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School Feeding and Five Cays-based Education Center coming says Minister Rachel Taylor in Budget debate

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Deandrea Hamilton

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Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2025 – In her May 21, 2025, budget presentation to Parliament, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Rachel Taylor outlined an ambitious and people-centered education agenda aimed at transforming early childhood education, expanding school infrastructure, and reinforcing administrative capacity to meet growing national needs. Central to the Ministry’s approach is the belief that the brilliance of the Turks and Caicos Islands lies within its people—and that begins with the youngest learners.

A major priority in this budget cycle is Early Childhood Development (ECD). Minister Taylor announced a $12,000 sponsorship program to support ECD providers and caregivers with essential skills and tools, elevating the standards and effectiveness of early education. Recognizing diverse learning needs and gender disparities in early learning, the Ministry is also prioritizing gender-responsive and ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction through partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. These strategies will ensure more inclusive teaching that addresses the realities of multilingual households and uneven early performance between boys and girls.

Additionally, the Ministry plans to extend this ESL support to parents.

Through short courses at the Community College and free community-based programs offered at the Felix Morley Community Centre in Five Cays, the government is helping non-English-speaking families better engage with their children’s learning. This holistic approach reflects the Ministry’s vision for empowering both educators and families.

Minister Taylor further emphasized the creation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children aged 2-3, which will be completed by January 2026. This curriculum aims to establish strong cognitive and social-emotional foundations critical for future academic success. As a physical investment in these efforts, the government plans to construct a new Early Development Center next to Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays within the next five years. This dedicated space will serve as a model for nurturing excellence from an early age.

Another key initiative is the expansion of the School Feeding and Nutrition Programme, which received an additional $75,000, bringing the total budget to over $2.24 million. This ensures children across the Turks and Caicos Islands receive warm, healthy meals—critical for cognitive development and academic performance. The programme will be quality-assured to guarantee consistent nutritional value.

On the infrastructure front, the budget reflects a $1 million investment in constructing a 10-classroom block at Clement Howell High School, with a further $2.2 million projected in the 2026-2027 cycle. Plans are also in motion to fund a similar expansion at A. Louise Garland Thomas High School (ALGTHS) next year. These efforts are part of the Ministry’s drive to establish full-fledged high schools in both locations, supporting equitable access to education.

To meet increasing student numbers, ALGTHS will receive $148,156 to recruit additional staff, including a vice principal, graduate teacher, and administrative assistant. This investment strengthens both administrative and instructional capacity, ensuring students receive quality education in a structured environment.

Minister Taylor concluded with a resounding affirmation of the Ministry’s proactive role: “We are not simply investing in systems. We are investing in our people.” Her vision signals a forward-moving education sector—one that turns plans into programs, budget lines into lifelines, and challenges into transformative opportunities for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This bold and strategic allocation underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to education as a catalyst for national development. As Minister Taylor declared, “We are turning budget-lines into lifelines that uplift communities, ignite talent, and sustain momentum.” With increased funding, targeted programmes, and a clear developmental agenda, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is not waiting for change—it is driving it. The 2025-2026 budget reflects a deep investment not only in infrastructure or curriculum, but in the very future of the Turks and Caicos Islands—its children, its educators, and its communities.

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Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

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(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

  • Community-based education initiatives
  • Preventative screening and early detection programs
  • Lifestyle and wellness promotion
  • Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant.  “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.

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