PRESS RELEASE

THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH AND SPORTS

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: As we wrap up the vibrant celebrations of Education Week 2025, we invite you to join us on an inspiring journey! Get ready to explore the groundbreaking S.P.I.R.E. (Specialised Programme Individualising Reading Excellence) Reading Intervention Programme, an innovative initiative that has already made a significant impact in seven public schools since its rollout in August 2023 and 2024. Now in its fourth edition, (EPS Learning Publishing) the programme introduces Sounds Sensible, a powerful foundational component designed to enhance literacy through research-backed strategies. Partner with us as we unlock the door to literacy together and create new opportunities for our students and teachers!

S.P.I.R.E. is an evidence-based reading intervention program rooted in the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham practices. It offers a 10-step, 45-minute teacher-led lesson structure that systematically covers phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, oral and listening skills, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, reinforcing all stages of reading development.                                                                                                                                    The programme offers thorough assessments for concept mastery. Students are individually assessed using the S.P.I.R.E. Placement Assessment to determine their appropriate instructional level, along with Pre- and Post-Level Tests to measure mastery of all level concepts. Additional assessments include Mid-Level Tests, Concept Assessments, and Concept Mastery Fluency evaluations.

In June and August 2023, Grades 1 to 3 teachers participated in virtual and in-person training on S.P.I.R.E., facilitated by EPS Learning trainers and led by Dr. Keran Williams, whose expertise is invaluable as we work together to support our students’ reading development. This collaborative training effort aims to ensure that our teachers are fully prepared to deliver the program with confidence and effectiveness.

Teachers addressed parental concerns by highlighting the difference between simply calling words and truly comprehending texts. They explained that SPIRE not only boosts basic reading skills but also enhances critical thinking.

A key strategy involved implementing a structured scheduling system that grouped students by reading levels. Each morning, students spent at least an hour with a trained SPIRE teacher. Comprehensive assessments at the beginning of the year and periodically thereafter helped identify reading levels. Using SPIRE resources, teachers provided differentiated instruction based on students’ strengths and weaknesses. This approach improved reading outcomes and fostered a strong sense of community within the schools.

We are thrilled to highlight the dedication of our teachers who embraced the recent programme aimed at building a collaborative network. They took the initiative to connect with one another, enhancing support for their students, parents, and fellow colleagues. Together, we are strengthening our educational community and paving the way for greater student success. Thank you for your hard work, and special thanks to our principals, vice principals, and parents for your unwavering commitment!

We would like to highlight the outstanding performance of Daniela Carroll from Ianthe Pratt Primary School. Under the guidance of Education Officers – Dr. Keran Williams, Sarah Kennedy and Heidy Williams – Daniela took on the challenge of leading this initiative with enthusiasm. Her passion for education and determination to make a difference were crucial as she facilitated three invaluable refresher workshops across Providenciales, Grand Turk, and North Caicos.

In conclusion, SPIRE’s transformative journey has been remarkable. Through strategic scheduling and targeted instruction, we’ve improved literacy education and fostered an inclusive environment for all students. Our timely support has led to significant gains in reading skills, boosting confidence and enthusiasm. Together, we’re building a brighter future for every child to reach their potential and embrace literacy. Let’s keep the momentum, celebrate our successes, and continue fostering a love for reading in every student!

Turks and Caicos, March 16, 2025 – The 13th annual FortisTCI National Science and Technology Fair held on March 5 and 6, 2025, brought together more than 100 student participants for two days of scientific exploration and competition under the theme: “From Ideas to Invention: Redefining What’s Possible.”

The Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex was transformed into a hub of discovery during Education Week, as scores of students, educators, stakeholders, and general attendees buzzed with excitement during for the national science quiz, debate, poster, and project competitions.

The 5th annual National High School Science Debate recorded a fierce showdown, with Maranatha Academy claiming victory after placing second last year. The debate team amassed 142 points to Clement Howell High School’s 129.5 points in the grand finale. Students argued whether it is possible to meet rising energy demand without relying on fossil fuels. Holy Family Academy secured third place.

Holy Family Academy won first place in the National Science Project Competition high school category with a creative approach to tackling the ongoing sargassum issue by creating sustainable eco-bricks. Raymond Gardiner High School secured second place for its North Caicos Beach Bricks project, which focused on enhancing the product’s strength and durability. H.J. Robinson High School secured third place with a project on the manufacturing of insect repellent.

The A. Louise Garland Thomas High School received this year’s President’s Award for its project on integrating mimetic photosynthesis in solar cell technology. FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes presents this special annual award to projects demonstrating outstanding creativity, innovative thinking, and skillful execution in scientific pursuits.

Enid Capron Primary School secured first place in the primary school category for their science project investigating the effect of compost on plant growth. Holy Family Academy secured second place with their experiment on hydroponics versus traditional farming. Ianthe Pratt Primary School secured third place with a project examining how different materials affect composting speed.

Eliza Simons Primary School rose to the top after placing second last year in the National Primary School Science Quiz. Charles Hubert James Primary School won second place, and Holy Family Academy rounded out the top three.

The National Science Poster Competition challenged students to translate the fair’s theme into a visually compelling masterpiece through creative art and graphic art. The top-performing schools across both categories were Clement Howell High School, H.J. Robinson High School, Maranatha Academy, Providenciales Middle School, Holy Family Academy and Majorie Basden High School.

Beyond the competitions, the event featured dynamic stakeholder booths including electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology such as drone showcases, virtual reality simulations, and Chroma keying technology for weather broadcasts.

During her remarks at the closing awards ceremony, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stressed that the science fair is all about opportunity and endless possibilities. She shared an inspirational story of an eighteen-year-old California student and former science fair project winner, Vasya Tremsin, who invented a solar-powered device to detect outdoor fires, now called Torch Early Detection Fire Sensors. These sensors are helping firefighters, and first responders combat wildfires in California. She illustrated how science fair projects can morph into successful products, encouraging students to continue their scientific exploration, as their efforts and inventions can one day help create a better world for all.

Photo Captions: 

1st insert: Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, presents award and prizes to Enid Capron Primary School for winning the 2025 National Science Project Competition Primary School segment with their project on “What Effect does compost have on plant growth?”

2nd insert: Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Information, presents award and prizes to Maranatha Academy, for winning the 2025 National High School Science Debate, after placing second last year.

Features Virgin Islands Craft Artist/ Doll Fashion Designer

Orlando, FL, USA, March 11, 2025 – The Smithsonian Folklife Magazine explores and documents how culture and history shapes our lives. Through publish stories about music, food, craft, language, celebrations, activism, and individuals in communities who sustain these vital traditions the stories are told.  The Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage is a research and educational unit of the Smithsonian Institution, located in Washington, DC. They promote greater understanding and sustainability of cultural heritage across the United States and around the world through research, education, and community engagement. Virgin Islanders definitely have stories to be shared and documented as seen in a 2025 Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage Magazine Article.

Virgin Islander Carmen A. Nibbs a craft artist, doll fashion designer, and Owner of brand Laylee M Doll Clothes is visibly seen in photos and quoted in a recent 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Magazine article titled

“Artistry through African American Ancestry:  Central Florida Craft Artists Draw Inspiration from the Past” 

Nibbs is one of eight skilled craft artist from Central Florida chosen for  ” African American Craft Artist for Cultural Sustainability and Legacy Planning Project”  hosted by Orange County Regional History Center & Museum in Collaboration with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Center.  The eight artist featured in the article were chosen for skills in Quilting, Sewing, Chain stitch embroidery art, Wood carving, Vintage teddy bear making and Making traditional folk musical instruments. The project consisted of several components such as a day seminar, virtual meetings, public panel discussion, recorded interviews, photo sessions, radio interviews and The Exhibition Honoring Black Heritage & Culture at the Orange County Regional Center in downtown Orlando.  In the Smithsonian Magazine Article Nibbs discussed, sewing, her grandmother,  Madras fabric, fashions and Virgin Islands culture. As s child, Nibbs wanted to sew for her dolls; grandmother Mabel Nibbs a British Virgin Islands skilled seamstress was delighted to provide scraps and lessons. The skills learned back then, continue to be relevant today in fashion designs, fashion history, culture, doll fashions, and ancestral ties that are fully documented in this 2025 Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage Magazine Article.

Attached is link to full Smithsonian Folklife Full magazine article :

https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/artistry-african-american-ancestry

Photos Captions

Header: Smithsonian Magazine article Feature Photo

1st insert: Carmen Nibbs Sewing/ Doll Fashion Stylist, Winston Andrew /Wood Sculptor, Teighlor Johnson/Chain Stitch Embroider

2nd insert: Carmen Nibbs