PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, December 2024 – In a historic and heartwarming ceremony on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the Maud L. Handfield Special Education Needs Unit was officially named and opened in Bottle Creek, North Caicos. Fittingly, the dedication was held on International Day for Persons with Disabilities, a day that underscores the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for all.

The ceremony, hosted by the Department of Special Education Needs Services, was attended by Mrs. Maud L. Handfield herself, along with her children, grandchildren, and a host of relatives, friends, and community members. Also present were distinguished guests including Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education; Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos; and Jasmin Walkin, District Commissioner for North Caicos.

Remarking on the occasion, Director of Special Education Needs Services, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, celebrated the significance of naming the unit in honor of Mrs. Handfield: “As we marked the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, we also honored a woman whose lifetime of service to education and inclusion has transformed lives. Mrs. Handfield’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication. This unit will carry her name as a beacon of hope for children with special needs, ensuring that her impact is felt for generations to come.”

Hon. Arlington Musgrove also expressed pride in the achievement: “As the representative for North and Middle Caicos, it fills me with pride to witness this milestone in our community. This unit will provide vital services for children with special needs, ensuring they have the tools to succeed. Mrs. Handfield’s dedication and legacy continue to inspire us all.”

The Principal of Adelaide Oemler, Mrs. Abigail Delancy, shared insight into how the facility is already making a difference: “This special need unit has become a central hub for students across North and Middle Caicos, providing access to tailored resources and specialized support that was not previously available. The inclusion of dedicated staff and resources, such as speech and behavioral therapy tools, allows us to serve students from multiple schools effectively. It is a joy to see these children grow and develop in an environment built to meet their unique needs. This is a game-changer for our community, and we are committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity.”

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, reflected on the importance of the day stating, “This is a momentous occasion as we open the Maud L. Handfield Special Education Needs Unit on a day that celebrates the abilities, rights, and contributions of persons with disabilities worldwide. This unit not only honors Mrs. Handfield’s tremendous contributions but also represents our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equity in education. It is a testament to our belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. I thank Mrs. Handfield for her vision and the community for their support in making this dream a reality.”

The event culminated with the unveiling of the unit’s nameplate and a tour of the new facility. The Maud L. Handfield Special Education Needs Unit symbolizes a future of hope, empowerment, and inclusivity for children with special needs in North Caicos and beyond.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Office of the Deputy Premier Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development is pleased to provide an update on the progress of ongoing Road Rehabilitation Works being carried out on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. This project forms part of the Ministry’s commitment to improving road safety, enhancing transportation efficiency, and supporting economic growth through better infrastructure.

At present, the project is approximately 50% complete, with significant progress made in improving road conditions. The project is on track for completion by late December 2024, contingent upon the absence of unforeseen delays.

The following key components necessary for project completion include:

• Paving continuation of the Leeward Highway Eastbound Carriageway between Scotiabank and Suzie Turn.
• Rehabilitation of Cherokee Road from the Leeward Highway intersection to the Scotiabank entrance, which will include the installation of a drainage system.
• Rehabilitation of Suzie Turn Roundabout and Suzie Turn Road to Spindrift Way.
• Road Marking and Striping to ensure clear and visible road delineation.

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development stated: “We acknowledge the cooperation of the public as we endeavour to enhance the condition of the Leeward Highway. These improvements will facilitate safer and more efficient travel for all residents and visitors of the Island. We remain resolute in our commitment to delivering durable and efficient infrastructure that addresses the present and future needs of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our teams are working diligently to meet the deadline, and I am confident that the completed project will yield significant benefits not only for Providenciales but for the greater Turks and Caicos Islands”.

During this period of improvements, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development advises the public to anticipate minimal disruptions, including temporary lane closures, diversions, and potential delays during peak travel hours on Leeward Highway.

The Ministry extends gratitude to all residents and motorists for their patience and understanding as these vital works are completed. Road users are encouraged to exercise caution and adhere to posted signage within the work areas.

Your cooperation is essential to ensuring safety for both the public and workers, as well as to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic. The Ministry remains dedicated to keeping the public informed regarding ongoing progress and updates.

By DANIELLE ROLLON
Bahamas Information Services

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — All roads will lead to West End, Grand Bahama, on New Year’s Day for the highly anticipated People’s Rush Parade.  After years without Junkanoo in the community, excitement is building for the return of this cultural tradition to the place where it originally thrived.

“We are very pleased after so many years of being without Junkanoo in West End,” said Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini, during a press conference on December 3, 2024, at the Ministry for Grand Bahama’s conference room.

In November, West End hosted its inaugural Bootleggers and Seafood Festival, highlighting West End’s history, particularly during the US’s rum prohibition era, and its mainstays of fishing and tourism.  Now, bringing the parade back to its original home continues to support the revival of West End’s unique history and identity as Grand Bahama’s capital.

Mr. Smith also announced that the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Corporation, and the National Junkanoo Corporation jointly decided to move the Freeport Parade to January 9, 2025.  This shift, he said, presents a unique opportunity to bring Junkanoo back to West End on January 1 at 3:00 a.m.

This year, five major Junkanoo groups will participate: Classic Dancers, New Generation, Superstar Rockers, Swingers, and the newly formed Westside Conquerors, a group made up of participants from both West Grand Bahama and Bimini.

During the press conference, there was clear excitement from all participating groups.  “It’s about competition, it’s about winning and showcasing, so we don’t expect anything less in West End,” said Smith.

Norris Bain, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture in Grand Bahama, expressed his excitement: “We are looking forward to a very good time and giving the visitors and residents of Grand Bahama a show that they will not soon forget.”

The decision to bring Junkanoo back to West End reflects a commitment to preserving and celebrating its history, while also creating new opportunities for cultural growth and community engagement.

For both residents and visitors, the People’s Rush Parade on January 1, 2025, will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Junkanoo in West End, ensuring that the tradition continues to thrive in the place where it all began.

(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)