Education
Tearful announcement as Dire Financial Straits to force Ashley’s Learning Center to shut
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – Ashley’s Learning Centre has revealed the school is facing closure following the Government denial of the school’s request for financing; a massive blow to the special needs community in the Turks and Caicos.
Magnetic Media was told the veto comes from the highest level of government removing any chance for an appeal. Faced with the incredible potential of the institution and the irrefutable proof of what they have already accomplished, the fact that the government, millions of dollars in surplus, would refuse to fund them is confusing at best. The pain of the gathered parents, teachers and founder Angela Williams was palpable.
“Ashley’s Learning Centre is in dire financial straits— I’m sorry to be informing the community in this manner but I felt my back was against the wall” Williams said simply.
The school currently has seven people on staff, seventeen students full time; seventeen in the afternoon; twelve on a waiting list and provides care which is very difficult for islanders to find elsewhere in country.
Ideally, said Williams, the school operating fully would need $432,000 per year to stay open and serve 40 students. At this time, the number of students who pay a school fee fluctuates between 60 and 40 percent of the registrants.
In a Thursday July 7, 2022 press conference, Angela Williams in a room populated by parents and members of the media, said it was revealed that the government did not disagree that there was a need nor did they disagree on the magnitude of that need so the reason for holding back finances remains up in the air.
The government had promised the centre $150,000 but that figure dropped to less than half the sum, and the reason?
“After all the back and forth, some of what was asked was not in the best interest of the children,” Williams said.
The government wanted Ashley’s Learning Center to take on all of the students she served in the days and evenings, full time within four weeks which she said, under advisement from specialists, it was explained that this would have
compromised the integrity of the program. Three successive Governments had been privy to the plight of Ashley’s Learning Centre which is a non-profit school and so far no change.
Additionally she said there had also been inexplicable, almost “personal”, pushback from unnamed government officials.
“Each time I’ve brought specialists into the country I always do a courtesy call to the ministries responsible and for seven years there are persons who have always sat in those meetings and objected to every proposal that international doctors and consultants put forward. It’s always at that level that we’ve heard ‘were not interested’, ’we won’t support this’ so I know it is personal.’”
There were repeated instances of this, once a doctor with forty-years’ experience in the field who was interested in piloting a program in all government schools and bringing a team with him was turned away, a missed opportunity for the children.
Even worse, finances have run out just as the school had signed a partnership with Harvard University which would have seen interns and doctors coming to the TCI in a 5-year program to make sure students were diagnosed and assessed properly as they grew. Without stable finances to actually keep the school open for five years that incredible deal will fall through.
“My final appeal not only to the government, to even the public, is for Ashley’s Learning Centre to continue even if just to pay teachers’ salaries that we need some sort of financial help,” Williams said.
A sorrowful plea was announced, for people not to see her when they thought of the school, instead to consider the students who need care and cultivation which was missing on the local scene.
The Ministry of Education claims statements made by Williams were misleading and said the door remains open to the current funding, the additional funding and a continued partnership. None of the sides have been in communication however on whether or not this relationship is salvageable.
“If we can’t continue I don’t know what’s next for any of the children. I’ve spent two weeks thinking about that,” Williams said as she held back tears.
“I hope I didn’t fail them. I hope I didn’t fail the parents, I hope I didn’t fail Turks and Caicos.”
Her press conference ended in a sense of bewilderment for those attending. A parent offering a bear hug to the crushed founder of ALC, emotions running high and tears eventually allowed to flow freely.
Education
HJ Robinson’s Daysha Andrews to Represent Turks and Caicos in International Letter-Writing Competition
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Services, proudly announces that Daysha Andrews, a student of the Helena Jones Robinson High School, has been selected to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands in the 54th International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People, organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
This marks the first time the Turks and Caicos Islands has participated in this global competition, which sees entries from over 190 countries. Daysha’s powerful and expressive letter captured the spirit of this year’s theme, earning her the honour of being the country’s inaugural representative on the international stage. The international results are expected to be released in October 2025, in celebration of World Post Day.
In addition to Daysha’s outstanding performance, the Ministry also recognizes the accomplishments of the national finalists:
- Nathan Garland of Shining Stars Preparatory School, who was named Second Runner-Up, and
- of Best Institute, who secured the position of Third Runner-Up.
Presentations have already been made by the Ministry and the Postal Services to Daysha Andrews and Nathan Garland in recognition of
their achievements. A presentation to Laila Reynolds will be made in the near future to honour her contribution and commendable effort. Postmaster General, Ms. Elizabeth James, expressed her pride in the students and the significance of the territory’s participation: “This is the first time the Turks and Caicos Islands Postal Services has participated in this prestigious competition. I would like to congratulate the seven students from the four schools that entered. All the letters were exceptional, but only one person could be chosen. I would like to thank the winner, Ms. Daysha Andrews, and I wish her all the best as she now competes internationally with over 190 other participants. The result is expected in October 2025 for World Post Day.”
Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, the Honourable Otis Morris, praised the initiative and student involvement:
“We are incredibly proud of all our young writers who participated in this landmark event. Daysha has made history for Turks and Caicos, and we eagerly anticipate the international outcome. This competition underscores the importance of self-expression, literacy, and global connection. We thank every student who participated and look forward to even greater engagement next year.”
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Desmond Wilson, added:
“This competition has sparked a new wave of inspiration among our students. The Ministry remains committed to nurturing opportunities that amplify youth voices and celebrate their potential. We are grateful to our Postal Services team for spearheading this important initiative and ensuring its success.”
The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities and the Postal Services Department extend their sincere appreciation to the students, parents, educators, and schools who supported this effort. As we look ahead, we hope to see greater participation across even more schools and islands in next year’s competition.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: At Beaches Turks and Caicos, exceptional service isn’t left to chance—it’s cultivated, crafted
and continuously refined. This commitment to excellence was on full display as over fifty passionate team members graduated from a dynamic six-week Customer Service Excellence training, designed and delivered through the Sandals Corporate University (SCU). The immersive training programme focused on building essential soft skills for hospitality professionals in an increasingly competitive industry. From communication strategies to emotional intelligence and resourcefulness, graduates were empowered to sharpen their personal brand and elevate the guest experience across every touchpoint.
Held at the resort’s Caribbean Village conference room, the graduation ceremony was charged with energy, optimism and purpose. Guest speaker Sabrina Green, former director of the Turks and Caicos Human Rights Commission and best-selling author, delivered an inspiring keynote under the theme: “Level Up and Lead: Elevating Service Standards.”
“You are now change agents,” Green told the graduates. “Your success depends not only on what you say but how you say it—through empathy, clarity and emotional intelligence. At Beaches Turks and Caicos, excellence is not optional; it’s your way of life.”
She further emphasized that being resourceful and adaptable is key. “Guests may call on you for anything—sometimes beyond your job
description. This course has equipped you to listen, empathise, apologise and provide a solution. That’s the Beaches way.” Assistant Learning and Development Manager Jodian Scott-Banton celebrated the group’s transformation and encouraged them to LEAP—Listen, Empathize, Act, Perform—in their roles moving forward.
“Through the Sandals Corporate University, you’ve been given tools to elevate your service standards,” said Scott-Banton. “You’ve grown in confidence and skill and I’m confident you’ll now serve as ambassadors of excellence, raising the bar in every interaction.”
The training was a creative blend of theory, practice and performance. Participants showcased their learning through presentations and dramatized scenarios—sparking both engagement and insight. The standout group, Personal Branding, was hailed as the most effective, thanks to their unique blend of youth, experience and dynamic communication.
Kimberley Mowatt, representing the winning team and a proud member of the Food and Beverage department, reflected on the collaborative spirit. “Our group mastered the art of synergy. We brought energy, creativity and clarity—traits we’ll continue to harness in shaping guest experiences.”
Managing Director James McAnally offered congratulations and grounded the celebration in the broader mission of the brand.
“This course was so much more than completing a programme—it was about igniting transformation. Our goal is to train, certify and empower our team members to consistently deliver world-class service. When our team thrives, our guests feel the difference.” McAnally further affirmed that the SCU Customer Service Excellence course is an academic achievement and even more so, it’s a cultural commitment. “The true value lies in how each team member now thinks, acts and serves—with greater awareness, accountability and care.”
As Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to set benchmarks for Caribbean hospitality, this latest cohort of graduates serves as a shining example of the resort’s deep investment in its people—and the enduring power of service with heart.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
1st insert: Guest speaker Sabrina Green, former director of the TCI Human Rights Commission shares with the graduating class the on the purpose of level up and lead: Elevating Service Standards
2nd insert: Members of the Food and Beverage department, Javian Campbell (left) and Anne Francis share a celebratory moment at the commencement of the graduation exercise
3rd insert: Assistant Learning and Development Manager Jodian Scott-Banton (right) presents a token of appreciation to guest speaker Sabrina Green at the Customer Service Excellence graduation exercise
4th insert: Denekia Hall (right) from the Food and Beverage department accepts her certificate from Sabrina Green guest speaker
5th insert: Sabrina Green presents to Racquel Mitchell
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