Free Tuition at the TCI Community College as of September says Minister Taylor

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicos, March 12, 2022 – Islanders will be able to realize their full educational potentials and earn better salaries for a higher quality of life following a string of landmark announcements by Rachel Taylor, the Minister of Education who informed that strategic changes will help in poverty reduction and better employment.

“Tertiary education is a passport to success in our society, it provides Turks and Caicos Islanders and other residents alike with the skills and knowledge they need to live sustainable and rewarding lives and in turn drive stronger economic growth and prosperity, explained Minister Taylor on Thursday in the House of Assembly.

This statement was a prelude to a sweeping change which will, as of September, make studies at the Community College free to all Turks and Caicos Islanders and British Overseas Territories Citizens.

“This caring Government, in line with the People’s Plan for this country has approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday March 2, Free Tuition for any Turks and Caicos Islander and BOTC (British Overseas Territories Citizen) student who enrolls at the TCICC to study any program of their choice!”

The announcement brought thunderous table-thumping from the approving House of Assembly members at the session on Thursday March 10, 2022.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, an accredited institution, is the tertiary level facility where the free tuition will be provided.  The Minister informed that an organizational review is a part of this revolutionary approach to human capacity building and support to citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  The review is to be completed by May this year.

“We are aware that the TCI human development index, measured in terms of its social and human capital development has not kept pace with its economic growth.  The strategic focus of this government and my ministry is to place Human Capital Development at the very top of its priorities,” said Minister Taylor.

Hon Taylor, who is also the minister with responsibility for the Youth explained to the Speaker of the House that 85 per cent of graduates were entering the workforce with only a high school diploma or high school leaving certificate.  She said intervention to end that trend was crucial to ensuring the Turks and Caicos and its citizens not only contributed to economic growth, but were beneficiaries of it.

“If we make meaningful investments in Education – both in academia and technical vocation education – to build their skills they will be the dynamic drivers of poverty reduction through long term economic growth that creates more employment.”

Minister Rachel Taylor, who is the Member of Parliament for Five Cays and Chalk Sound, said the new policy is a part of the Progressive National Party’s campaign pledges and is universal to citizens of the UK Overseas Territory.

“Mr. Speaker, this is in line with our People’s Plan, a promise made and a promise kept. Mr. Speaker, Free Education!  We didn’t stop to say 15 to 19 or 16 to 60 (years of age), we say EVERYBODY!”

Qualifying residents were encouraged to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College online to begin the enrolment process.  Certifications, Associate and Bachelor degree programs are available at the TCICC.