News
“Every Child Deserves a Chance: Parents Demand Support for Special Needs Students!”
Turks and Caicos, August 22, 2024 – As the Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement, I want to address a pressing issue that impacts our most vulnerable citizens—our special needs children, particularly those facing the critical transition to high school. Recently, Hon. George Lightbourn, Apostle Ruth Ariza, and I had the opportunity to meet with dedicated parents who courageously shared their experiences and concerns regarding the inadequacies in our education system for their gifted and special needs children.
As these children approach the crucial transition to high school, it has become painfully clear that our educational system is not adequately equipped to support them and their families. This is a matter that transcends politics; it is about our moral responsibility to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The government knows that our high schools are not equipped to provide the necessary support, care, and accommodations for our special needs students, particularly during this pivotal transition period. Therefore, certain actions need to be taken NOW, as parents have strongly expressed their fears about the lack of tailored resources and trained staff, which are essential for fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for their transitioning children.
I urge the government to take immediate action on these concerns. We must ensure that our high schools are prepared to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly as they transition from elementary education. This includes implementing comprehensive training programs for educators, increasing accessibility to specialized services, and prioritizing individualized learning plans.
For those expected to transition in the next two to three weeks, I call upon the current government to take immediate action to address this situation. We, the PDM, propose a comprehensive plan, which we will urgently share with the current government. This plan includes:
- Establishing special scholarships for our current transitioning special needs children to attend specialized schools in the United States, ensuring they receive the education and support they deserve.
- Creating partnerships with U.S. institutions to facilitate access to specialized programs, potentially through remote learning options that can benefit our students right here at home.
- Allocating resources for assistive technologies and teacher training, enabling our local schools to accommodate special needs students effectively.
Establishing special scholarships can be put on the agenda for the next Cabinet Meeting, with funds identified and allocated. A Supplementary Expenditure Bill should be immediately brought to the House of Assembly. I will fully support this Supplementary Bill going through all three readings in that sitting so that the Premier and his government can expeditiously offer the emergency help our special needs students and their parents require.
As your future government, I commit to championing these reforms. We will continue to work collaboratively with parents, educators, and specialists to create a robust support system that empowers every child to succeed, regardless of their abilities. We will ensure that no child is left behind due to a lack of resources or support.
I urge the current Premier and his government to act now, and I promise that under my leadership, we will turn these commitments into reality.
Together, we can build a more inclusive education system that honors the potential of all our children. The time for action is now.
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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