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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.

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

  • Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

  • Murder
  • Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

 

RBPF, PACD

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Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

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by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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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

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