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TCI: Special Education Policy Initiative “No Child Left Behind” & News Magazine Officially Launched

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#TurksandCaicos, April 24, 2018 – Providenciales – Thursday, April 12th 2018 was a significant and historic day for the Department of Education as the country was introduced to the first ever Special Education Newsmagazine called“Inclusion”.   The magazine was developed to inform the country of the trends, development and achievements in Special Education in the TCI.  The launch of this magazine was a special feature of the Policy Initiative “No Child Left Behind”.  At the launch, the Education Officer for Special Needs Mr. Jasmin Walkin gave an overview of the assessment of Special Education Programs conducted throughout the government schools in the Turks & Caicos Islands and how the information gained inspired him to collaborate with the Special Education Teachers to develop a National Strategy to begin to meet the needs of Students with Special Needs.

Mr. Walkin explained to those in attendance; “This policy initiative is derived from TCI Special Education Policy document. However, it is a list of specific targets my team and I will seek to meet during a twelve-month period March 2018 – February 2019.  The targets outlined in “No Child Left Behind” Policy Initiative are directed towards a massive Special Education public relations campaign, establishing a system of reliable data collection, referrals and intervention, professional development and collaboration, capacity building, and finally; promoting ‘best practices’ in regard to Special Education models throughout our schools.”

 

 

Some of the specific targets of “No Child Left Behind” Policy Initiative are:

  1. Establishment of Special Education Assessment & Intervention Team (SEAIT) – National Steering Committee to supervise, develop, and support the work of School Based Assessment Teams, design intervention and monitor its implementation.
  2. Appoint Special Education Programme Coordinators to assist with the implementation of TCI Special Education Policy, programme management, evaluation, student assessment and staff development.
  3. Establish a system for consistent Special Education Screening and Assessments that leads to intervention (SEAIT Objective)
  4. Establish a smooth system of assessment, screening, referrals, and intervention in collaboration with Ministry of Health and their external agencies – which provides the ministry with support for Special Needs assessments
  5. Establish Culture of Capacity Building among Special Education Teachers (SET)
  6. Implement a PR campaign encouraging parents to have their children assessed and to pressure parents who have not accepted the prognosis of their Special Needs child to allow intervention where it is possible.
  7. As part of the PR Campaign: Collaborate with Special Education Teachers to establish quarterly Special Education Magazine, as well as establish partnership with media houses, conduct interviews about Special Education Policy initiatives and updates.

 

Mr. Walkin was pleased to inform those in attendance that many of the targets outlined in the policy initiative had already been realized and introduced the country to the Special Education Program Coordinators:  Ms. Te-Ann Astwood for Zone 1, Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings for Zone 2, and Ms. Edith Gray for Secondary Schools and expressed his confidence in their work and driven spirit in bringing innovation to Special Education.

 

 

Additionally, the Education Officer was grateful for the progress being made by the SEAIT National Steering Committee and was pleased to introduce three of its key members to the media: Ms. Tiffany Ivey (Chairperson), Ms. Denise Duncan (Secretary) and Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs a Clinical Psychologist representing the Ministry of Health.  Other members of the SEAIT Committee also include Ms. Sriya Smalling, Mrs. Sherryl Patterson and Mrs. Levenia Bishop.

Mr. Walkin further stated: “The work of SEAIT National Steering Committee is volunteer work and the members should be commended for the sacrifices they are making to meet the needs of Special Education Students in the TCI.

Also present at the Launch was the Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcom.  In her remarks she stated; “I remember giving remarks at the First Special Education Teachers Conference in February of this year and sensed from then that it was just the beginning.  Then, the Special Education Assessment & Intervention Team National Steering Committee was established and was tasked with developing a system of screening, assessment and intervention for Special Needs students.  The new developments in Special Education in TCI did not stop there.  The Education Officer then informed us that the first ever Special Education News magazine was being developed in support of the targets outlined in the “No Child Left Behind Policy Initiative”.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased and very excited to be here at the Launch of this Special Education Policy Initiative and to say congratulations to the department of education, the director, the education officer Mr. Jasmin Walkin, his Special Education leaders and teachers for the progress they have made and pledge my ministry’s support in regards to seeing these targets successfully implemented.  And in the words of the Education Officer, I am excited to be a part of the “New Era in Special Education”.

With the successful and historic launch of the Special Education Magazine “Inclusion” now behind them, the Education Officer has defined the next chapter in the development of Special Education in the TCI as the “New Era in Special Education” and informed the country that this launch was just the beginning; citing the pop phrase “We got big things poppin”.

 

Release: TCIG

 

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News

GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

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Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2026 – Commercial flights between Grand Turk and South Caicos have been temporarily discontinued, leaving residents without a direct air link between the two islands since March 1.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirmed the suspension in a statement Tuesday, explaining that the route — which operates under a government subsidy — is currently under review as officials reassess the tender process used to award the service.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade said the government is “working diligently to assess available options” to restore reliable air service between the islands as quickly as possible.

While the statement did not identify which airline had been operating the route, historically Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways have provided flights between South Caicos and Grand Turk using small twin-engine aircraft.

Officials acknowledged the disruption has caused concern among residents, noting that inter-island air travel is critical for access to essential services, business activity and government operations.

The government emphasized that the suspension does not affect flights between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which continue to operate normally.

The review now underway will determine the next provider for the subsidized route. Authorities say the process must be conducted in a “fair, transparent and efficient manner” before service can resume.

For residents of the two islands, however, the immediate issue remains transportation — with many now forced to reroute through Providenciales or rely on limited sea travel until the air connection is restored.

Further updates are expected once the government completes its review and awards a new operating arrangement.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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News

Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.

The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.

Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.

The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.

“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.

The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.

Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.

The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.

Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.

Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.

Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.

Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

 

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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