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Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Celebrates 29th Annual Commencement Ceremony 

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — On Thursday, 28 November 2024, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) proudly hosted its 29th Annual Commencement Ceremony under the inspiring theme: “30 Years of Developing Our Nation-Builders: Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Inspiring the Future.” The event, held at the Yellowman and Sons Auditorium, marked a historic milestone with a record-breaking 194 graduates from the Associate, Bachelor’s, and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programmes.

Among the 194 graduates, 69 earned Associate degrees, 29 completed Bachelor’s degrees, and 96 were TVET trainees. Demonstrating academic excellence, 25% of the Associate degree graduates achieved Dean’s List recognition with GPAs above 3.5, while Bachelor’s graduates celebrated a range of honours classifications: 14% earned Upper Second-Class Honours, 69% achieved Lower Second-Class Honours, and 17% secured a Pass.

The ceremony was attended by an audience of over 500, including distinguished dignitaries such as Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams; Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education; Honourable Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs; and Honourable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism. Also present were other past and current government officials, families and well-wishers of the graduands, as well as the dedicated staff and faculty of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

The Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, commended the graduating class and paid tribute to the institution’s rich legacy. She remarked, “As the Minister with responsibilities for Education, I was delighted to witness the graduation ceremony for the cohort of students who walked across the stage and received their certificate in their field of study.  Our students have been resilient in their efforts to empower themselves through education.  It was enlightening to witness the (ninety-six) 96 candidates who were certified and received their Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) through our Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) from all our training sites on Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos and the Prison.  It blessed my heart to witness twenty (20) inmates receiving their certification.  We truly believe that inmates who have access to and benefit from an education while in prison, develop marketable skills and are better equipped to reintegrate into society upon release.  With this initiative in place and being strengthened to offer additional areas of study, our inmates are more likely to secure stable employment, contribute to their communities, and break the cycle of recidivism.  As a Government, we have partnered with Invest TCI for entrepreneurial opportunities upon completion of our TVET programme.  Our boost in registration at TCICC with over 38% increase in enrollment, is a testament of our intent to building Human Capital through Free Access to our community college.”

In her remarks, TCICC President Dr. Candice Williams highlighted the College’s enduring impact on the community, stating, “TCICC’s achievements this year are a testament to our commitment to excellence—TVET certifications soared by 109%, the Dean’s List grew by 169%, and 80% of our students benefit from free tuition. These achievements are transformative. They represent lives changed, communities empowered, and a nation enriched.”

A unique highlight of the event was the graduation of 20 inmates from the HM Prison under TCICC’s TVET Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) programme. These graduates were praised by staff at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for showing remarkable transformation in attitude and outlook, emphasising the College’s commitment to inclusive education and societal reintegration.

The ceremony also featured an inspiring address from three former leaders of TCICC: Rev. Dr. Julia Williams, Dr. Hubert Fulford, and Mrs. Clara Gardiner. Each shared heartfelt reflections on the College’s legacy while issuing powerful charges to the graduates to embrace their roles as changemakers in the community.

As TCICC continues to celebrate its 30th anniversary, this year’s commencement ceremony serves as a resounding testament to its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.

 

Link to Photos: TCICC 29th Commencement Ceremony Images

 

For further information, please contact: 

June-Ann Campbell mco@tcicc.edu.tc 

Marketing and Communications Officer 

3 Success Way, Butterfield, Providenciales 

Turks and Caicos Islands 

TKCA 1ZZ

 

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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