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FROM IDEAS TO INVENTION: THE 13TH ANNUAL FORTISTCI NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR – A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

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FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes presents Holy Family Academy with the first-place award and prizes for their innovative project, "Building Green: Sargassum Eco-Brick for the Future.," in the 2025 National Science Project Competition High School segment

Turks and Caicos, March 16, 2025 – The 13th annual FortisTCI National Science and Technology Fair held on March 5 and 6, 2025, brought together more than 100 student participants for two days of scientific exploration and competition under the theme: “From Ideas to Invention: Redefining What’s Possible.”

The Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex was transformed into a hub of discovery during Education Week, as scores of students, educators, stakeholders, and general attendees buzzed with excitement during for the national science quiz, debate, poster, and project competitions.

The 5th annual National High School Science Debate recorded a fierce showdown, with Maranatha Academy claiming victory after placing second last year. The debate team amassed 142 points to Clement Howell High School’s 129.5 points in the grand finale. Students argued whether it is possible to meet rising energy demand without relying on fossil fuels. Holy Family Academy secured third place.

Holy Family Academy won first place in the National Science Project Competition high school category with a creative approach to tackling the ongoing sargassum issue by creating sustainable eco-bricks. Raymond Gardiner High School secured second place for its North Caicos Beach Bricks project, which focused on enhancing the product’s strength and durability. H.J. Robinson High School secured third place with a project on the manufacturing of insect repellent.

The A. Louise Garland Thomas High School received this year’s President’s Award for its project on integrating mimetic photosynthesis in solar cell technology. FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes presents this special annual award to projects demonstrating outstanding creativity, innovative thinking, and skillful execution in scientific pursuits.

Enid Capron Primary School secured first place in the primary school category for their science project investigating the effect of compost on plant growth. Holy Family Academy secured second place with their experiment on hydroponics versus traditional farming. Ianthe Pratt Primary School secured third place with a project examining how different materials affect composting speed.

Eliza Simons Primary School rose to the top after placing second last year in the National Primary School Science Quiz. Charles Hubert James Primary School won second place, and Holy Family Academy rounded out the top three.

The National Science Poster Competition challenged students to translate the fair’s theme into a visually compelling masterpiece through creative art and graphic art. The top-performing schools across both categories were Clement Howell High School, H.J. Robinson High School, Maranatha Academy, Providenciales Middle School, Holy Family Academy and Majorie Basden High School.

Beyond the competitions, the event featured dynamic stakeholder booths including electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology such as drone showcases, virtual reality simulations, and Chroma keying technology for weather broadcasts.

During her remarks at the closing awards ceremony, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stressed that the science fair is all about opportunity and endless possibilities. She shared an inspirational story of an eighteen-year-old California student and former science fair project winner, Vasya Tremsin, who invented a solar-powered device to detect outdoor fires, now called Torch Early Detection Fire Sensors. These sensors are helping firefighters, and first responders combat wildfires in California. She illustrated how science fair projects can morph into successful products, encouraging students to continue their scientific exploration, as their efforts and inventions can one day help create a better world for all.

Photo Captions: 

1st insert: Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, presents award and prizes to Enid Capron Primary School for winning the 2025 National Science Project Competition Primary School segment with their project on “What Effect does compost have on plant growth?”

2nd insert: Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Information, presents award and prizes to Maranatha Academy, for winning the 2025 National High School Science Debate, after placing second last year.

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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