Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – United Way Turks and Caicos Islands (UWTCI) officially launched its 2025 Youth Summer Enrichment Camp today, Monday, July 7th, at The Salvation Army Brighter Futures Center on Leeward Highway. The camp was formally declared open by UWTCI Chairman, Mr. Mark A. Fulford, during a brief but inspiring opening ceremony attended by board members, staff, volunteers, and students and parents.

Now in its fourth year, the Summer Enrichment Camp has welcomed 120 students between the ages of 6 and 12 for two weeks of dynamic learning, enrichment, and personal development. The program is led by a committed team of seven educators, supported by volunteers, a camp cook, and a cleaner to ensure a safe and nurturing environment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       “This camp is about more than summer fun, it’s about helping our young people build confidence, develop new skills, and believe in their ability to thrive,” said Chairman Mark Fulford in his opening address.

“United Way is proud to invest in the future of our children, and we thank all our partners and volunteers who continue to support this important mission.”

Throughout the two-week program, students will engage in literacy and numeracy activities, arts and crafts, music, physical education, and character-building workshops. The camp also provides nutritious meals and daily encouragement in a supportive, team-oriented setting.

UWTCI CEO, Claudine Ewing, praised the dedication of the teachers, volunteers, donors, supporters and the enthusiastic response from families: “Our goal is to close learning gaps and ignite passion for learning in a fun, positive way. The impact of this camp extends far beyond these two weeks, it helps shape futures.”

Chairman Fulford also added, “Every child deserves a chance to dream, to explore, and to grow. This camp is one of the ways United Way is ensuring that opportunity reaches every corner of our community. When we invest in children, we invest in a brighter future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Present at the Opening Ceremony were Vice Chairman Rex Messam, Board Directors Nina Siegenthaler, Marsha Lightbourne Misick, Monique Luis and Davidson Louis. Special thanks goes to our Donors who have made this all positive.

The 2025 Summer Camp runs through Friday, July 18th, and will culminate in a Closing Day Community Conversation, where students will sit down with community leaders to share their dreams, challenges, and goals for the future.

United Way Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to creating programs that empower children, support families, and strengthen the fabric of the community.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Kecha Delusma-Chase as the Deputy Chief Librarian within the Department of Library Services with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Since beginning her career with the Department of Library Services in 2015 as a Library Assistant, Mrs. Delusma-Chase has consistently demonstrated dedication to human development and lifelong learning. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Studies from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Librarianship (Second Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, completed in 2024, with support from the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Professional Development Fund.

Mrs. Delusma-Chase’s exceptional academic achievements were recognised in being awarded the prestigious Quida Rowe Prize for Most Outstanding Academic Performance in her final year of the Librarianship Programme.

In a continued effort to advance her education, Mrs. Delusma-Chase has been accepted into the Master’s program in Library and Information Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Speaking on her new role, Mrs. Delusma-Chase said, “I am deeply honoured and grateful to be appointed Deputy Chief Librarian within the Library Department. This journey has instilled in me resilience and discipline and I am truly grateful to God for His guidance and strength in bringing me to this moment.

I extend my sincere appreciation to my family, mentors, and colleagues for their unwavering encouragement throughout my journey.                                                                                                                                                                          Deepest gratitude to my husband Dario Chase, whose steadfast support has been a pillar of strength during the most critical moments.                                                                                                                                                                           As Deputy Chief Librarian, I also want to highlight my initial concerns regarding the library’s technical aspects in this rapidly evolving technological era. It is essential that we embrace innovation to ensure our library remains relevant and accessible to the community.

Guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’, I am committed to challenging the misconception that libraries are obsolete and instead highlighting their essential role in our community’s growth and development, particularly in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. I look forward to implementing new initiatives, strengthening library services and working collaboratively with my colleagues to enhance access to information and resources for all.”

The Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, in congratulatory remarks, said, “Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Delusma-Chase on her well-deserved appointment as Deputy Chief Librarian.

Throughout her career, she has exemplified a deep commitment to excellence and a passion for lifelong learning that resonates not only within the Library Services but also in her drive for excellence and success.

We are pleased to have been able to provide financial support for her academic studies from the TCIG Professional Development Fund and encourage other public servants to do the same.

We are certain that Mrs. Delusma-Chase’s extensive knowledge and innovative spirit will undoubtedly lead to a transformative impact on our libraries, making them more accessible and engaging for everyone. I look forward to witnessing the positive changes she will bring and the inspiration she will provide to both her peers and our future generations.

Congratulations Ms. Delusma-Chase on your promotion.”

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

As news of the Waldorf Astoria resort coming to Dellis Cay reverberates through the Turks and Caicos Islands, InterCaribbean Airways is uniquely positioned to become a key transportation partner for this transformative development—especially given its deep roots in the neighboring island of North Caicos.

Founded and owned by Lyndon Gardiner, a native of North Caicos, InterCaribbean is the country’s flagship airline and a growing force in regional air travel. With flights to over 15 Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, Cuba, Barbados, and Guyana, the airline has steadily expanded its reach while keeping its operational core in the Turks and Caicos.

As luxury tourism surges with the announcement of the 2028 opening of Waldorf Astoria Turks and Caicos on Dellis Cay, InterCaribbean is expected to play a central role in ferrying guests from regional and Latin American markets to Providenciales and, eventually, Clifford Gardiner Airport on North Caicos—just minutes from Dellis Cay by boat.

Industry analysts note that the airline is well positioned to offer scheduled and private charter flights, especially from Caracas, Santo Domingo, and Port-au-Prince—markets where InterCaribbean already has a presence and where demand for premium travel options is growing.

“It’s a full-circle moment,” said one tourism stakeholder. “You have one of our own—Gardiner—who built this airline from the ground up, now potentially playing a pivotal role in welcoming the world’s elite to his home.”

While no formal route announcements have been made, local observers expect InterCaribbean to scale strategically as Dellis Cay construction ramps up. For Gardiner and the team behind InterCaribbean, the opportunity is more than commercial—it’s personal.