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Minister Saunders Inspires Maranatha Academy Graduates with Message of Purpose and Perseverance

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Deandrea Hamilton | Eagle Legal News

 

Turks and Caicos, July 4, 2025 – The Minister for Innovation, Technology and Energy, Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, delivered a stirring keynote address to the graduating Class of 2025 at Maranatha Academy, urging students to stay focused, be determined, and lead with compassion as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

Speaking on June 26 under the theme “The Pathway to Possibilities: Beginning of Greatness”, Minister Saunders congratulated the students, teachers, and families gathered for the celebration and reminded the young graduates that their journey is only just beginning.

Drawing from biblical lessons and personal experiences, the Minister shared three central lessons: the quiet power of focus, the importance of determination, and the value of compassionate leadership. Citing the story of the 12-year-old Jesus in the temple, he emphasized the importance of staying focused, even in a world full of distractions like social media trends and viral fame. “Don’t let trends become your truth. And don’t let the desire for popularity drown out your purpose,” he told the students.

Saunders acknowledged that the road ahead would not always be smooth. Sharing a personal setback—being fired 16 months ago and rehired five months later—he stressed that failure is not the opposite of success but rather the classroom where it is taught. He quoted basketball icon Michael Jordan and referenced figures like Coco Gauff and Nigerian singer Tems as examples of persistence and resilience.

The Minister challenged the students to rethink the meaning of greatness—not as power or popularity but as service. “The greatest among you will be your servant,” he reminded them, encouraging each graduate to put others first and lead with love.

Saunders also urged graduates to think long-term, planting seeds today for the world of 2050.

“Your influence will grow in the decades ahead. The world will need teachers who inspire, doctors who listen, and leaders who serve,” he said.

Closing with a heartfelt tribute to his late nephew, Roshan “EJ” Cox, Saunders reminded students to stay true to their purpose and walk humbly with God.

“Your greatness has already begun,” he said, sending the Class of 2025 into the future with both challenge and blessing.

Education

Champions for Christ International School of Excellence

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Tiffany D. Grant-Saunders, MSW, BA Acting Principal/Guidance Counselor

Turks and Caicos, September 5, 2025 – It is our esteemed pleasure to introduce you to Mrs. Tiffany D. Grant-Saunders, MSW, BA, as the new Acting Principal/Guidance Counselor for Champions For Christ International School of Excellence, effective September 1, 2025.

Mrs. Grant-Saunders is the youngest daughter of Millicent R. Grant and Kenneth Grant.  Raised in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, she is a 2016 graduate of Champions For Christ International School of Excellence.  She holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Clinical Counseling from Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, FL, having graduated Magna Cum Laude.

She brings her experience as a Mental Health Technician and Education Liaison in Dade City, FL. In addition, she completed her internship as a Therapist Intern with North Tampa Behavioral Health and Zephyrhills Behavioral Health.

We are excited to have Mrs. Grant-Saunders return to the Turks and Caicos Islands and invest her time and talents in the continued building of our student body here at Champions For Christ International School of Excellence.

Please join us in welcoming her home!

 

Claudette M. Basden

Founder & Executive Director 

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Bahamas News

Holmes Rock Junior High School on Track to Open in September

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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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Education

Belize Students Explore Cruise Careers Aboard Carnival Paradise

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Belize City, Belize (Aug 19, 2025) – Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, recently welcomed 40 students from five educational institutions in Belize aboard the Carnival Paradise cruise ship. The visit was part of an initiative organized in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, aimed at inspiring future careers in the maritime industry.

The students represented Gwen Lizarraga High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High School, Nazarene High School, Anglican Cathedral College, and the Hope Center after-school program. The visit provided a firsthand look at cruise industry operations from Carnival’s perspective, highlighted onboard career opportunities, and supported ongoing youth empowerment efforts in Belize City.

During the guided tour of the ship’s public guest areas, the students were able to observe daily cruise operations up close, describing the experience as inspiring and educational, with many noting they learned about opportunities available in the cruise industry.

Captain Ivan Vatovic, Chief Engineer Domenico Bibita; Hotel Director Vivek Menon; Food & Beverage Director Stephen Kim Reynolds; Human Resources Director Daniel Marques De Oliveira; and Environmental Officer Daniela Ramos Licon spoke with the students about their respective roles aboard the ship. Learning & Development Manager John Philip Ortega provided an overview of Carnival Cruise Line’s recruitment process and the various shipboard career opportunities available.

Kwame Scott, Cruise Relations Specialist at the Belize Tourism Board, highlighted the positive impact of the initiative, “Partnering with Carnival Corporation has supported us to expose Belizean youth to viable career paths within the tourism sector. When students can see firsthand how the cruise industry operates, it opens their minds to possibilities they may never have considered.”

Julian Mortis, Director of The Hope Center, praised the program’s powerful educational value in an interview with 7 News Belize. She explained that the tour provided students with more than just a glimpse into a cruise ship. By learning about the roles and requirements, the children realized that a career on a ship, and the opportunity to travel the world, was a real and achievable possibility for them.

Photo Caption: Some of the participating Belizean students and teachers pose for a group photo aboard Carnival Paradise during an educational ship visit.

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