TCI News
The Progressive National Party’s Education Sector Reform Program finally taking physical shape…
#Providenciales, March 28, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – On Monday March 18th 2019, during a motion to adjourn the House of Assembly brought by the Minister of Education, it was advised that the European Union Consultants would be in country for the brick laying ceremony for the Long Bay Primary, in the Long Bay Hills sub-division in Providenciales as part of the European Union Development Fund 11.
Despite the delay in the present Administration’s processing of the EDF11 program, the Former Minister and MP for Leeward and Long Bay, Hon Akierra Missick states “Finally, the Education Sector Reform is taking physical shape, even though it is 2 years behind schedule. It is a pity that TCIG were unable to activate portions of this funding program before now; they were in a position due to the work completed prior to the PNP leaving office that provided the signing of the Financing Agreement in February 2017”.
By way of background, the Education Sector Reform program was developed in 2013 by the Ministry of Education lead by Hon. Missick as Minister. The results of the consultations highlighted the challenges in the TCI Education Sector, including lack of spaces at primary and secondary school level in Providenciales, the absence of technical vocational learning programs, ineffective monitoring and testing capabilities of students, and limited training and qualifications for some educators.
Hon Missick states “The challenges presented were not seen as insurmountable by the Ministry of Education, but required considerable funding in the Education sector both in physical and in human capacity. The Ministry took the view that the construction of the Long Bay High School would take priority given the overwhelming space challenges experienced at Clement Howell High School during this period. As it related to the challenges at primary school level the development and construction of a 4th primary school in Providenciales would also have to take place to meet the demands of the increase in school age children accessing public education. This resulted in the Ministry commencing discussions on the development of a primary school facility with the European Union’s Delegation team in the region inclusive of discussions with the Territorial Authorizing Officer, and eventually the application for funding to assist the Turks & Caicos Islands in reforming the Education Sector. The Education Sector Plan 2013-2017 – “Success for Every Learner” bid was successful and on September 10th 2015 the Ministry of Education received confirmation that the sum of 14,000,000 Euros would be provided by the EDF11 Fund to implement the Education Sector Reform 2013-2017”.
The required support, resources, and work began in earnest to ensure that TCIG would meet the program deadlines, and the development of the Education Sector Reform Contract concluded in 2016. The Financing Agreement was signed in February 2017.
“The decision to now draw down on this significant funding, albeit late, nonetheless secures the future for Education in these Islands, and for that I am very pleased to see the hard work of the previous administration not be lost. I thank the former PS of Education, Mrs Cheryl-Ann Jones, Dr Timar Stephenson, Former Education Planner, Kathleen Forbes of SPPD, the Deputy Governor Anya Williams and the entire staff of the Ministry & Department of Education for their commitment to establishing this program with the PNP Administration, and thanks the European Union for their commitment and dedication to the Young People of these Islands.” Hon. Missick said.
Whilst the public may be aware that several residents in Leeward and Long Bay constituency successfully challenged through the Court’s the process in which approval was given for the proposed location of the facility. The concerns related as to the location of the development in a residential area in Long Bay Hills, and how residents were not provided an opportunity to raise their concerns before the Planning Board. Hon. Missick states “as the MP of Leeward and Long Bay, I will ensure that the TCIG completes the necessary mitigating factors to reduce noise levels, and address increased traffic in our residential community. I promise residents that I will raise concerns with TCIG Departments as to the maintenance and up keep of the area that the Long Bay Primary School will be located if it begins to deteriorate. Leeward and Long Bay has some of the most beautiful homes belonging to Islanders and we would expect their homes and properties do not reduce in value, due to the construction and operation of this facility.”
Hon. Akierra Missick
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a
culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality. As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.
“At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”
The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush
landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.
Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership. Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”
With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo Captions
1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.
2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief
Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and
Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort. The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.
“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”
Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local
agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.
“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”
The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches
Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.
Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”
Photo Captions
1st insert: Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally
2nd insert: Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event
3rd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance
