News
Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Celebrates 28th Annual Graduation Ceremony
#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) proudly marked its 28th Annual Graduation Ceremony with an inspiring theme, “From Vision to Achievement: Making Strides Towards Excellence in Education and Training.” The ceremony, held on December 7, 2023, witnessed the graduation of 99 exceptional individuals, including 45 Associate degree recipients, 11 Bachelor’s degree recipients, and 43 Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Certification recipients.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Edgar Howell, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, who delivered greetings on behalf of the Minister of Education, Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, who was unable to join due to her House of Assembly commitment. The Minister conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, emphasising the theme’s resonance with the transformative journeys undertaken by each graduate and the profound impact on the community and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chair of the Board of Governors, lauded the graduates and the institution’s progress, highlighting the transformative changes underway at TCICC. She emphasised the college’s commitment to achieving excellence in education and training.
The ceremony featured a compelling video commencement message from Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of TCICC. In her speech, Dr. Williams reflected on the college’s vision to become the first choice for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond. She showcased the progress made in various key programme strategies, underscoring TCICC’s commitment to academic excellence, partnerships, and international collaborations.
Highlights from Dr. Williams’ Speech:
- Organisational Structure Enhancement: Dr. Williams highlighted the comprehensive Organisational Review of TCICC, led by the Ministry of Education and Dr. Barbara Ambrister, resulting in a strategic placement of key
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personnel to ensure academic excellence.
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): TCICC achieved notable progress in TVET programmes, securing initial accreditation status from the National Centre for
Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This positions TCICC to offer top-tier technical programmes aligned with industry standards.
- Global Partnerships: TCICC signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with nine international institutions, fostering collaboration and providing students and faculty with valuable opportunities for exchange programmes, research, and credit transfers.
- Capacity Building: TCICC invested in staff capacity building through specialised courses and highlighted achievements, such as faculty members obtaining doctoral degrees and upgrading their qualifications.
- Research and Innovation: The college showcased its commitment to research and innovation, winning the “Blended Challenge Competition” and presenting papers at regional and international conferences.
- Student Success: TCICC celebrated a 29% increase in enrolment, expanded reach through satellite sites, and achieved success in student support services, including the hiring of a Student Support Officer.
- Facility Upgrades: The completion of phase 1 renovations to the Alliance Business Centre, TCICC East, was highlighted, showcasing the commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities.
In conclusion, Dr. Williams expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Board of Governors, external stakeholders, students, and the dedicated faculty and staff who contributed to TCICC’s success. She emphasised that the journey from vision to achievement is continuous, requiring ongoing self- assessment and improvement.
During the graduation ceremony, Salutatorian Ms. Kaymia Reid took the stage with grace to introduce our esteemed guest speaker. The event included powerful addresses from Valedictorians, Mrs.
Antonique Wright-Todd, and Ms. Donnell Simmons. Both speakers shared inspiring narratives, recounting the triumphs and challenges faced by themselves and their fellow graduates throughout their academic journeys.
Mrs. Wright-Todd underscored the resilience of the students in the face of the pandemic’s challenges, emphasizing that these experiences have uniquely equipped them for any future hurdles. She conveyed that success transcends innate talent or luck, emphasizing the importance of tenacity and the ability to rise after a fall. Ms.
Simmons, in her address, highlighted the transformative power of dedication, passion, and the right opportunities, asserting that anyone can forge their path in any industry. Her words served as a testament to the boundless possibilities that training and skill development can unlock, resonating with the graduates as they embark on their diverse and promising futures.
In a poignant moment, Ms. Kayon Cox, Registrar General in the Ministry of Home Affairs and TCICC Alumnus, delivered a keynote address. Ms. Cox presented a roadmap for success, encouraging graduates to develop a clear vision, harness the strength of passion in their academic pursuits, and allow that passion to fuel their dedication to education and achieving greatness.
The monumental moment of the ceremony was the graduation of inmates and staff from the Department of Correctional Services with certifications in Commercial Food Preparation and Customer Service, marking a historic accomplishment in rehabilitation and capacity building.
As TCICC continues to make strides towards excellence in education and training, the institution remains committed to its vision of becoming the first choice for education and training within the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
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Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News5 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News6 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News5 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals