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Mark Garland Appointed as Director of Education

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 23 January 2025: The Office of the Deputy Governor is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Garland as the new Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Library Services.

Mr. Garland’s educational journey began at the Ona Glinton Primary School, formerly North Primary School, in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. He continued his studies at H J Robinson High School in Grand Turk, leaving in Form 4 to pursue GCE O-Level studies at St. John’s College in Nassau, Bahamas, from 1989 to 1991. Mr. Garland went on to earn a Teacher’s Diploma in Education (Credit) from Mico University College in Jamaica from 1991 to 1994, followed by a Bachelor of Education (Hons.) at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, from 1996 to 1998. Additionally, he attained a Master of Science Degree in Education Management from the University of Leicester, UK, in 2004-2005. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Northern Caribbean University, focusing on Leadership, which he commenced in 2021.

Mr. Garland has a wealth of experience in education. He began his career as a Teacher of English Language and Literature in English at H J Robinson High School from 1994 to 1996. He then joined the Clement Howell High School from 1999 to 2004, where he taught English Language and English Literature.

In 2008, Mr. Garland began a new path in his career journey when he was appointed as the Deputy Director of Education for the Turks and Caicos Islands.  He has held this post for over 16 years, working directly with the former Director of Education to significantly influence educational policies and practices and shape the curriculum and standards that affect students’ learning and development. This role provided a platform to lead and inspire educators, administrators, and the community, fostering a positive educational environment and promoting effective teaching strategies.

As the Deputy Director of Education, Mr. Garland was privileged to determine resource distribution, ensuring schools had the necessary tools and support for success. A highlight of his tenure was the personal and professional development opportunities he encountered, networking with other educational leaders and engaging in high-level decision-making. He also advocated for student needs, ensuring equitable access to quality education and addressing systemic issues within the education system.

Mr. Garland commented on his appointment, “From a young age, my parents introduced me to the transformative power of education and its ability to uplift individuals and communities. Growing up in a diverse environment, I witnessed firsthand how access to knowledge can shape lives, inspire hope, and build a brighter future. This understanding has fueled my passion for education and my desire to dedicate my efforts to uplifting others through this vital tool. As I stand on the brink of my next appointment, I am driven by the vision of creating an educational framework that uplifts my fellow men. Education is a catalyst for change, and I am committed to being an agent of that change. My desire to uplift others through education is not merely a career choice; it is my life’s mission. I look forward to the opportunity to inspire, educate, and transform lives, one learner at a time.

I am deeply grateful to acknowledge the invaluable role my family and church have played in my journey leading to this new opportunity. My wife Kayan Garland and children Omar, Sanabria, Nathan and Matthew have been my unwavering foundation, providing encouragement, love, and goodwill every step of the way. My mother, Sandra Garland, brother, Anthony Garland, and sister, Judith Campbell, have all been pillars of strength throughout my life. The support of the Seventh-day Adventist community has been a constant source of inspiration, reminding me to trust in God’s plan and to seek wisdom in all I do. To my colleagues in the Ministry and Department of Education, your support has uplifted me in moments of doubt and fueled my determination. Thanks to our Deputy Governor, H.E. Anya Williams, for her visionary approach, which has provided leaders in the Public Service with the platform to grow, flourish, and excel.

I am truly blessed to have such a supportive network, and I dedicate this milestone to the collective influence you have all had on my life. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, commented on this important appointment:  “Heartfelt congratulations are extended to Mr. Mark Garland on his promotion to the post of Director of Education here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  With over 30 years of dedicated service to the education sector here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr Mark Garland has demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in the field of education. His promotion to this important post is a testament to his dedication to improving the quality of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are excited to see the positive impact he will continue to make for our students, schools and our islands in this new role.

Congratulations, Mr. Garland, on your well-deserved promotion.”

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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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