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TCI Education Minister exposes worrying trend   

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 17, 2022 – Less than 15 per cent of high school graduates in the Turks and Caicos are going on to college, revealed Minister of Education Rachel Taylor in the House of Assembly last Thursday (March 10). It is a trend that Taylor frets will keep Turks and Caicos Islanders at the bottom end of the earnings scale; unacceptable to the PNP Administration she said.

Taylor revealed the results of a rapid assessment done on the Class of 2020 and the results were distressing.

All 411 students who completed high school in 2020, 34 per cent or 120 students passed five or more or Passes in academic or technical vocational subjects.

This would have made those 120 students eligible to continue their studies in a tertiary institution in the TCI or overseas. Of the 120 however, only 49 students went on to college.

Bottom line, only 13 per cent of high schoolers in 2020 went onto get a degree and 87 per cent did not.

“If this trend continues it will be very difficult for the Turks and Caicos to achieve sustainable economic growth.”

Taylor acknowledged that policies in the Turks and Caicos regarding BOTC students and high tuition fees made higher education difficult to achieve for many.

“The draft Population Policy highlights that the government needs to provide continued access to tertiary education so that these groups of students can make a meaningful contribution to the country.” Taylor said

These findings fuelled the policy decision also announced on March 10, which now offers free tuition to all TCIs and BOTCs – any age – at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College as of September 2022.

Education

Achievement Unlocked: Six members of the Statistical Authority earn Graduate Degrees in Development Statistics

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR 

AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1st November 2024 – In a remarkable display of dedication and academic excellence, six members of the Statistical Authority (Formerly the Statistics Department) have successfully graduated with Masters Degrees in Development (MSc) Statistics from the University of the West Indies. Notably, this impressive cohort includes the Director, Mr. Shirlen Forbes, and the two Deputy Directors, Miss Sabrina Williams and Miss Wendera Seymour, along with Miss Alex Bennett – Senior Statistician, Mrs. Kia Swann – Statistician and Miss Cierra Garland – Statistician, underscoring the authority’s commitment to continuous professional growth and capacity building.

The MSc in Development Statistics program, which these graduates completed, is designed to train official statisticians. It equips students with the capacity to undertake quantitative analyses that inform social and economic decision-making initiatives, particularly in the realm of development policy. The program offers two areas of specialization: Social and Demographic Statistics and Survey Research.

The graduation ceremony was a proud moment, celebrating the hard work and determination of these individuals who are poised to make a significant and positive impact on development policies and practices in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H. E. Anya Williams, who attended the graduation ceremony, congratulated the graduates, stating, “On Friday, October 25, 2024, joined by the Permanent Secretary of Finance Mrs. Athenee Harvey-Basden and newly appointed Chair of the Statistics Authority Pastor Bradley Handfield, I was proud to witness the commencement ceremony of our Statistics Authority graduates to celebrate the hard work and determination of these individuals who are poised to make a significant impact on development policies and practices in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their achievement is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and resilience. Completing a Master’s program with a full-time job is no small feat. For that, I commend the entire cohort of graduates. I would especially like to recognize the leadership and dedication of Director Forbes, who has, throughout his career, including as an educator, always advocated for learning and for the higher development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He has always made it a priority to mentor and empower his staff.”, added the H.E. Anya Williams.

“H.E. Anya Williams further explained, “This graduation represents much more than an individual achievement; it signifies a collective advancement for the Statistical Authority and our Public Service. As education and training are critical components of our success, I am pleased that the Office of the Deputy Governor was able to provide partial assistance to this important initiative. I encourage our recent graduates to continue striving for excellence as they take on new challenges in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society. We are extremely proud of you and look forward to cheering you on in your future successes!”

Meanwhile, Mr. Shirlen Forbes, Director of the Statistical Authority, expressed immense pride in his team upon their graduation. He stated, “I am incredibly proud of my colleagues who have demonstrated immense commitment, perseverance, and determination in achieving this significant milestone. Their hard work speaks volumes about the calibre of individuals we have within the authority. This accomplishment enhances their professional qualifications and elevates our capacity to provide accurate and insightful data that drives meaningful policy decisions and supports sustainable development in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Undoubtedly, they will utilize their enhanced skills—particularly in areas like Social and Demographic Statistics and Survey Research—to tackle the challenges ahead and contribute positively to our mission.”

The six graduates received funding from the Professional Development Fund through the Office of the Deputy Governor. This highlights the vital support provided to enhance professional growth within the Public Service.

We share in the pride of the graduates on this outstanding achievement! Your success is a testament to the strength and potential of our organization.

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Education

Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education and Director of Education, Mr. Edgar Howell attending the 48th COHSOD Education Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th October 2024 – The Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, is representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 48th meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) focused on Education, taking place on October 24-25, 2024, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The COHSOD Education Meeting brings together ministers of education, policy makers, and stakeholders from various Caribbean nations to discuss critical issues affecting education across the region. This year’s agenda includes enhancing educational frameworks, promoting inclusive education, and integrating technology into learning environments.

Minister Taylor is committed to advancing educational initiatives that align with the goals of equitable and quality education for all. During the meeting, she aims to discuss the Turks and Caicos Islands’ successful strategies and explore collaborative opportunities with fellow ministers to address common challenges in education.

“I am cherishing the opportunity to engage with my counterparts and exchange ideas that will enable us to better serve our students,” said Minister Taylor. “Together, we can create innovative solutions that will strengthen our educational systems across the Caribbean.”

The meeting provides an important platform for advocating policies that foster collaboration and implementation of effective educational practices. Updates from the meeting will be shared following the conclusion of the event.  This meeting follows the Transforming Education Symposium held in Grand Cayman earlier this month.

For more information, please contact the Policy and Planning Unit in the Ministry of Education – (649)338-3134

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Bahamas News

Work on Holmes Rock Junior High School Nearing Completion

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From: Bahamas Information Services
October 24, 2024
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas –– Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith, toured Holmes Rock Junior High School to assess its progress, October 21, 2024.
The project, which is nearing completion, is expected to be finished by the end of the year.  According to Smith, the cafeteria — included as an additional feature — will also serve as a hurricane shelter, and spans 5,500 sq ft.  It can accommodate 200 persons and will be equipped with cooking facilities, separate male and female bathrooms with showers, an open space for cots, and a generator — all of which enhance its suitability to serve the community in the event of a hurricane.  
(BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)

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