News
Happy Teacher’s Day from Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor
Happy National Teachers’ Day!
#TurksandCaicos, March 11, 2022 – We are constantly reminded that it is teachers who make the difference and not the classroom. On this National Teachers’ Day, I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the level of dedication that you continue to invest in our country’s greatest assets. You are the molders of the future and therefore, the country depends on you for its success.
This Teachers’ Day is appreciated more than ever by the Ministry and Department of Education, especially by the students and parents, as you have proven to be resilient despite the impact of Covid 19. You remained dedicated to the course, building cadre of students who continue to succeedin-spite of. Teachers, it is your level of dedication, your love, care and passion that kept our students focused, despite the loss of physical contact limited by Covid and for this we salute you! Your influence in the lives of our students will never be erased, because to teach is indeed to touch lives forever, as big hearts like yours continue to shape the the lives of our students.
Apart from the moral support that you continue to invest in the lives of our students, you have so ably adopted to the new methods of teaching, assessments looked different from a distance and you provided that avenue, new platforms and new tools were a challenge, but with your desire to ensure that our students were cater for, you beat the odds and that’s the attitude of a teacher! Teachers, you continue to model the attitude of true professionalism through your collaborative efforts. You have ‘lived’ the lessons that you instilled in your students, the power of teamwork,
love and respect for each other, lifelong learning and above all resilience; for that we are truly grateful. We pause today, to celebrate you, for you are indeed the vehicle as we create Change Agents!
As your Minister, it calms my heart and brings me great joy and at this time it is worthy to say that your work will not go in vain. You have demonstrated to our country that we are conquers despite the challenges and that in itself makes me so proud to be part of this team.
The Ministry and Department of Education will continue in our efforts to provide the necessary development workshops to better equip you to master the challenges and bridge the gaps of our students, as a result of the Covid pandemic. This is now the new normal and through your generosity of spirit, we will continue to propel the education system to one that will allow our students to grow and thrive despite their disability, home environment or circumstances.
As your Minister, I will continue to ensure that we propel with our efforts to advance the Educational System, as these changes will only impact the long-term success of our students. The introduction of early stimulation and screening of our Early Childhood Students, our ‘Let’s Reap Program’ that addresses the gaps in Literacy and Numeracy, with the inclusive of a Mathematics initiatives titled Building Bridges. A Coaching Program that partners secondary teachers with primary teachers to build numeracy, with a goal of improving Numeracy Skills at the primary level, our capacity building through our IT Workshops, the introduction of Literacy and Numeracy Assessments, the updated Primary Curriculum that is inclusive of STEM Education, providing opportunities for Critical Thinking and a project based approach, the incorporation of TVET that will bridge the gap in the labour force of this country and most recently, FREE ACCESS to Tertiary Education in the Turks and Caicos Islands amongst many others will only help in the advancement of our Educational System.
The spirit and flexibility that teachers have shown, gives us confidence that we have emerged from this crisis stronger, more united and more resilient than before.
Happy Teachers Day!
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
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TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
