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.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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