2025 speakers

 H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam
Governor
Turks & Caicos Islands

Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam is the 16th Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), having assumed office on June 29 2023. 

As Governor, HE Daniel-Selvaratnam represents the British Crown in territory and is responsible for ensuring the effective administration of government, external affairs, defence, internal security and the regulation of financial services, while also supporting the development of key policies and initiatives that enhance the well-being and security of the islands. 

Prior to her current appointment, HE Daniel-Selvaratnam served as Governor of Anguilla from January 2021 to June 2023. 

A British lawyer and senior civil servant, HE Daniel-Selvaratnam brings over two (2) decades of public service experience and governance to her role. Her civil service career includes key roles within the British Government, such as Policy Advisor at the Department for Constitutional Affairs, Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Justice, and Deputy Director of Strategy and Change at HM Courts and Tribunals Service. She also served as Director of Strategy and Change at the Insolvency Service and later as Director for the Grenfell Tower Independent Public Inquiry in the Cabinet Office. 

A law graduate of University College London, she was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1999 and earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Public International Law from the University of London in 2000. 

H.E. Anya Williams
Deputy Governor and Head of Public Service
Turks & Caicos Islands

Her Excellency Anya Williams has been an influential figure in the governance of the Turks and Caicos Islands since her appointment as Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service on October 15, 2012. With a career that spans over two decades, she has established herself as a dedicated public servant and a leader committed to the development of her community.

H.E. Williams has a solid foundation in financial and legal studies. She holds an Associate Degree in English, Law, and Accounting from the Barbados Community College. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Florida International University in Miami, Florida, where she earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree with Honors in Accounting. This advanced education has equipped her with the analytical skills and leadership strategies essential for managing the complexities of public service. H.E. Williams also holds a Certificate of Leadership Excellence (CLE) in Executive Development from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education in Boston, USA.

H.E. Williams joined the Turks and Caicos Islands Government as the Budget Director in the Ministry of Finance. Her strong performance in this position led to her promotion in April 2012 to Permanent Secretary of Finance, where she provided strategic guidance. Her exceptional skills and leadership qualities quickly earned her the position of the second Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in October 2012, where she has continued to excel over the last thirteen years.

As the Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Williams is responsible for overseeing and managing a diverse workforce of more than 2,000 employees. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in ensuring the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of public administration within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In addition to her professional achievements, she is a firm believer in civic responsibility and community engagement. Her approach is rooted in the belief that strong community relationships and partnerships can yield transformative results. Over the years, she has worked alongside various entities to raise awareness and funds for significant local causes.

One of her recent accomplishments includes the successful organisation of the inaugural Deputy Governor’s 5K event, which raised over $75,000. The proceeds from this event benefitted both the National Cancer Society and the United Way of Turks and Caicos Islands, reflecting her commitment to addressing critical health and social issues within the community.

In her personal life, H.E. Williams is family-oriented and prioritises the importance of family and community well-being. She remains dedicated to fostering a culture of support and collaboration, believing that by working together, there is much that can be achieved for the betterment of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hon. Charles Washington Misick – MSc; MBA; MCIArb; OBE; JP; MHA
Premier & Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Investment, and Trade
Turks and Caicos Islands Government

Honourable Charles Washington Misick was educated in Economics, Business, Accounting and Finance at the undergraduate level at the University of Technology Jamaica and London School of Accountancy United Kingdom. He has worked in the field of auditing and accounting in several professional firms, including a ‘big four’ firm, as well as a short stint in banking.

He holds two post graduate degrees in Project Management and Business Administration; certificates in Leadership, Conflict Resolution and Development from John F. Kennedy School of Government; he is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; recipient of the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), TCI – Long Service Medal; a Justice of the Peace; a former Chief Minister, Minister of Tourism; Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade; a three term Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and is now the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Leader of the Progressive National Party.

Honourable Misick is an entrepreneur with experience as a real estate broker, property developer and in hospitality management and financial services. He is married to former Miss Turks & Caicos Islands, Delthia Russell. He is the father of seven children and seven grandchildren and is a member of the Seventh-Day-Adventist congregation.

Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor
Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture
Turks and Caicos Islands

Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor, a proud native of South Caicos, has dedicated her life to education, community upliftment, and national development. Her academic journey spans respected institutions including Mico Teacher’s College in Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, and Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom.

For more than two decades, Hon. Taylor served at the Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, first as a teacher and later as principal. Her leadership transformed the institution into a model of inclusivity, creativity, and holistic learning. Guided by her belief that every child is unique and deserving of a dynamic, nurturing environment, she championed programs that strengthened students’ academic, emotional, social, and cultural development. Under her stewardship, the school became a vibrant space where children from all backgrounds could learn, play, and thrive.

Hon. Taylor’s commitment to community partnerships is well recognized. She forged strong relationships with local businesses, churches, and civic organizations, earning her the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International of Providenciales. She has served as Past President and National Programme Action Leader of Soroptimist International of Providenciales, advocating for the advancement of women and girls. Her leadership extended to Crime Stoppers International of Providenciales, where she supported collaborative efforts between law enforcement, the media, and the community. She also became the first Coordinator of the Neighbourhood Watch Programme in the Chalk Sound community.

Her compassion and service were further demonstrated during the COVID‑19 pandemic through her work with NGOs TCI, a coalition that provided critical support to vulnerable residents. For her contributions, she received the Human Rights Pandemic Hero’s Award presented by the Governor.

From 2015 to 2021, Hon. Taylor served as Manager of the Provo Children’s Home, ensuring that orphans and vulnerable children received comprehensive care, educational support, and opportunities for personal growth.

Hon. Taylor entered public life driven by a deep sense of duty and a desire to serve her people at a national level. Although unsuccessful in the 2016 General Elections, she remained steadfast in her advocacy. On February 19, 2021, she was elected Member of Parliament for Five Cays, Chalk Sound, and South Dock under the Progressive National Party. She was first appointed Minister of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services in February 2021.

During her tenure, she oversaw several landmark initiatives. In April 2022, the National Unemployment Benefits Program was implemented through the National Insurance Scheme, providing vital income protection for unemployed workers. In June 2022, she launched the TCI Career Bridge Program, an internship and apprenticeship initiative designed to enhance employability among young graduates and postgraduate students. The first cohort completed the program in August 2022.

A strong advocate for lifelong learning, Hon. Taylor led the establishment of Free Access to the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) in September 2022, expanding educational opportunities for residents across the country.

In December 2022, she advanced the Living Wage Policy, which included an increase in the minimum wage and the introduction of key social support programs:

• The National School Feeding and Nutrition Program across all public schools
• The Early Start Day Care Assistant Programme
• The Social Enrichment Academic Progrmme (SEAP) in all public schools

Today, Hon. Taylor serves as Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture. Under her leadership, the Ministry has continued to strengthen national human capital development. In 2024, she oversaw the establishment of the Special Education Needs Services Department, expanding educational and therapeutic support for neurodiversity students across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Her commitment to early childhood development culminated in the passage of the Early Childhood Policy in 2025, a national framework guiding the care, development, and education of children from birth to age eight, recognizing these formative years as foundational to the nation’s future.

In 2026, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, a milestone reflecting Hon. Taylor’s emphasis on quality assurance and alignment with regional and international standards. This achievement signals to stakeholders that TCICC’s programmes are structured, reliable, and continuously improving.

Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor is widely regarded as a dedicated public servant whose work ethic, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to shape the nation’s educational and social landscape.

Hon, Kyle Knowles
MP Wheeland & West Caicos
Minister of Health and Human Services

Hon. Kyle Knowles was raised in Blue Hills and has deep roots in North Caicos and Providenciales. He is married and together both he and his wife, Latanja have two children, Sophia and Kyle Jr. He has resided in the Wheeland community for the past 25 years, which he is serving as the Member of Parliament in his second term. Hon. Knowles began his career in the private sector, particularly the banking industry, accumulating over a decade of financial experience before entering the civil service in 2015.

Service History: Hon. Kyle Knowles is the Member of Parliament for the Wheeland and West Caicos Constituency (District 10). One of the youngest members of the Cabinet, he was first appointed to the Executive in March 2024, initially serving as Minister of Public Safety and Utilities before assuming his current role as Minister of Health and Human Services. Prior to his current cabinet position, Hon. Knowles served as a Member of Parliament, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Solid Waste Task Force, giving him direct experience in environmental health and waste management issues. His ministerial portfolio now encompasses both health and human services, with a strong emphasis on preventive care, health system reform, and cross-sector collaboration.

Key Achievements: Since taking the helm of the Ministry of Health, Hon. Knowles has made significant improvements in national healthcare infrastructure and delivery. Committed to equitable access, he has reinstated full-time clinical services on all family islands, while strengthening the NHIP and Treatment Abroad Programme through strategic regional partnerships, ensuring residents receive world-class care.

Personal Philosophy: Hon. Knowles is a God‑fearing man and faithful member of Community Fellowship Centre Church, guided by integrity, honesty, empathy, and loyalty. He believes in confronting challenges head‑on to achieve the best results and is committed to ensuring that the voices of his constituents are heard and their needs are met with proactive, compassionate leadership.

Hon. Arlington Musgrove
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development
Turks & Caicos Islands

Hon. Arlington Musgrove was born on December 11, 1966, in Grand Bahama, and grew up in a family deeply rooted in community service. From a young age, he exhibited a strong sense of civic responsibility and a keen interest in infrastructure development. Musgrove excelled academically, pursuing formal education in construction engineering and management, which laid the foundation for his distinguished career in the construction industry.

Throughout his professional journey, Musgrove has gained extensive expertise in construction, specializing in large-scale projects that emphasize innovation, sustainability, and quality. He is recognized for his leadership in overseeing the construction of key hotels and major developments, including the first seven-storey building in the Turks and Caicos Islands; the tallest building in the country at the time. His work demonstrates a mastery of managing complex construction operations, adhering to safety standards, and delivering projects within budget and schedule. His approach integrated environmentally conscious practices, blending modern architectural design with sustainable development principles. He is respected among industry peers and is acknowledged for his dedication to excellence.

In addition to his technical expertise, Musgrove has been actively involved in public service and legislative processes. He was first elected to the House of Parliament in 2021, representing the constituency of Middle and North Caicos. His tenure was marked by a focus on immigration reform, crime reduction, and economic development. He is known for his ability to bridge divides and work collaboratively across party lines to achieve meaningful legislation. His leadership in this role earned him national recognition and respect.

In 2025, Musgrove was re-elected into Parliament and was appointed as Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, with responsibilities for, Disaster Management & Emergencies, Ports Authority and Turks & Caicos Islands Airport Authority where he champions significant reforms in the construction industry, citizen empowerment;including measures to improve access to affordable housing.

In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, coordination, and development of the country’s physical infrastructure. His role involves fostering innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges, promoting environmentally conscious development, and ensuring growth across the nation.

Musgrove is devoted to being instrumental in various initiatives aimed at improving community infrastructure, and modernizing the nation’s physical landscape. His leadership in the Ministry is driven by a commitment to serving the community, guiding the country towards resilient and sustainable development, and inspiring future generations of leaders to uphold values of integrity and dedication.

As he continues to serve, Hon. Arlington Musgrove remains committed to leveraging his extensive experience to shape a better future for The Turks and Caicos Islands, ensuring that growth is inclusive, and aligned with the needs of its citizens.

Miquel Swann
Permanent Secretary – Office of the Deputy Governor
Turks & Caicos Islands

Mr. Swann is a seasoned public sector leader with over a decade of experience spanning financial services, hospitality and tourism, and government. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Newman University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas Permian Basin. He is currently pursuing two of the most prestigious and widely recognized credentials in their respective fields — the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP).

Following his role as transition manager for the rebranding of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board to Experience Turks and Caicos, Miquel was appointed Permanent Secretary, a reflection of the confidence placed in his leadership at the highest levels of government. From May 2023 to March 2026, he served as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, providing senior management oversight across Human Resources, Public Procurement, Cabinet, Business Transformation, and Learning and Development. Among his most notable contributions were leading the 2023 and 2024 Pay & Grading Reviews for the core public service and statutory bodies respectively, and overseeing the development of both an online recruitment platform and a newly launched HR Management System.

Most recently, Miquel was appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, where he is charged with driving operational effectiveness and delivering critical infrastructure and housing projects under the Public Sector Investment Programme.

Outside of work, Miquel is a passionate traveler and devoted follower of the Oneworld Alliance, always looking for the next destination and making every moment count.

Julianna Musgrove
Deputy Permanent Secretary – Office of the Deputy Governor
Turks & Caicos Islands

Ms. Julianna Musgrove, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, brings her dynamic leadership to the heart of the Turks and Caicos Islands government. DPS Musgrove’s academic achievements are a testament to her dedication. She earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and is on the brink of completing her Master’s in Human Resource Management and Development from the University of Salford, UK.

With over a decade of powerhouse leadership in learning and development, human resources, and hospitality, Julianna’s expertise is unmatched. At Sandals Resorts International, she excelled as Regional Learning and Development Manager, leading initiatives that spanned the Caribbean and revolutionized training programs.   Her influence reaches far beyond her professional roles. Musgrove has been a driving force as a Governor on the Board of Governors for Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, where she chaired the Human Resource, Safety, and Compensation sub-committee. As an Executive Member of the College’s Alumni Association, she tirelessly contributes to her alma mater’s growth.

Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Musgrove has earned prestigious awards, including the 2023 Caribbean Rising Star Award from the International Society of Hospitality Consultants and the Sandals Foundation Sentinel of the Year Award.  Ms. Musgrove is set to elevate her impact even further in her role, bringing innovation, dedication, and a stellar track record to the Office of the Deputy Governor and the TCI Public Service at large.

Athenee Harvey-Basden
Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade
Turks and Caicos Islands

Hon. Akierra Mary Deanne Missick
MP Leeward and Long Bay, Providenciales
Turks and Caicos Islands

Hon. Akierra Mary Deanne Missick is a distinguished attorney, parliamentarian, and public servant whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Elected to a fourth consecutive term in 2025 as the Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay, Providenciales, she has spent more than a decade championing policies and initiatives that improve lives, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for all Turks and Caicos Islanders.

A Senior Litigation Attorney at Misick & Stanbrook, Hon. Missick has built an accomplished legal career spanning nearly two decades. She specializes in civil dispute resolution and complex commercial litigation and is recognized as one of the Islands’ leading legal practitioners. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the University of Nottingham, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. She is also a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), reflecting her expertise in private client and fiduciary matters.

Hon. Missick first entered frontline politics in 2012 and quickly established herself as one of the country’s most effective and dynamic leaders. She served as Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth Affairs, Sports and Library Services, where she advanced transformative policies in education, expanded opportunities for young people, and championed investments in schools, libraries, sports facilities, and youth development programmes across the Islands.

Throughout her tenure as the representative for Leeward and Long Bay, Hon. Missick has delivered tangible and lasting improvements to her constituency. She spearheaded the development of community sidewalks, improved street lighting and public safety infrastructure, secured the installation of CCTV systems, established Leeward Palms Park, and facilitated the creation of a children’s park in partnership with Beach Enclave. Her advocacy was instrumental in advancing educational infrastructure within the constituency, including support for the development of Long Bay High School (A. Louise Thomas Garland Middle) and securing European Development Fund support for the construction of Long Bay Primary School (Thelma Lightbourne Primary).

Known for her accessibility and hands-on leadership style, Hon. Missick refers to her constituents as her “neighbours.” Whether assisting residents with community concerns, government services, educational opportunities, Crown Land matters, or personal development, she remains deeply connected to the people she serves. Her commitment to public service is grounded in the belief that effective leadership requires both sound policy and genuine engagement with the community.

On 1 May 2026, Hon. Missick was appointed Minister of Home Affairs, assuming responsibility for some of the Government’s most critical public service portfolios, including Citizenship & Registration, Registrar General Department, Department of Motor Vehicles, and District Administration.

Hon. Missick’s leadership continues to be guided by a vision of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Turks and Caicos Islands. Combining legal expertise, legislative experience, and a proven record of delivering results, she remains dedicated to advancing policies that promote economic growth, strengthen public institutions, improve public safety, and enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

Hilary Bendon
MPA, MDR

Hilary Bendon is a leadership development and dispute resolution professional who operates with the perspective and understanding that leaders have a significant impact on their organizations and the people who work with them. By increasing their ability to communicate and interact with others, leaders can develop emotionally intelligent teams poised for high productivity and business success.

As a facilitator, mediator, and coach, Hilary brings her insightful, practical, and resultsoriented approach to addressing complex organizational and leadership challenges. She has extensive experience engaging leaders with strategies and techniques aimed at bringing about organizational and cultural transformation. Clients value her straight-forward communication style as well as her sensitivity for dealing with complex and emotional issues.

Working with leaders to become more emotionally intelligent, Hilary focuses on the skill of self-awareness. She assists leaders to understand themselves better to improve their skills in leadership and communication. One tool she uses is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

Hilary has worked in a variety of industries including retail, manufacturing, oil and gas, steel recycling, aerospace, financial services, technology, and biotech for corporate, nonprofit and governmental organizations.

Hilary holds a Master of Public Administration from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and a Master of Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law.

Hilary’s diversified and multidimensional perspective has been solidified through her experience living abroad in Italy, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Republic of Armenia. She speaks Spanish and Italian fluently and regularly conducts coaching, training and mediation in Spanish as well as in English.

Mr. Amad Rashad Thompson
PRHi

 Building Leaders. Transforming Organizations. Leaving Legacies. 

There are leaders, and then there are visionaries who redefine leadership itself. Amad Rashad Thompson is the latter. A multi-faceted entrepreneur, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and CEO, Amad has built a career dedicated to empowering leaders, transforming workplace cultures, and driving strategic business growth. 

As the CEO of Astute Talent Management, Amad is at the forefront of corporate leadership development, helping organizations worldwide design and implement strategies that attract, retain, and develop top talent. His work has positioned him as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, HR leaders, and business owners who want to build dynamic, people-centric cultures. 

A recognized thought leader in HR and leadership development, Amad has spoken at global conferences, corporate retreats, and leadership summits, sharing his expertise in culture transformation, high-performance leadership, and personal development. His book, SHYFT into FOKUS: A Guide to Living a Purposeful Life, has inspired professionals worldwide to embrace their potential, while his upcoming book, Leading While Bleeding, is set to change the conversation around resilience in leadership. 

Beyond business, Amad currently serves as the Deputy Chairman to the Board of Directors for The National Training Agency in Nassau, Bahamas and is the official DisruptHR Nassau License Holder. He has earned the designation of Professional in International Human Resources, has obtained certifications in Strategic Human Resource Leadership and Law for HR Practitioners, and he is leading an HR revolution that challenges traditional norms. Amad Rashad Thompson is a person of value, who values people and adds value to them. 

Cheryl-Ann Forman

Cheryl-Ann Forman is a highly respected broadcaster, communications specialist, and public relations professional whose career spans more than two decades across radio, television, government, tourism, corporate communications, and public information.

Renowned for her engaging interview style, insightful moderation, and commanding media presence, she is one of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ most recognizable media personalities, serving as a moderator, master of ceremonies, television host, and radio broadcaster for many of the nation’s most significant national, civic and corporate events. Her passion for public service, storytelling, and community engagement continues to inspire audiences across these islands, playing a leading role in shaping public dialogue on national issues.

As Chief Executive of Peak Consulting Ltd., (her own company) she has built a reputation for guiding public information and communications initiatives with measurable impact. Throughout a distinguished career characterised by dedication, leadership and service to country, she remains passionate about the transformative power of communication.

Whether behind the microphone, on a stage, or advising leaders and organizations, she continues to use her voice, expertise, and influence to help inform minds, strengthen communities, inspire and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Khalid Hamid
Auditor General

Khalid has been involved in external audit with the equivalent of National Audit Offices for over 30 years. This includes extensive tenures in the UK, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Khalid has two professional accounting qualifications and has been a representative on global committees within the public sector auditing and international accounting communities.