TCI News
Re-Opening schools in TCI in this COVID-19 era; Q&A with the MoEYCSLS
Questions & Answers with the TCI Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services
Magnetic Media: What will happen to students whose parents have to work; what has MOE, which is also responsible for youth and social welfare, set up to support such families?
TCI Ministry of Education: The Ministry through the Department of Social Services and the Department of Education are working closely together to provide support and guidance to parents wherever possible.
Magnetic Media: What is current registration; I am told some grades at the primary level are at capacity. Many parents are no longer able to pay for private school education. What provision is being made to accommodate families impacted by the economic fall-out caused by COVID-19?
TCI Ministry of Education: Registration for the 2020/21 school year for entry into Preschool 1 (Infant 1) and Form 1 of high school was conducted from 1st June to 30th June 2020. The available spaces at both levels have been filled and the Ministry of Education is negotiating with private schools in the Private School Subsidy Programme to place students who did not get places in public schools.
Magnetic Media: How many students are in need of laptops or devices to participate in virtual learning? Is there a count; what is currently available and what needs to be obtained to ensure every learner is able to participate?
TCI Ministry of Education: Based on submissions made to the Department of Education, there are approximately 750 students indicated as needing a tablet or laptop. The Ministry of Education purchased 500 tablets to be distributed to students based on a needs analysis. An additional 250 tablets/laptops have been ordered.
Magnetic Media: Work had started on EMIS; an electronic education management system introduced to the public during the release of the newest Education Policy. Where is that program currently? It is my understanding this program will help to ensure, among other things quality learning?
TCI Ministry of Education: OpenEMIS is an open-source Education Management Information System designed to manage education systems; collect and report data on student attendance, behaviour, and progress; collect and manage data on teacher qualifications and attendance; and manage data on educational institutions to optimize resources and services. EMIS is being used in public schools and the Ministry of Education. Private schools have been registered on EMIS and they are being trained to use the system. OpenEMIS is a data collection and management software is not a teaching and learning software.
Magnetic Media: Why is TCICC roped in with primary and high schools; these are young adults more capable of maintaining social distancing and health protocols. I would think this age group is more capable of coping…
TCI Ministry of Education: The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College operates independently of primary and high schools. The College has a Board of Governors who gives oversight to is operations and the Board, informed by recommendations from the President of the College, arrived at a decision that is in the best interest of the students served by the college, faculty members and other stakeholders. The Board, President of the College and the Ministry of Education will review the strategy for reopening and changes will be made as deemed necessary and safe.
Magnetic Media: Precisely, why did you (MOE) abort the hybrid learning option?
TCI Ministry of Education: The Ministry of Education proposed a blended or hybrid approach to teaching and learning for the commencement of the 2020/21 academic year before the close of the 2020/2019 year. Coming out on a discussion with the Ministry of Health and understanding the implications for teaching and learning in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education supported a blended approach to schooling as the model for the reopening of schools. This is captured in the draft guidelines that were developed and continues to be a feature of the guidelines. A hybrid/blended approach is outlined in the Roadmap for Reopening schools. The decision to reopen schools as online only for the first three weeks after formal teaching and learning begin was based on the number of positive Covid-19 cases recorded in the country before the official start of the 2020/21 school year. This can hardly be seen as an abortion of the hybrid approach but rather as the Ministry taking steps to secure the health and safety of students as opposed to putting them directly in harm’s way.
Ministry of Education responses are from September 8, 2020
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the
Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.
Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.
“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”
The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in
their time of need.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.
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