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.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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