News

Bishop Eldon High School Wins Earth Day Challenge Competition

Published

9 years ago

April 27, 2015

Grand Bahama, 27 Apr 2015 – More than 50 high school students entered this year’s Earth Day Challenge, some even travelled from Grand Bahama in the North and Long Island in the South, all in hopes of winning the coveted golden trophy – in the end, Bishop Michael Eldon High School secured both the first and third prizes.

The competition, now in its third year, is a product of ecologist & attorney Romi Ferreira aiming to encourage high school students to examine environmental issues while providing a platform for offering solutions. This year, for the first time, the American Embassy joined the team as well with members of their organization acting as judges.
Under the theme, “It Is Our Turn To Lead”, students presented projects on a number of projects on environmental issues including solid waste, renewable energy, pollution, wetlands, fresh water resources, environmental assessment and marine resources. Judging was based on the exhibits created, along with presentation materials and the written report provided.

“If we are good to our environment, the environment will take care of us and will be preserved for generations to come,” said Ferreira. “That is the message of this competition. It forces them to think of alternative means of sustenance. Once they understand that, they can change their mindset and those of others.”

Grand Bahama’s Bishop Michael Eldon High split eight students into two groups. One of them, presented a compost tea as a natural alternative to artificial fertilizers which garnered a third place trophy, individual trophies for students and iPod Shuffles. But it was the second team’s Aquaponics project that won the first place trophy, individual trophies, iPod Shuffles and an all-expense paid trip to the Plastic Summit at the Island School in Eleuthera.

Minister of Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett was impressed by the projects produced and told students that the challenge was a unique opportunity to teach them how to be true leaders of their peers.
“I believe that participating in this environmental competition brought you benefits that you could never capture in a classroom,” said Minister Dorsett. “I’m sure many of you now have a greater appreciation for the environment, and understand some of the environmental challenges and issues our country faces every day.”
He went on to tell the youngsters that they were never too young to lead their peers, schools, communities and their Bahamian society.

The winning team managed to flush excrement from gold fish via a tube potted plants which were then supplied with water and nitrates, needed to grow before releasing the unused water, now purified, back to the fish tank.
Advisor to the Grand Bahama team Selim Dela Pena, said she couldn’t be more happy especially considering her team’s third place finish in last year’s competition.

“This is very important because you can see the ingenuity of students and their commitment to becoming better stewards of the environment, said the Physics and Chemistry teacher. “You want the young to take the lead.”
Last year’s winner, Aquinas College, took second place this year. Other participating schools included: Jordan Prince Williams, C.R. Walker, St. John’s College and N.G.M. Major from Long Island. All participants were given certificates of appreciation for their participation and reminded to continue to be leaders in innovative thinking.
“All of them worked hard and in my eyes they are all winners,” said Ferreira. “This is just the beginning of creating a more environmentally aware generation.”

Related Topics:bishop eldon high school earth day challenge

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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

3 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

5 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

5 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.