Connect with us

News

Mark Garland Appointed as Director of Education

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 23 January 2025: The Office of the Deputy Governor is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Garland as the new Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Library Services.

Mr. Garland’s educational journey began at the Ona Glinton Primary School, formerly North Primary School, in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. He continued his studies at H J Robinson High School in Grand Turk, leaving in Form 4 to pursue GCE O-Level studies at St. John’s College in Nassau, Bahamas, from 1989 to 1991. Mr. Garland went on to earn a Teacher’s Diploma in Education (Credit) from Mico University College in Jamaica from 1991 to 1994, followed by a Bachelor of Education (Hons.) at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, from 1996 to 1998. Additionally, he attained a Master of Science Degree in Education Management from the University of Leicester, UK, in 2004-2005. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Northern Caribbean University, focusing on Leadership, which he commenced in 2021.

Mr. Garland has a wealth of experience in education. He began his career as a Teacher of English Language and Literature in English at H J Robinson High School from 1994 to 1996. He then joined the Clement Howell High School from 1999 to 2004, where he taught English Language and English Literature.

In 2008, Mr. Garland began a new path in his career journey when he was appointed as the Deputy Director of Education for the Turks and Caicos Islands.  He has held this post for over 16 years, working directly with the former Director of Education to significantly influence educational policies and practices and shape the curriculum and standards that affect students’ learning and development. This role provided a platform to lead and inspire educators, administrators, and the community, fostering a positive educational environment and promoting effective teaching strategies.

As the Deputy Director of Education, Mr. Garland was privileged to determine resource distribution, ensuring schools had the necessary tools and support for success. A highlight of his tenure was the personal and professional development opportunities he encountered, networking with other educational leaders and engaging in high-level decision-making. He also advocated for student needs, ensuring equitable access to quality education and addressing systemic issues within the education system.

Mr. Garland commented on his appointment, “From a young age, my parents introduced me to the transformative power of education and its ability to uplift individuals and communities. Growing up in a diverse environment, I witnessed firsthand how access to knowledge can shape lives, inspire hope, and build a brighter future. This understanding has fueled my passion for education and my desire to dedicate my efforts to uplifting others through this vital tool. As I stand on the brink of my next appointment, I am driven by the vision of creating an educational framework that uplifts my fellow men. Education is a catalyst for change, and I am committed to being an agent of that change. My desire to uplift others through education is not merely a career choice; it is my life’s mission. I look forward to the opportunity to inspire, educate, and transform lives, one learner at a time.

I am deeply grateful to acknowledge the invaluable role my family and church have played in my journey leading to this new opportunity. My wife Kayan Garland and children Omar, Sanabria, Nathan and Matthew have been my unwavering foundation, providing encouragement, love, and goodwill every step of the way. My mother, Sandra Garland, brother, Anthony Garland, and sister, Judith Campbell, have all been pillars of strength throughout my life. The support of the Seventh-day Adventist community has been a constant source of inspiration, reminding me to trust in God’s plan and to seek wisdom in all I do. To my colleagues in the Ministry and Department of Education, your support has uplifted me in moments of doubt and fueled my determination. Thanks to our Deputy Governor, H.E. Anya Williams, for her visionary approach, which has provided leaders in the Public Service with the platform to grow, flourish, and excel.

I am truly blessed to have such a supportive network, and I dedicate this milestone to the collective influence you have all had on my life. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, commented on this important appointment:  “Heartfelt congratulations are extended to Mr. Mark Garland on his promotion to the post of Director of Education here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  With over 30 years of dedicated service to the education sector here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr Mark Garland has demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in the field of education. His promotion to this important post is a testament to his dedication to improving the quality of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are excited to see the positive impact he will continue to make for our students, schools and our islands in this new role.

Congratulations, Mr. Garland, on your well-deserved promotion.”

News

Crown Land Unit Leads Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 21st October 2026: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on October 8, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorized use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU, TCI Border Force and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land in Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorized use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of seven (7) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to the unauthorized placement of shipping containers and derelict vehicles, as well as the construction of an incomplete concrete structure on Crown land. Where occupants or other responsible persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items.

The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that instances of unauthorized occupation are identified and appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying, developing or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Ordinance. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained program aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with the ISU and other partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorization are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

Continue Reading

News

Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

Published

on

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING