Turks and Caicos, April 25, 2025 – The Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Charles Washington Misick, convened the first Leadership Strategic Planning Meeting for the 2025–2026 financial year on Monday, April 7, 2025, at The Palms Resort.

The session brought together Cabinet Ministers and senior government executives to align national leadership under the theme: “Confronting Reality: Leading Change for Success and Growth.”

In his keynote address, Premier Misick emphasized the urgency of courageous, data-driven leadership and the need for clear, results-oriented governance. “We must lead with clarity, act with urgency, and never shy away from the truth of our challenges,” he said. “This is a moment to confront reality—not to be discouraged by it, but to lead meaningful change that delivers measurable results and long-term national success.”

A central highlight of the meeting was the launch of the Ministry of Innovation, Technology, and Energy—an initiative aimed at driving digital transformation and modernizing public services.

Governor Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Deputy Governor Anya Williams also addressed the gathering.

Both emphasized cross-government collaboration and a clear strategic vision as essential tools for delivering sustainable development and advancing public sector transformation. Williams presented the public service’s five-year strategic plan focused on improving service delivery and achieving long-term progress.

Ministers presented their respective goals and outlined departmental priorities in alignment with national development objectives. The meeting also marks a key milestone in the Premier’s first 100 days and signals the beginning of a broader series of leadership engagements aimed at translating vision into action.

The Premier’s government has pledged to maintain a strong focus on implementation, innovation, and public service delivery, setting a bold tone for governance in the year ahead.

PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE Department of Gender Affairs

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 24^th April 2025 – Department of Gender Affairs, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs & Transportation, is proud to announce its Inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition, to be held on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Salvation Army Auditorium in Providenciales.

Although International Girls in ICT Day is globally observed on the last Thursday in April, this year’s celebration in the Turks and Caicos Islands will take place on May 1st to accommodate the Easter school holidays. The decision allows for broader participation from students and educators alike, ensuring this groundbreaking event is accessible to all involved.

Girls in ICT Day is a global initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aimed at inspiring and encouraging girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With the digital world expanding rapidly, this observance highlights the importance of including women and girls in shaping the future of tech. It also draws attention to the gender divide in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and works toward ensuring that girls are not left behind in the digital revolution.

This year’s theme, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” reflects the growing need for equitable access to digital tools, knowledge, and careers for all young people, especially girls. As countries around the world adapt to rapid technological change, it is critical that girls are given every opportunity to develop digital skills, innovate, and lead in the tech space. The theme also speaks to the role that inclusion plays in national development, highlighting how equal participation in ICT benefits entire communities.

In this first-of-its-kind speech competition, students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands will take to the stage to share their perspectives on the topic: “How Can Digital Skills Empower Girls to Lead in ICT, and What Role Do Schools and Communities Play in Creating More Opportunities?”

Six schools from across the islands are participating in the event, with student representatives selected to speak on behalf of their institutions. These young ladies are:

• Tianna Kerr – Alpha Christian Academy
• Jeffca Forbes – Clement Howell High School
• Amelia Daniel – Maranatha Academy
• Tessenya Pyne – H.J. Robinson High School
• Bretanae Smith – Raymond Gardiner High School
• Danisha Decius – A. Louise Garland Thomas High School

Each participant will present original speeches that demonstrate their understanding of the digital landscape, the challenges faced by girls in ICT, and their vision for a more inclusive future. The competition is designed not only to test their public speaking abilities but also to empower them as thought leaders and role models for their peers.

The launch of the speech competition builds on the Department’s previous initiatives to promote gender equality in technology. In 2023, the Department facilitated school visits by women working in the ICT sector, offering firsthand insights and inspiration to students. In 2024, the Department hosted a dynamic panel discussion in Providenciales, where over 100 girls from across the Turks and Caicos Islands came together to hear from leading women in technology and digital business. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for this year’s event, which raises the bar by giving girls a public platform to share their voices.

The Department of Gender Affairs acknowledges the generous support of its event sponsors, Beaches Turks and Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, FLOW, Fortis TCI, and Blue Haven Resort, whose contributions help bring visibility and resources to this vital cause.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, emphasized the critical importance of investing in the next generation of female ICT leaders and the government’s continued commitment to gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and the role of digital innovation in driving national development.

The Minister stated:

“It is with great pride and optimism that I commend the Department of Gender Affairs on the launch of this inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition. This initiative clearly reflects the Government’s commitment anchored in the Government’s Citizens’ Contract 2.0 with the people to gender inclusion and youth empowerment. It places young women at the forefront of digital innovation, a space where their voices and talents are not only needed but essential.”

This year’s theme, ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’, speaks volumes. In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, the future belongs to those who are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead. It is imperative that girls are among those future leaders. By creating platforms such as this, an investment is being made in a generation of innovators who will drive national development and help shape a more inclusive society.

The Department of Gender Affairs deserves commendation for its continued dedication to championing girls in technology. Past initiatives, from school visits by women in ICT to engaging panel discussions have paved the way for today’s milestone event. And to the young ladies competing, know this: your words have power, your dreams are valid, and your future in ICT is bright.

Let this be a collective effort by the Ministry, the community, and the nation to build a more equitable digital landscape where every girl is encouraged to dream big and lead boldly.”

The Department of Gender Affairs is proud to champion girls’ cause in ICT and remains committed to creating a society where young women are encouraged and supported in pursuing their dreams in the digital world. The speech competition marks the beginning of a new tradition in the Turks and Caicos Islands, one where girls take center stage in shaping the future of technology.

PRESS RELEASE 

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 22^nd, April 2025 – Following the conclusion of an open recruitment process, the Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Tamera Robinson to the post of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy.

Mrs. Howell-Robinson holds an Associate Degree from the College of the Bahamas, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the West Indies, and a Master’s Degree in Educational leadership from Walden University. She is currently pursuing courses in Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Project Management.

Mrs. Howell-Robinson also holds several certifications and professional affiliations, including being a Certified Chartered Director from the Caribbean Governance Training Institute, a Member of both the Caribbean Institute of Directors and the Project Management Institute and a Certified Transformational Coach.

With extensive experience in public service, leadership, health management, and educational policy, Mrs. Howell-Robinson has served as the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government since 2013. In this role, she oversaw policy and service delivery within the Ministry, collaborating closely with Ministers and other Permanent Secretaries to ensure effective governance and accountability of public funds.

Between 2013 and 2015, she strengthened workforce capacity and led capital projects and procedural developments in the Ministry of Education. From November 2016 to January 2017, Mrs. Howell-Robinson managed staff re-engagement at the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) to ensure the continuity of services following industrial action. She served as Interim CEO of NHIB from June 2021 to September 2023, managing internal controls, risk oversight, and staff performance. Most recently, since October 2023, she has been leading human resources and financial processes, as well as governance and capacity building, while also focusing on capital projects, contracts management, and staff development initiatives within the Ministry of Health and Human Services between 2015 and 2021.

Earlier in her career, Mrs. Howell-Robinson lectured at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and served as Education Officer for Private Schools from 2009 to 2013.

On her appointment, Mrs. Howell-Robinson commented, “I am excited about the appointment and the opportunity to support a new Ministry as Permanent Secretary. My parents were careful to tell me, almost every day while they were here with me, that I am here to help build a nation. I will bring the knowledge and skills that I have acquired to date to this new assignment. Inspired by Daniel, the public servant from the Bible, I am devoted to serving the public sector for the benefit of all.”

H.E. Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service extended her heartfelt congratulations, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Tamera Howell-Robinson on her appointment as Permanent Secretary. This esteemed executive role carries significant responsibility, not only in the oversight and management of the Ministry’s operations but also in serving as its Accounting Officer. With over 12 years of experience as Deputy Secretary, alongside numerous certifications and a wealth of knowledge gained during her tenure with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, I am confident that Mrs. Robinson will excel in this new role.

As she embarks on her first appointment as Permanent Secretary, working alongside the newly appointed Minister of Innovation Hon. E.J. Saunders in establishing this vital new Ministry, I am certain her leadership will be instrumental to its success. I wish Mrs. Robinson every success in this new chapter and look forward to collaborating with her in this new capacity.

Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion, Mrs. Robinson!”