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