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SCHOOL CENSUS DAY 2024/25: “DATA DRIVEN EDCUATION = TCI STRONG”  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 4th November 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is thrilled to inform of the School Census Day 2024/25, held on October 31, 2024, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room in Providenciales. This important event, held under the theme “Data-Driven Education = TCI Strong”, aimed at highlighting the vital role of data in shaping the future of education across the Turks and Caicos Islands.  

School Census Day is an essential milestone for gathering key educational data that contributes to informed decision-making and strategic planning within the education sector. This year. the Ministry is pleased with the participation of all schools, private and public across the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are proud to report a 100% timely data submission rate for the 2023/24 academic year – a testament to the dedication of our educators and school administrators. Additionally, for the first time, the Ministry will be reporting on Special Education Needs data to CARICOM and UNESCO, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive educational reporting.  

As part of the School Census Day celebrations, the Ministry hosted a MOU Signing Ceremony to formalize partnerships with eleven (11) private educational institutions for their integration into OpenEMIS, our education data management system. This MOU signing significantly increased the percentage of private schools, using OpenEMIS thus enhancing data accuracy and efficiency across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event featured remarks by Former Director of Education, Mr. Edgar Howell, Former Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones, B.E.S.T Institute representative, Ms. Crossman and Keynote address by the Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor.

Of the eleven (11) schools participating eight (8) were present for the signing.

Community Christian School

International School of the TCI

Provo Primary and Middle School

Richmond Hill

Shining Stars Preparatory

British West Indies Collegiate

Lighthouse Christian School

B.E.S.T Institute

Absent 

Elite High School

Faith Preparatory

MILLS Institute

The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Rachel Taylor, stated, “School Census Day is a testament to our commitment to data-driven decision making. Accurate and timely data is essential for us to provide the best possible educational opportunities for our students. By working together, we ensure that every child in the Turks and Caicos Islands receives a quality education that sets them on the path to success.”  

The Ministry extend heartfelt thanks to all Education Officers, principals, teachers, and stakeholders for their commitment to providing accurate and timely data, which enhances our education system and supports the development of a brighter future for all students in the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

For more information about the thrust to motivate and encourage data driven educational initiatives in 2024/25 and related activities please contact the Policy and Planning Unit at the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Contact Information:  

Michelle Agard, Policy and Planning Manager, magard@gov.tc

Diandra Gray, Deputy Policy and Planning Manager, 1(649) 338 – 3143, dagray@gov.tc

Rechel Blake, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, 1(649) 338-3141, rblake@gov.tc.

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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