TCI News
TCI: Eliza Simons student tops GSAT 2018, Oseta Jolly primary sets bar higher with better pass rate
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday June 26, 2018 – A usual chart-topping streak has been broken with the absence of Oseta Jolly Primary School from the Top Ten list of the Grade Six Achievement Test for 2018.
The school, usually located in Blue Hills Providenciales was the hardest hit public institution by the ferocious Hurricane Irma, which pounded the site and obliterated any possibility of the 500 children returning to the campus during the 2017-2018 Academic year.
The Ministry of Education suffered a firestorm of criticism for its handling of conditions for the students and teachers, faculty and parents of Oseta Jolly Primary but there was no trace of animosity when this evening we spoke to the school’s principal, Rachel Handfield.
There was jubilation in Mrs. Handfield’s voice and she reveled in the performance of her students. 
“It was a happy atmosphere at Oseta Jolly today when we got the results. Yes, there was the list (of top ten students) but we are happy to celebrate with Enid Capron and Ona Glinton in particular and to see that government schools have done well.”
Oseta Jolly students and faculty had taken up residence at the Edward Gartland Youth Center and the Gus Lightbourne Gym following the September storm. Public schools were closed nearly two months.
There was challenge with a lack of privacy in teaching the students, extreme heat was also a foe when the air-conditioner at the Gym malfunctioned; it forced the school to go to half days; complaints by staff exposed to the public that there were leaky ceilings due to excessive rainfall and when it was time for the GSAT examinations, once again Oseta Jolly’s regular time table was upset as classes were suspended for a week for all students because the gym was a venue for the exam in Provo. 
Two boys were top of the best performer’s list; Ewing Franklyn of Eliza Simmons Primary School in Grand Turk earned the number one spot and at No. 2 was James T’Andre’ from Precious Treasures International School in Providenciales. Franklyn earned an overall 92.29 per cent and T’Andre’ had 92.19 per cent.
There were 12 students named for the Top Ten, with a three way tie for tenth place.
Minister of Education, Karen Malcolm confirmed that the list we received on social media was indeed authentic and it revealed that of the ten performances on the regional and national exam, for the Turks and Caicos Islands the government school system dominated.
Ten of the 12 were from public primary schools and making the best showing was Ona Glinton of Grand Turk with five of its students there, two for Eliza Simons Primary also in Grand Turk and Enid Capron Primary of Five Cays with three students making the best list.
When Magnetic Media contacted Oseta Jolly’s principal to determine the mood of the school given its absence from the nation’s best GSAT performers’ list, there was the sound of sincere joy in Mrs. Handfield’s voice as she explained that her school is happy.
“We had 73 students sit the GSAT and only nine were unsuccessful. Our 86 per cent pass rate was an improvement and we are extremely happy. I am excited for schools like Enid Capron and Ona Glinton which stood out this year. I celebrate that Oseta Jolly has gotten these children ready to enter high school.”
Oseta Jolly Primary remains the only displaced school following the harrowing hurricane season of 2017 yet the principal explained that she was thrilled at the pass rate of her remedial class, where of the 26 students sitting the GSAT from that focus group, 23 overcame the odds and passed their GSAT.
There was the sound of activity as Mrs. Handfield spoke to us via phone. It was explained that students are now relaxed and readying for another big moment: the Mr & Ms Oseta Jolly Primary school pageant which is set for this coming Thursday July 26, 2018 at the Gus Lightbourne Gym.
There are 11 contestants in the pageant.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
