Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – 7 May 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) has achieved ISO 9001:2015 Certification, marking a defining and historic milestone for both the institution and the nation.

TCICC is now the first organisation in the Turks and Caicos Islands to be certified to this internationally recognised Quality Management System (QMS) standard. While three other organisations within the country hold ISO certifications in different standards, TCICC stands as the first and only organisation to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification, the global benchmark for quality management and continuous improvement.

This achievement positions TCICC not only as a national leader, but as a forward-thinking institution deliberately building a future grounded in excellence, accountability, and global relevance.

A Defining Moment in Institutional and National Transformation

ISO 9001:2015 certification affirms that TCICC operates with structured, measurable, and continuously improving systems that ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality academic and administrative services.

This milestone is the result of a rigorous, institution-wide transformation that has strengthened:

• Consistency and quality of academic and administrative services
• Student and stakeholder satisfaction
• Operational efficiency and transparency
• Risk management and compliance frameworks
• Evidence-based, data-driven decision-making

More than a certification, this achievement reflects a disciplined commitment to excellence and reinforces TCICC’s role as a catalyst for human capital development and national progress.

Excellence in Execution: An Institution-Wide Achievement

The certification was led by the College’s Quality Assurance Unit under the leadership of Mrs. Venessa Buchanan-Williams, whose strategic direction and disciplined execution were instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Supported by a cross-functional team of process owners across all divisions, the initiative represented a truly institution-wide effort. From academic affairs to student services, human resources, finance, IT, marketing, and operations, every unit contributed to embedding a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Mrs. Buchanan-Williams, Quality Assurance Manager and Project Lead, stated:

“ISO 9001:2015 required more than documentation. It required transformation. It challenged us to examine how we work, how we serve, and how we improve. What we have built is not a system for certification, but a system for sustained excellence.”

Leadership Perspective: Excellence by Design

Dr. Candice Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCICC, described the achievement as a transformational milestone:

“This is not simply the attainment of a certification. It is the institutionalisation of excellence. At TCICC, we have made a deliberate decision that quality will not be incidental; it will be engineered, measured, and continuously improved. Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification signals to our students, partners, and the nation that TCICC is operating at internationally recognised standards, while remaining deeply committed to national development. As we advance our vision of becoming the first choice for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond, this milestone ensures that our foundation is not only strong, but globally competitive.”

Governance Commitment to Quality and Accountability

Chair of the TCICC Board of Governors, Mrs. Sheba Wilson, highlighted the governance perspective:

“The Board remains committed to ensuring that TCICC operates with the highest levels of accountability, transparency, and excellence. Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification as the first organisation in the Turks and Caicos Islands to do so is a clear demonstration that the College is not only meeting expectations, but setting new benchmarks for institutional quality within the region.”

National Recognition and Government Endorsement

The Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, commended the College:

“This achievement represents a significant step forward for the Turks and Caicos Islands. TCICC has demonstrated that our national institutions can operate at the highest international standards. As the first organisation in the country to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification, the College is setting a powerful precedent for quality, accountability, and excellence across all sectors. This milestone strengthens confidence in our education system and underscores TCICC’s vital role in developing the human capital needed to drive national growth and competitiveness.”

Embedding a Culture of Continuous Improvement

ISO 9001:2015 is not an endpoint; it is a framework for sustained excellence. Through its Quality Management System, TCICC will continue to:

• Conduct structured internal audits and management reviews
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks
• Enhance stakeholder satisfaction through responsive service delivery
• Strengthen governance and accountability mechanisms
• Drive innovation in teaching, learning, and institutional operations

This ensures the College remains agile, responsive, and future-ready in an evolving global education landscape.

Positioning TCICC for the Future

As the first organisation in the Turks and Caicos Islands to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification, TCICC is strategically positioned to:

• Expand regional and international partnerships
• Increase student enrolment and stakeholder confidence
• Enhance global competitiveness
• Lead national dialogue on quality assurance and institutional excellence

This milestone demonstrates that TCICC is actively shaping the future of education and institutional excellence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond.

Providenciales/Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands; Thursday, March 26, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) welcomed prospective students, teachers, and community partners to their immersive Open Day events on Tuesday, March 24 (Providenciales campus), and Thursday, March 26 (Grand Turk campus). The campus‑wide events invited primary school pupils and secondary students from Form Three upwards to explore college life, academic offerings, and career pathways across TCICC’s faculties.

Attendees toured interactive exhibits, met staff and current students, and engaged with industry partners showcasing practical career opportunities. TCICC highlighted programmes across Technical and Vocational Education (T‑VET), Tourism and Hospitality, Business, Natural and Applied Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, and Continuing Education and Microcredentials (CEM).

“Open Day is more than an introduction to courses; it’s an invitation to imagine your future,” said Dr Candice Williams, President and CEO of TCICC. “Be bold in your exploration; ask the hard questions so you are fully aware.” She went on to add that “TCICC is continually evolving and deepening partnerships with industry and community groups so that our graduates are prepared for meaningful careers and civic leadership. ” Dr Williams wanted the youths to be intentional with their lives, their education, and their careers: “The choices you make today will shape the opportunities you claim tomorrow.”

A key feature of this year’s Open Day was active participation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC). The FSC exhibited at both campuses to highlight career opportunities in financial services and to explain how regulatory, compliance, and professional roles support national economic resilience.

In Providenciales, Wisland Quashie, Deputy Director of Human Resources, and Sheena Smith Yip, Senior HR Manager, spoke to students and educators about pathways into the FSC, covering internships, recruitment opportunities, and the importance of technical skills, ethical practice, and continuous professional development. In Grand Turk, Dileecia Taylor, Human Resources Officer, and Zonelle Hamilton, Administrative Assistant, spoke to members of the community while representing the FSC.

Kenisha Bacchus, Managing Director (Ag) of the FSC, commended TCICC’s community‑focused approach. “TCICC’s Open Day sends a clear message: education here is practical, accessible, and directly linked to real job prospects,” she said. “By engaging now, young people will be better placed to lead our islands’ future growth. The FSC is committed to working with TCICC to build transparent career pathways in financial services, where curiosity is turned into capability.”

The TCICC Open Day blended academic showcases with career‑focused presentations from private and public sector partners, reinforcing TCICC’s community engagement mission. Industry exhibitors provided hands‑on demonstrations and guidance on internships and apprenticeships, drawing clear connections from classroom learning to employment. Representatives reiterated that TCICC remains ‘your first choice and only choice for higher education in the TCI, underscoring the college’s central role in workforce development.

For more information on programmes, events, and application procedures, visit www.tcicc.edu.tc or contact the admissions office at admissions@tcicc.edu.tc.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Culture successfully hosted the 3rd Annual Local Studies Jeopardy-Style Competition, an initiative designed to promote persons’ understanding of the history, culture, and contemporary affairs of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event took place on March 2, 2026, at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex, bringing together students, parents, educators, and community stakeholders in a celebration of national heritage and civic awareness.

This year’s competition was organized under the theme “Where Parents Lead, Children Succeed,” emphasizing the critical role of parental engagement in education. In alignment with this theme, each competing team consisted of one student and one parent, thereby fostering intergenerational collaboration and reinforcing the importance of family participation in the learning process. The inclusion of parents not only enhanced the spirit of the competition but also underscored the broader educational philosophy that student achievement is strengthened when families and schools work in partnership.

The event commenced with opening greetings delivered by the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Rachel Taylor. In her remarks, Minister Taylor highlighted the significance of the competition as a platform for showcasing national identity and collective heritage. She noted that the addition of parents as active participants represented a meaningful and progressive development in the students’ wholistic structure, further strengthening the relationship between home, school, and community. According to the Minister, initiatives such as the Local Studies Competition play a vital role in ensuring that younger generations develop a strong appreciation for the cultural and historical foundations of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The opening ceremony also featured several cultural performances that helped create an atmosphere reflective of the nation’s traditions. The Enid Capron Primary School Band performed a selection of cultural music, setting an engaging and celebratory tone for the proceedings. Additionally, students from Clement Howell High School delivered renditions of the National Anthem and the National Song, reinforcing the patriotic spirit of the occasion. The audience was formally welcomed by Director of Culture, Odessa Forbes, who expressed appreciation for the participation of schools, parents, and community members in supporting cultural education. The competition itself was skilfully moderated by Quiz Master Huntley Forbes Jr., who guided participants through the various rounds of questions.

A total of fifteen schools participated in the competition, demonstrating strong representation from across the islands. Participating institutions included: Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, Eliza Simons Primary School, Ianthe Pratt Primary School, International School, Precious Treasures Primary School, Oseta Jolly Primary School, Marjorie Basden High School, Ona Glinton Primary School, Provo Primary and Middle School, Clement Howell High School, Richmond Hill Preparatory School, Charles Hubert James Primary School, Shining Stars Preparatory School, Raymond Gardiner High School, and Enid Capron Primary School.

Throughout the competition, teams demonstrated impressive knowledge of various aspects of Turks and Caicos Islands heritage, including historical milestones, national festivals, traditional cuisine, geography, and contemporary current affairs. The high level of engagement and enthusiasm among participants reflected both the effectiveness of local studies instruction within schools and the commitment of families to supporting students’ academic development.

Following several rounds of intense and closely contested gameplay, Precious Treasures Primary School emerged as the first-place winner. International School secured second place, while Charles Hubert James Primary School earned third place. All teams displayed commendable effort, preparation, and pride in representing their schools and their knowledge of national heritage.

The Department of Education and the Department of Culture extend their sincere gratitude to all participating schools, students, parents, teachers, judges, coaches and volunteers whose contributions made the event a success. Appreciation is also expressed to the organizers, engineer, scorekeepers, timekeepers, performers, and supporters who helped create a meaningful and memorable celebration of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ history and culture. Through initiatives such as the Local Studies Jeopardy-Style Competition, the Departments reaffirm their commitment to fostering cultural awareness, national pride, and lifelong learning.