TCI News
TCI: Progress on summer Capital Works at Public Schools
#Providenciales, October 4, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services wishes to inform the public about the work undertaken to have schools ready for the 2019/20 school year.
The table below summarizes the progress of the summer maintenance works carried out at each school:
| School | Progress to date |
| Doris Robinson Primary School | 100% of the proposed work completed |
| Adelaide Oemler Primary School | 100% of the proposed work completed |
| C Hubert James Primary School | 80% of the proposed work completed. Minor work to be completed including ACs and window installation |
| Raymond Gardiner High School | 80% of the summer work completed in time for the reopening of school. |
| H J Robinson High School | 100% of the summer works completed. Capital projects are ongoing. Expected to be completed by December 2019 |
| Eliza Simons Primary School | 100% of the summer works completed |
| Ona Glinton Primary School | 100% of the summer work completed |
| Long Bay High School | 100% of the summer work completed |
| Enid Capron Primary School | 100% of the summer work completed |
While major summer works were completed in time for the reopening of school on 2nd September 2019, capital works continues at Clement Howell High School, Iris Stubbs Primary School, Marjorie Basden High and the H J Robinson High School. As per Planning requirements and considerations for health and safety of students, the works are being undertaken so that there is minimum impact or disruption to schools. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Infrastructure are pleased to inform you of the progress of the work to date:
H J Robinson High School: School Infrastructure Project Phase 1 – Renovations and Upgrade to CVQ Block at HJ Robinson High School – All doors have been replaced. Stairs to the Science block has been demolished, rebuilt and painted. Structural repairs to the Visual Arts block has been completed. Ceiling has been replaced and painted. All A/C units have been replaced in the staffroom. The project is at 31% completion and will be completed by December 2019.
Marjorie Basden High School: School Infrastructure Recovery Project – Repairs to cracks on gable end walls and columns for classroom blocks A & B completed. New windows installed to classroom blocks A & B. Roof decking replaced with peal and seal to block A. New floor tiles installed to toilet block with new toilets and face basin. New roof sheeting installed to toilet block and walls painted. Steel reinforcement and form work being finalized for pouring of concrete to suspended floor for the new two-storey classroom block. Overall completion is at 28%. Completion is scheduled for April 2020.
Iris Stubbs Primary School: Schools Infrastructure Recovery Projects – ISPS – Roof structure completed, roof sheeting installed. Walls rendered. Windows and doors are installed to classrooms. Ceiling installed to classrooms. Floor tiles are being laid in classrooms. Electrical conduits and boxes are being installed. Walls and ceilings are being primed with paint. Project is at 66% overall. The main classroom block will be completed by November 2019.
Clement Howell High School: School Infrastructure Project Phase 2 – Repairs to CHHS – Admin Block – foundation for extension of toilet poured. Peal and seal to roof completed. Claudette Dean Block – Damaged roofing structure removed and rafters strengthened. Second lift poured to secure rafters. Plywood decking installed. Claudette Clare Block – Same as Claudette Dean block. New roof trusses installed. The project is 6% overall completed.
The administrators, teachers, support staff at the Clement Howell High School and the contractor and his team of workers have taken the necessary precautions to reduce disruption to teaching and learning, minimize risks and ensure the safety of teachers, students and visitors alike.
The capital works being carried out will result in modernization of the infrastructure and aesthetics of each school, providing children with safe learning spaces and laboratories equipped with instructional resources to enable and support learning.
The work to repair and upgrade the Oseta Jolly Primary School and the Mary Robinson Primary School are ongoing:
Oseta Jolly Primary School: Repairs to roof structure of the two-storey block. Repairs to internal metal partitions to upper floor. Repairs to plywood decking and peal and seal to roof of single storey block. Demolition and repairs to roof structure of the Admin block. Demolition of the condemned 3-classroom block. Installation of formwork for new columns and beam to water cistern to support new 3-classroom block. Poured footing for security hut. Excavate foundation for new toilet block. Project is at 13% overall.
Mary Robinson Primary School: Demolition of the damaged roof structure and gable walls to water cistern. Construction of new gable walls and roof truss to water cistern completed. The contractor is awaiting the arrival of plywood and peal and seal for the roof of the main school building to arrive on island before commencing to strip the existing roof structure so as not to leave the building exposed to the elements.
The Ministry remains committed to building a resilient and inclusive education system.
Release: TCIG
TCI News
CLEARING THE AIR ON T.I.D.E.S AND AMBASSADORSHIP: ELEVATING THE TOURISM EXPERIENCE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1st May 2024 – The introduction of ambassador cards is a concept that is unfamiliar to many residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Cards are now awarded to individuals who’ve completed the T.I.D.E.S certification or training program, which was previously primarily for taxis and VIPs but has now been expanded across the hospitality sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the department and ministry, aims to instil a sense of pride in recipients, signifying their role as ambassadors of the country. This was emphasised in the latest press conference hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at the Office of the Premier on February 26th that as representatives of a thriving nation, those on the frontline of the tourism industry, including taxi drivers and hospitality staff, should take pride in promoting the country’s heritage and culture. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card embodies what makes Turks and Caicos great and conveys this pride to all who interact with visitors and locals alike.
T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card: A Badge of Cultural Proficiency
The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is not just a card; it’s a symbol of excellence in service and a commitment to providing an incomparable experience for tourists. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card has been designed to embody the best that the Turks and Caicos have to offer: a tangible expression of cultural proficiency and local knowledge. As the tourism industry embraces the Ambassador Card, we hope to see the transformation of cardholders who are truly not merely employees; they are ambassadors of the Turks and Caicos Islands, well-versed in historical landmarks, local dishes, and cultural activities. This proficiency ensures that visitors receive an authentic and enriching experience during their stay.
Streamlined Certification Process
Obtaining the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a process that reflects the commitment to the highest standards of service. Cardholders undergo a comprehensive three-hour training programme, covering topics on TCI History and Culture, Customer Services and Tourism Safety and Sustainability. On successful completion of the programme, participants are awarded the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador ID card and certificate which is valid for two years.
Government and Stakeholder Collaboration
The launch of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a collaborative effort between the government and stakeholders. The initiative will continue to be refined through ongoing stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the cards meet the evolving needs of our ambassadors and the tourism industry. There is currently a backlog of cards that are ready for collection.
“The TIDES Ambassador card is not just a symbol of excellence; it signifies a deep commitment to our country’s heritage and culture. We urge those working in the tourism sector to register for TIDES to not only gain valuable training but also to embrace the role of ambassadors for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Collecting your card and certificate is crucial; it opens doors to a world of opportunities and sets you apart as a standard-bearer of quality in our thriving tourism industry,” said Talia Thomas, Deputy Director, of the Department of Tourism Regulations.”
QR Code Integration
The security of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is of utmost importance. The card’s most important feature is the inclusion of a QR code that establishes a direct link between tourists utilising the tourism product and the Department of Tourism Regulations. This innovative feature facilitates a quick and convenient verification method and safeguards against any potential misuse or fraudulent activities. The QR code, when scanned, leads visitors to a dedicated section of the government website, providing real-time validation of the card’s authenticity and the ambassador’s certification status. This advanced security feature not only instils confidence in tourists but also underscores the commitment of the Turks and Caicos Islands government to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all visitors.
Conclusion
Stakeholders can visit our office on the third floor of Regent Village in Grace Bay, Providenciales, to collect their cards.
Education
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION’S DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SERVICES HOSTS SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND FOR INCLUSIVE EVENTS.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th May 2024 – The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS), under the Ministry of Education, organized a series of inclusive events over the weekend dedicated to celebrating children with special needs and raising awareness about autism.
The weekend kicked off with the SNAP Center Fun Day on April 26th, which welcomed children with special needs from special education classrooms across Providenciales and clients of the SENS Department. The Fun Day offered a range of engaging activities tailored to the unique needs of the participants, fostering a sense of joy, inclusivity, and community.
“We are delighted to have provided a platform for children with special needs to come together and enjoy a day filled with fun and laughter,” said Dr. Anya Malcolm, Director of SENS.
“Our goal is to create inclusive spaces where all children feel valued and supported.”
Following the success of the Fun Day, the Department organized a Rainbow Walk on April 27th in honor of Autism Awareness month. The early morning walk was well attended by over 100 individuals, including esteemed guests such as the Governor H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Jamel Robinson, Minister of Health and acting Minister of Education Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, and other dignitaries, and demonstrated solidarity and support for individuals with autism and their families.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our community and honored to have had distinguished guests join us for the Rainbow Walk,” remarked Hon. Shaun Malcolm.
“Their presence underscores the collective commitment to promoting understanding and inclusivity.” Permanent Secretary for the Ministry responsible for Special Education Needs Services, Mrs. Cherylann Jones was also present at the inaugural event and praised the department for the successful walk.
She also noted that in the next year the intention is to hold these walks across all islands.
Although the Minister of Education, Hon, Rachel Taylor, was away on official duties, she conveyed her full support for the walk and other initiatives conducted in the month of April.
She commented, “I am proud of the Department’s efforts in organizing these events and raising awareness about the needs of children with special needs. I look forward to greater support in the future as we continue to strengthen our special education needs services.”
The Department of Special Needs Services extends sincere appreciation to all volunteers, sponsors, and community partners whose contributions made the weekend of events a resounding success.
For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and upcoming events, please contact sens@gov.tc.
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