TCI News
ISU Resumes Nationwide Containment Exercises
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI MAY 8, 2024: The Informal Settlement Unit (ISU) has actively resumed containment activities across the Turks and Caicos Islands after a brief suspension was put in place during November of 2023.
As it resumes its activities, the ISU is also displaying its commitment to ensuring that all due process is followed, by providing extensions to those that have provided ample documentation to warrant further validation. The ISU remains dedicated to addressing the nuances of ownership documentation, ensuring a fair and sustainable approach to containment efforts.
In mid-November 2023, the organization announced that it would be suspending all containment activities in the Dock Yard area in light of the number of affected individuals who came forward with papers showing receipts for payment of the lands they occupy. This suspension was also extended to private lands where containment activities would have resulted in displacement given the then-approaching Christmas season.
While the suspension has now ended and containment activities have resumed across the country, persons who have provided supporting paperwork will see the suspension remain in effect while the issues of validating said paperwork and proof of ownership continue to be resolved.
Speaking on the issues stemming from the Dock Yard situation, Justice Carlos Simons, Strategic Lead of the ISU, issued a statement saying, “Though many of the structures found in the Dock Yard informal settlement are illegal, at least to the extent that they infringe on the planning code in one way or another, it is important that we do our due diligence in ensuring that we properly validate all claims of ownership”.
He continued in his statement, saying, “The mission of the ISU is to contain, manage, and eliminate informal settlements throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this also includes formalizing where possible. It is this organization’s goal to achieve its mission in such a way that we are able to eventually build safer, more sustainable communities”.
Since reclamation exercises have resumed, the ISU is on track to clear approximately 47 unoccupied structures across four parcels of Crown Land by the end of May. This work also includes removing concrete foundations and perimeter walls, as well as domestic and construction garbage and debris, abandoned vehicles, and shipping containers.
With regards to private lands, the Planning Department will be assisting the owners of at least three parcels in clearing their lands of informal structures before the end of May.
The ISU continues its public education work to ensure that people are aware that building on any land, Crown Land or private, that is not registered to you and building without planning permission is unlawful and constitutes an offence against various ordinances for which persons may be prosecuted.
The ISU cautions private landowners to regularly monitor their lands and to refrain from encouraging or becoming complicit in the establishment of informal settlement communities on their properties. Both are offences that will be addressed by the ISU in carrying out its work.
For more information on the Informal Settlement Unit, residents are encouraged to visit their office on the 2nd floor of Laporte’s Plaza, Downtown, Providenciales, and subscribe to their multilingual website at www.isutci.tc on the web.
Residents are also encouraged to follow the organization on their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram: @isutci.
Education
Celebrating Progress in Literacy: Join Us in Exploring the Innovative S.P.I.R.E. Reading Intervention Programme
PRESS RELEASE
THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH AND SPORTS
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: As we wrap up the vibrant celebrations of Education Week 2025, we invite you to join us on an inspiring journey! Get ready to explore the groundbreaking S.P.I.R.E. (Specialised Programme Individualising Reading Excellence) Reading Intervention Programme, an innovative initiative that has already made a significant impact in seven public schools since its rollout in August 2023 and 2024. Now in its fourth edition, (EPS Learning Publishing) the programme introduces Sounds Sensible, a powerful foundational component designed to enhance literacy through research-backed strategies. Partner with us as we unlock the door to literacy together and create new opportunities for our students and teachers!
S.P.I.R.E. is an evidence-based reading intervention program rooted in the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham practices. It offers a 10-step, 45-minute teacher-led lesson structure that systematically covers phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, oral and listening skills, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, reinforcing all stages of reading development. The programme offers thorough assessments for concept mastery. Students are individually assessed using the S.P.I.R.E. Placement Assessment to determine their appropriate instructional level, along with Pre- and Post-Level Tests to measure mastery of all level concepts. Additional assessments include Mid-Level Tests, Concept Assessments, and Concept Mastery Fluency evaluations.
In June and August 2023, Grades 1 to 3 teachers participated in virtual and in-person training on S.P.I.R.E., facilitated by EPS Learning trainers and led by Dr. Keran Williams, whose expertise is invaluable as we work together to support our students’ reading development. This collaborative training effort aims to ensure that our teachers are fully prepared to deliver the program with confidence and effectiveness.
Teachers addressed parental concerns by highlighting the difference between simply calling words and truly comprehending texts. They explained that SPIRE not only boosts basic reading skills but also enhances critical thinking.
A key strategy involved implementing a structured scheduling system that grouped students by reading levels. Each morning, students spent at least an hour with a trained SPIRE teacher. Comprehensive assessments at the beginning of the year and periodically thereafter helped identify reading levels. Using SPIRE resources, teachers provided differentiated instruction based on students’ strengths and weaknesses. This approach improved reading outcomes and fostered a strong sense of community within the schools.
We are thrilled to highlight the dedication of our teachers who embraced the recent programme aimed at building a collaborative network. They took the initiative to connect with one another, enhancing support for their students, parents, and fellow colleagues. Together, we are
strengthening our educational community and paving the way for greater student success. Thank you for your hard work, and special thanks to our principals, vice principals, and parents for your unwavering commitment!
We would like to highlight the outstanding performance of Daniela Carroll from Ianthe Pratt Primary School. Under the guidance of Education Officers – Dr. Keran Williams, Sarah Kennedy and Heidy Williams – Daniela took on the challenge of leading this initiative with enthusiasm. Her passion for education and determination to make a difference were crucial as she facilitated three invaluable refresher workshops across Providenciales, Grand Turk, and North Caicos.
In conclusion, SPIRE’s transformative journey has been remarkable. Through strategic scheduling and targeted instruction, we’ve improved literacy education and fostered an inclusive environment for all students. Our timely support has led to significant gains in reading skills, boosting confidence and enthusiasm. Together, we’re building a brighter future for every child to reach their potential and embrace literacy. Let’s keep the momentum, celebrate our successes, and continue fostering a love for reading in every student!
-
News3 days agoTurks and Caicos Advances Virtual Asset Regulation with Capacity-Building Workshop
-
Health3 days agoColombian Medical Team saves North Caicos Boy from rare throat disorder
-
News1 week agoLiam Missick Joins Experience Turks and Caicos as Digital Marketing Specialist
-
News3 days agoDepartment of Tourism Regulations Engages Clement Howell High School Students in Immersive Tourism Education Experience
-
Health5 days agoMinistry of Health Encourages Early Detection on World Kidney Day
-
Government4 days agoSwearing-in of the 30th Canadian Ministry led by Mark Carney, New Prime Minister
-
News3 days agoBusinesses Invited to Name Events at the Turks & Caicos National High School Track & Field Championships
-
Bahamas News2 days agoBeyond the Mainsail: The Sailors of Sassie Sue and Patton Pride