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2017 Junior Park Wardens

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#TurksandCaicos, September 1, 2017 – Providenciales – The Junior Park Warden (JPW) Program is in its 17th year, teaching the youth about the Turks and Caicos Islands Environment.   This year was no exception as a total of 32 participants, aged between 10 and 17, were given an opportunity to explore and discover pressing environmental issues in The Turks and Caicos Islands.

Every year, the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources partners with the Pine Cay Project to deliver a fun-filled and highly sort after summer program, focusing on environmental conservation and practical learning.

“It is important that youth, the leaders of tomorrow understand the natural heritage of the islands, the benefits received from it and how it can be managed to keep TCI beautiful by nature.   I would like to thank all DECR staff involved in the JPW, as well as our partners and sponsors who have worked to make the JPW a success for over 17 years,” said Ethan Griesbach, DECR’s Acting Director.

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This year’s theme, “Ecosystems” was selected so as to teach participants about the country’s beautiful biodiversity and the ecosystems that comprise the natural heritage of the islands.   Participants in the JPW Program 2017 learned what an ecosystem is and how it operates.   These concepts were illustrated through practical interactions with the local environment.

This was achieved through directly interacting with various ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves and coastal forests and shrub, providing participants with an understanding of the challenges ecosystems face when no longer in balance.   In addition, each day introduced students to a sub theme such as sustainable tourism, sustainable development, the DECR roles and responsibilities, National Park and Fishing laws and regulations, and potential careers in Environmental Studies / Sciences and the Maritime Industry.   The JPW Program consisted of two, one-week programs, with activities limited to Providenciales.

For the past seventeen years the JPW Program has been sponsored by The Pine Cay Project and facilitated by DECR.   This year’s PADI Discover SCUBA Dive (DSD) component was sponsored by Provo Turtle Divers, who sponsored a total of 3 participants.

Press Release: TCIG

 

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Undocumented Man Charged with Gang and Firearm Offenses

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Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

 

#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – An undocumented Haitian male, aged 20, faces charges related to gang activity and firearms.

He was apprehended along with others in a small blue car in front of Sunny Foods Supermarket on South Dock/Five Cays Road on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2024. Providing the name JAMES SIMON to the police, he was accompanied by a 16/17-year-old (name withheld) who faces charges of unlawful entry.

The accused is charged with illegal possession of a Black Glock 44 (serial number AEBE402) containing 10 rounds of 22LR ammunition on South Dock/Five Cays Road, Providenciales.

Additionally, he is alleged to be one of three individuals involved in a morning robbery at 809 or Chances, Blue Hills, Providenciales. The robbery, captured on video, involved the gunpoint theft of a female’s white handbag containing $799.00.

He has been remanded until the next sufficiency hearing on July 7th, 2024. Appearing in court on Monday, May 13th, he was represented by Mr. Ashwood Forbes, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represented by Ms. Enjaleek Dickerson.

He was arraigned on the following charges:

  1. Gang membership
  2. Robbery
  3. Possession of a firearm for the benefit of a gang
  4. Possession of ammunition for the benefit of a gang
  5. Unlawful entry
  6. Possession of a firearm
  7. Possession of ammunition

Both individuals are Creole-speaking.

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32-Year-Old Turks Islander Skips Court and Leaves Country

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Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – XAVIER DENZEL KING, aged 32, has reportedly left the country, abandoning his court case, which had been pending for an extended period without progress.

Magnetic Media has observed King’s frequent appearances in court over the past year, with little advancement in his case.  He was facing charges of assaulting police officers, with the incidents allegedly occurring around April of the previous year.

On Monday, May 13th, the matter was once again brought up for mention, but King failed to appear.  A court official informed the learned Chief Magistrate that “XAVIER KING has left the country.”

A bench warrant has been issued for King’s arrest, and a summons to show cause has been issued for the surety, the individual who signed his bail.

The matter has been adjourned for the surety’s appearance in court to be recalled.

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Education

1 World Foundation Impactful Visit to support children across the Turks & Caicos Islands.

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May 21, 2024

 

The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture is proud to announce the successful completion of a comprehensive screening initiative led by the dedicated 1 World team. Over the course of their visit, the team provided invaluable assessments and support to 55 children under the age of 8, across the islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos, and Providenciales.

The 1 World Foundation’s mission was to address various referral concerns, ensuring early detection and intervention for developmental and educational needs. Their work has significantly contributed to the well-being and future success of our young learners.

Director of SENS department, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the team’s dedication: “We are immensely grateful for the 1 World team’s commitment to our children. They have provided services to this country over several years, and their expertise and compassion have provided critical support to our families. I wish to commend our Coordinator of Assessments, Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, who spearheaded the initiative and ensured a smooth and effective visit.” Commenting on the program, Mrs. Skippings noted, “The assessments conducted by the 1 World team have been transformative for our children. By identifying specific needs early, we can tailor our interventions to better support each child’s unique development journey. This initiative has brought hope and clarity to many families across our islands.”

Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, praised the initiative and its outcomes: “The visit of the 1 World team marks a significant step forward in our commitment to inclusive education. Their work aligns perfectly with our vision of providing comprehensive supports to all students, ensuring no child is left behind. We are dedicated to continuing this partnership and building on the progress made.”

During their visit, the 1 World team also engaged in a productive courtesy call with the Minister of Education, the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Cherylann Jones, and the Director of SENS. The meeting with the CEO of the 1 World Foundation provided an opportunity to discuss future collaborations and reinforce our shared commitment to the children of Turks and Caicos Islands.

This initiative exemplifies the power of partnership and the profound impact that dedicated professionals can have on the lives of children. The Department of Special Education Needs Services looks forward to continuing this important work and building a brighter future for all our students. For more information, please contact the department on sens@gov.tc.

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