TCI News
No School Reopening Plan Ready from TCI Ministry of Education
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 9, 2020 — Covid-19 forced school campuses across the Turks and Caicos to be closed since Easter but Government has squandered that five-months and is not ready with an approved plan for Education in the new normal; thousands are disappointed as school is proposed to begin in three weeks.
“For the past couple of months we have been working with them to establish protocols with the best practice methods to getting children back in schools,” said Edwin Astwood, Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports & Human Services when asked about his partnership with the Education.
It was a reply, bereft of details when school reopening has already been announced for August 31.
Frustrating for families and schools is that despite the sacrifices to follow Emergency Orders and coronavirus health protocols, they are still facing the 2020-2021 academic year with uncertainty.
A two-week Easter break turned into months and months away from traditional learning for thousands of students, their teachers and faculty. It also transformed homes into schools; many parents admittedly were ill-equipped to balance working from home or having no work at all and becoming teacher extraordinaire.
On Friday, during a press conference, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education – who were both present – could offer no plan and no assurances about what learning at school campuses will look like for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The plan was not ready for presentation at the press conference, which was carried live on local TV and social media. The plan has also not been presented to any schools, anywhere across the country – public or private.
There are 42 schools nationwide. The Minister of Education, Karen Malcolm will begin touring and consulting with schools this week. It was said an update will also be given by the Minister within the week.
“We have been doing consultation throughout, but we are doing a wider consultation as to where persons minds are,” said Premier Sharlene Robinson.
“We are aware that people are eager, we are also aware that parents have determined themselves that their children will not be coming into the physical space. Let us be real in Turks and Caicos, we cannot achieve social distancing with the numbers of children we have in classes, so we need to take a unique approach to what we have existing in Turks and Caicos.”
These illustrated uncertainties underscore the dire need for the process of reopening to have long been started.
Regionally, Education Ministers had begun sharing their strategies for a return to school since June.
“The Minister would have presented protocols and a reopening strategy to Cabinet; she will be going out with her team to consult but again we are watching what is happening around the world, this is dynamic. We can plan but things can change. The Minister has already highlighted some of the concerns we have but there will be consultation in this week,” said Premier Sharlene Robinson.
In Jamaica, there is a staggered approach, including a simulation day to test whether ideas on paper will actually work.
In the Cayman Islands, a School Reopening Guidance document has been available online since June 24; it addresses start dates and learning styles for students from preschool age.
School re-openings are delicate in this post-COVID world.
Institutions will have to ensure there is proper physical distancing; increased janitorial services; sufficient handwashing stations; protection especially for those with underlying health conditions; adequate personal protective gear; clear and consistent communication and they must ensure the environments remain conducive to quality learning experiences and healthy social development for all.
Even the most persnickety precautions can be undermined by one COVID-19 infected person.
It therefore seems a high-risk roll of the dice by the Ministries responsible for education, youth, health and sports to have not focused greater attention on a reopening plan, which by now would have been shared with the public and supported by a public information campaign. Very easily, the leading place to contract COVID-19 in the Turks and Caicos Islands could shift from workplaces to school campuses; a lesson even the most astute student would want to avoid.
Providenciales, Turks And Caicos Islands, 6th October 2024 – Experience Turks and Caicos has partnered with the Aquila Center
for Cruise Excellence to offer two free training opportunities in Grand Turk on October 18th and 19th, 2024. One session will focus on Product Development, and the other on Vendor Service Excellence.
The Product Development Tours and Guest Experiences course is a full day workshop which will teach participants how to reimagine and create new tour products and guest experiences that respond to today’s needs, and will also include other key factors that are necessary for success. Topics will include: Finding opportunities, knowing the trends, Pricing and adding value, determining product readiness, and getting experiences to market.
This workshop targets tour operators, attractions, experience providers, cruise destinations, and small tour operators.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – A cohort of 21 administrative professionals from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) successfully completed the first two days of a comprehensive four-day training series in Providenciales on Monday, 16th September, and Tuesday, 17th September 2024. The programme, which will conclude with sessions in Grand Turk on Tuesday, 1st October, and Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, is designed to equip TCIG administrative professionals with essential skills to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations.
Facilitated by experienced government officials, this training series covered a wide range of topics critical to the administrative function in
the public sector, including:
- Operating in an Executive Office Environment
- Effective Communication Techniques
- Policy Drafting and Submission
- Organisational Skills
- Standard Government Protocol
- Financial Oversight and Management
- Ethical Standards in the Workplace
Participants are required to complete all four days of the programme, culminating in a final presentation and examination. In addition to the core content, participants will also have exclusive access to the Effective Writing Skills for the Public Service course, offered by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS). This supplementary training will further enhance their ability to contribute effectively to policy drafting and professional communication within the public sector.
This first cohort, consisting of 21 Heads of Secretariats and Executive Administrators, marks the beginning of a broader initiative, with additional cohorts planned throughout the year for all other administrative staff within the Public Service.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Renessa Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services and former Head of Secretariat, Ms. Julianna Musgrove, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Deputy Governor, and Ms. Sherrill Poitier, Director of the Training and Development Directorate.
Ms. Julianna Musgrove spoke to the tailored nature of the training: “This programme was carefully designed to address the specific needs of our administrative professionals. Every aspect of the training was tailored to reflect the unique challenges and opportunities they encounter in their roles. The sessions were highly interactive, incorporating discussions, exercises, and real-world scenarios that provided participants with practical tools for their daily responsibilities. Our aim was not only to inform but to equip them with skills they can immediately put into practice.” 
Her Excellency, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Anya Williams, attended both days of the training in Providenciales, showing her continued support for professional development across the TCIG. She highlighted the importance of strengthening the skills of administrative staff:“The success of any government depends on the quality of its public service. By investing in the professional development of our administrative professionals, we are demonstrating our commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving the needs of our community. The Administrative Excellence Training programme is a vital step in our journey to build a more responsive, efficient, and accountable government. I am confident that this initiative will equip our staff with the skills and knowledge they need to drive positive change and ensure the long-term sustainability of our public service. I am delighted to see this training initiative come to life and look forward to witnessing the long-term positive impact it will have on the public service as a whole.”
The final two days of the training will take place in Grand Turk, focusing on further developing the participants’ expertise and solidifying their role in driving government efficiency. Upon successful completion, participants will be equipped to play a more strategic role in supporting the growth and professionalism of the public service, ensuring that TCIG continues to deliver high-quality service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Turks and Caicos, October 06, 2024 – The Department of Maritime and Shipping announces the launch of a public consultation period for the proposed Small Craft Policy. This consultation seeks to foster a collaborative approach to policy development by gathering valuable feedback from the maritime industry and broader community. The aim is to ensure the Small Craft Policy effectively supports the growth and safety of the maritime sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The consultation period will run from 23rd September to 23rd October 2024. During this time, stakeholders and interested members of the public are invited to participate and share their views on the policy.
Feedback can be submitted online via email at maritime_shipping@gov.tc or delivered by hand to the Department of Maritime and Shipping, South Dock Road, Providenciales or Pond Street, Grand Turk.
Additionally, an online questionnaire is available on the Department’s website for easy access and feedback. Responses must be submitted no later than 23rd October 2024.
A face-to-face consultation session will be announced at a later date to engage the public further and facilitate in-depth discussions.
Individuals can view the proposed Small Craft Policy by visiting the Department’s website at https://gov.tc/maritime or by scanning the QR code on the consultation flyer.
For more information, please visit the website or contact the Department of Maritime and Shipping at 649-338-4181.
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