Meet The Team BSU
Anissa Adderley
Director, Business Support Unit
Mrs. Anissa Adderley is an innovative, dynamic, and results-driven professional, having worked in top positions locally, regionally, and internationally. She holds a Master of International Business Administration (MIBA) from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting (Cum Laude) from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
She served as an International Student Advisor at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. She has assisted hundreds of students from over one hundred countries with their student visa process.
Anissa has worked in management positions at two of The Bahamas’ most notable companies. She served as a Recruitment Manager at Atlantis Resort, the second largest employer in The Bahamas, where she was dubbed a star recruiter.
During her tenure at Aliv, she served as Brand and Inventory Champion. Anissa was successful in branding one of The Bahamas’ oldest historical sites, Pompey Museum. She also executively produced a documentary called, “The Making of the Mural at Pompey.” Additionally, she helped conceptualize a brand strategy for the Lynden Pindling International Airport, which contributed to Aliv becoming one of the most respected companies in The Bahamas.
In 2021, Anissa joined the team at Invest Turks and Caicos, where she served as Acting Vice President of SME Development. This role has helped her become more aware of the challenges faced by businesses and she now has a greater understanding of how to help them.
Anissa is enthusiastic and passionate about leading the Business Support Unit (BSU) at Invest Turks and Caicos. As an entrepreneur, she understands the obstacles faced by many businesses. Her goal is to educate, empower and inspire entrepreneurs and business owners to maximize their potential and create resilient, sustainable enterprises.
Charlene Astwood
Business Advisor - Providenciales
Charlene Astwood holds a degree in Business Economics and Law from the University of Buckingham. She is also certified in Project Cycle Management and Personal Banking.
She was employed by the government for six years working in the Economics Department at the Ministry of Finance, where she gained vast knowledge in budgeting, collection recoveries and sales management.
She further ventured into the banking sector and was subsequently employed at Scotiabank Turks and Caicos for over ten years. She has worked with numerous clients to help them choose, invest, and manage plans that have offered safe investments and excellent returns.
She emphasizes the need to increase the level of business investment by Turks & Caicos Islanders. As your trusted and knowledgeable Business Advisor, her main goal is to help you make well-informed business decisions.
Charlene is a self-motivated individual who displays professionalism and endeavors to positively inspire others. She is eager to work with you to ensure that your business is resilient and sustainable.
Lashena Simmons
Business Advisor - Grand Turk
Lashena Simmons – Joined the team in July 2023 as a Business Advisor attached to the Business Support Unit in Grand Turk.
Coming from the Tranquil Island of Salt Cay, Lashena has lived and worked in 6 of the Inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos, this has enhanced her ability to communicate well with persons from all demographics.
Having spent the last 18 years in banking and customer service combined at the supervisory level, Lashena brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. This enhances her ability to assess the needs of our clients and pair them with the services and support they require.
She is a confidential, trustworthy, dedicated, engaging, professional with a passion for helping and empowering whomever she encounters.
Lashena believes in “being the change you want to see in the world” and is very active in non-profit organizations in her community and her church where she serves in various ancillaries, her main focus being the women’s group where she seeks to encourage and empower women.
Lashena is the mother of two beautiful children and a proud alumni of the TCI Community College.
