Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 5 August 2026 — Dr. Candice Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), has been appointed First Vice-President of the Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA) for the 2026–2028 term.

The appointment followed elections held during ACHEA’s Annual General Meeting on 2 July 2026 at the Breezes Resort & Spa in Nassau, The Bahamas. The newly elected Executive officially assumed office on 1 August 2026.

ACHEA is a regional professional association that brings together higher education administrators and professionals from institutions across the Caribbean. The Association provides an important platform for regional collaboration, professional development, knowledge-sharing and the advancement of effective leadership and administration within the higher education sector.

This year holds special significance for the Association as ACHEA celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of service to higher education leadership and institutional development across the region. The milestone reflects the organisation’s sustained growth, expanding influence and continued commitment to strengthening tertiary education systems throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Dr. Williams’s appointment as First Vice-President represents a significant professional achievement and a proud milestone for TCICC and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands. It positions the country’s higher education leadership at the forefront of regional dialogue and initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional governance, improving administrative practices and addressing emerging priorities within Caribbean tertiary education.

In her role as First Vice-President, Dr. Williams will support the President and Executive in advancing the Association’s strategic objectives, strengthening engagement among member institutions and contributing to initiatives that promote excellence, innovation and sustainable development throughout the regional higher education sector.

The Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, congratulated Dr. Williams on the appointment, noting that her elevation reflects both her distinguished leadership and the growing influence of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional education community.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Candice Williams on her appointment as First Vice-President of ACHEA. This achievement is a testament to her exemplary leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the advancement of higher education. Her appointment is also a proud moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as it ensures that our national perspectives and experiences will continue to contribute meaningfully to important regional discussions. We are confident that Dr. Williams will serve with distinction and make a valuable contribution to the continued growth and development of higher education administration throughout the Caribbean.”

Following the Minister’s remarks, Mrs Sheba Wilson, Chairman of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Board of Govenors, also commended Dr. Williams’s appointment, highlighting the broader institutional and regional significance of her leadership role.

The Chairman reflected on the importance of sustained representation at the regional level and the College’s growing engagement within Caribbean higher education networks.

“Dr. Williams’s appointment to the ACHEA Executive is a clear reflection of the calibre of leadership we are fortunate to have at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. It also underscores the increasing visibility and respect that our institution and country are earning within regional higher education circles. We are especially proud that TCICC continues to contribute meaningfully to shaping conversations that influence the future of tertiary education across the Caribbean.”

Dr. Williams’s appointment also reinforces TCICC’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships, sharing institutional expertise and contributing to the development of responsive and innovative higher education systems. Her participation at the executive level will provide further opportunities for TCICC to engage with regional institutions, exchange best practices and help shape approaches to the challenges and opportunities facing tertiary education across the Caribbean.

A notable moment in ACHEA’s recent history was the 2025 Annual Conference, which Dr. Williams had the privilege of hosting in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This marked the first time the Association convened its flagship conference in the TCI, welcoming more than 100 higher education administrators, researchers and thought leaders from across the Caribbean, North America and Africa to the destination. The event was widely regarded as a resounding success and is now recognised as a defining milestone in the Association’s development as it moves into its 25th anniversary year.

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Williams expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the work of the Association.

“I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as First Vice-President of ACHEA. I am grateful to the Association’s membership for the confidence placed in me and look forward to working alongside the President, fellow Executive members and higher education professionals throughout the region. This appointment provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration, promote innovative administrative practices and support the continued development of institutions that are responsive to the needs of Caribbean learners and communities. I am also proud to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands as we contribute to the advancement of higher education across the region.”

The newly elected ACHEA Executive for the 2026–2028 term comprises:

• President: Dr. Helen Williams-Cumberbatch
• First Vice-President: Dr. Candice Williams
• Second Vice-President: Ms Louri Clare
• Secretary: Mrs Kasiane Reid-Martin
• Assistant Secretary: Ms Sanielle Hinds
• Treasurer: Ms Michelle Bruce
• Assistant Treasurer: Dr. Courtney Garrick
• Public Relations Officer: Ms Nataki Kerr
• Assistant Public Relations Officer: Ms Alison Johnson

In a statement announcing the newly elected Executive, ACHEA extended its sincere appreciation to all members who participated in the election process and acknowledged the outgoing Executive members for their exemplary leadership, commitment and dedicated service throughout the previous term.

The full Executive, including members appointed to co-opted positions, will be introduced shortly.

Dr. Williams previously served as Second Vice-President of ACHEA. Her elevation to First Vice-President reflects the confidence of the Association’s membership in her leadership, experience and continued contribution to the advancement of higher education administration throughout the Caribbean.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026:  The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.

The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.

Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.

The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.

Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You

have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”

The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13

TEACHERS

1. Fexnel Colvert – TCIPS Comprehensive High School
2. Valerie Olice – Raymond Gardiner High School
3. Warren French – Wesley Methodist School
4. Phyllis Boucher – British West Indies Collegiate

Top Performing School: Raymond Gardiner High School

A young Jamaican has given the Caribbean another reason to celebrate academic excellence on the world stage.

Dr. Orbin O. Barnes, originally from Negril, Jamaica, has graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 2026 at Jinzhou Medical University in China, capping years of rigorous medical training with the highest academic honour awarded to his graduating class.

His achievement has been widely celebrated across social media, with many Jamaicans praising the accomplishment as another example of Caribbean talent excelling internationally.

Studying medicine abroad is no small undertaking. Students must adapt not only to demanding academic requirements but also to a different language, culture and healthcare system. Barnes’ selection as valedictorian signals exceptional academic performance, leadership and commitment throughout his years of study.

China has become an increasingly popular destination for Caribbean students pursuing medical degrees, offering internationally recognized programmes at a fraction of the cost of many universities in North America and Europe. Over the past decade, growing educational ties have seen more Jamaican and Caribbean students choose Chinese universities to prepare for careers in medicine and other professional fields.

Barnes now joins a growing list of Caribbean graduates distinguishing themselves on the global stage, reinforcing Jamaica’s reputation for producing high-achieving professionals whose talents extend far beyond athletics, music and culture.

For many young Caribbean students considering overseas education, Dr. Barnes’ success is a reminder that determination, discipline and hard work can open doors anywhere in the world.

Graduating at the top of his class, he leaves Jinzhou Medical University not only with a medical degree, but with the honour of delivering the valedictory message on behalf of the Class of 2026—an achievement that has filled Jamaicans with pride both at home and across the diaspora.

PHOTO: Instagram