#TurksandCaicos, May 23, 2023 – The Department of Gender Affairs recently launched the International Girls in ICT 2023 Essay Competition under the theme “Digital Skills for Life.”

The competition’s goal was to help raise awareness and emphasize the value of women in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and to inspire more girls and young women to pursue STEM-related fields of study. In addition, the competition further brought awareness to the abilities necessary to use ICT effectively to succeed in STEM fields.

Eleven (11) entries were submitted to the department from schools across the TCI. The entries were reviewed and graded by a panel of educators and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) expert judges. The final results revealed the following students as the competition’s top three winners:

1st Place – Janae Lewis (Oseta Jolly Primary School)

2nd Place – Alandson Pierre (H.J. Robinson High School)

3rd Place  – Chimezirim Orumba (Ianthe Pratt Primary School)

The Department of Gender Affairs expresses its profound gratitude and extends congratulations to all participants for their high interest.

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 23, 2023 – With a massive 21 percent  increase, reflecting $51 million in allocations to her ministerial portfolio this financial year, Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education is promising upgrades to education, special needs, sports and more as the PNP attempts to craft a lasting legacy in these sectors.

Education

Taylor promised to take Special Needs, which was moved to her Ministry on April 1st, to the next level with the new injection of cash.  Included in this budget is $100,000  for a new wheelchair access van for the SNAP Centre. a $900, 000 allocation for refurbishment of the Special Needs Centre and a $1 million allocation for hiring staff including specialists.

Another $500,000 is allocated for the internship program to continue.  Taylor provided updates for residents regarding this.

“There are many students who are currently on the apprenticeship program and doing well.  They have done so well that during the first two months they were hired permanently.” She said

Also budgeted was $3 million for international scholarships, $425,000  for UWI contributions and $6.4 million for the Turks and Caicos Community College which now offers free tuition.

For the National Daycare Program $457 000 has been allotted along with $513,000 for the National After-School Program.  In addition  $600 000 has been set aside to hire more teachers to alleviate the current shortage; $150,000 for textbooks; $172,000 is slated for bus services in Providenciales and more

Youth

Taylor responded to the evidence of multiple cuts in youth activities across sectors (pointed out by Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition) maintaining that there were more employees to carry out those activities even without more cash.

“He did not see an increase in the overall amount that we give to youth but I must remind him that we have seen an increase in man count to assist the cadet program within the ministry of youth. Our programs will not materialise unless we have the manpower.” she said.

“It doesn’t have to be directly under the Youth budget.  This year is all about our youth.” Taylor stressed

She gave evidence of this in the upcoming the creation of a National Youth Agency and expansion of the cadet program

Sports 

A $3.7 million dollar aquatics centre under the Sports commission touted as a green initiative to be fueled by clean energy has been announced.  Also budgeted to improve local sports is a new set of vehicles for the sports commission, $500,000  for refurbishment of the South Caicos Sports field.  Another $1.5 million is set aside for community parks and recreation areas that will hopefully be put to use this year after years of failure to complete similar projects.

The Minister also revealed several new Capital projects were on the table to the tune of $3 million dollars in this financial year. They included:

• $ 700,000  for the expansion of the Victoria Public Library
•  $2.1 million for the renovation of the Alliance Business Centre
• $1.5 million for drainage upgrades at the HG Robinson High School
• $400,000 for furniture and equipment for various schools

Taylor stressed  that the budget was fulfilling the citizens’ contract: “This large sum of money will bring much progress, development and jobs,” she maintained.

By Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Jamaica, May 19, 2023 – Following the leaking of Math Paper 02 of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, students are worried about their results expressing that CSEC might apply stiff measures in marking.

On Wednesday May 17, CXC issued a statement about the serious breach.

“The Caribbean Examinations Council is aware of the concerns that Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Math Paper 02, which was written today, was leaked.

This matter is of great concern to us, we have commenced our investigations and will make a definitive statement once the investigation is completed.  In the meantime, candidates can rest assured that this matter is being treated with the highest urgency.”

Lynton Weir, Principal of Old Harbour High School in St. Catherine Jamaica, highlighted this concern among his students who fear they may not pass the exam, given the possible strict marking by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

Weir added that he found out about the breach after a student brought it to the attention of a senior teacher.

“The student said something about a question, and what have you, so I said to my teacher, ‘Find out from the student if it is a question that the child has seen before’ because I was saying to my senior teacher it could be that the child saw the question before because based on how CXC does their thing, they do past paper questions, and then he asked the child that question, and then the child submit to him the paper itself and said ‘Sir, look at this’.”

Deanroy Bromfield, Principal of Excelsior High school, Jamaica said he heard of the breach but it did not affect the examination process at his school.

Another principal, Omar Largie of Penwood High School in Jamaica said he also learnt of the breach in the morning but his students were unaware.