#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.”
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
A DAUGHTER reportedly brought her mother to the Turks and Caicos for Mother’s Day, and both were allegedly arrested, leaving the Turks and Caicos Islands today (Monday 13th, May,2024).
Officials say they were found with two rounds of ammunition in their luggage.
Police have confirmed the arrest to Magnetic Media after inquiries.
Turks & Caicos residents are already reacting to this latest report, “dumbfounded” by the mistake which keeps being repeated despite all of the high profile attention the matter has received in leading news organizations and the warning the US Embassy has issued. There is also the well publicized stance of the TCI Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions that these individuals must be punished according to the law.
In this newest case, the daughter was released, and the mother remains in police custody pending charge and court appearance later this week.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – In an historic showing, the Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association (TCIGA) dominated the 28th annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament, held in Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic, from April 25th to 27th, 2024. The victory marks a turning point for TCI golf, and much of the credit goes to the exceptional team of players assembled by Sean Wilson the Head Professional at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Course.
56 golfers, playing under the banner of the TCIGA were rewarded for their enthusiastic participation across both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.
“This back-to-back win is an indication of the growing interest and increased participation in the sport of golf in TCI,” stated TCIGA President Fraser Dods.
“We’ve been competing at this tournament since its inception almost 30 years ago, and finally bringing home the George Noon Cup two years in a row is a truly proud moment for Turks and Caicos golf.”
Clean Sweep for Team TCI
The team’s success was based on strong and determined performances in every flight and category.
The Turks and Caicos men’s team secured the Robert Grell Trophy, while the ladies claimed the Jodi Munn Barrow Trophy.
This clean sweep across all team divisions highlights the growing depth and talent within the TCI Golf Association membership.
The “Classic”organized by the Caribbean Golf Association, brings together golfers from the twelve membercountries of the CGA. The Caribbean Classic is an individual and team event, competed for by teams of unlimited number of players from each participating member country, playing eighteen holes of golf each , over 3 days.
Team Turks and Caicos amassed the most points overall and won the George Noon Cup last year, for the first time in 27 years of competing at this event. To repeat as champs is a proud moment for TCI sports in general and for TCI Golf specifically.
Individual Accolades Abound
Beyond the team triumphs, individual golfers from TCI shone brightly. Female players, namely Wendy Ayer, Christine Dickenson, Tazmaraa Gowans, and Andrea Todd, all secured podium finishes in their respective divisions
The men’s side also saw impressive performances from Justin Simons, Mark Fulford, Arthur Lightbourne, Mervin Cox, and Simon Dobbs. Their individual excellence contributed significantly to the overall team victory.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
TCI Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes is optimistic about the future. “This win exemplifies the immense potential of golf in the Turks and Caicos,” he stated. “We encourage young islanders to take up this fantastic sport.”
Head Golf Professional at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, Sean Wilson, echoed the sentiment. “This is a monumental achievement for TCI golf,” he said. “Bringing home trophies in all three divisions is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the TCIGA and its players.”
The Caribbean Classic second victory creates a new legacy for golf in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The TCIGA is administrated by a golf-loving volunteer executive comprised of Fraser Dods, Mark Fulford (VP), Denise Douglas (Secretary), Paul Murray (Treasurer), Andrea Todd and Roberto Stipa.Through their collective efforts, and the growing participation of TCI golfers, the future looks bright for this sport in the region.
The Caribbean Classic is one of the highlights of the Caribbean Golf calendar. Organized by the Caribbean Golf Association, it allows participation of amateurs from 12 countries, including the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Guadalupe, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, St Lucia, and USVI.”