News
Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Reports Remarkable 29% Increase in Enrolment for the 2023/2024 Academic Year
#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – TCI Community College, the leading tertiary institution in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is thrilled to announce an outstanding achievement as it experiences a remarkable 29% increase in enrolment for the academic year 2023/2024. This substantial surge in enrolment has nearly doubled the college’s projected target of 15%, demonstrating the institution’s dedication to delivering quality education and training in the region.
This remarkable accomplishment would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated team of staff and faculty, who have worked diligently to ensure that students receive the best possible educational experience. In addition to the commitment of our college’s personnel, we owe this success to the rigorous engagement of our community members and an effective marketing strategy that has resonated with prospective students.
The upswing in enrolment highlights the college’s commitment to fulfilling its vision of becoming the institution of first choice for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond. Despite the considerable progress we’ve made, we acknowledge that there is still a long journey ahead. However, we are resolute in our determination to achieve our vision and provide top-tier education to our students.
The Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, in her excitement of the news, expressed her profound gratitude to the President and her team for the extensive work they do to promote TCICC as the Institute of First Choice. The Minister stated, “as a government, we are committed to Human Capital Development and through our TCICC, the necessary investment will continue in an effort to advance our local tertiary institution. I am elated that our people including our students have seized the opportunity to capitalize from the Free Tuition. Our lifelong learners are also commended for their strides in upskilling and retooling themselves becoming more marketable.
Tertiary education foster growth and reduces poverty. I challenge the people of this country to register and become a student at TCICC.”
Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chair of the Board of Governors, added, “The College is beginning its climb to establish itself as the first choice in higher education for residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The 29% increase in enrolment signals that individuals are taking advantage of the free tuition and various programmes offered. Thank you for demonstrating commitment and confidence in our growth and development. We pledge that we will provide student-centred learning and that innovative and generative learning strategies will become comparative to private colleges of the same student population.
The College promises to offer more courses with workforce-related content. We plan to go further than this by establishing signature programmes with international and local certification. Our objective remains to gain appropriate recognition from regional and international accrediting bodies. Our focus in the new year is Memorandums of Agreement with private partners that can assist us in reaching our goals. Additionally, we plan to introduce unique courses and workshops to decrease the skills gap that has existed for many years. We are collaborating with the Minister and Ministry of Education to develop the human capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I would like to salute our Marketing and Student Support Officers for their significant contribution to the College’s becoming more visible. We invite all and sundry to join hands with us as we celebrate our 30th anniversary and launch our foundation. Education determines the future of the nation. It behooves you to ensure that you play your part.”
Dean of Academics and Student Services, Dr. Suzette Creary, added, “This 29% increase in enrolment underscores the college’s commitment to providing quality education and fostering an environment that attracts and supports students in their academic journey. The surge in enrolment is a testament to the dedication of our exceptional faculty, staff, and the marketing initiatives which positioned us to meet students in their schools and communities. We are proud to surpass our enrolment target, this achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire TCICC family. It reinforces our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The increased enrolment not only speaks to the appeal of our academic programmes but also reflects the college’s role in addressing the evolving needs of our community. We look forward to welcoming and supporting new students as they embark on their educational journey with us”.
This achievement is a testament to the college’s continuous pursuit of excellence and its unrelenting commitment to providing quality education and training, remarked, President, Dr. Candice Williams. The TCI Community College looks forward to welcoming both new and returning students for the upcoming academic year and is excited to embark on this journey towards becoming the institution of first choice for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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