Caribbean News
Scholarships process undergoing changes
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 31, 2023 – Following years old requests from the UK to pare down the program, accusations of curry favoring from local students and even a lawsuit, the Ministry of Education is once again trying to revamp how scholarships are disseminated through the Turks & Caicos Islands Education Financial Assistance Policy (TCIEFAP).
The result of the latest attempt is a tightly trimmed program with only 65 scholarships on offer for next year. The Ministry made the announcement in a press release on March 24th.
It also establishes a far more competitive scholarship awards process.
It was only four years ago that the then PDM administration increased the scholarship award budget by a massive 55 percent, and five years ago, that they increased in the priority areas from 23 to 82. In 2019, it awarded 66 international scholarships of 157, an award rate of 42 percent.
At that time, the Ministry of Education was challenged to design a scholarships’ program which was both supportive of filling vital skills gaps and fiscally sustainable.
The PNP also maintained a hefty scholarship program; in 2022, 93 applicants of 167 were successful in their bids to have government funded education, an award rate of 55 percent.
In the most recent announcement, the Government explained that it will now approve a defined number of awards under specific areas and will publish an advertisement outlining a short-list of programmes, to receive awards annually. That is set to begin this year and the 2023/2024 list of the pre-approved scholarship awards is already published.
Not only does this cut down the number of scholarships to be awarded, but it also seemingly leaves the possibility for the Ministry to adjust what area gets the most or least scholarships on a year-by-year basis, allowing them to meet labour market demands.
It is a deviation from the way things had been done with no pre-set number of awards on the table, allowing the Education Advisory Committee to award as many qualified applicants as the budget could or would allow.
The Ministry says the overarching goals of this change are: “To ensure that scholarship offerings, as well as the associated application, review and award processes are objective, transparent, empowers the applicants but
moreover continues to close the labour market gaps in the Turks & Caicos Islands through strategic and intentional Human Capital Development strategies.”
Of the 65 scholarships to be awarded this year, they will be divided as such:
- Health – 8
- Education – 7
- Planning & Engineering – 6
- Hospitality & Tourism – 3
- Science & Technology – 6
- Business, Finance & Management – 6
- Technical & Vocational Education & Training – 6
- Disaster Management & Social Sciences – 5
- Logistics Management & Communication – 5
- Law – 3
- Athletics – 3
- Special Needs – 3
- National awards – 4
Only National Scholarship Awards and recipients of the Athletic Financial Assistance Awards will be left open to facilitate the applicant’s selection.
Anticipating questions from the public, the ministry said this: “We hasten to highlight that the list of priority areas has not shifted tremendously and as such will not adversely affect students who have already applied. The Ministry has intentionally extended the application period to encourage as many applicants as possible.”
The trimming of the scholarship program comes at a time when the Turks and Caicos is expanding at home higher education opportunities to never before heights. There are partnerships coming for the Turks and Caicos Community College in maritime and law areas, and free tuition for all islanders and BOTC, as well as campuses on nearly every island.
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Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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