Education
BTC Awards Mathematics Scholars in TCI Mathematics Competition
#TurksandCaicos, November 11, 2022 – The Beaches Turks and Caicos resort sponsored Ministry of Education primary and secondary mathematics competition saw Oseta Jolly Primary and Raymond Gardiner High schools walking away with the championship trophies for the respective divisions held at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports centre recently. The competition which is the first of its kind for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), saw 14 primary schools and seven high schools participating in the ‘Jeopardy’-styled competition.
Emilly Charles and Shecaniah Robertson reigning supreme
The event was the brainchild of the Ministry of Education which approached the resort to partner in assisting children to advance their learning skills and become more confident in using mathematics to analyse and solve problems both in school and in real-life situations.
The primary competition had the all-girl team of Emilly Charles and Shecaniah Robertson reigning supreme with Ona Glinton primary taking second place and Ianthe Pratt primary copping the third place trophy. While the high school version had Cajair Davidson and Jhadel Lewis from the North Caicos institution ensuring that their school name will be the first to be inscribed on the trophy. The International School of the Turks and Caicos was second place and Clement Howell took the third place trophy.
General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, James McAnally shared, “We were only too willing to join with the Ministry of Education to help to empower these students who have shown the aptitude to challenge themselves with this subject area. Each participant was rewarded with gift items from the resort while the first-place winners received day passes to celebrate their victory.”
“Our involvement is part of our commitment to continue playing our part in contributing to the all-round development of our people. Our steadfast purpose allows us to inspire people, their families and the communities in which we operate to dream bigger and live more prosperous, sustainable and fulfilling lives.”
Curriculum Development Officer with the Ministry of Education, Elisann Delancy was pleased with the outcome of the event and said, “These students along with their coaches and schools are committed scholars who have seen the benefits of this event as more than an extra-curricular activity. Mathematics as a subject continues to challenge students within the region and for these students to show the aptitude to master this subject is a good signal for the education system.”
BTC’s General Manager James McAnally (right) presents the first place winners with their top prize from the resort
Winning coach of the Oseta Jolly Primary, Annmarie Williams was grateful for the win but more thankful her team’s commitment. Williams noted, “The entire Oseta Jolly family played a major part in this victory. We are a committed set of professionals and we incorporate the support of parents, teachers and the entire student population in the development of programmes like this. These students spend extra time in mastering the skills needed to succeed and are willing to apply themselves to the techniques taught. We have a core set of students who love the subject area and they always challenge and empower each other to strive for excellence.”
Coach of Raymond Gardiner High school, Donovan Thomas, expressed a similar sentiment regarding the victory. “I teach both these students the subject area, so coaching them was natural. This victory is even sweeter for the North Caicos family as the school came here knowing that we had to stamp our belief that we are the best in secondary mathematics in the entire TCI. To have our names etched in history is a great feat and these students and the others who are looking forward to representing our beloved institution will know that we have created a winning formula,” shared an elated Thomas.
The all-girls team from Oseta Jolly could barely contain themselves as they received the Beaches Turks and Caicos first prize. Ava Robertson, mother of Shecaniah Robertson was proud of her daughter and also thanked the resort. “This prize will give us as a family the time to get some well-needed pampering and add some excitement following this victory. We are grateful for this opportunity to celebrate in fine style at one of the finest resorts on the island. Shecaniah worked hard and we are going to be enjoying every bit of this pass as a family,” Robertson shared.
Cajair Davidson from Raymond Gardiner whose dream is to become a computer engineer was equally jubilant for the chance to walk away with the top prize for the secondary teams. Davidson shared, “Though we are from North Caicos, for us to receive this top prize from Beaches Turks and Caicos, we are going to make this the most memorable celebrations. We have worked hard to be champions, and for us to celebrate with a champion resort, this will be a great time for our families.”
Header: Coach Donovan Thomas (left) with the champions and Beaches Turks and Caicos General Manager James McAnally
Office of University Relations
22nd April 2024
Eleuthera, THE BAHAMAS – A pioneering cohort of 43 Eleuthera residents graduated from the University of The Bahamas’ (UB’s) free Leading Light Programme, sponsored by Disney Cruise Line (DCL) on Friday 19th April, 2024.
The programme, launched in February 2024 and delivered through UB’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN), offers a series of courses to ensure Eleuthera has a proficient workforce capable of delivering unparalleled hospitality leadership as the island experiences a sharp growth in tourism arrivals. The graduation ceremony was held at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce Business Hub in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.
The courses focused on tourism and hospitality skills, leadership development and effective communication. They were taught by UB faculty and included guest lecturers such as former Director General of Tourism, Minister of Tourism and Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Vincent Vanderpool Wallace and veteran hospitality professor Dr. Lincoln Marshall.
“This programme represents the mission-driven collaboration and skills-building that University of The Bahamas is committed to fostering, supported by an important industry partner like Disney Cruise Line,” noted UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder. “Given the importance of the tourism industry to our nation, we know how vital it is that we continually equip our workforce with diverse expertise to uphold our reputation for excellence in hospitality. We are grateful for this collaboration with Disney Cruise Line which has facilitated programme delivery in Eleuthera, enabling UB to broaden access to much sought-after professional development.”
As training and skills development programming grows across the island of Eleuthera, the Leading Light Programme experience was tailored to be free of charge, accessible and conclude with participants earning a UB certification that signals the high standard of education for which the University is recognized. Students came from all walks of life and traveled from as far away as Hatchet Bay in the North, and Bannerman Town in the South to Rock Sound for classes. Programme participants also received a stipend to defray the cost of commuting and other personal expenses.
Nora Smith, a manager at the picturesque Jack’s Bay Club, yearned to increase her skills.
“I would recommend this programme to anyone because The Bahamas is known as a tourism destination. Taking this course in tourism and hospitality, can help me to go far in dealing with tourists daily in my workplace,” she said.
Graduate Javonne Richards appreciated the comprehensive curriculum and the ease of access to the courses that were offered.
“This programme not only fills a gap in our Eleuthera education offerings, but also equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in dynamic work environments,” he noted.
Director General of Tourism Mrs. Latia Duncombe, who delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, shared three essential qualities for successful tourism professionals: energy, creativity and a welcoming personality.
“Your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are invaluable to creating unique, unforgettable customer experiences,” said Mrs. Duncombe. “While technology such as Artificial Intelligence, also have a role to play, human interaction remains essential.”
Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera the Honourable Clay Sweeting commended the partnership that is supporting community growth.
“I am proud of every Eleutheran who came from near and far to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Minister Sweeting. “As Eleuthera’s economy continues to grow, especially in Central and South Eleuthera, I encourage more corporate partners to invest in the local community in innovative ways, like the University of The Bahamas and Disney Cruise Line have, so that we can continue to strengthen our local communities.”
Two additional cohorts will be offered this year, increasing the pipeline of Eleutherans who are optimally skilled as hospitality and tourism ambassadors. Registration for the summer programme will open on May 17 and the second cycle of courses begins June 17, 2024. Fall programme dates are September 23 through November 29, 2024. To learn more about the Leading Light Programme and how to enroll, please email atynes@eleutherahambercommerce.com.
KINGSTON, April 24 (JIS):
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has declared Jamaica a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering citizens to thrive in the global knowledge economy.
“Through our collaborative all-hands-on-deck approach, Government, private sector, academia and civil society, we will work towards this goal. Jamaica is now officially declared a STEM island,” he said.
Prime Minister Holness was addressing the Future Ready International Conference held at the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston on April 24.
As a STEM island, he said that the Government will seek to implement comprehensive education reforms from the primary to the tertiary levels, with the objective of developing a skilled workforce, capable of competing in global markets.
He said that ecosystems will be developed to encourage startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the STEM disciplines to drive industry and economic growth, as well as to address social issues.
“We will encourage the growth of STEM industries such as biotechnology, information technology and advanced manufacturing. We will also leverage STEM to grow and monetise the musical, artistic, cultural and other natural talents of our people. We will leverage STEM solutions to address environmental challenges including climate change, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture,” the Prime Minister said.
“We will position Jamaica as a hub for STEM research, innovation, collaboration and other developments in the Caribbean and beyond,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that by embracing STEM as a national priority, Jamaica will unlock its full potential driving prosperity, peace and productivity in a sustainable, equitable way for all our Jamaican citizens and, indeed, the world,” Holness said.
CONTACT: ROCHELLE WILLIAMS
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