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TCI: Premier says Governor’s Comments on Reconstruction Opened Door for Mischief

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#TurksandCaicos, April 17, 2018 – Providenciales – I note the statements attributed to the Governor and made during his Breakfast Press Briefing with Media Houses.  I also note the firestorm that has resulted following a captioned release stating that “Perception corrected; UK not micro-managing TCI money and spending says Governor.”  I further note the eagerness for supporters opposite to accuse my Government of lying and their willingness to not test these statements for completeness but to accept them hook line and sinker.  There is now as a result of these comments made by the Governor, a new false perception adversely impacting my Government in favour of the UK.  The Governor’s comments have opened the door for mischief that I am duty bound to address.

The new false perception is that we as a Government is able to spend our reserves and run a deficit Budget without UK scrutiny/approvals.  Though not stated by the Governor, I have seen these statements made and am obligated to correct these erroneous perceptions that has now been created out of an effort to correct the British image within our Islands.

The Governor has not lied to the people of this country and neither has the Government led by me.  But what has happened as we know it to always be is that he has told the side of those whom he represents: He is the Queen’s Representative within our Islands.  It is for my Government to remind us of our side of the story; to remind us as a people of several truths that have been stated by me but conveniently dismissed by those who know the truth and unfortunately misconstrued it or manipulated it for those who do not know or understand the process:

We already knew this to be the UK’s Position.  This is nothing new.  It is important that I make this clear that the Governor has communicated what has already been evidenced and what we ought to know as a people would be the UK’s stance as it relates to our country’s “healthy” savings when other OTs such as Anguilla and British Virgin Islands will require more British support.  It is in the British’s best interest to not have to worry about the TCI or to gift grants.  The facts are the facts and can not change despite people’s accounts: The Supplementary sent to the UK for approval in December (and rumored by an elected member opposite to be rejected) was approved and it is evidence of the UK’s position now being clearly stated by the Governor – It was a deficit Budget drawing down on our “healthy” reserves.

My Government has through Town Halls and Interviews before this Supplementary told the people of this country that we were seeking to run a deficit Budget and to use savings to meet immediate needs and explained the process under the Law.  The Supplementary approved by the UK in February took over a month to secure.  This was necessary because the Constitution does not allow TCIG to run a deficit budget without its approval.  The Supplementary which was debated by the House was a reduction Supplementary as we could not spend as usual due to our fallen revenues.  The House of Assembly had to approve this.

Following the Storms, the Projects agreed in March 2017 had shifted in priority and headlining for this revised priority was school repairs and NHIB support.  The UK’s approval was sought and received and no shifting in spending could take place without the House of Assembly’s approval. Therefore the reprioritized Capital Program was a part of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill and was approved early February.  My Government had to receive two levels of approval under Law which we sought and received.

The Supplementary was fiercely debated and saw conflicting comments from the Party opposite where the Leader of the Opposition himself said that the timing was too late in the financial year and whilst we agreed that it was late, we saw the need to get started early on School Projects in particular recognising that we would have to be in a position to note them, take them to contract stage before the end of the year (Financial year – March 31st), so that the works can begin ahead of our already announced late Budget passage.

The Leader of the Opposition despite saying this as it relates to time, he together with other members of his side kept asking for more Projects to be included. As explained and as known by them, the Bill could only be brought when approval was received from the UK and that as it was the end of the year, much more could not be achieved under the Procurement Process which required 6 weeks for Invitation to Tenders (ITT) and following approvals for Business cases.   And even after Bids were received there was an evaluation stage that had to be undertaken.  The Supplementary provided for $8m in School repairs which were covered by the CRIF but also $12m for National Health Insurance and other critical projects that we could not afford to defer for another year.

These priorities were set out even ahead of the Debate in response to the Opposition elected member celebrating as it were the UK’s supposed rejection of the Supplementary request and included “… critical resources for the Police, funding for NHIP, repairs to Schools which can double as Shelters, funding to support the introduction of online payment to better secure payment of government revenues and enhance public service, funding to submit the critical work of the National Physical Development Plan, additional resources to support border control and planning enforcement activities among other critical projects and matters…” [Excerpt from Release issued in January 2018] Ahead of the submission to the UK, the process to its preparation was challenged at many points most notably the Governor’s clear position to have accounting officers determine whether the conclusions of a Capital Board Meeting called by me as Minister of Finance was acceptable to them.

The Ministry of Finance Team did its best to move as quickly as it could and of course with the information available to them at the time.  As anyone listening to the Debate would have heard me say that the financial outlook was different and that there was no need at the time to draw down on reserves to fund reprioritized projects and to fund NHIB by a further $12m.

Therefore we are fully aware that the UK has and would support our running a deficit budget and spending our reserves.  Additionally the UK has stated over and over its support of our borrowing and have made several inquiries in this regard.

What I must say as a firm truth is that we are convinced that we would have to rely on our savings and loans to at the very least speed up reconstruction and possibly fund our own reconstruction. We have already retained CARICAID to prepare our Recovery Plan and hope to receive the document by next month.  This Plan will identify the areas for funding in the medium to long term.  I state clearly however that Schools and critical Government buildings at $10m and $16m respectively, remain priority for Government.

We understand and are not ignoring the continued call for TCIG to assist the over 4000 homeowners that need repairs or the approximate 400 who lost their homes altogether and who had no insurance coverage.  What we find disingenuous of the call to use monies earmarked to repair Schools to provide less than what is necessary to those found in this category.  We must also remember that the assistance received following Hurricane Ike came 7 years later through EU Funding.  We also recall the help received from the UK then whilst CRIF monies had to be used to help meet TCIG’s monthly obligations.  Whilst we are in a much better position, we are taking the careful approach to borrow against our reserves as we are not certain of the UK’s assistance in any other way than in the provision of the guarantee, the just over $1m dollars for Prison works and Radar repairs, upgrading and training: its constitutional areas of responsibility relating to national security.  This may be made clearer following the submission of our Recovery Plan but not yet stated.

Now I address further truths that the Governor has not included in his comments but state clearly that it is not for him to, but for my Government who is duty bound to set out the full picture in my Government’s defense.  I am duty bound to set out certain facts already shared but others now necessary to share given the firestorm of untruths and false perceptions created following his comments.

  • I have already addressed that the fact that running a deficit budget and spending savings requires the UK’s approval first and then the House of Assembly’s and as such the new perception is incorrect.

 

  • What the Governor has not said is that the UK has not engaged in micromanaging at its highest level but the Governor is involved in every process here and controls ( a meaning of micromanaging) through Cabinet all decisions, with the need for consensus (complete agreement of 7 elected members and the 3 unelected members) for anything to move forward. I must inform our people though that the Cabinet Minutes for the first time Noted the FSPS (submitted to and requiring UK’s approval ahead of the Budget) when historically Cabinet Minutes would show approval. This demonstrated for us a willingness to move the process forward on the part of elected and unelected members of Cabinet. I must however state though that for the first time I am advised, the UK had made or stated certain specific calls on the recurrent Budget for areas of its particular obligation and interests. I am pleased to report however that the FSPS has received conditional approval pending the submission of the Capital Program and the Recovery Plan.

 

  • While the Governor has said that reserves took a long time to build and that they are necessary to borrow, he neglected to say why my Government wishes to retain the level of reserves at at least 90 days cash levels. Last year the Budget for the first time since the new stringent financial regulations did not have to be approved by the UK as in previous years. Any reserves/savings below the agreed cash level would see the UK having to approve the FSPS and the detailed Budget.

 

  • What the Governor has not said is that there has been a call by his Office as to areas he wish to have funded and have already stated that the Budget can be difficult to agree even if our cash levels remain as is and there remains no need to submit the detailed Budget to the UK for scrutiny and approvals. He is still very much in the process and can as with any decision of Cabinet hinder or halt any process until he himself in full agreement.

 

  • What the Governor has not said is that on three separate occasions: twice to London and more recently directly to him, I have had the need to raise the high and continuing annual costs of $9.1m to cover SIPT costs with $5m for legal aid and $4m for SIPT’s Team. TCIG would be able to do much more if we had access to this near $10m annually and I have suggested to the UK that should the UK assume these responsibilities and if done, the TCIG would be able to address areas of its interests, the Governors interests and critical areas also identified by the locally elected government.

Whilst the UK is prepared to have us spend more than we make and to spend our “healthy” savings, we must look at our financial position against this background:

Reserves are important for rating; important for loans; 90 days cash levels allows us to not have to get our detailed Budget approved or scrutinized by UK and from history we will perhaps have to fund the majority if not all of the recovery plan so we must be prudent until we have our Plan and know what the UK and others are prepared to do.  The proposed Budget for 2018/19 is addressing the short term recovery efforts – repairs to Schools and Government Buildings while addressing the social issues, primary health care and national security issues. I welcome the UK’s Position but fiscal prudence does not allow such a simple approach to be taken.

Whilst there will always be a mistrust between the UK and TCI, the half report relayed and no attempt to further clarify only seeks to erode trust in such a critical partnership.  But what I find more amusing than the flippant perception given by not painting the entire picture of the need for approvals at all levels is the fact that too many of our people of the TCI continue to believe reports only when it suits them.  I encourage us again to learn about the workings of our country and  not just scrutinize the words and actions of elected governments but all in authority especially those who are empowered by the Constitution.

The UK is involved every stage locally by the Governor’s role and so to say there is no micromanaging or local control is certainly incorrect.  The current Governor, as many know nationally is involved at all levels even where neither of his predecessors has been under elected Government. Hence the perception out there that he is running the country.  This is a perception he must feel compelled to correct by actions.

 

Hon Sharlene L Cartwright Robinson

Premier & Minister of Finance

The Turks and Caicos Islands

 

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Beaches Resorts Announces Grand Opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos  

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Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, now open, featuring 101 all-suite accommodations, brand-new dining concepts and thoughtfully designed amenities.

Montego Bay, Jamaica March 12, 2026 – Beaches Resorts has unveiled a bold new chapter in Caribbean family travel with the grand opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a US $150 million expansion that redefines oceanfront luxury on the western edge of the resort’s property.

The award-winning resort brand commemorated the milestone with an elegant and celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony on February 28, staged in the picturesque lobby of the new development overlooking the 15,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool and the turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach.

Conceived as a landmark moment for both the brand and the destination, the ceremony gathered Turks and Caicos government officials, Sandals and Beaches Resorts executives and team members, regional business leaders, local suppliers, artisans, artists and members of the media in a powerful show of partnership.

The programme was vibrantly led by master of ceremonies Gary Sadler, executive vice president of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations, and opened with remarks from James McAnally, regional managing director, Northern Caribbean and Curacao for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and the Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, minister of tourism, agriculture, fisheries and the environment. Reflections followed from Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, before the ceremony culminated with a keynote address from the Hon. Charles Washington Misick, premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, who joined other government officials and resort leaders for the official ribbon cutting that formally declared Treasure Beach Village open.

The event also featured a special performance by the Louise Garland Thomas High School Steel Pan Band and students of the Enid Capron Primary School Cultural Group, celebrating the culture and creativity of the islands. Guests then enjoyed a curated dining experience inside the Village’s newest restaurants, offering a first taste of the elevated culinary concepts now available to families from around the world.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart in his delivery, underscored the legacy and deep-rooted connection between the brand and the destination.

“Turks and Caicos is an absolute gift to the world,” said Stewart. “Its beauty, its people and its ability to perform on the world stage make it extraordinary. My grandfather always told me it was one of the most beautiful places on earth. My father came to see it for himself and 30 years later Beaches Turks and Caicos stands as the most successful family resort in this hemisphere.”

Stewart added, “what began as a small hotel has grown from 150 rooms to nearly 900 keys and more than 1,000 rooms because of the vision of our founder and his unwavering belief in Caribbean people. Today we are a team of 20,000 and 97 percent are Caribbean nationals. The Sandals story is a story of belief in what we can achieve together.”

In his keynote address, Premier Charles Washington Misick highlighted the national significance of the investment.

“Today we celebrate the opening of Treasure Beach and something even greater,” said Premier Misick. “This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades and strengthened by trust. Treasure Beach Village signals confidence in our country, in our stability and in our tourism product and it sets a new standard of quality and value.”

Integral to the celebration were several of the local artists whose commissioned works now define the character of Treasure Beach Village. From the earliest stages of design, the creative vision for the village centred on capturing the true treasures of the Turks and Caicos Islands through art and storytelling.

Among the standout installations is “Roses of Provo” by Stanford Hanfield, a breathtaking composition of more than 800 hand-cut conch shells transformed into a dramatic showpiece that honours the conch on the national flag and the enduring spirit of the islands. Murals by Ashley Aarons that celebrate local flora and fauna while paying homage to the founder’s love of the Caribbean. Through the lens of Rich McGhie, striking imagery of turtles, beaches and everyday island life captures the people who are the true treasures of Treasure Beach Village. Contributing artists Lucie Winton-Stubbs, Hezron Henry, Ancy Dorisca, Ayshe Stephen and Victoria Silvera further infuse the spaces with Caribbean soul, texture and authenticity.

Several of these artists were present for the ribbon cutting and were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions.

Following this, the award-winning resort welcomed its first guests to Treasure Beach Village on March 1, greeted by Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, Sandals executives, vibrant team members waving the Turks and Caicos and Jamaican flags, singing, dancing and inviting families to an experience brimming with island inspiration and exciting ‘Beaches Firsts’.

Suites Designed for Togetherness

The new oceanfront village featuring 101 multi-bedroom suites, unveils expansive new room categories, blending generous living spaces with the all-inclusive service synonymous with Beaches. Among the standouts are the oceanfront CrystalSky 4-Bedroom Reserve Villas, perched on the sand and unfolding across more than 2,600 square feet over three stories. Accommodating up to 10 guests and designed for elevated family living, the villas include a private pool and a rooftop deck with a telescope. Spanning more than 2,800 square feet over two stories, the Chairman’s Penthouse Suite hosts up to 10 guests in three bedrooms, anchored by a dramatic staircase that connects its expansive living spaces.

Oceanview Two-Story Suites feature two-bedroom and three-bedroom layouts with open designs, modern bunk beds, inviting dining nooks and al fresco living rooms designed to capture the sea breeze. A collection of thoughtfully designed Oceanview and Penthouse Concierge Suites welcome up to six guests with two bedrooms, expansive baths and bunk beds. A Caribbean palette of turquoise, coral and neutrals reflects the surrounding sea and sand, accented by artful touches inspired by life beneath the surface.

Dining That Brings Everyone to the Table

At Treasure Beach Village, six new dining concepts invite families to slow down and linger, including the arrival of Butch’s Island Chop House at a Beaches resort – the beloved Sandals Resorts steakhouse. A tribute to the brand’s late founder, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the restaurant brings generations together over prime dry age steaks, fresh seafood and an elevated beverage experience for adults, including a mini-martini menu.

A first of its kind for the brand, Pinta Food Hall introduces global flavours across four distinct culinary stations, from smoky tacos and Asian stir-fries to an open-air Italian window and an à la carte grill – plus Beaches’ first-ever live churro station. Featuring Jamaica’s iconic Blue Mountain coffee, BRÜ Coffee Bar serves artisanal coffee by day and transitions into a craft cocktail spot by night.

Designed for Families, Shaped by the Sea

Sweeping views of Grace Bay’s turquoise waters set the tone for unhurried days ahead. Inside the lobby, coastal details take shape in an intricate sea-garden ceiling and a striking conch installation by local artisan Stanford Handfield, while a soft sand-and-sea palette creates an atmosphere that feels instantly welcoming.

At the heart of the village, a 15,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool sets the scene complete with three whirlpools. A waterslide and splash zone cater to younger guests, while a swim-up bar offers a gathering place for all ages. Nearby, Calypso Cones adds a playful poolside moment with refreshing snow cones under the Caribbean sun.

Treasure Beach Village also debuts Beaches’ first Starfish Cinema, an all-day, 32-seat theatre designed for daytime sitcoms and family movie nights, popcorn and refreshments included.

Treasure Beach Village is fully integrated into the Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, where all guests enjoy access to a total of 28 additional dining options, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited land and water sports, daily entertainment for every generation, and complimentary Kids Camps led by trained childcare experts.

“As the next chapter in the Beaches Turks and Caicos story, Treasure Beach Village builds on everything families already love about this resort, adding incredibly spacious accommodations and freshly introduced experiences shaped by the way families travel today,” said Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “It is incredibly moving to meet guests who first visited Beaches as children and are now returning with little ones of their own. More than ever, families are coming together across generations, slowing down and truly valuing time with one another, and this new addition opens up even more possibilities for those shared moments.”

Bigger, Better, Beaches 2.0

The opening of Treasure Beach Village marks the beginning of Beaches’ next chapter. With nearly US $1 billion invested to double the brand’s footprint over the next several years, Beaches continues to expand across the Caribbean, introducing more space, more flexibility and more opportunities for families to reconnect in Exuma, The Bahamas; Jamaica; Barbados and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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Education

Department of Education hosts 3rd Annual Local Studies Competition

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1st Place - Precious Treasures Primary School

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Culture successfully hosted the 3rd Annual Local Studies Jeopardy-Style Competition, an initiative designed to promote persons’ understanding of the history, culture, and contemporary affairs of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event took place on March 2, 2026, at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex, bringing together students, parents, educators, and community stakeholders in a celebration of national heritage and civic awareness.

This year’s competition was organized under the theme “Where Parents Lead, Children Succeed,” emphasizing the critical role of parental engagement in education. In alignment with this theme, each competing team consisted of one student and one parent, thereby fostering intergenerational collaboration and reinforcing the importance of family participation in the learning process. The inclusion of parents not only enhanced the spirit of the competition but also underscored the broader educational philosophy that student achievement is strengthened when families and schools work in partnership.

The event commenced with opening greetings delivered by the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Rachel Taylor. In her remarks, Minister Taylor highlighted the significance of the competition as a platform for showcasing national identity and collective heritage. She noted that the addition of parents as active participants represented a meaningful and progressive development in the students’ wholistic structure, further strengthening the relationship between home, school, and community. According to the Minister, initiatives such as the Local Studies Competition play a vital role in ensuring that younger generations develop a strong appreciation for the cultural and historical foundations of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The opening ceremony also featured several cultural performances that helped create an atmosphere reflective of the nation’s traditions. The Enid Capron Primary School Band performed a selection of cultural music, setting an engaging and celebratory tone for the proceedings. Additionally, students from Clement Howell High School delivered renditions of the National Anthem and the National Song, reinforcing the patriotic spirit of the occasion. The audience was formally welcomed by Director of Culture, Odessa Forbes, who expressed appreciation for the participation of schools, parents, and community members in supporting cultural education. The competition itself was skilfully moderated by Quiz Master Huntley Forbes Jr., who guided participants through the various rounds of questions.

A total of fifteen schools participated in the competition, demonstrating strong representation from across the islands. Participating institutions included: Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, Eliza Simons Primary School, Ianthe Pratt Primary School, International School, Precious Treasures Primary School, Oseta Jolly Primary School, Marjorie Basden High School, Ona Glinton Primary School, Provo Primary and Middle School, Clement Howell High School, Richmond Hill Preparatory School, Charles Hubert James Primary School, Shining Stars Preparatory School, Raymond Gardiner High School, and Enid Capron Primary School.

Throughout the competition, teams demonstrated impressive knowledge of various aspects of Turks and Caicos Islands heritage, including historical milestones, national festivals, traditional cuisine, geography, and contemporary current affairs. The high level of engagement and enthusiasm among participants reflected both the effectiveness of local studies instruction within schools and the commitment of families to supporting students’ academic development.

Following several rounds of intense and closely contested gameplay, Precious Treasures Primary School emerged as the first-place winner. International School secured second place, while Charles Hubert James Primary School earned third place. All teams displayed commendable effort, preparation, and pride in representing their schools and their knowledge of national heritage.

The Department of Education and the Department of Culture extend their sincere gratitude to all participating schools, students, parents, teachers, judges, coaches and volunteers whose contributions made the event a success. Appreciation is also expressed to the organizers, engineer, scorekeepers, timekeepers, performers, and supporters who helped create a meaningful and memorable celebration of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ history and culture. Through initiatives such as the Local Studies Jeopardy-Style Competition, the Departments reaffirm their commitment to fostering cultural awareness, national pride, and lifelong learning.

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North and Middle Caicos Students receive educational material from Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos resort

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Sandals Foundation Ambassadors and students from the Adelaide Oemler Primary School share in a moment with some of the educational material for donating to the school

Turks and Caicos Islands – Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, through the Sandals Foundation, recently expanded its education outreach to North and Middle Caicos, providing new learning materials to every primary school student on the twin islands, as well as a number of students from Raymond Gardiner High School. The initiative was aimed at strengthening classroom instruction, reducing the burden on families, and ensuring that children in the family islands have access to the same quality of resources as their peers on Providenciales.

Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan share, “this donation ensured that students at government primary schools in North and Middle Caicos received age-appropriate educational materials, including workbooks, back packs, pencils, erasers, crayons, sharpeners, stationery, and complementary learning aids to support learning.”

The effort covered schools such as Raymond Gardiner High, Adelaide Oemler Primary, Charles Hubert James Primary, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and Doris Robinson Primary in Middle Caicos.

In addition to primary students, a number of students from Raymond Gardiner High School also benefitted, receiving materials that teachers shared will help reinforce literacy, numeracy and exam preparation in the upper grades.

Principal Janet Walkin noted, “while classroom teachers often create their own resources, having these materials and sufficient basic supplies can make a measurable difference in student performance and classroom engagement.”

Veteran principal of Charles Hubert James Primary Carmencita Morley, welcomed the donation and emphasized its importance for both teachers and students. She explained that the new materials would help improve the quality of teaching and learning at the school by allowing educators to better differentiate instruction and provide more hands-on activities across grades.

“With these additional resources, our teachers have more tools to reach students at different levels and learning styles,” she shared, “our schools in North Caicos often face constraints in accessing up-to-date educational aids.” The principal added that for many families, especially those with multiple children, back-to-school expenses can be significant, so receiving core supplies helps reduce financial pressure while ensuring that every child comes to class prepared to learn.

Principal Abigail Delancy of Adelaide Oemler echoed this sentiment, pointing out that “consistent access to simple items such as exercise books, pencils and reading materials can reduce classroom disruptions and give teachers more time to focus on instruction. They also highlighted that the donation aligns with national efforts by the Ministry of Education to raise standards in literacy and numeracy across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The latest distribution is part of the Sandals Foundation’s broader, long-term investment in education across the Caribbean, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. Regionally, the foundation supports scholarships, school infrastructure and technology upgrades, teacher training, and the provision of learning resources.

General Manager, Deryk Meany added, “the resort sees its role as going beyond hospitality, with a focus on supporting the communities where our team members and their families live. Education remains one of the three central pillars of the Sandals Foundation—alongside community and environment—and pledged to continue working with local schools and the Ministry of Education to identify needs and deliver targeted support.”

For Adelaide Oemler Primary’s leadership, the focus now is on integrating the new materials into daily teaching plans and monitoring how they contribute to student progress over the coming terms. The principal stressed that with continued collaboration among schools, the private sector and charitable organizations, North and Middle Caicos students can access the resources they need to thrive academically and build a strong foundation for their future.

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