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NEWS RELEASE: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION BOASTS RISE IN GSAT PASS RATE

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Today, June 16th 2016, the Deputy Premier, and Minister of Education, the Hon. Akierra Missick, is pleased to announce that a total of 417 students representing the ten (10) public primary schools and eleven (11) private primary schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands, wrote the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) on May 25 and 26, 2016.  The test consists of five papers: English Language Paper 1, English Language Paper 2, Mathematics, Science and the General Paper.
 
Students must obtain an overall average of 50% fifty percent from a total of five hundred and twenty five (525) marks:
English Language Paper 1 – 140 marks
English Language Paper 2 – 60 marks
Mathematics – 125 marks
Science – 100 marks
General Paper – 100 marks.
 
The 2016 results indicate that a total of three hundred and thirteen (313) or 75.1% of the students obtained fifty percent or higher.  This is a rise in the pass rate from 2015 which was 72.1. Hon Akierra Missick stated;  “It is a clear indication that our primary school age students are continuously raising the bar in their academic achievements; but with a near 3% percent increase in a 12 month period, also indicates we have the best educators in the region, if not the world. I am very pleased with these results, and note that more work will be done by the Department of Education and our school administrators, to ensure each year we have such stellar increases in passes at GSAT.”
 
The top ten averages, range from 86.48% to 90.29% and is equally shared between male and female students representing private and public schools:
 
1 Sambuta-Jahtee Meier              Precious Treasures
2 Britney Gardiner                           Adelaide Oemler Primary
3 Michaella Archille                         Oseta Jolly Primary
4 Jarius Robinson                             Richmond Hill Preparatory
5 Ashley Archibald                           Shining Stars Preparatory
6 Kyfani Campbell                            Eliza Simons Primary
7 Syr.D’Anjhu Steward                  Precious Treasures
8 Naethia Williams                           Ona Glinton Primary
9 Arquino St. Paul                            Oseta Jolly Primary
10 Shandia Gardiner                       Providence International School
 
The top three positions in the four subjects are also shared among male and female students representing public and private schools.
 
The Minister also, encourages those students who were unsuccessful in passing their GSAT, to not be discouraged, and ask parents to meet with their child’s teacher to identify areas of weakness so that a plan of action for “Success at GSAT” can be put in place to ensure your child is afforded every opportunity to transition to High School. 
 
Once again, congratulations are in order to all the students, their schools administration and staff, and of course the parents who assisted with preparing our students who sat and passed the exams and we wish them the best as they move into their High School career.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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