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“Every Child Deserves a Chance: Parents Demand Support for Special Needs Students!”

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Turks and Caicos, August 22, 2024 – As the Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement, I want to address a pressing issue that impacts our most vulnerable citizens—our special needs children, particularly those facing the critical transition to high school. Recently, Hon. George Lightbourn, Apostle Ruth Ariza, and I had the opportunity to meet with dedicated parents who courageously shared their experiences and concerns regarding the inadequacies in our education system for their gifted and special needs children.

As these children approach the crucial transition to high school, it has become painfully clear that our educational system is not adequately equipped to support them and their families. This is a matter that transcends politics; it is about our moral responsibility to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

The government knows that our high schools are not equipped to provide the necessary support, care, and accommodations for our special needs students, particularly during this pivotal transition period. Therefore, certain actions need to be taken NOW, as parents have strongly expressed their fears about the lack of tailored resources and trained staff, which are essential for fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for their transitioning children.

I urge the government to take immediate action on these concerns. We must ensure that our high schools are prepared to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly as they transition from elementary education. This includes implementing comprehensive training programs for educators, increasing accessibility to specialized services, and prioritizing individualized learning plans.

For those expected to transition in the next two to three weeks, I call upon the current government to take immediate action to address this situation. We, the PDM, propose a comprehensive plan, which we will urgently share with the current government. This plan includes:

  1. Establishing special scholarships for our current transitioning special needs children to attend specialized schools in the United States, ensuring they receive the education and support they deserve.
  2. Creating partnerships with U.S. institutions to facilitate access to specialized programs, potentially through remote learning options that can benefit our students right here at home.
  3. Allocating resources for assistive technologies and teacher training, enabling our local schools to accommodate special needs students effectively.

Establishing special scholarships can be put on the agenda for the next Cabinet Meeting, with funds identified and allocated. A Supplementary Expenditure Bill should be immediately brought to the House of Assembly. I will fully support this Supplementary Bill going through all three readings in that sitting so that the Premier and his government can expeditiously offer the emergency help our special needs students and their parents require.

As your future government, I commit to championing these reforms. We will continue to work collaboratively with parents, educators, and specialists to create a robust support system that empowers every child to succeed, regardless of their abilities. We will ensure that no child is left behind due to a lack of resources or support.

I urge the current Premier and his government to act now, and I promise that under my leadership, we will turn these commitments into reality.

Together, we can build a more inclusive education system that honors the potential of all our children. The time for action is now.

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement 

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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