TCI News
TCI: The GSAT is dead but the issues causing some poor results are still alive.
#Providenciales, June 24, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – IThe Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) is an exam that many elementary schools used to test their performance against other schools throughout the Turks and Caicos. Personally, I have always had mixed feelings about the GSAT, having gone through it with my daughter in 2010. However, replacing it with CPEA is not the answer at this time as we have too many other issues to address in our schools.
Before I proceed any further, let me congratulate all parents, teachers and the students who were successful in the GSAT. A special mention to Providence International Academy (my children’s school) that captured 2 top 10 spots in the country. A special recognition also to Community Christian Academy (my church school). Last but not least, I have to recognize a very special school to me, Oseta Jolly that continues to soar despite the setbacks.
This article is to address some issues that affected the results of the GSAT in the public schools specifically on the island of Providenciales.
Student Ratio
On Providenciales, the average student teacher ratio is 28 students to 1 teacher in the public school, while in the private school, the average student teacher ratio is 12 to 1. A lower student teacher ratio will no doubt have a positive significant impact on students which is reflected in GSAT results.
English as Second Language
English is not the first language for most of the students in the Provo Public Schools and so many of them have a challenge comprehending the work. Despite the fact that some of them cannot read and write properly, they are promoted from one grade to the next. Apparently this promotion is done to accommodate space for new students. Let me pause me right here and say that there are many success stories of students who could not speak English but were very successful in previous and current GSAT results.
The role of parents
The role of parents in the life of children have a significant impact on their education. Some parents depend solely on the teachers to train their children. Some parents have multiple jobs and they are not even at home and so some of these students ae left on their own and hence their education is impacted. Some teachers see the jitney drivers more than the parents.
Recommendations
Government needs to lower the student ratio and when the school reaches its desired ratio, discontinue accepting applicants. Perhaps this is why the previous administration and the current administration proceeded with a fourth primary school on Provo. I don’t know if that is the reason but we will wait and see.
Outsource to a private institution or individuals to train students that cannot speak English. Once they are proficient in English Language, then transition them into the Public school. No one should be allowed to enter the Public School until they mastered the English Language. Otherwise, we are setting up these children for failure.
Train our teachers to teach English Language as a second language or foreign language to students that speak Creole and Spanish.
Encourage the promotion of the expansion of private schools. After all, the majority of locals are frustrated with the public schools and are sending their children to the private schools. You can easily count the locals at the Public schools on the island of Provo.
Make parents pay a fee for their children to attend the Public School. It seems if parents pay for something, they will pay more attention to our children.
Conclusion
Like a parent knows most things about his or her child, the teacher knows most things about the student. They know the issues and are not surprise with the results. The ministry needs not only to have constant dialogue with the staff but they should also listen and implement the recommendations from the staff. Somehow, Oseta Jolly seems to have the formula right based on their consistent performances. Unlike the other two public primary schools on Providenciales, the parents of Oseta Jolly are very much involve in the education of their children.
Release: Drexwell Seymour
Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – Overcrowding at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Grand Turk has reached crisis levels, taking center stage at the most recent meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).
The session, co-chaired by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick, heard a sobering report from the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities on the worsening conditions at the country’s only correctional facility.
Officials revealed that HMP Grand Turk currently houses around 131 inmates in a facility built to accommodate just 104, representing an estimated 30 percent overcapacity. Structural damage from previous hurricanes and years of wear have further reduced usable space, compounding safety and management challenges.
The Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office have repeatedly warned that the prison’s overcrowding could undermine rehabilitation and security efforts — and now, the NSC has declared modernization of correctional infrastructure a national priority.
The Council approved immediate-term relief measures and agreed to a comprehensive review of the prison estate, aimed at
identifying targeted infrastructure investments to meet the demands of a growing inmate population.
The NSC meeting, held on September 25, 2025, brought together the highest-level officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ security apparatus, including the Deputy Premier, Attorney General, Commissioner of Police, National Security Advisor, Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Director General of Border Force, and NSS Threat Lead. Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister and Permanent Secretary of Public Safety and Utilities, alongside the Superintendent of the Department of Correctional Services, who presented the update on the prison’s capacity challenges and operational concerns.
Multi-Agency Coordination and Maritime Security
Beyond the correctional system, members were also briefed by the Unified Command on ongoing multi-agency security operations, including efforts to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement and border protection entities.
Discussions also turned to the legal framework underpinning joint operations, with members emphasizing the need for coherent inter-agency coordination in tackling transnational threats, particularly those related to illicit migration and maritime crime.
The Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Regiment presented plans for a new maritime operational base and docking facility, envisioned as a command-and-control center that would bolster the country’s ability to respond to maritime incidents, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disasters.
Liquor Licensing Reforms and Regional Summit
The Permanent Secretary for National Security briefed the Council on the review of the current liquor licensing regime, with recommendations for a full restructuring and digital redesign of the licensing process to enhance oversight and efficiency. The Council supported continued reform work on the system.
In a forward-looking development, the NSC also endorsed plans for the Northern Caribbean Security Summit, to be hosted in Turks and Caicos under the theme “Dismantling Illicit Maritime Activities Through Enhanced Cooperation.” The summit aims to convene regional and international partners to deepen collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges, from smuggling to illegal migration and environmental crimes.
Security at a Crossroads
Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Misick jointly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s national security infrastructure and coordination mechanisms, describing the discussions as “critical to maintaining the safety, stability, and sovereignty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
With the prison operating well beyond its intended capacity, and a surge in complex maritime and border challenges, the NSC’s focus on modernization and reform signals an urgent recalibration of priorities.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands position themselves as a leader in regional cooperation on security, one message from the Council was clear: the nation must invest now — in its institutions, its infrastructure, and its resilience — to sustain safety and justice in the years ahead.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
-
Caribbean News3 days agoHaitian Pushback Halts Controversial Constitution Rewrite — What’s Next?
-
Bahamas News1 week agoNassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community
-
Caribbean News1 week agoSandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
-
Bahamas News4 days agoPAY STANDOFF: Prime Minister Cancels Talks as Unions Warn of More Protests
-
TCI News3 days agoTurks and Caicos Islands Government Invites Proposals for Affordable Housing Development
-
TCI News1 week agoVisitTCI and Potcake Place Highlight Growing Homeless Dog Crisis
-
TCI News3 days agoButch’s Island Chophouse Leads Beaches Turks & Caicos’ $150M Treasure Beach Expansion
-
TCI News3 days agoOvercrowding at Grand Turk Prison Now 30% Above Capacity, NSC Warns