Speakers

Featured Panelists

Ari Comert, Founder & CEO, Utopia General Counsel, ArenaX Labs

Ari Comert is an internationally admitted lawyer with 15+ years of experience in fintech, real estate structuring, and cross-border regulation, licensed in Australia, Canada, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He founded Utopia to enable legally compliant public asset ownership and currently serves as General Counsel at ArenaX Labs, advising on token and crypto issuances, regulatory compliance, and data governance.

Brenesha Cox-Lightbourne, Investment Professional and Barrister (non practising)

Brenesha Cox-Lightbourne is an institutional investment professional with nearly a decade of experience working with global asset managers, pension funds, and investment consultants. She most recently served as a Senior Client Manager at Baillie Gifford in Scotland, where she led strategic relationships for multi-billion-dollar institutional investors across the UK and internationally.

Trained as a barrister specializing in commercial law, Brenesha brings a rare blend of legal rigor and financial expertise to her work. She is called to the Bar of England and Wales and is a member of Lincoln’s Inn. She also holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and the CISI Fund Management Certificate (Merit), with formal training in portfolio construction, risk management, and investment performance analysis.

A proud Turks and Caicos Islander, Brenesha is deeply committed to economic empowerment, institutional excellence, and long-term development in the Caribbean. Her work is driven by a passion for building sustainable financial systems, expanding access to opportunity, and equipping the next generation of leaders to shape the region’s future with confidence and clarity.

Diandra Mills, Deputy Director of Corporate Services, Turks and Caicos National Insurance Board

Diandra Mills is a senior leader in social security administration, currently serving as Deputy Director of the Corporate Services Division at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board (NIB). With more than 19 years of experience in finance at the NIB, she has built a career centered on financial stewardship, retirement security, and operational excellence. Rising through progressive roles in Accounting and Finance, Diandra became the youngest manager appointed to the organization’s Executive Management Team, attributing her professional growth to a strong work ethic, integrity, and steadfast faith. 

Beyond her corporate leadership, Diandra is deeply committed to community development. She previously served as President of the Rotaract Club of Grand Turk, leading impactful social and charitable initiatives, and as a founding member of the Young Corporate Alliance in Providenciales helped establish a platform supporting young entrepreneurs in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She currently co-organizes the TCI Economic Empowerment Conference, delivering dynamic financial management forums across the islands. 

A proud alumna of Marjorie Basden High School (Class of 2001), where she served as Head Girl and Valedictorian, Diandra holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University, a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Tampa, an Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society UK, and the Chartered Director designation. She is a devoted mother, an avid reader, and guided foremost by her faith.

Gareth Bathgate, Principal Client Relations, Coriats

Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a professional fiduciary and trustee, advising ultra-high net worth families on complex cross-border structures. He qualified as a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) in 2013 and currently serves as Chair of the Turks and Caicos branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). 

He has extensive experience overseeing trusts and bespoke wealth holding structures , including Shariah-compliant financing , across leading offshore jurisdictions in the Channel Islands and the Caribbean. 

Gareth works closely with families, family offices and advisers to oversee diversified portfolios spanning real estate, private equity, listed investments and luxury assets, aligning investment strategy with governance and long-term succession planning.

Ian Hurdle, Founder & Director, The Agency Turks & Caicos

Ian Hurdle is one of the Caribbean’s most recognized luxury real estate advisors and the Founder and Director of The Agency Turks & Caicos. With more than 25 years of experience across real estate, construction, development advisory, property management, and hospitality, he specializes in ultra-prime beachfront villas, private estates, and high-value development land across Turks and Caicos and the wider Caribbean.

Consistently ranked among the top-producing agents in the market, Ian has been involved in record-setting transactions, trophy legacy properties, and large-scale development sites that are helping shape the future of emerging Caribbean destinations. He is known for his strategic approach to pricing, branding, and global buyer positioning, advising developers, institutional partners, and ultra-high-net-worth families on where Caribbean luxury is heading — and how to invest ahead of it.

Ian is frequently featured in global media including Mansion Global, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Robb Report, and Forbes. Through his Caribb.ian platform, he shares market insight and Caribbean investment intelligence, and is widely recognized for combining data-driven analysis with high-impact storytelling and global reach

Kyle Smith, Director of Local Operations, Windward Development

Kyle Smith is a Chartered Director and business and real estate professional with over two decades of board and executive leadership experience across complex operating environments. He currently serves as Director of Local Operations at Windward Development, where he plays a central role in advancing major development initiatives and operational delivery across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Born on Grand Turk and raised in Providenciales from his teenage years, Kyle brings deep local insight combined with international perspective. After studying in the United Kingdom, he developed strong project management expertise through leadership of several medium- to large-scale commercial and residential developments across the country.

In addition to his responsibilities at Windward, Kyle is actively involved in non-profit initiatives supporting community and economic development. He most recently served as Acting President of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce and is known for his strong governance insight, balanced judgment, and solutions-oriented approach to sustainable growth.

Levenia Bishop, Founder and CEO of People 101

 

Levenia Bishop, a bold multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, cultural curator, emcee, and people-development strategist based in the Turks and Caicos Islands. As the Founder of People 101, she partners with leaders and organizations to strengthen culture, elevate performance, and prioritize their greatest asset — people. 

She is also the visionary behind Indigenous, a boutique brand rooted in Culture, Identity and Style, celebrating Caribbean heritage through refined fashion, art, and island-inspired accessories. 

Levenia’s work lives at the intersection of leadership, creativity, and community. Whether in boardrooms or classrooms, on stage as a host or a speaker, or within curated cultural spaces, she builds platforms that empower people, preserve identity, and inspire purpose-driven living.

Nelson ‘Chris’ Stokes, OD, OLY; PhD, Founder and Executive Chairman, NCS Enterprises

Dr Nelson Christian Stokes is the Founder and Executive Chairman of NCS Enterprises, a group of companies focused on financial services, thought leadership, and sports administration. Through the NCS Financial Services Group, he provides fintech-powered alternative banking services to the unbanked and underbanked, advancing financial empowerment, capital formation, and economic mobility. He is also an adjunct consultant with the University of the West Indies, Mona School of Business Professional Services Unit, delivering team building, change management, and leadership training globally, and is a widely sought-after keynote speaker, columnist, and commentator on economic and social issues.

A distinguished figure in sport administration, Dr Stokes is an inductee in the Munro College Hall of Fame and serves on the school’s board. He was awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer Class), Jamaica’s sixth highest national honor, for his contribution to the development of sport. He currently serves as Chairman of the World Olympians Association Awards Commission, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation Audit Committee, and the Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation. A four-time Olympian with the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team, he has played a pivotal role in establishing Jamaica as a respected competitor in the sport. His book, Cool Runnings and Beyond – the Story of the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team, is regarded as the definitive history of the program.

Prior to founding NCS Enterprises, Dr Stokes served as General Manager of the International Business Division at National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited and previously as Senior Vice-President, Business Development at Victoria Mutual Building Society. He holds a PhD in Economic Development Policy from the University of the West Indies, an MBA in Finance from Washington State University, a BSc in Finance from the University of Idaho, an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Bronx Community College, and a postgraduate diploma in banking from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He is also certified at the advanced level in Spanish by the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid.

Samuel Dormeus, ACCA Trust, Mortgage and Investment Meridian Financial Group

Samuel Dormeus is a dynamic private equity investment professional, and Chartered Accountant serving as Senior Associate of Investments, Trust, and Mortgages at Meridian Financial Group. In this role, he works at the intersection of capital, strategy, and stewardship—helping structure and manage investments that create long-term value. 

Beyond finance and strategy, Samuel has a heart for teaching, mentorship, and ministry. When he’s not structuring financing deals, facilitating ministry, or running his business, Samuel is a loyal Manchester United supporter, a newbie cyclist, and a lifelong learner at heart who believes growing spiritually, intellectually, and professionally — is a daily pursuit.

Sophia A. Thomas, Real Estate Agent, Century 21

Sophia A. Thomas, a proud native of North Caicos, brings over 25 years of experience dedicated to the empowerment and development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). She is the CEO of Empower Collective, where she supports entrepreneurs and organizations through training, coaching, and strategic business development. She also serves as a Sales Agent with Century 21 Real Estate.

Sophia holds a Certified Training Consultant designation from Ball State University, an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education from the University of Technology, along with several additional professional certifications. She currently serves as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Faculty of Business Administration at the TCI Community College and is pursuing certification as a Stress Management Coach through Harvard Medical School.

Deeply committed to community impact, Sophia serves as a Board Member of the BEST Institute and is actively involved in Bethany Baptist Church and various charitable initiatives. An avid short play writer and lifelong advocate for service, she believes that life’s greatest rewards come from what we give back to humanity.

Walter Gardiner Jr., Director & Broker, Regency Christie’s International Real Estate

Walter Gardiner Jr. is a recognized authority in the Turks and Caicos Islands real estate industry, with over 29 years of experience specializing in representing investors acquiring beachfront homes, luxury condominiums, waterfront land, and high-potential development sites.

Since 1998, Walter has consistently ranked among the country’s top-producing real estate professionals. He has led the sales and marketing of major high-end property and resort developments, including The Somerset on Grace Bay, Ocean Club West, The Windsong Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and most recently, The St. Regis Residences. He is also an experienced property developer and strategic advisor to luxury resort development teams across the islands.

Walter is a founding member of the Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association (TCREA), serving as President from 2000 to 2005 and currently chairing its Ethics Committee. He also serves as Deputy Chairman of Invest TCI and remains active in community and faith leadership.

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