TCI News
26th Meeting of The Regional Cultural Committee (RCC), Georgetown, Guyana
#Georgetown, July 07, 2018 – Guyana – The Twenty-Sixth Regional Cultural Committee (RCC) Meeting convened in Georgetown, Guyana on 
June 25, 2018 where Directors of Culture throughout the Caribbean were in attendance. Representing the Turks and Caicos Islands Culture Department was Director of Culture, Ludwina Fulford.
One of the primary objectives of the two-day session was to discuss areas such as Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA), Reparations for Native Genocide and Slavery, Leveraging CARICOM’s Cultural Assets, Animation and Financing Culture. Additionally, all Directors were given an opportunity to provide an update on the various cultural activities taking place within their respective countries. Representatives from the host country for the upcoming CARIFESTA were in attendance and provided an update on the progress being made to host next year’s event.
Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA) has been a catalyst for the strengthening of regional amalgamation among our Caribbean countries, artisans and cultural practitioners, for more than four decades. Over the years, Caribbean nations have enthusiastically participated in the festival and used it as a catalyst to promote the arts and culture of their country. The festival has over the years been an avenue for Caribbean artisans to show case their history, skills and talents both regionally and internationally.
The 2019 festival will be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago from August 16 – 26 and will showcase a multi-talented cultural display in the visual and literary arts, storytelling, fashion, body art, craft, theatre, dance, music, film and new media from participating countries within the region in an enabling environment. It is anticipated that a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands will participate in CARIFESTA 2019.
The meeting also called for the sharing of information across the Region and the need for countries to be proactive in their pursuit of cultural and economic sustainability. It was acknowledged, however, that countries are often hampered in their undertakings by limited resources and lack of support for the creative industry. It was noted too that it is critical for countries “to proceed with urgency to decide on the region’s priorities and develop policy models across the Caribbean.” Countries were encouraged to inculcate in their people that culture and cultural industries are businesses, not merely social entertainment and as such should be treated accordingly.
Commenting on the sessions, Director Fulford said; “It’s always a wonderful, enlightening and enriching opportunity when Heads of Departments of Culture throughout the Region gather to proclaim and/or reinforce our visions for our respective Departments, share our initiatives, discuss policies, challenges and successes, and devise strategies for overcoming any obstacles we face, which, more often than not, are very similar in nature, across the Region. We left the meeting renewed, charged and committed to implement best practices, and further formulate initiatives that 
would bring greater awareness to, and foster deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage. In addition, I am extremely pleased that the Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Culture has recently held a session in collaboration with OCTA Innovation in Providenciales. This was a timely undertaking as it was geared primarily towards understanding the needs of our artisans and bettering the relationship with them, and it formed a part of the discussions during the RCC.”
Presentations were made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Caribbean Export and Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), all of whom provided information on ways in which they can further assist in the development of various programmes and the provision of financial support for cultural initiatives.
Dialogue has already begun between the Department of Culture and Mr. Yuri Peshkov, Programme Specialist for Culture Cluster Office for the Caribbean, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for additional technical assistance with fine tuning the Turks and Caicos Islands National Cultural Policy document and additional programmes that the Department wishes to embark upon.
Release: TCIG
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
Turks and Caicos – Every thriving community tells a story long before the first home is built. The placement of roads, the routing of
utilities, the protection of natural resources and the provision of schools, healthcare and emergency services are all the result of decisions made through careful planning. While these elements are often taken for granted, they form the foundation of safe, functional and sustainable communities.
As populations grow and communities evolve, planning becomes increasingly important. It helps ensure that development takes place in locations that can support it, that infrastructure keeps pace with demand, and that public services remain accessible to those who depend on them. Good planning also considers the future, creating communities that can adapt to changing needs while preserving the quality of life enjoyed by current and future generations.
Where development occurs without adequate planning, however, the effects can be felt far beyond the boundaries of a single neighbourhood. Roads may be unable to accommodate emergency vehicles, utilities can become overstretched, and environmental resources may come under increasing pressure. Delivering public services in these circumstances often becomes more difficult and more costly, creating challenges that affect entire communities rather than individual properties alone.
For this reason, sustainable development can only emanate from careful planning. It must be ensured that homes, infrastructure and
essential services develop together in a coordinated and responsible way. Every planning decision contributes to the broader picture of how communities function, grow and respond to future demands.
Supporting that process requires reliable information. Accurate data helps planners and policymakers understand where growth is occurring, identify emerging needs and make informed decisions about infrastructure, housing and public services. It also strengthens collaboration among government agencies by providing a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing communities.
Within the Turks and Caicos Islands, this collaborative approach is reflected in the work of the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), which supports a range of initiatives aimed at improving the understanding of informal settlement development. Through activities such as GIS mapping, the Social Needs Assessment Survey and collaboration with partner agencies, the ISU contributes valuable information that helps support evidence-based planning and long-term decision-making.
Strong communities are not built overnight. They are shaped through thoughtful planning, informed decisions and cooperation across government and the wider community. As the Turks and Caicos Islands population continues to grow, maintaining that focus will be essential to creating communities that are safe, resilient and equipped to meet the needs of generations to come.
Education
Turks and Caicos Islands Students Excel at Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional AI Game National Awards Ceremony
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.
Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to
grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.
The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You
have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”
The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13
| Position | Name | School | Portfolio Value | Regional Placement |
| 1st | Marc Roubentz-Perceus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 370,336.63 | 1st |
| 2nd | Joshua Creese | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 264,841.31 | 2nd |
| 3rd | Stendro Chalas | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 247,738.09 | 3rd |
| 4th | Ojed’harlie Jolissaint | Wesley Methodist School | $ 227,389.60 | 4th |
| 5th | Tyshawn Wright | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 189,064.18 | 5th |
| 6th | Jah’keem Missick | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 173,654.58 | 6th |
| 7th | Curvin Handfield | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 156,984.89 | 8th |
| 8th | Chadazea Darville | Wesley Methodist School | $ 147,428.43 | 9th |
| 9th | Vivaan Castleton | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 120,833.83 | 14th |
| 10th | Damendine Simplus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 118,660.55 | 15th |
| 11th | Dyvion Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 111,572.81 | 16th |
| 12th | Colin Moriarty | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 106,854.81 | 17th |
| 13th | Kensley Felix | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 101,285.06 | 18th |
| 14th | Redjino Saint-Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 99,927.39 | 19th |
TEACHERS
- Fexnel Colvert – TCIPS Comprehensive High School
- Valerie Olice – Raymond Gardiner High School
- Warren French – Wesley Methodist School
- Phyllis Boucher – British West Indies Collegiate
Top Performing School: Raymond Gardiner High School
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