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.”
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos continued its strong commitment to sports development in
the Turks and Caicos Islands with its sponsorship of the 2025/2026 Provo Men’s Premier League, a partnership that has significantly elevated the competition for a second consecutive year.
The season, which saw an increase in participating teams and heightened competitiveness across the league, has been widely regarded as one of the most successful in recent years. The top honours were shared between two of the league’s most dominant sides, SWA Sharks FC and Academy Eagles FC, both delivering consistent and high-level performances throughout the campaign.
Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Technical Director Dane Ritchie highlighted the critical role Beaches Turks and Caicos played in strengthening the league’s structure and overall quality.
“The sponsorship from Beaches Turks and Caicos for the second year helped tremendously in making the competition a success,” Ritchie said. “This season we were able to have a more structured programme with the inclusion of youth talents coming to the fore, as well as the improvement of the coaching staff for the different teams being certified by Concacaf.”
Ritchie noted that the enhanced organisation of the league created more opportunities for emerging players, while also raising the
standard of coaching and match preparation. The integration of youth talent into senior teams was particularly impactful, signaling a positive shift toward long-term player development within the territory.
Provo Men’s Premier League President Patrick Baptiste echoed these sentiments, describing the season as a milestone for both football and youth advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“This was a very good year for football and youth development,” Baptiste said. “We were able to overcome a few challenging moments, but the overall grade for this season is an A.”
Baptiste emphasised that the continued support from Beaches Turks and Caicos has been instrumental in driving the league forward, providing much-needed financial backing and stability.
“With a title sponsor like Beaches Turks and Caicos providing the financial support again for this season, we are grateful,” he added. “We have come a far way and we still have a way to go, but the TCIFA team has been charged to continue to be creative in our marketing and being more inclusive in how we seek to showcase the talents of the TCI.”
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort General Manager Deryk Meany also expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the overall progress
of the league.
“Our commitment to youth development and the growth of sports and community throughout the TCI is of paramount importance to us as an organisation,” Meany said. “We are satisfied with this partnership and being the main sponsor is a major accomplishment for the resort. We are happy to have fielded a team this season that was placed fourth in the knockout round of the competition. We are seeking to continue to provide growth for our team members as well as the development of talent throughout the TCI.”
The 2025/2026 season also reflected broader efforts to professionalize football operations locally, including improved scheduling, officiating standards and fan engagement initiatives. Matches drew increased attendance, while community interest in the sport continued to grow, particularly among young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.
News
Platinum Sponsor Beaches Turks & Caicos celebrates top Corporate Engagement title at DG’s 5K 2026
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has been recognised with the corporate engagement award after fielding the largest number of participants in the second staging of the Turks and Caicos Islands Deputy Governor’s 5K Run/Walk, held recently.
The resort, which also served as a platinum sponsor for the event, mobilized an impressive team of 100 participants, demonstrating its
strong commitment to community engagement, health, and philanthropy. Proceeds from the initiative will benefit three key organisations: the Turks and Caicos Islands Cancer Society, the United Way of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Ashley Learning Centre.
General Manager Deryk Meany praised the collective effort of the Beaches team, highlighting the significance of the initiative both for employee wellness and community impact.
“This was a team effort that saw the resort mobilising a strong team to participate in this event,” Meany said. “It provided a healthy activity for participation as well as giving back to a worthy cause. Congratulations to the Deputy Governor and her organising team for staging such a successful event.”
Participants from across various departments joined the early morning run/walk, showcasing camaraderie, determination and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Hotel Manager Ghislain Boutoulle described the event as both physically rewarding and meaningful.
“The route was very good. It was challenging at first but once I got the pace of the run, it was a good morning workout that was done for a worthy cause,” Boutoulle shared. “The Beaches team were well organised and showed the grit and determination to complete the run.”
For many team members, the experience extended beyond fitness, offering opportunities for personal connection and memorable moments. Soraha Jolly from the resort’s entertainment department highlighted the event’s emotional significance.
“This was good. I got the chance to participate with my mother and we ended the run feeling healthy,” Jolly said. “The event was a combination of partnership, healthy lifestyle and camaraderie. I am looking forward to the next staging to be the first to register for the Beaches team. It was a great experience for the entire team, but a very special one for me and my mom.”
Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams commended all participants and sponsors, with special recognition given to Beaches
Turks and Caicos for its outstanding contribution.
“The three beneficiaries for this year’s staging were carefully selected to benefit from this event,” the Deputy Governor noted. “Giving back to the community, providing support for health through the Cancer Society and building a strong platform for education with the Ashley Learning Centre allowed the team to give back to a great cause.”
She continued, “We are grateful for all our sponsors but a special commendation to our platinum sponsor, the Beaches Turks and Caicos team, for not only donating but having the largest contingent of participants for this event. This is what true partnership looks like as we continue to build a strong relationship to make our community and the Turks and Caicos Islands better.”
The Deputy Governor’s 5K Run/Walk continues to grow as a signature community event, promoting wellness while raising critical funds for organisations that support health, education and social development across the islands.
Beaches Turks and Caicos’ strong showing this year underscores the resort’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community partnership. With its record participation and enthusiastic team spirit, the resort has set a high benchmark for future events, reinforcing its role as a leader in both hospitality and community engagement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (June 16th, 2026) — Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Statistics Authority, has announced the completion and publication of the latest Visitor Exit Survey Report, providing enhanced insights into visitor behaviour, spending patterns and overall travel experiences in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Visitor Exit Survey is a joint initiative designed to better understand the characteristics of visitors to the destination, including their
travel motivations, length of stay, expenditure, satisfaction levels and perceptions of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a tourism destination.
While exit surveys have been conducted in previous years, this latest publication marks a significant enhancement in the way tourism data is collected and shared. It introduces a new quarterly reporting framework, with surveys conducted at the end of each quarter and findings published on a more frequent basis throughout the year.
This improved reporting cycle is intended to provide more timely and actionable insights to support tourism planning, policy development, marketing strategy formulation and broader industry decision-making.
“The Statistics Authority is pleased to partner with Experience Turks and Caicos on the Visitor Exit Survey program,” said Mr. Shirlen Forbes, Director. “As tourism remains the cornerstone of our economy, reliable and timely data is essential for understanding visitor behaviour, measuring tourism’s economic impact and supporting informed decision-making. We value our ongoing collaboration with Experience Turks and Caicos and believe these quarterly reports will provide stakeholders with valuable insights to help guide the future growth and development of the industry.”
Miss Sharissa Lightbourne, Marketing Intelligence Manager of Experience Turks and Caicos, noted that the expanded approach will allow
government and industry stakeholders to better track trends in visitor behaviour and assess the economic contribution of tourism beyond traditional arrival statistics.
“Data is the foundation of informed decision-making and plays a critical role in shaping the future of our tourism industry. The insights contained in this report provide a deeper understanding of who our visitors are, how they experience the destination, and how they engage with our tourism product. This information is invaluable to our hotel partners, service providers, investors and other stakeholders as they refine their business strategies, enhance the visitor experience and identify new opportunities for growth. I would like to thank the Statistics Authority for its continued collaboration and commitment to strengthening tourism intelligence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I encourage everyone in the industry to download the report and explore the valuable insights it contains,” she said.
The findings will also support more targeted destination marketing efforts, improved visitor experience initiatives and more informed investment decisions across the tourism sector.
Experience Turks and Caicos and the Statistics Authority reaffirm their commitment to strengthening tourism intelligence and ensuring that stakeholders across the industry have access to reliable, timely and relevant data.
Download the report here: https://issuu.com/myexperiencetci/docs/tci_departing_visitor_survey_report_q1_2026
-
News4 days agoPlatinum Sponsor Beaches Turks & Caicos celebrates top Corporate Engagement title at DG’s 5K 2026
-
News4 days agoBeaches Turks & Caicos wrapped up another successful Provo Men’s Premier League season
-
News5 days agoDDME LAUNCHES 2026 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON WITH CHURCH VISITS
-
News5 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Statistics Authority Publish Latest Visitor Exit Survey Report
-
Bahamas News6 days agoWhere to Draw the Line? TCI and Bahamas Advance Maritime Boundary Talks
-
News5 days agoThe Cost of Unprotected Culture