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Vershina Forbes Appointed as Head of Secretariat    

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#TurksandCaicos, January 18, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Vershina Forbes to the post of Head of Secretariat within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.

Ms. Forbes, a former Educator, commenced her professional journey in 2008 within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service, initially contributing to the Department of Statistics. Transitioning through roles in District Administration, her pursuit of a B.Ed. in Secondary Education Mathematics signaled a shift towards an impactful tenure in Education.

For over a decade, Ms. Forbes devoted herself to shaping young minds, primarily as a Secondary Mathematics Teacher. Her multifaceted experience in teaching coupled with various administrative roles within school management endowed her with a robust professional skill set and insight.

In 2022, Ms. Forbes transitioned to the core public service, taking up the role of Executive Administrator within the Ministry of Health & Human Services. Subsequently, she was transferred to the Ministry of Physical Planning & Infrastructure Development. In June 2023, Ms. Forbes assumed the acting position of Head of Secretariat, showcasing her leadership and organizational abilities. This temporary role is now formalized with this most recent appointment.

Throughout her career journey, Ms. Forbes pursued continuous development, earning certifications that align with her professional profile. Her most recent milestone is the attainment of an MBA in Finance from Edinburgh Napier University, further enhancing her skill set and strategic acumen.

Reflecting on her appointment, Ms. Forbes added, “As a firm believer, I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work within me, will bring it to completion. It is with great humility and enthusiasm, that I officially assume the role of Head of Secretariat. Having made a decision one short year ago to explore the possibility of new career opportunities within the Public Service; I am excited about the challenges and successes that I have experienced and given me professional satisfaction. My personal commitment to excellence will be transmitted into the dynamics of this role as I make meaningful contributions to the continued growth of the Ministry.

I remain committed to setting and achieving career development goals that will help me progress to the next level in my professional pursuits and I look forward to a fulfilling career.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Ms. Forbes stated: “I am delighted to congratulate Ms. Vershina Forbes on her appointment as the Head of Secretariat within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID).

PPID carries significant responsibility in a government’s budget and capital program as it is responsible for not only facilitating but the carriage of various infrastructure and maintenance programs throughout our islands. As Head of Secretariat, Ms. Forbes bares the responsibility for the overall management of the ministry’s administrative functions. She assumes responsibility for the oversight of payment processing, communication with the Cabinet Office, management of various diaries within the ministry executive, record keeping for the ministry’s human resource, and communication with executives in other ministers, department, and statutory bodies across government. As a former educator, Ms. Forbes has displayed her talent in organization and management of deadlines and policies. We anticipate her talent being highlighted even greater in her new role.

Congratulations on your promotion, Ms. Forbes!”

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The Department of Gender Affairs, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Pinned House of Assembly (HOA) Members for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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PRESS RELEASE 

From The Department of Gender Affairs

 

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands October 29th 2024 – In a powerful display of solidarity, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government rallied behind Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a pinning of members of the House of Assembly. This symbolic act, where the leaders were pinned with an awareness badge, signifies their public commitment to the cause. The event, held on October 11th , 2024, was organized by the Department of Gender Affairs and led by Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of Gender Affairs, under the theme “Stop the Pain, Break the Chain: Silence Hides Violence.”

Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick and several other esteemed members of the House of Assembly participated in the ceremony, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to combating domestic violence. By wearing the awareness pins, these leaders visibly pledged their support for victims/survivors and their families, as well as their dedication to breaking the cycle of abuse.

Mrs. Dickenson expressed her elation at the overwhelming support shown by the members. “Their participation sends a powerful message that our government will not tolerate domestic violence in any form,” she stated. “It emphasizes that we all have a role to play in ending the silence that hides this devastating issue too often.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an annual observance in the Turks and Caicos Islands aimed at raising awareness of the pervasive problem of domestic abuse and providing support to those affected. The theme “Stop the Pain, Break the Chain” is a call to action, emphasizing the need to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and create a chain of support for victims. It encourages everyone to speak out against domestic violence and support those who are affected.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government urges all residents to join this important awareness campaign. Together, the community can play a crucial role in stopping the pain of domestic violence and breaking the chain of abuse for generations to come.

If you do not have a pin, we encourage you to collect one from the Department of Gender Affairs. Your participation is crucial in our collective efforts to end domestic violence.

For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness Month and resources for those affected by domestic abuse, please contact the Department of Gender Affairs via telephone at 649-338-2681 (Grand Turk), 649-338-2686 (Providenciales). You can also contact the Department via email at genderaffairs@gov.tc. Continue to look out for its various activities on facebook.com/genderaffairstci or Instagram: @genderaffairstci.

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Shakiah Lewis Appointed Dean of CARICOM Youth Ambassadors

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th October 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, through the Department of Youth Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Shakiah Lewis as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Program (CYAP) for the entire CARICOM region.

A dedicated educator and passionate youth advocate, Ms. Lewis, brings extensive experience in regional integration, leadership, and community involvement. She is a member of the TCI National Youth Parliament, TCI Community College Alumni Association, CSA Young Workers Leader, AOL Foundation advocate, and Rotaract Club of Grand Turk Director.

As Dean, Ms. Lewis will promote youth advocacy and leadership development, deepening youth participation in regional integration and development. Her one-year term will focus on championing youth-related issues such as education, employment, health, and social inclusion.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture stated, “I congratulate Ms. Shakiah Lewis on her well-deserved appointment as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Program. Her dedication and leadership as a TCI Youth Ambassador, coupled with her impressive civic portfolio have, prepared her well for this regional role. We are proud to have her represent our country and empower young leaders across the Caribbean.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government congratulates Ms. Lewis on this achievement and wishes her success in her new role.

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Government

KAYANNA GIBSON APPOINTED AS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR 

AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

 

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th October 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is excited to announce the appointment of Kayanna Gibson as Communications Officer within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.

Ms. Gibson holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media & Communication and a Master of Science in Project Management from Manchester Metropolitan University.

In her previous role as an Account Executive at Havas Lynx Global Health Care Communications Agency in Manchester, UK, Ms. Gibson managed client accounts within the HIV/AIDS therapy sector. Her responsibilities included reporting, spreadsheet manipulation, and project portfolio and stakeholder management. As a participant in the Rise Programme at Agent Academy, she engaged in strategic analyses such as marketing mix, personas, and PESTEL/SWOT analysis. She also contributed to content creation and designed empathy maps to inform UX/UI design through design thinking methodologies.

Additionally, she completed a marketing and production placement at Sharp Futures Inc., where she gained experience in marketing finance logistics, social media marketing, and web development. She was responsible for creating and pitching marketing presentations.

Ms. Gibson is a co-author of the journal article “Digital Storytelling: A Relational Pedagogic Approach to Rebuilding Hybrid Places for Creativity, Equity, and Community Building in a Crisis.” She volunteers with the Rotaract Club Providenciales and is a member of the Association of Project Management. She previously served as Junior Minister of Tourism from 2015 to 2016 under the Ministry of Tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She was the CTO Youth Congress representative in 2016 in Georgetown, Barbados.

Ms. Gibson shared her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am determined to excel in my role as Communications Officer as I make a meaningful contribution to the Communications Directorate, and by extension, to the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am deeply grateful to God for this opportunity and am honoured to join the Public Service and take with me the words from 2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my family and country for their unwavering belief in me. It is through their support that I have remained motivated to achieve this long-term goal.”

On the appointment, the Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, remarked, “We are happy to welcome Ms. Kayanna Gibson to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service as a Communications Officer. Her unique blend of skills and experience will be invaluable in enhancing our communication strategies as her background in digital media and marketing aligns perfectly with the communication goals of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. We are confident in her ability to significantly impact this role, and we look forward to the innovative ideas she will bring.

Congratulations, Ms. Gibson, on your new role and welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service.”

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