News

Students Of Cavaliers All-Age Receive Tablet Computers

Published

10 years ago

September 20, 2014

KINGSTON, Sept. 17 (JAMAICA INFORMATION SERVICE PRESS RELEASE): The nearly 100 students of Cavaliers All-age School in West Rural St. Andrew began receiving tablet computers today (September 17), as the Government’s $1.4 billion Tablets in Schools pilot programme was rolled out at the institution.

The school is the second to be equipped, following a similar exercise at Salt Savannah Primary and Infant School in Clarendon, last week.

In July, the school’s staff, comprising six teachers, one guidance counsellor, and the principal, received their tablets and were trained in their use.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, described the project’s implementation as “gratifying”, pointing out that the long-term objective is facilitating access by all persons to information and communications technology (ICT).

He assured that “every single student at Cavaliers and every single teacher will get a tablet computer.”
Minister Paulwell said the pilot is important, as if it goes well, then the programme will be rolled out to benefit over 600,000 students, who attend Government schools in Jamaica, and their teachers.

In his remarks, West Rural St. Andrew Member of Parliament, Paul Buchanan, welcomed the project’s implementation at Cavaliers, pointing out that it will provide the basis for the children “to learn and obtain the skills that are necessary to give us… growth.”

“You are one of the pioneer schools…of this programme. We are making a statement that…(you) will be availed of all the resources to ensure that our children get…the best education there can be,” he added.

School Principal, Renée Charlton-Wolfe, said she is “elated” and “honoured’ that her institution is among those selected for the year-long pilot.

She pointed out that the technology will “definitely” assist in advancing the students’ educational development.

“It’s (an ideal) way, I think, of getting them really involved in learning, and we are really excited about the opportunities that this will create for the children,” she stated.

Ms. Charlton-Wolfe also anticipates significant benefits for the teachers “because we will all be able to improve our technical skills.”

Parent Fabian Durrant, whose son was among the first recipients, welcomed the undertaking.
“This is historic; I am sure the children will appreciate and make use of the tablets. I see (the project advancing) the way the children will learn and the way education will be brought across. I am sure that if they find fun in learning, it will be easier for them to…grasp what they (are being) taught,” he said.

Mr. Durrant noted that his nine-year old son, Jevauny, who is in grade four, has been performing well academically, having recorded 11 A’s and 14 B’s in his final report for the 2013/14 school year, and expressed confidence that the Tablets in Schools project, will further enhance his son’s performance.

“I am proud, and quite sure that Jevauny will advance. I appreciate (what) the teachers (are doing for) the children; it’s a good sign of what is happening at the school,” he added.

Simone James, whose daughter, 10-year old Grade Six student, Tianah Polo, was also presented with a tablet, said she is “elated…because (the tablet will) help with homework”, adding that “it will also help with preparations for the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).”

“The (Tablets in Schools Project is) a very good programme. I am thankful to the Ministry and the E-learning programme for implementing it. Tianah is doing exceptionally well and (the tablet she received) will (enable her to do even better),”
Ms. James said.

The Tablets in Schools Pilot Project, being undertaken by the Ministries of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining, and Education, is being implemented in 38 educational institutions over the next 12 months. It is targeted at 24,000 students and 1,200 teachers in six pre-primary, 13 primary, five all-age and junior high, 12 high schools, one teacher’s college, and one special education institution.

In addition to the distribution of tablets, the initiative also involves delivery of computers and multimedia devices, including interactive white-boards/projectors, scanners, printers to pre-primary and primary schools. This is in addition to the installation of Wi-Fi at all institutions.

Following a review of the pilot, the project is expected to be rolled out in other institutions across the island, targeting an additional 600,000 students and teachers.

The Tablets in Schools project is being executed by e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited.

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News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.

The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:

One Count: Robbery
One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear

Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.

The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05^th, 2024.

Mr. SIMON faces the following charges: 

One Count: Robbery;
One Count: Gang Membership
One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.

The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.