Long Bay Primary named to honour veteran teacher Thelma Lightbourne

#TurksandCaicosIslands – DECEMBER 9, 2020 – The Long Bay Primary school in Long Bay, Providenciales is very, very near completion  and when it opens to students as the fourth public primary school on the island, it will be named for a veteran educator; Thelma Lightbourne.

In a November 9 ministerial statement, Karen Malcolm, the Minister of Education announced that the school, constructed with financial support from the European Union would be named in honor of the retired teacher.

“During 2020, we were able to accomplish the following: o Completed construction of a New Primary School on Providenciales. This school will be renamed the Thelma Lightbourne Primary School. A virtually opening and celebration will be announced shortly,” she said on November 9 in the House of Assembly.

Cabinet in October agreed to the renaming, which is one of the many new and newly refurbished public service buildings which have been named to honour Turks and Caicos citizens who have made valuable contributions.

Just days before this presentation was made in the House of Assembly by Minister Malcolm, the government agreed to the Grand Turk Wellness Center with the new title:  Sylvia C. Melhado; the National Stadium will to be called the Corena Walkin National Stadium and several early childhood learning centers are recognize education sector heroes.  The contributions of Justina Delancy, Cecily Ewing and Marjorie Bassett will be immortalized at the Ianthe Pratt, Oseta Jolly and Tender Loving Care primary schools, respectively. 

When the Salt Cay airport resurfacing work was completed, Henry Leon Wilson aka “Papa”, a native of the islands was there for the renaming of the airport to honour his long standing work in the aviation industry. Mr. Wilson was also acknowledged for his contribution to parliamentary democracy in the Turks and Caicos as the youngest elected representative in the country’s history.

An unveiling and opening of the airport, which had been closed for the refurbishment work, was held in Salt Cay on October 30, 2020.

The Long Bay High school is also set to be renamed. 

According to Cabinet, it will be called the Louise Garland Junior High School; remembering the beloved education officer, posthumously.