MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HONOURS TEACHERS AT GRAND APPRECIATION GALA

#TurksandCaicos, April 13, 2023 – Over four hundred Educators from both public and private schools gathered at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on the evening of March 30th, 2023 to attend a Grand Gala that was meticulously planned in their honour by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services.

Under the auspicious of Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor Minister responsible for Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services, the theme “Honouring our Human Capital in Education” was truly fitting as the Ministry continues its work to ensure that the country’s education sector and its stakeholders are well positioned to deliver on its critical mandates.

The reviews are in, and the evening is akin to a night of sheer excellence; the honourees were all stylishly attired, and their faces beamed with excitement, laughter, and appreciation as the night of surprises and entertainment unfolded.

Her Excellency Acting Governor Anya Williams, the Minister for Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services, Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor, as well as the Minister for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Jamell Robinson, brought remarks and presented awards and gifts of appreciation during the National Teachers’ Award segment.

The National Teachers’ Awards Committee tasked the Educators with nominating and voting for the top awardee in various special categories ranging from Principal and Vice Principal of the Year to Unsung Hero and Teacher of the Year Awards, among others. In addition, the Lifetime Achievement Awards honoured teachers serving over 25 years and have made notable contributions to their institution and the sector.

During the gala, guests were dined, dazzled and entertained by the vivacious MC Super P The Entertainer and other local powerhouses in the persons of Tess Charles and Mrs. Robyn Forbes. Students were also part of the star-stunning line-up, and the evening culminated with an exhilarating performance by Pro-Vision Band.

The successes achieved at and in preparation for the Teachers’ Appreciation Gala would not have been realised without the Sponsors, a demonstration of true and intentional partnership! Kudos to you all for the generosity extended with respect to the level and quality of donations provided; it was truly appreciated and well received with excitement by our educators and partners in education.

Special thanks and recognition are extended to the Deputy Governor’s Office, Civil Service Association, the First Lady of the Turks & Caicos Islands, Mrs Delthia Russel-Missick, The Parents and Teachers’ Association from the various schools and the respective committees assembled and worked diligently to exceed their assignments.

National Teachers Awards 2023 Awardees:

Principal of the Year- Primary Education: Miss Earleen Elliott (ISPS)

Principal of the Year- Secondary Education: Mrs. Janet Walkin (RGHS) and Mrs. Indrani Saunders (ISTCI)

Vice-Principal of the Year-Primary Education: Mr. Temard Butterfield (OGPS)

Vice-Principal of the Year-Secondary Education: Mrs. Claudell Miller (HJRHS)

Teacher of the Year-Early Childhood Education: Mrs. Monique Virgil-Lightbourne (ELSPS)

Teacher of the Year–Primary Education: Miss Wilnide Dorely (IPPS) and Mr. Keron Brown-Ellington (IPPS)

Teacher of the Year-Secondary Education: Miss Racquel Simons (HJRHS) and Mr. Randy Ford (CHHS)

Unsung Hero Award: Miss Raquel Simons (HJRHS)

Digital Innovator of the Year: Mr. Samuel Lawrence (ALGTHS)

Excellence in Special Needs Education: Ms. Everett Green (CHHS)

Assistant Teacher of the Year: Miss Antwinique Forbes (ELSPS)

School Counsellor of the Year: Miss Diane Paul (ALGTHS)

Lifetime Achievement in Education: Mrs. Hyacinth Fulford (ISPS), Mrs. Beverly Malcolm (ISPS), Mrs. Michelle Been-Williams (ECPS), Mrs. Lea Deane (ECPS), Ms. Andrea Cope (ECPS), Mrs. Vinette Forbes (OJPS), Mrs. Stephanie Thomas (IPPS), Mrs. Karlene Cox (IPPS), Miss Lacher Thomas (TLPS), Mrs. Robin Cox-Foster (TLPS), Mrs. Madiea Traille-Davidson (CHJPS), Miss Degrie Jennings (CHJPS), Mrs. Uldean Harris-Wright (CHJPS), Miss Laureen Robinson (ELSPS), Mr. Nigel Brown (HJRHS), Mrs. Tanya Keize-McAulay (HJRHS), Dr Vivian Otuonye (ALGTH) and Mrs. Dhrupattie Khan (CHHS).