PRESS RELEASE: From the Department of Culture and Heritage
Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs
#TurksandCaicos, March 31, 2023 – The Department of Culture and Heritage continues its partnership with the education sector with the hosting of its second round of workshops, which is geared towards equipping teachers with knowledge and skills in the area of Culture and Heritage.
This three-day workshop commenced on 27th March, in Providenciales, and engaged teachers from both public and private institutions in Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos.
Presenters include Ms. E. Blythe Clare, Dr. Dellareese Higgs, Mrs. Desiree Robinson, Dr. Carlton Mills, Mr. Kitchner Penn, Mr. Alfred Robinson, Mr. David Bowen, Mr. Lindsey ‘Zues’ Butterfield, Mr. Edric Smith and the staff of the Department of Culture and Heritage, all personnel who are well versed in the culture and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Similar to the workshop that was held in Grand Turk, the sessions promise to be highly interactive and will cover areas such as Introduction to Turks and Caicos Islands, National Symbols, Communication and
Transportation, Slavery and Apprenticeship, Our National Hero, Unsung Heroes, De Masses, Junkanoo and Costume Making, Past Festivals, Rip Saw Music, Folk Songs and Dance, Maskanoo, and Event Management.
Dr. Keran B. Williams, Education Officer with responsibility for Teacher Development and Training within the Education Department commented “the Cultural Workshop hosted by the Department of Culture and Heritage was very informative and engaging. The Facilitators shared a wealth of knowledge on TCI culture, history, and key facts. Indeed, this workshop provided our teachers with the opportunity to learn much more about the culture of the TCI. Such knowledge gained can only better enhance the teaching and learning of culture within our Schools. Undoubtedly, teachers were inspired to return to their classrooms empowered with greater content for the teaching of TCI Culture. Great job Department of Culture!”
Additionally, Miss Darronic S. Williams, Culture and Heritage Club Leader and Head of Department of the Marjorie Basden High School shared “the Cultural Workshop hosted by the Cultural Department did an excellent job of emphasizing the importance of our culture being integrated in every aspect of school life, so that our children will be constantly reminded of where we come from and develop a true sense of pride for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
As the department continues to concentrate on Strategic Pillar 2 of its National Culture and Heritage Policy, which speaks to Education, Training and Capacity Building, over the coming months, we will continue to host various training sessions and activities for our teachers and students alike. Students will engage in activities that include both outdoor and in-door learning to increase understanding and stewardship of the Turks and Caicos Islands culture and heritage.
Teachers, be prepared for very intense, but enjoyable, sessions!