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UWI Delegation Visits Turks and Caicos Islands, Strengthening Regional Medical Education Partnerships

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Press Release

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — February 10, 2025 — A high-level delegation from The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, led by Professor Densil A. Williams, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI Mona, and Professor Marvin Reid, Lead, UWI Global Health Initiative, visited the Turks and Caicos Islands to advance key initiatives in regional medical education and healthcare development.

During the visit, the delegation signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hamilton Education Foundation and Hamilton University School of Medicine (HUSM). This agreement solidifies a strategic partnership aimed at developing HUSM into a world-class institution and strengthening healthcare delivery and education in the Caribbean.

Key Highlights of the Visit:

  1. Signing of MOU with HUSM
    The MOU formalizes a partnership between UWI, Mona and HUSM to advance medical education, research, and healthcare initiatives in the region. This collaboration is part of UWI Mona’s Global Health Initiative (GHI), which supports health professional training and addresses health inequities across the Caribbean and the wider world.
  2. Visit to the Hamilton University School of Medicine Development Site
    The delegation toured the site of the future Hamilton University School of Medicine and its University Medical Center, which is currently undergoing preparatory work for the construction of its state-of-the-art Medical Education building. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, marking a significant step toward HUSM’s goal of opening its doors to students in 2027.
  3. Tour of Cheshire Hall Medical Center
    The UWI delegation also visited the Cheshire Hall Medical Center, a diamond-level accredited facility operated by InterHealth Canada. Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO, and Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief of Medical Services, led a comprehensive tour of the facility, showcasing its cutting-edge infrastructure and capabilities.

As a UWI internship-approved center, Cheshire Hall Medical Center will play a pivotal role in HUSM’s clinical training programs. The delegation lauded the center’s contributions to healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands and its significance as a key partner in HUSM’s medical education delivery.

Statements from Leaders

Professor Densil A. Williams emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, stating, “This visit signifies UWI’s commitment to fostering partnerships that advance the Caribbean’s healthcare systems and medical education. The MOU with HUSM is a testament to our commitment to work with indigenous regional institutions to advance teaching and learning, and, research and innovation in healthcare so that we can build a more productive citizenry within our region.

Dr. Rufus W. Ewing, Executive Chair of the Hamilton Education Foundation, noted, “The partnership with UWI and the engagement with world-class institutions like Cheshire Hall Medical Center reflect our shared goal of providing high-quality medical education and healthcare services to the Turks and Caicos Islands and the wider Caribbean.”

Looking Ahead

This visit marks a significant milestone in the development of HUSM and its collaboration with UWI. The strategic partnerships established will not only enhance medical education but also strengthen healthcare delivery throughout the region. As construction on HUSM’s Medical Education building begins and clinical programs are integrated with institutions like Cheshire Hall Medical Center, the Caribbean is set to benefit from

For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:

  • Hamilton Education Foundation
    Email: Admin@husm.education
  • The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
    Email: communications@uwimona.edu.jm
    Phone: +1 (876) 977 5941

Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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Education

Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Launches Inaugural E-Magazine “Beyond the School Bell”

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 28 January 2026 —The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is pleased to announce the launch of Beyond the School Bell, the inaugural e-magazine of the Social Enrichment Academic Afterschool Programme (SEAP). This groundbreaking publication celebrates the vibrant activities taking place in afterschool programmes across schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Beyond the School Bell offers an exciting glimpse into the diverse activities that keep students engaged, learning and thriving long after the school bell rings. From hands-on cultural and arts activities to sports, environmental initiatives and academic enrichment programmes, the e-magazine highlights the innovative ways the afterschool programme is shaping well-rounded students and building stronger school communities.

Commenting on the launch, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, stated: “This dynamic publication celebrates the creativity, curiosity and community that come alive in our afterschool programme. Through the photos, highlights and presentations, Beyond the School Bell captures how afterschool hours become a powerful space for exploration, growth and connection, reflecting our commitment to supporting our students academically, socially and creatively.”

The e-magazine showcases the meaningful difference the afterschool programme is making in the lives of children and young people across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

To view the inaugural issue of Beyond the School Bell, please visit:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/49423d4d63.html

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Education

Beaches Turks & Caicos Invests in Youth Development  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos is reaffirming its commitment to national youth development through ongoing initiatives that mentor and train young people to reach their full potential.

The resort’s management believes that every young person deserves the tools and guidance for turning potential into purpose. Managing Director James McAnally said the resort’s philosophy is grounded in providing opportunity for growth, regardless of background.

“We create an environment where, with the right disposition, the team members’ start does not determine where they will end up,” McAnally said.

Through its learning and development department, Beaches Turks & Caicos offers training, mentorship and exposure to different career paths. Phildreka Mayham, manager of the department, explained that the resort actively recruits young, motivated individuals and helps them develop both personally and professionally.

“We take in bright, driven individuals with no prior experience and give them the chance to prove themselves, grow and level up,” Mayham said. She noted that the Sandals Corporate University, an educational arm of the Sandals group, provides accredited training and degree-level study through partnerships with regional and international universities.

The success of the resort’s youth development approach is evident in stories like that of Deandra Astwood, a front desk agent who joined the resort shortly after completing secondary school. Recently named Diamond Team Member of the Month – a prestigious monthly recognition at Beaches – Astwood credited the resort’s supportive environment for her success.

“I am truly humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It motivates me to continue growing and giving my best every day.”

Her manager, Shaneque Grant, described her as one of the youngest yet most dedicated team members in the department. “Deandra’s journey shows what’s possible when young people are given the chance to learn and shine,” Grant said.

Beaches Turks & Caicos, through the Sandals Foundation, continues to expand its investment in education and career development. The resort views its role in youth empowerment as more than corporate responsibility; it is a national commitment to preparing the next generation for leadership.

Photo Captions:

Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort shares with students and educators from the Clement Howell High School in a fine dining training experience at the resort

1st Insert: Oseta Jolly Primary School Guidance Counsellor Carane Hall-Brodber (standing left) shares in a conversation with Beaches Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan while students enjoy a chill time on one of the chairs in the green space at the school as the resort continues to invest in youth

2nd Insert: Clement Howell High School students receive fine dining etiquette training led by Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Food and Beverage team leader Claude Williams at one of the 22 dining outlets on the resort

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