Deandrea Hamilton
Editor

Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024 – The recently held Special Needs Conference hosted by the TCI Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) exposed participants to three dynamic speakers with the aim of ushering in an era of progress and change in special education.

In her remarks to open the event which was held on November 22 at Brayton Hall, Dr Anya Malcolm, SENS Director said the event is a reflection of the audacity and success of the department since its inception at the start of the year.

“This conference is about so much more than just presentations, it’s about breaking barriers, shifting mindsets and building a future where no child is left behind,” said Dr. Malcolm.

Dr. Sally Rogers, Mrs. Yolande Robinson, and Mrs. Sheryl Patterson were named as the speakers, tackling the topics: Understanding Autism: Evidence based interventions and practical strategies for home and classroom; Understanding Learning differences: Cognitive, Emotional aspects of Special Education Needs and Collaborative Approaches to Supporting Students with Special Needs.

“These individuals are not just experts, they are trailblazers in their fields and we are deeply honoured to have them with us today. They will challenge us to think differently, inspire us with their insights and arm us with strategies to better serve the children and families at the heart of our work. A special education conference like this is not just relevant, it is urgent.”

The theme for the conference was: “Inclusive Education, Bridging Gaps, Building Futures.”

The director explained the timeliness of the event, announcing that the demand for quality special needs education is growing in the Turks and Caicos; she described the focus on improving these offerings as urgent.

“When I took on the role of director, I saw both the potential and the challenges. Special Education wasn’t celebrated, it was sidelined.

The SNAP center had children but no real structure, no principal and two teachers. Today, we have 21 remarkable children enrolled, a growing waiting list, a dedicated principal and five passionate special education teachers. What was once stigmatised is now a source of pride. Now it’s celebrated as it should be,” informed the director.

Today, the SENS Department has served more than 250 children in therapy and special camps since its inception. Additionally, eight professional teams have conducted assessments, evaluations and interventions within the islands.

“Some of these children have waited years to be seen.”

The director informed those registered for the conference that the department is committed to getting things done.

“This is not boasting, this is confidence. Confidence built on results, on teamwork, on a vision that refuses to settle for less than excellence. And let me be clear, this is not a one woman show. It takes a village, and I am proud to say that we have built one. To my team, you have worked tirelessly to make today and every initiative since January 2024, a success.”

Director, Dr. Anya Malcolm reiterated her message that the infrastructure for special needs education is under robust construction; no child, she said, will be left behind and all children in the education system of the Turks and Caicos will be given the opportunity to shine

Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024 – As Governor, I want to address recent media reports suggesting the Turks and Caicos Islands might be considered by the incoming administration of the United States of America (US) as a destination for deportees whose home countries have refused their return.

I confirm that neither the Turks and Caicos Islands Government nor the United Kingdom (UK) Government have received any formal request from the US Government or the President Elect’s transition team regarding this matter, nor is it a matter that has been raised with the Governor’s Office in any discussions with US or UK counterparts.

Our position, as outlined by the Minister of Immigration, is unequivocal – the Turks and Caicos Islands will not accept deportees from the US or any other nation unless they are our citizens. This clear position is rooted in our sovereignty, the protection of our borders and the welfare of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Any suggestion to the contrary is unfounded. The Turks and Caicos Islands will continue to prioritise the interests and security of our nation above all else.

Deandrea Hamilton and Wilkie Arthur

Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024 – A popular contractor, an illegal Haitian man and a young father and boat captain are all dead in a string of murders spanning three days and three communities; Friday in Five Cays, Sunday in the Bight and Monday in Blue Hills/Wheeland.

It remains unknown if the homicides are connected.

Police have confirmed the investigations into the murders of three men which takes the country’s already record-breaking year for murders, to an unimaginable 46 for the year 2024.

Eagle Legal News Media informs that Neal Rigby, who was shot to death on Saturday December 7 was brutally slaughtered.

“He was shot in his head, more than once, just about four feet away from his apartment unit door, according to persons living close by. Persons said there were no more than four or five shots heard in the area, and they heard someone running away from the scene.”

The residents speaking anonymously to Wilkie Arthur shared that, “no one saw a face.”

Arthur, owner of Eagle Legal added that he believes the residents speaking to him deliberately remained aloof; not wanting to witness who could be behind the December 6 shooting in an area called, Sandy Land in Five Cays.

“Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 6), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.  RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body,” informed the police statement.

Now the police are asking for help.

“NEAL RIGBY is believed to be in his fifties and was a well-known contractor. He was very gifted in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and the list goes on,” reported Arthur, who added that residents told him, “He was so helpful to the elderly in the community and a very respectful man.”

Rigby was 52 years old, confirmed TCI Police.

By midnight Sunday, a new murder investigation would be opened.

The 45th murder for the year was a man believed to be illegally residing in the Turks and Caicos.  No official identity could be obtained by publication time, but Eagle Legal News Media was able to learn that the man was from Haiti.

“Eagle Legal News is now in possession of a photo shared with us of the Haitian man killed in The Bight, yesterday on Sunday 8th December 2024.  Reports reaching our newsroom are that he used to go by the name Elephant.”

Police confirmed that they found the body of a man around 1 am on Sunday December 8, 2024.

“We have yet to receive any positive reports of his lifestyle here in the Turks and Caicos Islands and from his homeland of Haiti. Residents who knew him well said he had been living here in TCI for many years and never sought to get himself straight,” said Arthur.

Both murders preceded a press conference which had been planned for Monday (December 9) afternoon by acting Police Commissioner, Fitz Bailey.

That media event has now been postponed indefinitely.

On Tuesday, residents learned of another shooting which resulted in the death of a young man in an area known as Dako Yard, said to be part of Blue Hills and Wheeland in the northwest of Providenciales.

Eagle Legal News Media was on site as investigators scoured the near pitch black area for evidence; the man may have been dead for several hours before being discovered as police confirmed reports from residents of gunshots around 7 pm.

That report was checked out but the body of the man – possibly hit in the hail of bullets – was discovered not until after 10pm.

Apparently murdered was a Turks and Caicos Islander, GERARDSON JOSEPH, also known as “Dave” was just 24 years old.

“He was a qualified boat captain. He worked with a number of tour boat companies and in watersports.  Tourists who visited our shores loved and embraced him for his warm smiles and charm.”

Arthur also informed his audiences, “Life became a bit rough for him over the past few summer months with no boat trips, no income, as there was no employment throughout the summer. He was on a quest for new employment as things just started to pick up in recent weeks.”

Joseph was loved by his parents, his girlfriend and their toddler, believed to be 3 or 4 years old.

“Despite his recent pleasant ongoing life, although it came with some struggles and ups and downs, it was said he had a dark past that he had put down for his new life.”

No motive has been revealed in this killing either, but it was explained that ‘Dave’ was shot multiple times in yet another vicious attack.

“…all in his head, side of his face and back.”

There have been no arrests in these matters.