Graceway Communities delivers vibrant new Playground to Ianthe Pratt Primary School, students thrilled

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, March 22, 2025 – A $100,000 investment into a re-imagined playground was delivered on St Patrick’s Day to the hundreds of students of the Ianthe Pratt Primary School (IPPS), in the Bight by Graceway Communities, the philanthropic arm of Graceway Supermarkets.

If there was any indication of the joy which the completion of the refurbishment brought to the children and faculty of the school, it had to be the moment a golden ribbon was cut; youngsters could be heard screaming gleefully.  The ribbon cutting also opened the playground to playtime for the smartly dressed students.

They were overjoyed.

“It is a vital part of our students’ development; fostering physical activity, social interaction and essential life skills such as teamwork and communication,” explained Edith Cox, Group Chief Finance Director and the Human Resources Director, of the grocery store conglomerate, who added, “This morning, I am representing Graceway Communities and I am proud of the work that we have done and continue to do in our communities.  This is our first delivered project for 2025, coming at a cost of around $100,000, I am delighted that this school, which is basically in our backyard is the beneficiary.”

This was the third playground project by Graceway Communities shared Cox, who said more of these vital spaces are on the way.

“Education and sports are two important pillars of Graceway Communities, and we will continue to support our children across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

A blue token scheme launched in 2019 by Graceway Supermarkets drove this renovation idea.

Tokens earned with the use of reusable shopping bags are used as voting cards for worthwhile causes.  Ianthe Pratt Primary School won, receiving the most tokens and therefore the most votes, pointing Graceway to what community project should be next.

“Our customers and our community thought, Ianthe Pratt was the most deserving recipient.”

That announcement met with healthy applause from the audience, which included government and corporate dignitaries, community leaders and the directors and executives from Graceway Supermarkets.

“This moment is a testament of what we can achieve when a community comes together with a shared vision and a dedication to the well being of our children.  Our generous stakeholders, from all the various entities that have been so ably highlighted, it was about your intentionality,” said Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services who also congratulated the IPPS team for their involvement.

“It is always said that children learn their best through play, it is an opportunity for them to forge relationships, an opportunity for them to harness their social skills and that will be done through play,” said the minister.

“This is one way we can empower our people, through play.  Once again, thank you on behalf of the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

In a poem, Karessa Wynter, IPPS Head girl said: “So here’s to the fun, to memories made, on slides and swings will never fade with every giggle we’ll celebrate, thanks Graceway, you’re truly great!”

Commendation for the project came from Audric Skippings, Member of Parliament for The Bight who encouraged the students to take care of the playground and reminded audiences that the investment is made into the lives of the next generation of the Turks and Caicos.

Mark Garland, Director of Education also offered his gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

“Thank you for the partnership that has resulted in the construction, the erection of this playground.  Today is a very good day, an exciting day for the students.”

The playground was blessed by area pastor, Rev Pedro Williams which followed a robust vote of thanks from the school’s principal, Ms. Neekimo King.

With the ribbon cut and a new sign unveiled, the children were free to explore and play at the refurbished site which now makes up, arguably, the most thrilling spot on campus.