TCI News
TCI: Authentically Thelma! The one who honours is now honouree
#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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
News
The Integrity Commission “Whistle-Blower” Prose series releases episode 2 entitled “Something for me!”
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE INTEGRITY COMMISSION
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 29 November 2024: This series is intended to encourage residents and locals to blow their whistle and stand for what is right.
In a time when transparency and accountability are essential to restore public trust, a new dramatisation series; part 1 entitled “Whistle-Blower” seeks to shine a light on the virtues of integrity, honesty, and good faith in public life. This series explores the various realities faced by TCI citizens and the public in our daily lives and encourages persons to blow their whistle, to speak truth and advocate for a just and ethical society.
“Whistle-Blower” is a five-scene collection of compelling prose pieces that weave together fictional videos and real-life experiences to highlight the need for moral courage of individuals to stand against wrong, corruption, unfairness, and negligence in public life. Each scene captures a particular experience of the emotional, ethical, and societal dilemmas encountered by whistle-blowers, emphasising the values
that sustain democracy and justice.
The series is about taking a stand and reporting and exposing wrongdoing. It is a call to action for everyone to embrace honesty and good faith as guiding principles. The dramatisation in the scenes seek to inspire locals and residents to uphold these values in their personal and professional lives, fostering a culture of accountability and fairness.
The following video is the second of five episodes in this series:
- Episode 2: Something for me!
- This episode depicts moral wrong of taking what does not belong to you, and the importance of calling wrong, wrong and reporting it. https://youtu.be/NGJqaeLssfQ
“In a world clouded by misinformation and moral compromise, the courage to stand by the truth is our strongest weapon. ‘Whistle-Blower’ encourages and salutes those who champion honesty and integrity, often at a great personal cost”.
Thank you for helping the Commission to lead in combating corruption, promoting integrity, honesty and good faith in public life by playing your part as we fight corruption together.
For more information about the Integrity Commission or the “Whistle-Blower” series, please contact the Integrity Commission at telephone numbers (649)946-1941/(946) 941-7847/(946) 338-3334 and/or visit our website at www.integritycommission.tc.
Caribbean News
More than 6000 new smiles produced by the Sandals Foundation and Great Shapes! Inc. in the TCI
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, November 29, 2024 – Over 6000 residents are smiling a little brighter for the holidays following the recently concluded 1000 Smiles free dental clinics, and oral health education workshops implemented by the Sandals Foundation and its partners, United States based non-profit Great Shape! Inc.
As part of its continued commitment to community health and development, the Sandals Foundation coordinated logistics for a series of
public dental clinics at the Church of God of Prophecy in Five Cays and at the clinic at the Public Hospital in Providenciales. Beaches Resorts team members also benefited from the services which included cleaning, filling, extractions, root canals, x-rays, dentures, dental sealants and fluoride treatment, through a staff clinic held at the Key West Conference Room on resort.
Shantelle Senior-Clarke, Project Manager of Great Shapes! Inc. in highlighting the continued success of this year’s initiative, noted, “For the three weeks of dental clinics which included the post operational phase, there were a total of 1157 cleanings, 968 fillings, 724 extractions, 75 X-rays, 260 dental sealants, 725 fluoride treatments, 30 root canals, and 82 follow – ups.” She further added, “It was a lot of hard work but well worth it.”
This year’s success was made possible through the collaboration of key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Turks and Caicos Islands Government Dental Clinic.
Together, they successfully managed the logistics of one hundred and forty two (142) volunteer dental care practitioners and non-dental professionals from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean over a one month period.
Dr. Maria Tuason, a volunteer with the programme for over five years who also took her 12 year old grand-daughter shared, “one of the most rewarding part of my visits has always been the interaction with children. Both adults and children are afraid at times of the procedures but whenever I talk with them and explain what I will be doing, they usually feel more comfortable in allowing me to provide them with the
service. This year was no different as I got the chance to provide quality care for the people of Turks and Caicos Islands and gave them back their confidence with their smiles.”
In addition to the dental services, residents also had their capacity built in preventative oral health care education. The oral health education team visited twelve schools throughout Providenciales sharing in a fun and engaging activities with students and distributing oral healthcare packages for continued use.
By targeting children, it is hoped that healthy dental hygiene habits will be developed at an early age. Early Childhood teacher at BEST Institute Dawn Brivett-Ford shared, “Early education helps to prevent common dental problems like gum disease and cavities. Learning about oral health with a fun team like our volunteers, also helps children develop a positive attitude towards dental care. A positive impression in childhood will last for a lifetime.”
Orville Morgan, Public Relations Manager said while the scheduled visits coincided with schools’ mid – term breaks, “We were willing to visit two schools in one day when necessary because this is valuable information being shared.”
“Maintaining good oral health is important at every age but is particularly important during childhood, Morgan noted, “Poor oral health has
been linked to health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. With that being said, dental health education can help children take control of their oral health. It is likely to boost their self-confidence, academic performance may improve and also their quality of life.”
Managing Director of Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Sandals Foundation Ambassador, James McAnally affirmed the resort’s promise to delivering quality service to the community in support of the wellbeing of families. “We are as committed to the residents of the Turks and Caicos, a large percentage of whom make up our workforce. Knowing that there are families in need of dental care who cannot afford to visit the dentist, motivates us to continue our partnership with Great Shapes! Inc. Each year the volunteers provide quality dental care and they work tirelessly to serve as many patients as possible.”
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Header – Dr Janice A.M. Baron, (left) Chief Dental Officer within the Ministry of Health and Human Services examines the Beaches Turks and Caicos dental clinic space at the Key West conference room along with Dental Hygienist Sophia Harris.
1st insert – One of the dental hygienist with the Great Shape Inc! 1000 Smiles programme takes her time to provide the best service to one of the clients at the Church of God of Prophecy in Five Cays at the community clinic
2nd insert – The Beaches Turks and Caicos resort team members had a full team of dental professionals in the comfort of the Key West Village conference which was converted into a dental clinic for two weeks, here a dental hygienist provides services to on of the team members
3rd insert – The Church of God of Prophecy hall for the second consecutive year was converted into a state of the art dental clinic where clients were able to receive various services from the Great Shape Inc! 1000 Smiles dental team for two weeks
Health
Sandals Foundation, Ministry of Health and Human Services and Great Shape! increase oral health education for schools in TCI
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, November 29, 2024 – More than 3500 students from 12 schools in Turks and Caicos Islands were given a greater chance at fighting and preventing cavities, after the Sandals Foundation, Ministry of Health and Human Services Dental Unit and Great Shape! Inc, brought their school-based oral health education preventative programme to the schools recently. 
“Oral health is a very important part of overall proper health, and even more critical for children as they develop healthy habits. We must ensure that the proper dental hygiene is taught to children as early as possible, and where necessary, provide preventative services such as sealants to help prevent future damage to their teeth. Our partnership with Great Shape! Inc has, for the past decade, brought health care services to hundreds of thousands across the Caribbean, and that is something we are proud of,” said executive director of the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke.
Principal of the Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, Robin Cox-Foster while expressing gratitude for the new information being shared to her students highlighted the long term benefits for the children.
Said Cox-Foster: “Every student was able to benefit in a tangible way from the information and materials being shared on improving their oral health. The different professionals shared with them basic habits that will ensure that they can enjoy a healthier oral lifestyle. The parents have expressed their satisfaction with the new information that their children received from the volunteers with helping them improve their oral health habits.”
In addition to the oral health education, each student received toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss and lessons on how to properly care for their teeth. Ministry of Health dental nurse Kenesha Lewis shared her satisfaction with the quality information that the students received.
“The students were also taught how eating certain unhealthy foods, improper brushing and lack of flossing could damage their teeth and affect them in the future. As a team we were able to impact students in all the government primary schools in Providenciales which we are sure will help in the better care of their oral health as they get older,” Lewis shared.
Dr Susan Delpeche, Dental Surgeon of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government Dental Clinic noted, “This type of outreach has been phenomenal, considering that access to proper dental care is not affordable for many of our students. The volunteers are all great individuals, and our hearts swell with appreciation for the work they have done. The infusion of brighter smiles brought about by Great Shape! Inc 1000 Smiles and the Sandals Foundation has been a wonderful experience.”
Henri Johnson, first-time volunteer to Great Shape! was eager to share with the students at the different schools.
“The team of volunteers here are very respectful and professional and the next generation of volunteers who came were amazing. I just love them all. Before I begin a presentation in each class I would explain why it is important to practice proper oral hygiene and how to prevent cavities. The end result is always the best. They offer the most precious hugs and smiles,” said Johnson.
Jace Mullings, grade 6 student at the Richmond Hill Preparatory school shared, “The presentation from these volunteers was very informative for the children at my school. They included us in their presentations and demonstrated to us how to take care of our oral
health. We have been learning this in our classes but the way that the dentists shared it, made it more fun and easier to understand.”
During the two weeks, 42 volunteers shared in the oral health education programme at the schools. The message of good oral care was shared with all classes at the schools. The Great Shape! Inc Programme was launched in Jamaica in 2003, led by Great Shape! Inc Executive Director Joseph Wright. “Our project is a preventative one. Our mission is to go into the schools to reduce or prevent cavities, and having educators and dentists sharing with the children is a proven and cost-effective way to do that,” Wright said.
The Sandals Foundation and Great Shape! Inc partnership has provided eye care and dental services to over 300,000 people in Jamaica, St Lucia, Grenada, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Captions:
Header – Students from the Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays share bright smiles and the gifts that they received from the Great Shape Inc! 1000 Smiles Dental volunteers
1st insert – A group of Elite School students share a photo opportunity with some of the Great Shape Inc! Dental volunteers at the school while teachers and administrators join in the celebrations
2nd insert– An Elite Primary School student demonstrates the proper technique in brushing the teeth to one of the Great Shape Inc! 1000 Smiles volunteers while her classmates look on
3rd insert – Kenesha Lewis from the Dental Department within the Ministry of Health and Human Services (standing right) was engaged along with the students at the Richmond Hill Preparatory school as one of the volunteers from the Great Shape Inc! 1000 Smiles team explains the benefits of maintaining proper dental hygiene
-
Bahamas News7 days agoGB Ministry creating “one-stop shop” for business development; entrepreneurs urged not to wait until the entire commercial scope comes into view to prepare…
-
Caribbean News1 week agoSAN JUAN WELCOMES RITZ-CARLTON ILMA AND SUN PRINCESS FOR INAUGURAL CALLS TO PUERTO RICO
-
News1 week agoONCE GAZETTED, these are the NEW Turks & Caicos Islands Constitutional Changes
-
Bahamas News4 days agoAcclaimed Bahamian Artist Allen Pratt to Host Third Solo Exhibition “Exquisite” at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery
-
Caribbean News1 week ago
CROWN PRINCE OF NORWAY SAYS SOLAR WATER HARVESTING SYSTEM IN CLARENDON SHOULD BE REPLICATED
-
Caribbean News6 days agointerCaribbean Airways Named “World’s Leading Regional Airline 2024” at World Travel Awards
-
News2 days agoThe Integrity Commission “Whistle-Blower” Prose series releases episode 2 entitled “Something for me!”
-
News7 days agoTurks and Caicos Islands Advances Energy Resilience with the RESEMBID Project