Education
DRCS HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH COMPETITION
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 8 April 2025: The Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision (DRCS), in proud partnership with the Rotary Club of Providenciales and Toastmasters International, hosted its 2nd Annual
High School Speech Competition under the theme: “Turning Setbacks into Comebacks: The Power of a Second Chance.”
There were eight (8) schools from across the Turks and Caicos Islands that participated in this year’s event. These students spoke with eloquence, conviction, and compassion as they explored the importance of offender rehabilitation and the transformative power of second chances. The top three winners of the competition were:
- 1st Place: Reriana Nikes – Clement Howell High School
- 2nd Place: Anique Archer – Maranatha Academy
- 3rd Place: Damian Missick – Louise Garland Thomas High School
Director of Rehabilitation, Mr Jaron Harvey, shared his pride in the students and the broader mission of the event: “This competition is a reflection of how deeply our young people understand the issues of justice, rehabilitation, and redemption. Their words challenge us to build systems that don’t just punish, but also restore. Seeing students from every island come together to speak so boldly about second chances and rehabilitation reminds us why we do this work. The future of our country is in good hands.”
Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Otis Morris, said: “I extend congratulations to all the students who participated in this year’s competition. You represented your schools and your islands with distinction, and your voices added incredible depth to this national conversation. The theme of this year’s event speaks directly to the heart of justice and hope. We all make mistakes, but none of us are beyond the reach of grace. Rehabilitation is not solely about punishment; it’s about helping individuals find their way back to society as better people. When we support rehabilitation, we address crime at its root and create a pathway for true transformation.”
The 2nd Annual Speech Competition reflects DRCS’s ongoing mission to change the national narrative around rehabilitation and to foster youth engagement in the national dialogue on crime. As part of the Department’s observance of Second Chance Month, the competition serves both as a platform for student expression and as a call to action for the wider community.
The Department extends special thanks to all participating schools, teachers, judges, partners, and sponsors who made the event a success.
CAPTIONS:
1st insert: DRCS Staff and Hon. Otis Morris
2nd insert: L-R (Hon. Otis Morris, 1st Place Winner- Rerianna Nikes, Mrs. Roma Stubbs President of Rotary Club of Providenciales,
and Hon. Rachel Taylor)
3rd insert: Participants of the Speech Competition
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith along with Deputy Director of Education for the Grand Bahama, Bimini, and The Cays District, Michelle Bowleg toured Holmes Rock Junior High School to assess ongoing progress and ensure the project remains on track to welcome students for the new academic term in September.
Following the tour, Smith expressed optimism regarding the ongoing progress, stating, “Having toured the site and seeing the work that is
being done on the weekend, shows the commitment and dedication to getting it completed.”
He also noted that after discussions with the contractors, he was assured that with sufficient manpower and around-the-clock work, the project remains on track for completion by September 1, 2025.
“One of our underlying goals is really access, so we are happy that the school will be up and ready for our students,” said Bowleg.
She highlighted that several zoom meetings were held with parents to keep them informed about key updates including booklists, uniforms, and staffing. According to Bowleg, feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It is a beautiful facility, one that parents will be very proud of, and the entire West Grand Bahama community,” she added.
(BIS Photos/Danielle Rollon)
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