Education
Transformative math opportunity for TCI; Singapore style is coming
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, January 23, 2023 – Come February 9th teachers and parents in the Turks and Caicos will have an opportunity to begin the process of revolutionizing math education for our students residents thanks to a one on one with the “Micheal Jordan of Math’ Dr. Yeap Ban Har; regionally acclaimed for bringing Singapore Math for Students to the Caribbean region.
The event, born of a collaboration between Ashley’s Learning Centre and the Ministry of Education, will span two days and will expose TCI educators to the math teaching skills that cemented Singapore as one of the top countries in Mathematics globally.
Ban Har is hailed as an expert.
Kitts Cadette, in speaking to Magnetic Media recounted a conversation she had with the mathematician where he said, “You know when students are doing A-levels and you have to choose subjects and you choose one subject that you know you’re going to pass quite easily— in Singapore for students who do A-levels the easy subject is math.”
It’s a veritable 180 shift for us in the Caribbean where that sort of proficiency in math is hard to imagine. An educational consultant with four decades of experience in teaching and over six years of experience with bringing Singapore Math to the Caribbean, Cadette has seen firsthand what the method can do for regional countries.
She is now campaigning along with the staff of Ashley’s Learning Center in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos to get as many people proficient in the program as possible.
“This is a workshop for teachers, principals, ministry officials, curriculum officers, lecturers— We started the workshops in 2017, we have done Trinidad, we have done Barbados and other places. What we have seen is a different approach in terms of the way teachers execute math instruction. I have qualitative data from teachers who have attended past workshops that there has been improvement in the way they approach teaching math and as a
result their children are better able to understand the concepts.”
Cadette said that schools which had experienced the sessions would shut school down for the day when the possibility of another session came around in order to allow all staff members to fully take part. She explains though that the program was is not a ‘magic bullet’ or easy fix for bettering math performances, rather it offered teaching strategies that could create a new mindset in teachers leading to preferred results.
“At the primary level every teacher teaches math, now unless the TCI is different from any other country, math is the subject most feared by students and teachers. Math is the subject teachers feel least competent in and so when they teach it, they teach it as they learnt it.”
This is what the workshop is trying to change.
“We know that there are challenges here in the Turks and Caicos with math and the challenges are evident based on the results of exit exams”
She maintained with this in mind it was doubly important to change our approach to one that actually works especially as the globe speeds towards a more tech related future.
“There is a lack of enthusiasm to teach–’ she acknowledged. “But to transform there has to be an enthusiasm, there has to be a spark. It is critical that efforts are made to have children really engaged in math.”
Even with all of the evidence that it works there needs to be collaboration to get the best results possible Cadette says it takes a system with politicians, policymakers, teachers and other stakeholders coming on board.
“The approaches and strategies are working but it isn’t only a matter of strategy we have to look at what are the policies in place– is there going to be adequate clinical supervision to ensure that it is properly implemented in our classrooms? It has to be a system wide attack.” she said.
“This is not a one day workshop that you come to for two days and math in the Turks and Caicos changes immediately– not all of us are mathematicians but as teachers and as parents there are some basic ways that we can improve the skills that we have.” she explained; maintaining that the workshop was a powerful start. Cadette emphasized the breadth of Ban Har’s commitment to take the multi day trip to the TCI for only two days and made a final call for everyone to take advantage of it.
“We hope that we will get the best kind of support from the TCI. We are trying to encourage as many people as possible to attend but we know that it will make a difference. We know people will leave energized.”
As for Ashley’s Learning Centre, Cadette said they realized that their reach could be far beyond the walls of their own institution and this ‘was an attempt to do just that’.
To be held February 9-11; register with event@ashleylearningcenter.org.
Education
Dr. Candice Williams Appointed First Vice-President of Regional Higher Education Association
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 5 August 2026 — Dr. Candice Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), has been appointed First Vice-President of the Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA) for the 2026–2028 term.
The appointment followed elections held during ACHEA’s Annual General Meeting on 2 July 2026 at the Breezes Resort & Spa in Nassau,
The Bahamas. The newly elected Executive officially assumed office on 1 August 2026.
ACHEA is a regional professional association that brings together higher education administrators and professionals from institutions across the Caribbean. The Association provides an important platform for regional collaboration, professional development, knowledge-sharing and the advancement of effective leadership and administration within the higher education sector.
This year holds special significance for the Association as ACHEA celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of service to higher education leadership and institutional development across the region. The milestone reflects the organisation’s sustained growth, expanding influence and continued commitment to strengthening tertiary education systems throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
Dr. Williams’s appointment as First Vice-President represents a significant professional achievement and a proud milestone for TCICC and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands. It positions the country’s higher education leadership at the forefront of regional dialogue and initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional governance, improving administrative practices and addressing emerging priorities within Caribbean tertiary education.
In her role as First Vice-President, Dr. Williams will support the President and Executive in advancing the Association’s strategic objectives, strengthening engagement among member institutions and contributing to initiatives that promote excellence, innovation and sustainable development throughout the regional higher education sector.
The Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, congratulated Dr. Williams on the appointment, noting that her elevation reflects both her distinguished leadership and the growing influence of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional education community.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Candice Williams on her appointment as First Vice-President of ACHEA. This achievement is a testament to her exemplary leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the advancement of higher education. Her appointment is also a proud moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as it ensures that our national perspectives and experiences will continue to contribute meaningfully to important regional discussions. We are confident that Dr. Williams will serve with distinction and make a valuable contribution to the continued growth and development of higher education administration throughout the Caribbean.”
Following the Minister’s remarks, Mrs Sheba Wilson, Chairman of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Board of Govenors, also
commended Dr. Williams’s appointment, highlighting the broader institutional and regional significance of her leadership role.
The Chairman reflected on the importance of sustained representation at the regional level and the College’s growing engagement within Caribbean higher education networks.
“Dr. Williams’s appointment to the ACHEA Executive is a clear reflection of the calibre of leadership we are fortunate to have at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. It also underscores the increasing visibility and respect that our institution and country are earning within regional higher education circles. We are especially proud that TCICC continues to contribute meaningfully to shaping conversations that influence the future of tertiary education across the Caribbean.”
Dr. Williams’s appointment also reinforces TCICC’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships, sharing institutional expertise and contributing to the development of responsive and innovative higher education systems. Her participation at the executive level will provide further opportunities for TCICC to engage with regional institutions, exchange best practices and help shape approaches to the challenges and opportunities facing tertiary education across the Caribbean.
A notable moment in ACHEA’s recent history was the 2025 Annual Conference, which Dr. Williams had the privilege of hosting in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This marked the first time the Association convened its flagship conference in the TCI, welcoming more than 100 higher education administrators, researchers and thought leaders from across the Caribbean, North America and Africa to the destination. The event was widely regarded as a resounding success and is now recognised as a defining milestone in the Association’s development as it moves into its 25th anniversary year.
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Williams expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the work of the Association.
“I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as First Vice-President of ACHEA. I am grateful to the Association’s membership for the confidence placed in me and look forward to working alongside the President, fellow Executive members and higher education professionals throughout the region. This appointment provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration, promote innovative administrative practices and support the continued development of institutions that are responsive to the needs of Caribbean learners and communities. I am also proud to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands as we contribute to the advancement of higher education across the region.”
The newly elected ACHEA Executive for the 2026–2028 term comprises:
- President: Dr. Helen Williams-Cumberbatch
- First Vice-President: Dr. Candice Williams
- Second Vice-President: Ms Louri Clare
- Secretary: Mrs Kasiane Reid-Martin
- Assistant Secretary: Ms Sanielle Hinds
- Treasurer: Ms Michelle Bruce
- Assistant Treasurer: Dr. Courtney Garrick
- Public Relations Officer: Ms Nataki Kerr
- Assistant Public Relations Officer: Ms Alison Johnson
In a statement announcing the newly elected Executive, ACHEA extended its sincere appreciation to all members who participated in the election process and acknowledged the outgoing Executive members for their exemplary leadership, commitment and dedicated service throughout the previous term.
The full Executive, including members appointed to co-opted positions, will be introduced shortly.
Dr. Williams previously served as Second Vice-President of ACHEA. Her elevation to First Vice-President reflects the confidence of the Association’s membership in her leadership, experience and continued contribution to the advancement of higher education administration throughout the Caribbean.
Education
Turks and Caicos Islands Students Excel at Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional AI Game National Awards Ceremony
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.
Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to
grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.
The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You
have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”
The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13
| Position | Name | School | Portfolio Value | Regional Placement |
| 1st | Marc Roubentz-Perceus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 370,336.63 | 1st |
| 2nd | Joshua Creese | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 264,841.31 | 2nd |
| 3rd | Stendro Chalas | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 247,738.09 | 3rd |
| 4th | Ojed’harlie Jolissaint | Wesley Methodist School | $ 227,389.60 | 4th |
| 5th | Tyshawn Wright | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 189,064.18 | 5th |
| 6th | Jah’keem Missick | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 173,654.58 | 6th |
| 7th | Curvin Handfield | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 156,984.89 | 8th |
| 8th | Chadazea Darville | Wesley Methodist School | $ 147,428.43 | 9th |
| 9th | Vivaan Castleton | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 120,833.83 | 14th |
| 10th | Damendine Simplus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 118,660.55 | 15th |
| 11th | Dyvion Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 111,572.81 | 16th |
| 12th | Colin Moriarty | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 106,854.81 | 17th |
| 13th | Kensley Felix | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 101,285.06 | 18th |
| 14th | Redjino Saint-Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 99,927.39 | 19th |
TEACHERS
- Fexnel Colvert – TCIPS Comprehensive High School
- Valerie Olice – Raymond Gardiner High School
- Warren French – Wesley Methodist School
- Phyllis Boucher – British West Indies Collegiate
Top Performing School: Raymond Gardiner High School
A young Jamaican has given the Caribbean another reason to celebrate academic excellence on the world stage.
Dr. Orbin O. Barnes, originally from Negril, Jamaica, has graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 2026 at Jinzhou Medical
University in China, capping years of rigorous medical training with the highest academic honour awarded to his graduating class.
His achievement has been widely celebrated across social media, with many Jamaicans praising the accomplishment as another example of Caribbean talent excelling internationally.
Studying medicine abroad is no small undertaking. Students must adapt not only to demanding academic requirements but also to a different language, culture and healthcare system. Barnes’ selection as valedictorian signals exceptional academic performance, leadership and commitment throughout his years of study.
China has become an increasingly popular destination for Caribbean students pursuing medical degrees, offering internationally recognized programmes at a fraction of the cost of many universities in North America and Europe. Over the past decade, growing educational ties have
seen more Jamaican and Caribbean students choose Chinese universities to prepare for careers in medicine and other professional fields.
Barnes now joins a growing list of Caribbean graduates distinguishing themselves on the global stage, reinforcing Jamaica’s reputation for producing high-achieving professionals whose talents extend far beyond athletics, music and culture.
For many young Caribbean students considering overseas education, Dr. Barnes’ success is a reminder that determination, discipline and hard work can open doors anywhere in the world.
Graduating at the top of his class, he leaves Jinzhou Medical University not only with a medical degree, but with the honour of delivering the valedictory message on behalf of the Class of 2026—an achievement that has filled Jamaicans with pride both at home and across the diaspora.
PHOTO: Instagram
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