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Introducing the Department of Special Education Needs Services  

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#TurksandCaicos, January 18, 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Department of Special Needs Services (DSENS).  It is a pivotal entity dedicated to advancing and enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs across our beautiful islands.  Recognizing the commendable efforts of past providers, the department aims to build upon the foundation they laid and further elevate the standards of special education in the region.

In its inaugural year, the department is strategically focused on building service capacity and has assembled a highly skilled and passionate team committed to making a lasting impact. The core team includes:

    • Dr. Anya Malcolm Gibbs                                  Director
    • Lashaunda Dickenson Skippings                    Coordinator of Assessments
    • Christina Joseph                                            Behavioural Analyst
    • Jamiliyah Jordan                                            Speech/Language Pathologist
    • Paulette Simmons                                          Special Needs Teacher (SNAP)
    • Sheniqua Morgan                                           Assistant Special Needs Teacher (SNAP)

 

The following positions below are to be filled within the next few weeks:

  • Occupational Therapist
  • 6 additional special needs teachers

The department’s overarching goal is to establish a Special Needs Center, a hub of support, resources, and expertise for individuals with special needs. As part of our commitment to providing exceptional services, we are proud to announce the continued operation of our Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) center, which currently serves as the placement for our children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental challenges. Though at capacity, as we expand, this center will play a crucial role in fostering the growth and development of those we serve. In the interim, our dedicated team is committed to delivering vital services across all islands, within the schools and communities, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.

Exciting developments are on the horizon as we collaborate with international partners. Over the coming months, teams of specialists from One World Foundation and Therapy Abroad will be joining us to provide auditory evaluations and diagnostic assessments, with a primary focus on Autism Spectrum disorders. Additionally, speech and occupational therapy camps will be offered, contributing to the holistic well-being of our community.

The Department of Special Education Needs Services is not just a department; it is a beacon of hope, unity, and progress. We invite the community to join us on the transformative journey as we work together towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. We look forward to having you all to our official launch on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, where we will share more details of our interim services. We invite you to look forward to new exciting initiatives as we continue in our best efforts.

The Minister responsible for Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor commented, “My Ministry is continuing efforts to assist children with special needs. Services for children with special educational needs and disabilities in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being transformed with the addition of these new specialized staff and the introduction of national standards for the Department.  The long-awaited changes are being introduced to ensure that children and young people with special needs get high-quality and early support.  All children are entitled to proper education regardless of their intellectual abilities.”  Hon Taylor also stated that services at the SNAP Center are being manned by trained professionals who are passionate about assisting children to navigate the limitations that come with their respective intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities.

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Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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