TCIG Leadership Hosts Reception in Manchester UK 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 May 2023 – On Saturday May 15^th, in the northern city of Manchester, England, Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, Premier Hon. C. Washington Misick and Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor led a delegation to meet with students and members of the TCI diaspora.

The evening provided a direct opportunity for students and diaspora members to engage directly with the senior leadership of the territory, in an open forum. Bringing greetings to the large number of guests, the Acting Governor was keen to highlight the important role Turks and Caicos Islanders must play in building their country for future generations.  While acknowledging that going away to further your education is a good thing, what is essential is that persons return to build the Turks and Caicos into what they desire it to become.  This would mean, according to the Acting Governor, that all skills set will be needed in the journey of nation building.

Echoing those sentiments was the Premier Hon. C. Washington who praised the students on their academic pursuits and the diaspora members for the experience they have gained while in the United Kingdom. The Premier further added, “as the Turks and Caicos grows, the demand for skilled, experienced persons remains high and the government would welcome persons returning.”  He further added, “There are numerous small business opportunities that exists for Turks and Caicos Islanders and the government have earmarked certain categories for only Turks and Caicos Islanders and persons should take advantage.”

Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor in addressing the large group of students present said, ‘It is a pleasure to be here in the presence of our country’s greatest assets, Our People!’ Especially our Youth who will be responsible for the continuous development of our country as we seek to bridge the skills gap through education and training.’  The Minister of Education took the opportunity to have side meetings with the students as she learnt of their personal concerns in relation to the challenges they are experiencing.  The Scholarship Officer, Ms. Sharine Lightbourne was also in attendance and was able to actively engage in the side table discussions.  Minister Taylor encouraged the students to take advantage of any Internship or Apprenticeship Programs that are available in the UK and reminded them to also register for the TCI National Internship and Apprenticeship Programs being offered.    The Minister and her team listened attentively to the concerns and promised to ensure that with the additional manpower being added to the Scholarship Unit within the 2023-2024 budget, it will provide greater opportunity for oversight in relation to our students’ data inclusive of students who are not on Government Scholarships.

The large gathering of Turks and Caicos Islanders in one space marked the conclusion of the TCI delegations visit to the United Kingdom for the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) and the World Education Forum (WEF).