings, hailing from the picturesque island of Grand Turk, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. Her journey through life and across various industries has equipped her with a diverse skill set that is invaluable for her new position.
Starting her educational journey in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings graduated from Eliza Simmons Primary School and later from Clement Howell High School in Providenciales. Her early experiences in Sales, Office Administration, and Banking, including roles as a Teller at TCI Bank and CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, provided her with a solid foundation.
After serving as the Secretary/Receptionist at the TCI Human Rights Commission, Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings embarked on a quest for further education and legal knowledge. She relocated to the United Kingdom, where she achieved significant milestones in her academic and professional journey.
Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings now holds an Associate degree level certificate in Business and Law from The Manchester College (2016) and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) in Law with Politics from the University of Manchester (2020). She is currently in the process of completing her Bar Training Course and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Legal Practice.
During her time in the UK, Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings’ dedication to law and advocacy led her to work at the Greater Manchester Law Centre as a Legal Advocacy Support Project Caseworker in 2019. In this role, she advocated for vulnerable individuals who needed to appeal decisions that could prevent them from receiving Employment Support Allowance benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions at Tribunal. Her commitment to justice and her passion for the welfare of others shone brightly.
In 2021, Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings had the privilege of undertaking a virtual mini-pupillage with Prudhoe Caribbean. This experience provided her with invaluable insight into a wide range of legal areas, including a landmark case involving immigration asylum. Her legal journey continued with roles as a Litigation Executive in the Fraud Department at Horwich Farelley Solicitors and as a Housing Disrepair Paralegal at Veritas Solicitors in 2022.
Upon her return to the Turks and Caicos Islands earlier this year, Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings found a new home within the public service. Her appointment as the Quality Assurance Officer within the Ministry of Tourism is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her country and her commitment to making it a more attractive and welcoming destination for travelers and investors alike.
Commenting on her appointment, Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings said:
"I am delighted to accept the position of Quality Assurance Officer within the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Tourism Regulations. I look forward to contributing my expertise to ensure exceptional experiences for travelers and to uphold the highest standards of service and satisfaction. It is my earnest desire to elevate quality standards and ensure that our nation becomes an even more attractive and welcoming destination for travelers and investors alike."
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, extended her congratulatory remarks:
"I am happy to extend my warmest congratulations to Mrs. Donessia Gardiner-Skippings, a returning student and trained professional, on her appointment as the Quality Assurance Officer within the Ministry of Tourism.
Donessia's impressive educational achievements and her extensive legal experience will have a profound impact on our public service and tourism regulatory sector. We are grateful for her commitment to making the Turks and Caicos Islands an even more welcoming and attractive destination. Her dedication to upholding high-quality standards will undoubtedly make a significant difference, and we look forward to her contributions in the years to come.
Mrs. Gardiner-Skippings' appointment marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to enhance the quality and appeal of the Turks and Caicos Islands to travelers and investors alike.
Congratulations and welcome to the public service, Donessia!”
