News
DP and Min of Finance Speech – Laying of the Estimates – 25 April 2022
Published
4 years agoon
HON. E. JAY SAUNDERS
MINISTER OF FINANCE, INVESTMENT & TRADE
Appropriation 2022/2023 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and The Constitutional and Statutory Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2022/2023
25th APRIL 2022
Hon. Speaker,
Hon. Premier,
Hon. Members of this House of Assembly,
Strangers in the Gallery,
Persons tuning in via radio and streaming media, and
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Good Day,
Mr Speaker, I rise today to table the draft Estimates in this honourable House for subsequent scrutiny by the Appropriations Committee. Our Government’s policies support the theme of:
” An Economy that Works for all: People-Opportunity-Prosperity”
Existing revenue streams will support the expenditure. Our intended Expenditure Envelope – i.e. what our Government intends to spend on Expenses – is $388.9 Million, which is a whopping 20.2% increase over the (unaudited) performance of the last financial year – i.e. FY2021/22.
Mr. Speaker, the unprecedented fiscal performance in the Real Estate sector, and higher than expected performance in the Tourism sectors, during the last financial year, have given our Government the leeway to invest heavily in our flagship priority of Human Capital Development.
The FY2022/23 Budget, which we are bringing to this honorable House today, and will debate next week, includes:
- A retirement plan for public servants,
- Increased salaries for Public Servants,
- Increased investments in Education and infrastructure,
- Continued investments in our first-class Health Care systems,
- Continued investments in our “premium brand” tourism product,
- Continued investments in Good Governance systems and processes,
- Investments in Climate Change resilience, and
- an Operating Surplus of $6.8M.
Expenditure estimates
Mr Speaker, budgeted Expenditure includes:
- Recurrent cost of $326.9M,
- Non-recurrent spending of $12.0M, and
- Proposed Capital Development spending of $50.0 million.
The top ten areas of allocations, in the form of the Classification Of Functions Of Governments (COFOG) are:
Economic Affairs
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to announce that our Government’s is proposing to spend $103.7M on Economic Affairs this financial year.
This spending will primarily focus on the following 8 areas:
- Infrastructure development,
- Land acquisition,
- Enhancing our tourism product,
- Agriculture and food security development,
- Catastrophic risk insurance,

- Environmental and coastal resources protection,
- Energy and utilities, and
- Media and communication.
Health
Mr. Speaker, the nation’s health continues to be a significant priority of our Government.
For this reason, we have allocated 20% of the expenditure for FY2022/23 on Health Care Delivery. Our focus will be on: policy planning (including include Public Health and Hospital Services), Mental Health support services, Research, Health Emergencies, Dental services, Laboratory services, and Health Promotion and Advocacies.
Public Order and Safety
Mr. Speaker, our Government has earmarked just over $67.3M (17% of the expenditure for this FY) for spending on improving Public Order and the Safety of our residents and visitors.
Mr. Speaker, while we are urging everyone to take an interest in public order and safety, our Government has allocated the 3rd highest portion of the budgeted spending on combating and solving crime, and preventing disturbances.
The Public Order and Safety allocation will provide financial support for the strategic execution of: Policing Services, Legal Services, Disaster Management, Customs and Border protection, Public Prosecution, Fire and Rescue, and Corrective and Rehabilitative services.
General Public Services
Mr. Speaker, an allocation of $62.0M has been made to support the General Public Service operations, including the continuous funding of: the Executive, Legislative, and Financial and Fiscal affairs.
Education
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to announce that in this financial year, our Government will be making a massive investment, to the tune of $37.5M, in Education. Mr. Speaker, the significant growth in the economy, which I briefly spoke about earlier, has enabled this investment in Human Capital Development, which will support inclusive growth, sustainability, and security, for our people – especially our young people.
Included in the funding for Education are allocations for:
- Early Childhood Education;
- Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education; and
- Scholarships and Grants – particularly for courses at the TCI Community College.
Social Protection
Mr. Speaker, I am equally proud to speak to our Government’s proposed spending for Social Protection this financial year.
Over $21M (5%) is being allocated towards Social Protection. Included in this, $14.6M will be spent on Pensions and Gratuities, which will allow Civil Servants to “live their best lives” post retirement. $5.8M million will be spent on protecting our “disadvantaged” population, and just over $500K will be spent on Gender Equality Programs.
Mr. Speaker, with this budget, our Government will build economic resilience through Human Capital Development, thereby supporting inclusive growth, sustainability, and security.
Environmental Protection
Mr. Speaker, the world just celebrated Earth Day – with aim to preserve and conserve planet Earth and its biodiversity – on the 22nd April 2022, and I am proud to say that our Government is doing its part, and we will continue to do so this financial year through the $7.7M (2% of our allocated spending) that we are allocating towards Environmental Protection. The spending priorities in this area will be on: Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, Public and Environmental Protection, and Waste Management.
Housing and Community Amenities
Our Government is allocating $3.8M to be spent on:
- Water Undertaking,
- Housing,
- Community Renewal, and
- District Administrations.
Defence
Mr. Speaker, our Government is committed to bolstering our security and defenses, and we will do so this financial year with over $2.7M being spent on the National Security Secretariat and the Contingent Forces. In addition, we are allocsting $1.5M for vessels and motor vehicles for our defense personnel.
Recreation, Culture and Religion
Finally, Mr. Speaker, we have allocated $4.3M towards spending Recreation, Culture and Religion.
PUBLIC SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
Mr. Speaker, the Public Sector Investment Programme for FY2022/23 is approximately $50M, which includes approximately $16M ongoing projects and $32M new projects.
The new projects being funded in the PSIP for fiscal year 2022-2025 are aligned to the priority areas set out in the FSPS for 2022-2026. Noteworthy are the allocations for the following:
- Law Enforcement, Border Control and Security = $8M,
- Continued spending on Digitization and E-Governance = $2M,
- Education = $6.4M,
- Water Undertaking, Prison and Fire Services = $6M,
- Infrastructure development throughout the Islands = $21M,
- Tourism = $1.7M, and
- Health = $1.2M.
Financing the expenditure
Mr. Speaker, our total Expenditure package is $388.9M and Recurrent Revenues account for 99 percent of total Revenues.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to now speak to our plan to finance the expenditure envelope.
Our Government plan to fund all the investments geared towards building Economic Resilience, Human Capital Development to support inclusive growth, Sustainability, and Security through existing revenue streams. We will also tighten our enforcement and compliance mechanisms to ensure that we hit our targets.
Mr. Speaker, our total revenue package is $395.7M, which is a 1.0% increase over the (unaudited) performance of the last financial year.
Like the rest of the world Mr. Speaker, our country is experiencing an increase in inflation caused by global supply chain issues and the fallout from the war between Russia and Ukraine.
To mitigate the impact of these economic shocks on our people, our Government has provided US$15M in direct assistance through reductions in the “Fuel Tax” and Customs Processing Fee (CPF). It is hoped that this relief will ease the burden on citizens and residents alike.
Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to announce that (the unaudited) Revenues for FY2021/22 have surpassed the pre-covid-19 pandemic fiscal year output. The unprecedented performance indicates that the Revenue Agency’s commitment to the revenue compliance programme, and our vigilant and coherent revenue strategy is working.
The major revenue Economic classifications – i.e. Revenue Earners – are:
- Accommodation Tax = $90,518,829
- Import Duties = $89,309,012
- Stamp Duty on Land Transactions = $80,000,000
- Work Permit and Other Immigration Fees = $32,178,209
- Other Customs Duties = $30,252,168
- Fuel Tax = $7,821,524
Mr. Speaker, FY2021/22 has illustrated that whilst our economy is volatile, it is uniquely positioned to bounce back from perils to achieve financial buoyancy.
Mr. Speaker, the strong revenue performance in FY2021/22 was due to strong performance in the tourism and real estate sectors, and the robust compliance program employed by the Revenue and Customs Departments.
Mr. Speaker, a robust and sustainable revenue system requires restructuring the current revenue system, which will lead to the creation of a modern revenue management system with the right balance between revenue initiatives and cost containment.
Mr. Speaker, our Government is committed to ensuring that our tax system is a modernized, stable, and reliable source, where revenue collection will be optimal. Mr. Speaker, a well-functioning revenue system is a condition for sustainability, and it should be neutral, efficient, effective, simple, and fair.
Mr. Speaker, our Government is working in collaboration with CARTAC to introduce a Revenue Authority, which we expect to be operationalized in the next 12 to 18 months.
Mr. Speaker, during the Budget debates, my colleagues and I will discuss further the allocations by Ministry.
Mr. Speaker our Government Top Priority Initiatives are:
1.0 Investment in Digitization and E-Governance
The Government will continue to strategically focus on the sustainable modernization of the public sector service delivery. The Government will spend approximately $2.3M over the next three years.
2.0 Investment in Tourism Development
$8.0M has been allocated towards enhancing the tourist product, including developing a Destination Management Office (DMO).
3.0 Investment in Law Enforcement, Border Control and Security
The Government has prioritized funding for the TCI Regiment to increase its reserve complement by 20 officers, and funding for 12 marine officers in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) and 10 Immigration Officers. In addition, the Government has agreed to bolster the operating expenses of the RT&CIPF to enhance intelligence gathering and investigations by $1.4M.
Following consultation between the Civil Service Association (CSA) and the Deputy Governor’s Office to identify a suitable retirement benefits package, the Government has allocated approximately $9.0M to facilitate a contributory pension scheme and increase the basic salary for Civil Servants.
Staff costs include a 4.0 percent direct salary increase for Civil Servants. A further 6 percent allocation is made for employees and employees’ contribution to the newly formed contributory pension scheme. The Government has made provision for introducing the new schemes with no impact on the salary of public servants.
The estimates continue to support the payment of biennial performance-based increments.
5.0 Human Capital Development
The Government’s flagship priority is Human Capital Development. Our Government is increasing allocation for tertiary education for the Scholarship Fund and the Community College. Over $10.2M is allocated, an additional $1.5M (15%) in this FY to increase the number of international and local scholarships awarded annually. Effective September, access to the Community College for Belongers and BOTC citizens will become free.
6.0 Increased Access to Secondary Education
Our Government will upgrade the Clement Howell and Louise Garland-Thomas high schools to senior high schools offering 1st to 5th form education. We have allocated the necessary resources to facilitate the upgrade.
7.0 Social Welfare
An additional $1.65M is being made available to enhance social welfare. The allocation will accommodate an increase in monthly payments to indigents.
8.0 Statistical Surveys
Approximately $800K is allocated to facilitate the institutional improvements in the national statistical system as outlined in our Government’s manifesto, particularly the transformation of the Central Statistics Organization (CSO) into a National Statistics Institute. The aim is to improve the regulatory framework for the coordination and governance of the National Statistics Institute. A national census will be conducted in the financial year.
9.0 Environmental Health and Emergency Medical Services
Our Government has allocated resources to facilitate 12 port health officers to enact the International Health Regulations of 2005. It is a national approach to standardise the functions and activities in delivering port health services.
In addition, a second ambulance base with appropriate staffing is funded for Providenciales.
10.0 Investment in Government Communication and Protocol
Funding is available to formulate a Communication Directorate to manage the overarching government communications and support citizenship engagement.
11.0 Illegal Settlement
$2.0M has been allocated to address unlawful settlements and a further $2.0M to offset existing arbitration legal costs.
Subvention Support
Mr. Speaker, in this budget our Government will continue to support subvention to the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) with $34.6M. It will cover the treatment abroad programme, utility charges for the two major hospitals, and health care costs for the juvenile and the indigent population. This is in addition to approximately $39M projected to be received in Contribution Income.
Allocation for the repayment costs for the two major hospitals are $22.8M.
Other subvention allocation for Statutory and Constitutional Bodies is $27.5M (7.0%) of recurrent expenditure. Increases in FY2022/23 over FY2021/22 are:
- Destination Management Organization – $1.M,
- Gaming – 700K,
- Integrity Commission – 500K,
- Invest TCI – 500K,
- Community College – 1.2M,
- National Trust – 100K,
- Sports Commission – 300K.
Mr. Speaker our Government will also continue to support:
- Tertiary education scholarships for civil servants to reduce the number of imported skills into the Country with $250K allocated.
- Curriculum development at all levels, including Adult education courses designed to address the findings of the skills audit, increase skills, and address skills shortage:
- Government grants to MSME businesses to encourage and support innovation = $700K,
- Property acquisition – $ 10.0M,
- Contingency Funding – $5.0M,
- Maintenance of government infrastructure – $2.5M,
- Environmental remedial work programmes -$1.0M,
- CDB Conference – $1.0M,
- Trade shows – $250K,
- Legal fees for airport expansions – $250K,
- Faith-based organisations – $250K,
- Beach Access – $600K,
- Maintenance for DECR Parks – $650K.
- Fiscal prudence and Good Governance.
Mr. Speaker, thank you.
Hon. E. Jay Saunders
Minister of Finance, Investment & Trade
You may like
-
Minister Saunders Inspires Maranatha Academy Graduates with Message of Purpose and Perseverance
-
Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy attends Prestigious UWI Artificial Intelligence Conference
-
Minister Saunders: Building a “Tech Forward” Government for a Global Turks and Caicos
-
TCIG Launches Bold Digital and Energy Transformation: Saunders Outlines $8.37M Plan in Parliament
-
Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy Undertakes Initiative to Transform High School Science Projects into Commercial Ventures
-
Minister Saunders Calls for Bold, Inclusive Future in Tech at Girls in ICT Day
News
Beaches Resorts Announces Grand Opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos
Published
2 days agoon
March 14, 2026
Montego Bay, Jamaica March 12, 2026 – Beaches Resorts has unveiled a bold new chapter in Caribbean family travel with the grand opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a US $150 million expansion that redefines oceanfront luxury on the western edge of the resort’s property.
The award-winning resort brand commemorated the milestone with an elegant and celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony on February 28,
staged in the picturesque lobby of the new development overlooking the 15,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool and the turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach.
Conceived as a landmark moment for both the brand and the destination, the ceremony gathered Turks and Caicos government officials, Sandals and Beaches Resorts executives and team members, regional business leaders, local suppliers, artisans, artists and members of the media in a powerful show of partnership.
The programme was vibrantly led by master of ceremonies Gary Sadler, executive vice president of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations, and opened with remarks from James McAnally, regional managing director, Northern Caribbean and Curacao for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and the Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, minister of tourism, agriculture, fisheries and the environment. Reflections followed from Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, before the ceremony culminated with a keynote address from the Hon. Charles Washington Misick, premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, who joined other government officials and resort leaders for the official ribbon cutting that formally declared Treasure Beach Village open.
The event also featured a special performance by the Louise Garland Thomas High School Steel Pan Band and students of the Enid Capron Primary School Cultural Group, celebrating the culture and creativity of the islands. Guests then enjoyed a curated dining experience inside the Village’s newest restaurants, offering a first taste of the elevated culinary concepts now available to families from around the world.
Executive Chairman Adam Stewart in his delivery, underscored the legacy and deep-rooted connection between the brand and the destination.
“Turks and Caicos is an absolute gift to the world,” said Stewart. “Its beauty, its people and its ability to perform on the world stage make it extraordinary. My grandfather always told me it was one of the most beautiful places on earth. My father came to see it for himself and 30 years later Beaches Turks and Caicos stands as the most successful family resort in this hemisphere.”
Stewart added, “what began as a small hotel has grown from 150 rooms to nearly 900 keys and more than 1,000 rooms because of the vision
of our founder and his unwavering belief in Caribbean people. Today we are a team of 20,000 and 97 percent are Caribbean nationals. The Sandals story is a story of belief in what we can achieve together.”
In his keynote address, Premier Charles Washington Misick highlighted the national significance of the investment.
“Today we celebrate the opening of Treasure Beach and something even greater,” said Premier Misick. “This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades and strengthened by trust. Treasure Beach Village signals confidence in our country, in our stability and in our tourism product and it sets a new standard of quality and value.”
Integral to the celebration were several of the local artists whose commissioned works now define the character of Treasure Beach Village. From the earliest stages of design, the creative vision for the village centred on capturing the true treasures of the Turks and Caicos Islands through art and storytelling.
Among the standout installations is “Roses of Provo” by Stanford Hanfield, a breathtaking composition of more than 800 hand-cut conch shells transformed into a dramatic showpiece that honours the conch on the national flag and the enduring spirit of the islands. Murals by Ashley Aarons that celebrate local flora and fauna while paying homage to the founder’s love of the Caribbean. Through the lens of Rich McGhie, striking imagery of turtles, beaches and everyday island life captures the people who are the true treasures of Treasure Beach Village. Contributing artists Lucie Winton-Stubbs, Hezron Henry, Ancy Dorisca, Ayshe Stephen and Victoria Silvera further infuse the spaces with Caribbean soul, texture and authenticity.
Several of these artists were present for the ribbon cutting and were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions.
Following this, the award-winning resort welcomed its first guests to Treasure Beach Village on March 1, greeted by Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, Sandals executives, vibrant team members waving the Turks and Caicos and Jamaican flags, singing, dancing and inviting families to an experience brimming with island inspiration and exciting ‘Beaches Firsts’.
Suites Designed for Togetherness
The new oceanfront village featuring 101 multi-bedroom suites, unveils expansive new room categories, blending generous living spaces
with the all-inclusive service synonymous with Beaches. Among the standouts are the oceanfront CrystalSky 4-Bedroom Reserve Villas, perched on the sand and unfolding across more than 2,600 square feet over three stories. Accommodating up to 10 guests and designed for elevated family living, the villas include a private pool and a rooftop deck with a telescope. Spanning more than 2,800 square feet over two stories, the Chairman’s Penthouse Suite hosts up to 10 guests in three bedrooms, anchored by a dramatic staircase that connects its expansive living spaces.
Oceanview Two-Story Suites feature two-bedroom and three-bedroom layouts with open designs, modern bunk beds, inviting dining nooks and al fresco living rooms designed to capture the sea breeze. A collection of thoughtfully designed Oceanview and Penthouse Concierge Suites welcome up to six guests with two bedrooms, expansive baths and bunk beds. A Caribbean palette of turquoise, coral and neutrals reflects the surrounding sea and sand, accented by artful touches inspired by life beneath the surface.
Dining That Brings Everyone to the Table
At Treasure Beach Village, six new dining concepts invite families to slow down and linger, including the arrival of Butch’s Island Chop House at a Beaches resort – the beloved Sandals Resorts steakhouse. A tribute to the brand’s late founder, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the restaurant brings generations together over prime dry age steaks, fresh seafood and an elevated beverage experience for adults, including a mini-martini menu.
A first of its kind for the brand, Pinta Food Hall introduces global flavours across four distinct culinary stations, from smoky tacos and Asian stir-fries to an open-air Italian window and an à la carte grill – plus Beaches’ first-ever live churro station. Featuring Jamaica’s iconic Blue Mountain coffee, BRÜ Coffee Bar serves artisanal coffee by day and transitions into a craft cocktail spot by night.
Designed for Families, Shaped by the Sea
Sweeping views of Grace Bay’s turquoise waters set the tone for unhurried days ahead. Inside the lobby, coastal details take shape in an intricate sea-garden ceiling and a striking conch installation by local artisan Stanford Handfield, while a soft sand-and-sea palette creates an atmosphere that feels instantly welcoming.
At the heart of the village, a 15,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool sets the scene complete with three whirlpools. A waterslide and splash zone cater to younger guests, while a swim-up bar offers a gathering place for all ages. Nearby, Calypso Cones adds a playful poolside moment with refreshing snow cones under the Caribbean sun.
Treasure Beach Village also debuts Beaches’ first Starfish Cinema, an all-day, 32-seat theatre designed for daytime sitcoms and family movie nights, popcorn and refreshments included.
Treasure Beach Village is fully integrated into the Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, where all guests enjoy access to a total of 28 additional dining options, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited land and water sports, daily entertainment for every generation, and complimentary Kids Camps led by trained childcare experts.
“As the next chapter in the Beaches Turks and Caicos story, Treasure Beach Village builds on everything families already love about this
resort, adding incredibly spacious accommodations and freshly introduced experiences shaped by the way families travel today,” said Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “It is incredibly moving to meet guests who first visited Beaches as children and are now returning with little ones of their own. More than ever, families are coming together across generations, slowing down and truly valuing time with one another, and this new addition opens up even more possibilities for those shared moments.”
Bigger, Better, Beaches 2.0
The opening of Treasure Beach Village marks the beginning of Beaches’ next chapter. With nearly US $1 billion invested to double the brand’s footprint over the next several years, Beaches continues to expand across the Caribbean, introducing more space, more flexibility and more opportunities for families to reconnect in Exuma, The Bahamas; Jamaica; Barbados and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Education
Department of Education hosts 3rd Annual Local Studies Competition
Published
2 days agoon
March 14, 2026
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Culture successfully hosted the 3rd Annual Local Studies Jeopardy-Style Competition, an initiative designed to promote persons’ understanding of the history, culture, and contemporary affairs of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event took place on March 2, 2026, at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex, bringing together students, parents, educators, and community stakeholders in a celebration of national heritage and civic awareness.
This year’s competition was organized under the theme “Where Parents Lead, Children Succeed,” emphasizing the critical role of parental
engagement in education. In alignment with this theme, each competing team consisted of one student and one parent, thereby fostering intergenerational collaboration and reinforcing the importance of family participation in the learning process. The inclusion of parents not only enhanced the spirit of the competition but also underscored the broader educational philosophy that student achievement is strengthened when families and schools work in partnership.
The event commenced with opening greetings delivered by the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Rachel Taylor. In her remarks, Minister Taylor highlighted the significance of the competition as a platform for showcasing national identity and collective heritage. She noted that the addition of parents as active participants represented a meaningful and progressive development in the students’ wholistic structure, further strengthening the relationship between home, school, and community. According to the Minister, initiatives such as the Local Studies Competition play a vital role in ensuring that younger generations develop a strong appreciation for the cultural and historical foundations of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The opening ceremony also featured several cultural performances that helped create an atmosphere reflective of the nation’s traditions. The Enid Capron Primary School Band performed a selection of cultural music, setting an engaging and celebratory tone for the proceedings. Additionally, students from Clement Howell High School delivered renditions of the National Anthem and the National Song, reinforcing the patriotic spirit of the occasion. The audience was formally welcomed by Director of Culture, Odessa Forbes, who expressed appreciation for the participation of schools, parents, and community members in supporting cultural education. The competition itself was skilfully moderated by Quiz Master Huntley Forbes Jr., who guided participants through the various rounds of questions.
A total of fifteen schools participated in the competition, demonstrating strong representation from across the islands. Participating
institutions included: Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, Eliza Simons Primary School, Ianthe Pratt Primary School, International School, Precious Treasures Primary School, Oseta Jolly Primary School, Marjorie Basden High School, Ona Glinton Primary School, Provo Primary and Middle School, Clement Howell High School, Richmond Hill Preparatory School, Charles Hubert James Primary School, Shining Stars Preparatory School, Raymond Gardiner High School, and Enid Capron Primary School.
Throughout the competition, teams demonstrated impressive knowledge of various aspects of Turks and Caicos Islands heritage, including historical milestones, national festivals, traditional cuisine, geography, and contemporary current affairs. The high level of engagement and enthusiasm among participants reflected both the effectiveness of local studies instruction within schools and the commitment of families to supporting students’ academic development.
Following several rounds of intense and closely contested gameplay, Precious Treasures Primary School emerged as the first-place winner. International School secured second place, while Charles Hubert James Primary School earned third place. All teams displayed commendable effort, preparation, and pride in representing their schools and their knowledge of national heritage.
The Department of Education and the Department of Culture extend their sincere gratitude to all participating schools, students, parents, teachers, judges, coaches and volunteers whose contributions made the event a success. Appreciation is also expressed to the organizers, engineer, scorekeepers, timekeepers, performers, and supporters who helped create a meaningful and memorable celebration of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ history and culture. Through initiatives such as the Local Studies Jeopardy-Style Competition, the Departments reaffirm their commitment to fostering cultural awareness, national pride, and lifelong learning.
News
North and Middle Caicos Students receive educational material from Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos resort
Published
2 days agoon
March 14, 2026
Turks and Caicos Islands – Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, through the Sandals Foundation, recently expanded its education outreach to North and Middle Caicos, providing new learning materials to every primary school student on the twin islands, as well as a number of students from Raymond Gardiner High School. The initiative was aimed at strengthening classroom instruction, reducing the burden on families, and ensuring that children in the family islands have access to the same quality of resources as their peers on Providenciales.
Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan share, “this donation ensured that students at government primary schools in North and Middle
Caicos received age-appropriate educational materials, including workbooks, back packs, pencils, erasers, crayons, sharpeners, stationery, and complementary learning aids to support learning.”
The effort covered schools such as Raymond Gardiner High, Adelaide Oemler Primary, Charles Hubert James Primary, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and Doris Robinson Primary in Middle Caicos.
In addition to primary students, a number of students from Raymond Gardiner High School also benefitted, receiving materials that teachers shared will help reinforce literacy, numeracy and exam preparation in the upper grades.
Principal Janet Walkin noted, “while classroom teachers often create their own resources, having these materials and sufficient basic supplies can make a measurable difference in student performance and classroom engagement.”
Veteran principal of Charles Hubert James Primary Carmencita Morley, welcomed the donation and emphasized its importance for both teachers and students. She explained that the new materials would help improve the quality of teaching and learning at the school by allowing educators to better differentiate instruction and provide more hands-on activities across grades.
“With these additional resources, our teachers have more tools to reach students at different levels and learning styles,” she shared, “our schools in North Caicos often face constraints in accessing up-to-date educational aids.” The principal added that for many families, especially those with multiple children, back-to-school expenses can be significant, so receiving core supplies helps reduce financial pressure while ensuring that every child comes to class prepared to learn.
Principal Abigail Delancy of Adelaide Oemler echoed this sentiment, pointing out that “consistent access to simple items such as exercise
books, pencils and reading materials can reduce classroom disruptions and give teachers more time to focus on instruction. They also highlighted that the donation aligns with national efforts by the Ministry of Education to raise standards in literacy and numeracy across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The latest distribution is part of the Sandals Foundation’s broader, long-term investment in education across the Caribbean, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. Regionally, the foundation supports scholarships, school infrastructure and technology upgrades, teacher training, and the provision of learning resources.
General Manager, Deryk Meany added, “the resort sees its role as going beyond hospitality, with a focus on supporting the communities where our team members and their families live. Education remains one of the three central pillars of the Sandals Foundation—alongside community and environment—and pledged to continue working with local schools and the Ministry of Education to identify needs and deliver targeted support.”
For Adelaide Oemler Primary’s leadership, the focus now is on integrating the new materials into daily teaching plans and monitoring how they contribute to student progress over the coming terms. The principal stressed that with continued collaboration among schools, the private sector and charitable organizations, North and Middle Caicos students can access the resources they need to thrive academically and build a strong foundation for their future.
TRENDING
-
Bahamas News2 days agoEconomic and Financial Experts Assess US-China Relations; Offer Advice for The Bahamas
-
Caribbean News1 week agoJamaica Joins Afreximbank Agreement, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Partnership
-
Bahamas News2 days agoExperts Analyze Economic Landscape; Opportunities and Challenges
-
Caribbean News2 days agoWidow’s Testimony Recounts Night Haiti President Was Killed
-
News2 days agoBeaches Resorts Announces Grand Opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos
-
News2 days agoNorth and Middle Caicos Students receive educational material from Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos resort
-
News2 days agoSandals Foundation Reading Road Trip with Canadian Broadcasters Creates Cultural Mix at Enid Capron Primary School
-
Education2 days agoDepartment of Education hosts 3rd Annual Local Studies Competition




