#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – December 14, 2020 – It was her suggestion and her list which began the tradition of honouring educators like Oseta Jolly and Ianthe Pratt by naming schools in appreciation of them and on Monday the blessing was returned to a 40-year public education icon from Middle Caicos.
Thelma Lightbourne is humbled by the fact
that the newly constructed Long Bay primary school carries her name, and that
she is still around to see it.
Ribbon cut on December 14, 2020 at the newly constructed Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, located in Long Bay in Providenciales. Mrs. Lightbourne, now 75-years old began teaching in her native Middle Caicos at the age of 15 and remained with the Ministry of Education until her retirement 40-years later.
Native to Bambarra and starting as a teacher
at the tender age of 15-years old, Thelma Hamilton-Lightbourne never thought
she would follow in her mother’s footsteps, she told me in an interview. She had dreams of becoming a nurse, but God,
she says had other plans.
Mrs. Lightbourne reflected on how she was
hired while on an errand to Grand Turk.
Off-handedly selected because she happed to be in the right place, at
the right time.
Initially she was a substitute teacher and
once the teacher she was filling in for decided suddenly to leave for The
Bahamas, permanently, it was Education officers and Helena Robinson who thought
young Thelma would be the ideal fit.
That fateful trip to Grand Turk to turn in
some of her mother’s reports to the Ministry of Education changed her life and
was also a time she nearly lost her life.
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The now 75-year old grandmother of seven
children recanted a most frightening encounter with the sea and nature.
She said on the way back to Middle Caicos,
after being hired by the Ministry of Education as the new teacher for her
island, the boat was shipwrecked.
Though the captain tried to maneuver around
the stormy weather, he could not and under the water went the boat which would
commonly make the six hour journey to Grand Turk; the only mode of travel back
then.
Thelma and others were clinging to a floating
part of the vessel when they were rescued.
Turks and Caicos lost two people in the tragedy that day. A teenaged Thelma was traumatized but safe.
Her first job in Education paid £5 per month.
“I would tell my children, when I went to go
to Grand Turk with that five pounds (Great Britain Pound, GBP) and bought a
pair of shows, very little else would you have left.”
Initially, her students were children of her
own community in what was then the lower school until she did what she had
never dreamed, moved to Providenciales.
The shift in 1971 was inspired by the love of her life, her late
husband, Thomas Lightbourne, a legend in his own right as a businessman and
prominent Rotarian.
“Well the love of my life found me because I
did not know Provo, so the love of my life found me,” explained Mrs.
Lightbourne who now has seven grand-children because of that union in December
of 1970.
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To meet with or speak to this devout Baptist
is to be tickled and to be awed by her charming, witty and humble demeanor. She
is a spunky woman, rich in faith, wisdom, strong values, authenticity and humour!
Even at the school renaming on Monday
December 14, 2020, Mrs. Thelma Lightbourne exhibited gratitude, poise and
jokes… often, you could hear the audience laughing as she delivered her
appreciation remarks.
Thelma began her formal training for teaching
while stationed in Middle Caicos between 1960 and 1970; she continued to pursue
studies in Antigua and Barbuda, despite being a new mother of two.
“Now when I went I left two small children at
home, Elry was about a year and Dionne was about six months old,” she shared.
Her matriculation and exposure to formal
education created increased demand for Thelma Lightbourne’s successful style of educating and connecting
with the island’s children and clearly she was a leader.
The Education Department, who had entrusted
her in 1960 with Middle Caicos’ children now wanted her to head the then, Blue
Hills Primary school, which she did.
Mrs. Thelma Lightbourne during her stint as principal of the now, Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills
There, the nation’s first tuck shop was
started and the investment in a copying machine was made, among other
commendable strides. These accomplishments
were practical interventions as students were able to purchase affordable meals
and have access to copies of essential learning materials.
While she has fond memories of her girl
students, Mrs. Lightbourne confesses that the boys, in those days outnumbered
the girls.
She recalled one student in particular, who
would not even go outside to play with the children until his work was completed. That little boy grew to become one of the
most prominent local doctors and eventually, Premier of the Turks and Caicos
Islands.
Now living in the community of Blue Hills,
right next door to the school, Mrs. Lightbourne taught Rufus Ewing, who
ascended to the post of premier in 2012 and his brother Goldray Ewing, who is a
current member of the Turks and Caicos cabinet.
She said they were both stand out pupils.
The Department would come calling again,
expressing a need for Mrs. Lightbourne to move; the shift would take her down
the hill to the high school, which she helped to bring into existence.
Thelma Lightbourne’s knack for connecting
sincerely with students was required; it was a time when concern mounted about
a stronger sense of identity for Turks and Caicos children. The Ministry of Education identified her as
the one who could soften the blow of any adverse effects tourism and other developments
could bring.
New school constructed in co-operation with the European Union through its EDF-11 funding for educational development in Turks and Caicos Islands.
She let go of her beloved primary school and
became a transformative force at the high school; taking on the social and
moral development of older students as Guidance Counsellor and partnering that
with teaching in Social Studies and Religious Knowledge.
Her polite protests lasted decades, but eventually
the high school was able to lay hold of the treasure that was Thelma Hamilton
Lightbourne. Her final stint in
education would be at the Clement Howell High School, named for the principal
she once worked under and from her recollection, brimming with Turks and Caicos
hope for outstanding future leaders.
Reluctantly, heartbreakingly Thelma Lightbourne
did what all government workers did at the age of 55 at that time; she
resigned.
Since then, this matriarch has travelled the
world with her husband who had long pined for the pleasure; survived sickness;
was tutor to many of the younger generations who would come to her home for
lessons; served her church and God in ways too numerous to outline and now
enjoys watching her children as accomplished members of the Turks and Caicos society,
building their own families and legacies.
Although she was not in the executive of the
Department of Education, Mrs. Lightbourne fondly remembers being very much a
part of the critical decisions for the sector.
On the list of recommendations she had made,
that tribute could be paid to the valiance of teachers by renaming schools in
their honour.
Lightbourne made the suggestion and presented
a list of educators who were deserving of the honour. Some say her own name
should have been included at that time but Thelma Lightbourne disagrees.
Her faith in a just and loving God told her that someday her day would come and surely it did and at a time when she could see it for herself and share it with her most precious students – her own children and grand-children. When asked the reaction of her family at the news that her name was to crown the country’s newest school; Mrs. Lightbourne said “they are happy and believe I deserve it” she added, “My husband would have said you deserve it.”
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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — For two consecutive weeks, popular on‑air personalities set up remote studios on the sands of Grace Bay, turning Beaches Turks & Caicos into a live broadcast hub for North American listeners. Morning shows and drive‑time programmes all streamed directly from the resort, with hosts sharing first‑hand impressions of the islands’ beaches, culinary scene, and signature warm hospitality.
The broadcasts formed part of the “Password to Paradise” promotion, a multi‑station campaign that invited listeners to tune in for special on‑air codes for the chance to win all‑inclusive vacations to Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. Stations in major markets across the U.S. and Canada used the resort as their backdrop while encouraging audiences to “trade the cold for Turks and Caicos,” painting vivid pictures of turquoise waters and white‑sand shores with every break.
The “Password to Paradise” mission, already a proven radio promotion format in Canada and the U.S., took on new resonance when paired with live reports from the resort itself. Contest teasers, winner announcements, and social media reels featuring guests arriving in Turks and Caicos amplified the islands’ profile well beyond traditional print or digital advertising.
Tourism officials have welcomed the radio initiative as a timely boost to an already buoyant sector. Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, emphasized the importance of partnerships that not only grow arrivals but also ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders remain the primary beneficiaries of tourism’s success.
In commenting on the recent wave of live broadcasts and contests, Minister Jolly noted, “these visiting broadcasters have showcased the islands to millions of listeners across North America and underscored the “value added” to an economy that continues to expand on the strength of tourism.” He continued, “ sustained, experience‑driven campaigns like “Password to Paradise” align with the government’s broader strategy of attracting high‑value visitors while protecting the country’s natural assets and cultural heritage.”
The Turks and Caicos tourism product is widely described as a cornerstone of the national economy, as this sector continues to grow from strength to strength it will increase the number job creation for islanders.
Additionally, tourism leaders point to the long‑tail impact of being featured repeatedly across multiple radio brands, social channels and contest sites. Each on‑air mention, online clip and contest entry serves as an invitation to discover Turks and Caicos, reinforcing the islands’ reputation as a premier Caribbean destination at a time when global competition for tourists is intense.
For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the broadcasts were another opportunity to highlight its position as one of the region’s leading family‑friendly all‑inclusive resorts. DJs and hosts shared experiences from the resort’s multiple villages, expansive pools, waterpark attractions, and dining venues, giving listeners an authentic taste of the “Luxury Included” vacation concept from a guest’s point of view.
General Manager, Deryk Meany highlighted the resort’s partnership with the radio stations as he complemented a wider pattern of media collaborations that Turks and Caicos has pursued in recent years, from television features in major U.S. markets to digital campaigns showcasing the archipelago’s diverse islands. With the success of the latest “Password to Paradise” mission, industry insiders say the stage is set for more creative broadcast partnerships that leverage the power of storytelling to keep Turks and Caicos Islands firmly on the map.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos, a PADI-certified dive resort in Providenciales, continues to invest in its watersports team by training and certifying four team members to become qualified dive instructors to its operation. The resort operates one of the most comprehensive resort diving programmes in the region, offering on-site PADI courses and daily dives for guests of varying experience levels.
These latest certifications were conducted under the supervision of PADI Course Director and Dive Shop Manager Leonard Suckrajh, who is among an elite group of PADI professionals in the Caribbean. His role as course director allows the resort to deliver instructor-level training on property, further elevating the standard of safety, education and guest experience at the resort’s dive centre.
Suckrajh expressed his satisfaction with the commitment and professionalism demonstrated by the four new instructors, Almina Browne, Cicely Clarke, Andrew Dunkley and Boat Captain Tryston Sang throughout their training and assessment. “I am extremely proud of them,” he said. “They have invested significant time and effort in developing their technical competence and instructional skills and their achievement reflects a deep commitment to delivering safe, high-quality dive experiences for our guests.”
He noted that their performance reflects a strong culture of excellence within the watersports department and aligns with the resort’s long-standing emphasis on safety and training. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, our objective is not only to train divers, but to develop highly responsible professionals who understand that every dive is grounded in safety, teamwork and respect for the marine environment,” he added. Suckrajh, whose own progression to course director spans more than two decades in watersports and diving within the Sandals and Beaches brands, said the new instructors represent “the next generation of leaders within our dive operation.”
General Manager, Deryk Meany, commended the level of collaboration required to guide four new instructors through the rigorous PADI process. “Attaining PADI instructor status is a demanding accomplishment that cannot be realized in isolation,” Meany said. “It requires the coordinated support of the dive shop, the wider watersports team, and the broader resort operation to ensure candidates have the necessary resources, time and mentorship to succeed.”
He emphasized that strengthening the cadre of certified instructors supports the resort’s commitment to excellence in guest service. “Each additional instructor enhances our capacity to offer guests a greater range of options, a higher degree of personal attention and consistently high safety standards,” Meany continued. “This milestone reinforces our position as a leading provider of family-friendly diving experiences in the Caribbean.”
Beaches Turks and Caicos is recognized for providing a wide spectrum of PADI courses on site, from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water certification to advanced and specialty programmes. Previous training initiatives at the resort have resulted in many team members achieving PADI instructor status, significantly increasing both certification capacity and in-water safety oversight.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Students from the Clement Howell High School were recently welcomed to Beaches Turks and Caicos for an immersive fine dining and etiquette session at one of the resort’s signature à la carte restaurants. For the second consecutive year, the resort’s learning and development, public relations and food and beverage teams designed and delivered practical training that exposed students to the standards and expectations of a world‑class hospitality environment.
General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Deryk Meany, said the resort is committed to making the experience a fixture on the school calendar. “We are honoured to once again open our doors to the students of Clement Howell High School,” Meany added. “As one of the largest employers and training grounds in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we see it as our responsibility to help prepare the next generation with the skills, confidence and professional support they need to succeed in hospitality and beyond.”
He added that the partnership aligns with the values of both Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation. “This programme is about more than a single day at the resort,” Meany continued. “It is about creating a consistent pathway for young people to see themselves in this industry, to understand the standards we uphold, and to recognise that there is a place for them at every level of the tourism sector.”
During the session, the resort’s learning and development and food and beverage professionals guided students through the full fine‑dining experience—from greeting and seating, to understanding multi‑course menus, cutlery placement, napkin etiquette and appropriate table conversation. Students also learned about body language, professional dress, and how to conduct themselves confidently in formal and semi‑formal settings such as interviews, scholarship dinners and official functions.
Learning and Development Manager Phildreka Mayham explained that the training was deliberately structured to blend technical knowledge with life skills. “Our goal is to demystify the fine dining environment for these students,” Mayham noted. “We want them not only to know which fork to use, but to understand that etiquette is really about respect for others, respect for themselves, and the ability to move comfortably in any social or professional space.”
She added that the programme is also a platform to introduce students to career possibilities. “Through this engagement, they get to interact directly with our team members, ask questions about different roles, and see first‑hand that hospitality offers diverse pathways—from culinary arts and service to training, management, and leadership,” Mayham shared.
For Clement Howell High School, the partnership with Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation has become an important extension of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum. Guidance Counsellor Tanisha Graham said the experience supports the school’s broader focus on personal development and career readiness. “Our students are learning about self‑presentation, communication, and social responsibility in the classroom,” Graham noted. “Being able to step into a professional fine dining setting and put those lessons into practice is incredibly powerful for them.”
Graham emphasised the impact on students’ self‑confidence. “Many of our students are experiencing this kind of setting for the very first time,” she explained. “To see them sit up a little straighter, engage in conversation, and realise that they belong in these spaces—that is transformational. It reinforces the message that their potential is limitless.
Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan added, “this initiative forms part of the resort’s ongoing investment in education and skills development across the Turks and Caicos Islands, complementing previous support to Clement Howell High, including enhancements to hospitality‑related clubs and programmes. The fine dining and etiquette training is expected to continue as an annual feature, with plans to refine and expand the experience based on feedback from students and teachers.”
As the second cohort of HFLE students completed their training, teachers expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to grow and inspire even more young people to consider careers in hospitality. For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the hope is that today’s students will return in the years ahead as interns, team members, and leaders—bringing with them the confidence, poise and professionalism first nurtured at a carefully set table in one of the resort’s restaurants.