News
Educators Attended United: The National Conference on School Leadership in Nashville, TN, USA, 15 – 17th July 2024
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 25 July 2024: The team comprised of four (4) of the newly appointed vice-principals – Monique Cox, Eliza Simons Primary; Vanda Harvey, Thelma Lightbourne Primary; Sharonica Grant, Oseta Jolly Primary; Porsha Robinson Saunders, Ianthe Pratt Primary; Principal, Earleen Elliott, Iris Stubbs Primary; and Education Officer, Sarah Kennedy.
Jon Gordon – Best-Selling Author
The participants attending this conference are current members of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) as International Associates. The NAESP, founded in 1921, is a professional Organisation serving elementary and middle school principals. It supports school leaders in providing students with a well-rounded and complete education, which includes access to high-quality early learning, arts integration, and afterschool and summer learning; and strengthens the principal pipeline through mentor training and support for early career principals, assistant principals, and aspiring principals.
The 2024 UNITED Conference, powered by NAESP and NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals)
focused on these themes:
- Building Leadership Capacity
- Instructional Leadership
- Leveraging Student Voice and Agency
- School Climate, Culture, and Inclusivity
- Whole School Wellness
Keynote Speakers for the event were:
- Jon Gordon – Best-Selling Author
- Rehema Ellis – Chief Education Correspondent for NBC News
- Sal Khan – founder and CEO of Khan Academy
A highlight of the conference expressed by Monique Cox, was the session on “Leading with Purpose” presented by Thomas Murray. He emphasised the importance of aligning leadership practices with a clear, impactful mission and demonstrated various team–building activities. The key takeaways include:
- Clarity of Vision: Effective leaders must articulate a clear and compelling vision that resonates with their team and stakeholders, ensuring everyone understands and is committed to the common goal.
Rehema Ellis – Chief Education Correspondent for NBC News
- Values-Driven Leadership: Leading with purpose involves integrating core values into decision-making processes, fostering a culture of integrity, and setting an example for others to follow.
- Empowering Others: Purposeful leaders empower their teams by providing the tools, support, and autonomy needed to innovate and excel, thus creating a more engaged and motivated workforce.
- Sustainable Impact: Leadership with purpose prioritises long-term, sustainable impact over short-term gains, focusing on initiatives that benefit society and the environment.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Leaders must be resilient and adaptable, able to navigate challenges while staying true to their purpose, thereby inspiring confidence and perseverance in their teams.
Porsha Robinson-Saunders noted, “A school staff that is divided and disconnected is weak and powerless. A school staff that is united is connected and powerful.” These were words expressed by Jon Gordon, Keynote Speaker, on Building Leadership Capacity; Expanding Career Building and Professional Leadership Skills.” Her key takeaways include:
1. Embrace positivity: By infusing positivity into everything, you can bring things to life and experience better, smoother days.
2. Celebrate teachers and students: Learning to celebrate both students and staff is crucial. When students and teachers feel valued and appreciated, it positively impacts the school environment and dynamics.
3. Embrace inclusive learning: It’s essential to include students with special needs in the learning process, fostering an environment of diversity and support within the school community.
4. Celebrate your school: Allow parents to clearly see the success of the school. By highlighting achievements and milestones, you can build a stronger connection between the school and the community.
5. Connect and network: Create a community of practice among peers in your field and position. Sharing ideas, being flexible, and approaching discussions with an open mind can lead to valuable collaborations and professional growth.
Sal Khan – founder and CEO of Khan Academy
Education Officer Sarah Kennedy commented that as Leaders, they were “given the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich learning environment, empowering themselves to become effective change agents while focusing on their own professional growth. They plan to use the knowledge learned from top-notch speakers and other School Leaders to make more powerful contributions to improving their schools and advancing educational equity for their students.”
Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Rachel Taylor, added, “The mandate of the Ministry is to build human capital through the promotion of lifelong learning. Building the capacity of our leaders in education puts them in a better position to transform their schools as they address the wholistic needs of their institutions. I am excited about the potential impact of the conference and look forward to the meaningful changes that can and will occur as a result of the knowledge and skills acquired at the conference. The Ministry’s aim is to support and encourage transformational leadership in our schools. Congratulations team! I wish you a productive academic year 2024/2025 and beyond.”
The team is already making plans to participate in UNITED 2025. In addition, the members of the team will share and implement the strategies they learned with their colleagues and they will strengthen the partnerships they’ve forged with other principals and vice principals from various nations.
Attending UNITED LEADERSHIP Conference provided access to valuable resources and a broad network of educators.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
