Deandrea Hamilton | Eagle Legal News

Turks and Caicos, July 4, 2025 – The Minister for Innovation, Technology and Energy, Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, delivered a stirring keynote address to the graduating Class of 2025 at Maranatha Academy, urging students to stay focused, be determined, and lead with compassion as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

Speaking on June 26 under the theme “The Pathway to Possibilities: Beginning of Greatness”, Minister Saunders congratulated the students, teachers, and families gathered for the celebration and reminded the young graduates that their journey is only just beginning.

Drawing from biblical lessons and personal experiences, the Minister shared three central lessons: the quiet power of focus, the importance of determination, and the value of compassionate leadership. Citing the story of the 12-year-old Jesus in the temple, he emphasized the importance of staying focused, even in a world full of distractions like social media trends and viral fame. “Don’t let trends become your truth. And don’t let the desire for popularity drown out your purpose,” he told the students.

Saunders acknowledged that the road ahead would not always be smooth. Sharing a personal setback—being fired 16 months ago and rehired five months later—he stressed that failure is not the opposite of success but rather the classroom where it is taught. He quoted basketball icon Michael Jordan and referenced figures like Coco Gauff and Nigerian singer Tems as examples of persistence and resilience.

The Minister challenged the students to rethink the meaning of greatness—not as power or popularity but as service. “The greatest among you will be your servant,” he reminded them, encouraging each graduate to put others first and lead with love.

Saunders also urged graduates to think long-term, planting seeds today for the world of 2050.

“Your influence will grow in the decades ahead. The world will need teachers who inspire, doctors who listen, and leaders who serve,” he said.

Closing with a heartfelt tribute to his late nephew, Roshan “EJ” Cox, Saunders reminded students to stay true to their purpose and walk humbly with God.

“Your greatness has already begun,” he said, sending the Class of 2025 into the future with both challenge and blessing.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 1 July 2025: The Special Education Needs Services (SENS) Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, recently welcomed a visiting team from the One World Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to equitable access to assessments and therapeutic services for children with special needs. Over the course of one week, the team conducted comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments — including speech-language, behavioural, and occupational evaluations — for thirty-one students (31) children throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This marks another collaboration with One World Foundation and builds on the government’s commitment to expanding early identification and intervention services. The visiting team worked closely with local clinicians to assess and support students who have been awaiting services, allowing families to gain clarity and direction on their children’s developmental needs.

“This initiative represents the heart of what we aim to do at SENS,” said Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs Services. “Bringing together experts from multiple disciplines helps us give children the well-rounded, timely support they deserve. The partnership with One World Foundation allows us to address gaps in access and make real strides toward inclusive education across the islands.”

The assessments were held in Providenciales, Grand Turk, and South Caicos, allowing for wide-reaching impact. Dozens of students received evaluations, and parents were given feedback and guidance for next steps, including referrals for therapy and support strategies for home and school.

“It was an honor to coordinate this visit and see the transformation in so many of our students,” said Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments. “For some families, this was the first time their child was evaluated, and the relief, hope, and gratitude were deeply moving. We look forward to building on this momentum.”

Minister of Education Hon. Rachel M. Taylor praised the initiative, noting the vital importance of early diagnosis and intervention in national development: “As a ministry, we remain steadfast in our investment in the future of every child. These assessments not only empower families, but also equip our schools to better serve all learners. We are proud of the work of the SENS department and grateful to One World Foundation for joining hands with us in this mission.”

The SENS Department extends sincere appreciation to One World Foundation and looks forward to continued collaboration aimed at strengthening access to high-quality special education and therapeutic services across Turks and Caicos. For more information on the SENS Department and their services, you can contact sens@gov.tc.

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION,

YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 24 June 2025: The Ministry of Education is pleased to announce the commendable performance of students in the 2025 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). A total of 430 candidates were assessed this year, with 419 students (97%) achieving grades at or above the Near Competent level (41% and above).

The CPEA administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) evaluates student achievement across four core subjects: Mathematics, English Language, Science, and Social Studies, serving as a pivotal academic milestone at the end of primary education.

The Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, expressed her pride in the students’ achievements:

“We are indeed proud of our students’ outstanding performance in the 2025 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment. These results reflect the dedication of our educators, the supportive involvement of parents, and the hard work and perseverance of our children. We remain committed to providing a quality education that empowers every learner to thrive.”

Key Performance Highlights:

• 97% of students scored 41% or higher.
• 65% (279 candidates) achieved Competent or Advanced Competent status.
• 14% (60 students) attained Advanced Competence, reflecting a 1% increase over 2024.
• Math remains the area for growth, with 61% of students scoring 50% or above.
• Language (88%), Civic (82%), and Science (79%) showed strong performance at the 50%+ level.
• Gender differences was evident in performance across all levels, with a slight female lead in Competent to Advanced Competent bands, a decrease in lead when compared to 2024.

The following students hold the top ten positions in the country:

The top positions in each of the four subject areas are held by the following students:

Our focus is on holistic education, ensuring that each student excel academically while also developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and social responsibility. The 2025 results are not just about academic success but also about the overall growth and development of our boys and girls.

CPEA Prize-Giving ceremonies will be held across the country beginning on Monday, 30 June 2025 under the theme “ Strong Foundations, Limitless Futures”.

The Ministry commends all school leaders, teachers, parents, and communities who understand the value of strong partnerships and the critical importance of collaboration. We remain committed to our mission to create an environment where each learner is successful.