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EDUCATION MINISTRY CONFIDENT OF ACHIEVING LITERACY TARGET

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KINGSTON, Jan. 19 (JIS): The Ministry of Education is expressing confidence in attaining its goal of
85 per cent of students in the grade four age cohort achieving mastery of literacy in 2015.
An optimistic Portfolio Minister, the Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, notes that the country is now 7.6 per cent away from achieving this target.

“The final measurement will be made at this year’s sitting of the Grade Four Literacy Test,” he said.
The Minister was speaking at a meeting with senior journalists at the Alhambra Inn Hotel in St. Andrew recently.
Rev. Thwaites pointed out that when the 15 per cent of students who suffer from learning disabilities are accounted for, 85 per cent translates to 100 per cent of the educable cohort.

According to National Literacy Co-ordinator, Dr. André Hill, the Ministry will do everything it possibly can in the next few months to maximise as much as possible students’ outcomes in the 2015 Grade Four Literacy Test.
He pointed to the deployment of 66 reading coaches across the island to provide direct support to 420 primary schools. Each will work with approximately seven schools.

“They will be particularly working with the struggling readers in grade four, providing clinical attention to these students as well as pedagogical support for classroom teachers, in addition to extending further support to the parents in schools that have registered low achievement at grade four over the last three years,” he said.

Dr. Hill contended that if the Ministry gets support from the community in addition to what the Ministry is now extending to the school system, “we are certain the outcomes, certainly for this year, will take us very close, if not actually to the 85 per cent.”

Meanwhile, the Minister reiterated the importance of the role parents, home life and community have in helping to achieve the target. He noted for instance, that encouraging children to read in Sunday school greatly helps the literacy levels of students.

He further urged parents, even if they are not literate themselves, to encourage their children to read.
The Minister informed that at the 2014 sitting of the grade four literacy test,
77.4 per cent of the age cohort achieved the acceptable standard of mastery in literacy, which represented a 30 per cent increase for the 10-year period – 2004 to 2014.

He noted that the improvement in literacy has been the result of the combined efforts of the Ministry’s National Literacy Team and dedicated teachers.

“In addition, the country is indebted to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its support in improving literacy outcomes,” he said.

In terms of the numeracy test, Rev. Thwaites informed that 58 per cent of students who sat the Grade Four Test last year attained mastery, a marginal decline of 1.4 per cent over the previous year.
“But, there has been a 20 per cent improvement for the past five years, moving from a low of 38 per cent in 2010,” he said.

The Minister said that using literacy as a benchmark, the Ministry is pleased with the progress the country has made so far.

The Grade Four Literacy and numeracy tests are administered to children to determine their literacy and numeracy levels at grade four, in keeping with international requirements and standards.

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What You Need to Know – SOUTH CAICOS REGATTA 2025

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Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2025 – We are thrilled to invite you to the South Caicos Regatta 2025, celebrating an incredible 58 years of rich history and vibrant tradition! Join us in South Caicos for an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the beauty of our beloved Island.

The South Caicos Regatta has long been a cherished event, bringing together locals and visitors to honour our Maritime heritage. This annual gathering showcases everything Turks and Caicos and the spirit of our community. With each passing year, the Regatta has grown into a spectacular celebration that highlights our culture, music and local cuisine. As we commemorate this milestone, we invite you to be apart of the festivities that make South Caicos truly special.

We celebrate this year from May 23-24th the main event day is Saturday May 24th where the excitement reaches it peak and a great day for Boating across the Caicos Bank. Come and enjoy local food vendors, live entertainment, and activities that cater to all.

For those of you planning to stay overnight, we have great news! Solterra Resort and Spa is offering special Regatta Rates for all guests. Reservations can be made by calling 1-649-333-5410 or emailing reservations@salterra.com. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and soak in the beauty of our Island while enjoying the celebrations.

We look forward to welcoming you to South Caicos for this memorable occasion.

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RT & CIPF welcomes 30 Officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force

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Turks and Caicos, May 20, 2025 –   The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) officially welcomed the deployment of thirty officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) today, 20th May 2025.

The officers took their oaths of office during a formal swearing-in ceremony, marking the beginning of their service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The deployment is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the RT&CIPF’s operational and tactical capabilities as the Force continues its mission to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey, addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of unity, professionalism, respect for human rights, and upholding human dignity.

The Commissioner pointed out that the officers are now part of a diverse Force comprising officers from over 21 nationalities, including those with Spanish and Creole-speaking backgrounds.

“You are joining a dynamic team with a shared commitment to community safety,” Commissioner Bailey said. “You will work alongside your RT&CIPF counterparts, integrating quickly, transferring your knowledge and experience, and gaining vital local insights. It is essential that you work harmoniously and reassure the communities you serve.”

He further emphasized that the rule of law must be upheld by everyone and reminded the officers to be firm in the execution of their duty, while in the same breath to uphold human rights while executing their duties: “Respect for human rights must be at the forefront of your service. The safety and dignity of people are paramount.”

Commissioner Bailey also acknowledged the challenges ahead: “There are individuals who seek to instil fear and disrupt our society through criminal activities. But you are here with a mandate—to serve and protect. Your primary objective is to preserve life. In the face of adversity, we must not become victims; we must prevail as victors. Self-preservation, vigilance, and teamwork will be critical as we move forward.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams also addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration: “This is about teamwork—working together to bring stability and safety back to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke, who oversees the Strategic Operations Portfolio within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant; Acting Assistant Commissioner Dwight Gardiner; Superintendent Jason James; and Acting Superintendent Kemron Lowhar.

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13 Guadeloupean Students Visit Dominica to Deepen Understanding of Kalinago History and Culture

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Roseau, Dominica – Thirteen second-year high school students from Maison Familiale Rurale Education Orientation Lamentin (MFR Lamentin) in Guadeloupe have arrived in Dominica for a five-day educational exchange focused on the Kalinago people—Dominica’s Indigenous community. The initiative forms part of their Caribbean history curriculum and aims to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich and often overlooked Indigenous heritage.

This immersive experience, coordinated by Black Island Girl Multimedia, is designed to educate students on the Kalinago people’s contributions, traditions, and resilience, both past and present. By bringing students directly into contact with the Kalinago Territory, this program seeks to reshape the way Caribbean history is taught, centering authentic narratives and challenging historically inaccurate portrayals.

During their stay, students will engage with several cultural leaders including:

  • Anette Sanford, Dominica’s first female Kalinago Chief
  • Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment
  • Earlson Matthew, Chief Cultural Officer of Dominica

The itinerary also includes serval heritage sites and cultural experiences. They will participate in a traditional Kalinago naming ceremony, culinary experiences with locally made cassava and other traditional foods, and visits to historical and natural landmarks such as the Indian River, Fort Shirley, and Titou Gorge.

Educators from MFR Lamentin have extended a heartfelt invitation to members of the Kalinago community and cultural experts to meet with the visiting students. “We would be honoured if you could spare some time to engage with our students and share your perspectives on the significance of the Kalinago civilization in both historical and contemporary contexts,” said Mahailiah Mellow, teacher and development officer from the delegation. “Your expertise and leadership would greatly enrich the students’ understanding and appreciation of this vibrant and enduring culture.”

This exchange not only represents a powerful educational moment but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Kalinago heritage across the Caribbean.

Black Island Girl Multimedia is a media and communications company founded by Jael Joseph, a Dominican-Canadian journalist, media producer, and cultural storyteller. The company is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented Caribbean voices, reshaping narratives around Caribbean identity, and telling stories that center Black and Indigenous perspectives particularly those often excluded from mainstream historical accounts.

Black Island Girl Multimedia focuses on:

  • Documentary production and multimedia storytelling; “Territory”, a documentary on the Kalinago people won Best Short Doc in 2023 at The Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Canada.
  • Cultural preservation through digital media, podcasting, and live events
  • Education and advocacy, especially around Caribbean history, heritage, and the experiences of women, migrants, and Indigenous peoples
  • Event partnerships that align with social justice, cultural upliftment, and regional empowerment

The name “Black Island Girl” is both a declaration of identity and a mission: to represent the richness, resilience, and reality of Caribbean life through creative media rooted in truth and lived experience.

For Interviews, media contact:
ACEM By Jael Inc.
Email: jael.joseph@gmail.com
Phone: 767 277-3699 / 614 1770

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