Education
Turks & Caicos Islands Annual Primary School Spelling Bee
#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – Tianna Kerr of Alpha Christian Academy captured the title of Champion Speller at the Turks and Caicos Islands Annual National Primary School Spelling Bee (NPSSB) held on Thursday, 25th May 2023, at Beaches Turks and Caicos. The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services congratulates Miss Kerr, her parents, and her coach, Heather Robertson, a veteran who coached the champion speller in 2005.
Twelve (12) talented spellers from across the country competed for the coveted title of Champion Speller:
Adelaide Oemler Primary – Darius Bassett and Coach Stafford Salmon
Alpha Christian Academy – Tianna Kerr and Coach Heather Robertson
BEST Institute – Sydney Kay Brisbane and Coach Mrs. Tanisha Rigby
Enid Capron Primary – George Williams and coach Ms. Sacha Deans
Ianthe Pratt Primary – Mark Morrison and Coach Ms. Natalia Butterfield
International School of the TCI – Lola Jimenez and coach Ms. Iman Rudi-Bonotti
MILLS Institute – Nathan Forbes and Coach Mrs. Denesha Robinson
Ona Glinton Primary – Joneil Belzi and Coach Ms. Jacqueline Henry
Oseta Jolly Primary – Ruth Lormine and Coach Ms. Tevynn Lewis
Providence International Academy – Kian Jules and Coach Ms. Karla Williams
Provo Christian Academy – Marbelli Castillo and Coach Ms. Crystal Glinton
Thelma Lightbourne Primary – David Lawrence and Coach Ms. Alexa Greene
At the end of ten intense rounds of spelling, there was a tie. After round 11, Tianna Kerr scored 42 points, and Ruth Lormine scored 41 points. Ruth was determined to hold on to the title held by the Oseta Jolly Primary School in 2019 and 2022.
The top Three winners were:
1st place Alpha Christian Academy – Tianna Kerr;
1st Runner Up Oseta Jolly Primary – Ruth Lormine
2nd Runner Up Ona Glinton Primary – Joneil Benzi
The 2023 Spelling Bee’s primary sponsors were F Chambers and Island Printing, with usual support from Flow TCI and The Sandals Foundation.
The following prizes were sponsored by F Chambers and Island Printing
Grand Prize/Winner: MacBook Air,
1st Runner-Up Prize: Apple iPad Mini
2nd Runner-Up Prize: Apple iPad Mini
Prizes for the top 7 spellers: Galaxy Tablet A7 Lite
Prizes for remaining participants: $50 gift certificates
Champion Trophies for the Champion Speller, Runners Up, and Champion Coach, and complimentary Trophies for the remaining spellers.
FLOW TCI also sponsored an Asus Laptop for the coach of the champion speller.
The Minister of Education, Hon. Rachael Taylor, said, ‘I congratulate all the champion spellers of 2023 who are indeed winners and who represented their schools well at the Bee. We are proud of you! I especially want to congratulate our winner, Tianna Kerr, and the Alpha Christian Academy Family! These events confirm that our children are indeed dedicated and committed students.
An event such as the annual Spelling Bee could only happen with the support of principals, coaches, teachers, and
parents. Special mention must be made of the efforts of coaches and teachers who remained dedicated to the training of the participants despite their hectic schedules. Their contribution has once again made this year’s spelling bee a success.
A special thank you is extended to all volunteers who helped to make the competition a success:
Chairperson: Mrs. Sophia Garland
Scorers: Ms. Evadne Williams and Mr. Hugh Adams
Judges: Ms. Jasmine Malcolm, Mrs. Latoya Simpson, and Pastor Pedro S Williams
Pronouncers: Mrs. Cherylann Foreman and Ms. Kawanza Morley
Time Keeper: Mr. Christopher Foster
Expressions of gratitude are extended to Mr. Orville Morgan, photographer; Mr. Gary Andrew, Technician; Ms. Tanya Swann, Director of Sales, Groups, and Conventions at Beaches Turks and Caicos, for coordinating the hosting of the event at the resort and providing complimentary snacks; Mr. Greg Been, Ms. Zoia Fessler and Mr. Chris Jarrett, Director of RTC, for live coverage on Radio Turks & Caicos.
The Ministry and Department of Education are grateful for the 2023 Annual Spelling Bee sponsorship made possible through the generous partnership of Mr. Mark Fulford, Managing Partner of F Chambers, and Mrs. Ava Fulford, Founder and Managing Director of Island Printing. Special thanks to our long-term partners, Flow TCI and The Sandals Foundation, who continue to be gracious hosts of this event. Thank you for your remarkable partnership.
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith along with Deputy Director of Education for the Grand Bahama, Bimini, and The Cays District, Michelle Bowleg toured Holmes Rock Junior High School to assess ongoing progress and ensure the project remains on track to welcome students for the new academic term in September.
Following the tour, Smith expressed optimism regarding the ongoing progress, stating, “Having toured the site and seeing the work that is
being done on the weekend, shows the commitment and dedication to getting it completed.”
He also noted that after discussions with the contractors, he was assured that with sufficient manpower and around-the-clock work, the project remains on track for completion by September 1, 2025.
“One of our underlying goals is really access, so we are happy that the school will be up and ready for our students,” said Bowleg.
She highlighted that several zoom meetings were held with parents to keep them informed about key updates including booklists, uniforms, and staffing. According to Bowleg, feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It is a beautiful facility, one that parents will be very proud of, and the entire West Grand Bahama community,” she added.
(BIS Photos/Danielle Rollon)
