TCI News
“We are committed to this” says Noble as Beach Enclave Adopts Thelma Lightbourne Primary
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
The Thelma Lightbourne Primary is officially under the patronage of the Beach Enclave following an ‘adoption’ ceremony on Friday April 26, 2024, where executives of the resort development gave a strong commitment to the aspirations of the school, which is the learning center for hundreds of Providenciales children.
“I hope that with this partnership, with the wonderful young children we can create exceptional employees and exceptional people to drive the Turks and Caicos forward. There is nothing at all, more important than the development of the people of this country in the development of this country. We are not going anywhere, we want to be called, call us!” said Grant Noble, Chief Operating Officer, Beach Enclave.
The event was attended by officials from Beach Enclave; Thelma Lightbourne, school patron; Cheryl Jones Permanent Secretary of Education; and dozens of students.
“Adopting a public school is not only beneficial for students and teachers but the entire community as well. It fosters a better sense of understanding of the community’s school system; it strengthens and improves school programs and curricula,” said Robin Cox-Foster, Principal of Thelma Lightbourne, during the adoption event
The adoption means that Beach Enclave will maintain contact with the PTA board and comes with a host of other responsibilities including :
- Providing resource personnel as guest speakers
- Providing manpower and skills for maintenance work and landscaping
- Encouraging guests to participate in the pack with a purpose initiative carried out by the US charity of the same name
- Participate in Read Aloud days and
- Partake in school functions
Cheryl Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary of Education, also thanked Beach Enclave for their support highlighting that partnerships such as these had proven successful all across the Turks and Caicos.
“Because of our partners we see growth with our schools and students— I look forward to seeing how this partnership develops and I do hope that it is an example to other organizations to join,” she maintained.
Beach Enclave is a collection of 27 private villas located in some of the most picturesque beaches of the Providenciales, Noble and his team, treated to kind words and performance by the children shared that he was humbled and privileged to partake in the event.
“We are so committed to this. Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to work with you. It’s very exciting,” said Noble.
In response to sentiments from Cox-Foster that the school would be calling on Beach Enclave, Noble maintained that they weren’t going anywhere and encouraged the school to ask for what it needed.
A moment was observed for Autism Awareness Month during the ceremony with students and other attendees lighting up blue candles in support.
At the front of the event with a strong smile and dressed in blue like the other attendees was Thelma Lightbourne after whom the school, located in Leeward, Providenciales, is named. The school’s construction was facilitated by an EU development grant, and officially named in honor Lightbourne, native to Middle Caicos, who began teaching at the young age of 15 and spent decades in the field of public education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
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