Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 11 August 2025: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture issues this correction to a Press Release distributed on Friday, 8 August 2025 regarding the appointment of Ms. Shakiah T. Lewis as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme (CYAP) for the 2025–2026 term.
The original press release incorrectly stated that Ms. Lewis is “the first-ever Turks and Caicos Islander to hold this prestigious regional position.”
The correct information is: Ms. Lewis is the second Turks and Caicos Islander to serve as Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme. Ms. Robyn Hinds previously served as Dean from 2004 to 2005.
The Ministry sincerely apologises for this oversight and any confusion it may have caused. We deeply regret not properly acknowledging Ms. Hinds’ historic contribution as the first Turks and Caicos Islander to hold this important regional leadership position.
We take this opportunity to recognise and honour Ms. Robyn Hinds for her pioneering role as the first Dean from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her trailblazing leadership from 2004 to 2005 paved the way for future youth leaders from our territory to participate at the highest levels of Caribbean regional governance.
Ms. Hinds’ service represents an important part of our nation’s contribution to CARICOM youth development and deserves proper recognition in the historical record.
While correcting this historical inaccuracy, the Ministry reaffirms its pride in Ms. Shakiah T. Lewis’ appointment as Dean for the 2025–2026 term. Her selection continues the Turks and Caicos Islands’ tradition of outstanding leadership within the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme, building upon the foundation established by Ms. Hinds two decades ago.
All other information contained in the original 8th August 2025 press release regarding Ms. Lewis’ qualifications, responsibilities, and the structure of the Dean position remains accurate and unchanged.
Honourable Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, stated: “We sincerely apologise for this error and extend our respect and gratitude to Ms. Robyn Hinds for her groundbreaking service as our first CYAP Dean. Both Ms. Hinds and Ms. Lewis represent the excellence of Turks and Caicos Islands youth leadership on the regional stage, and we are proud of their contributions to Caribbean youth development.”
Note to editors: The Ministry is available to provide additional information about both Ms. Hinds’ and Ms. Lewis’ service to the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme upon request.
