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Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Reports Remarkable 29% Increase in Enrolment for the 2023/2024 Academic Year

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#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.

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Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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