TCI News
TCI: Special Education Policy Initiative “No Child Left Behind” & News Magazine Officially Launched
#TurksandCaicos, April 24, 2018 – Providenciales – Thursday, April 12th 2018 was a significant and historic day for the Department of Education as the country was introduced to the first ever Special Education Newsmagazine called“Inclusion”. The magazine was developed to inform the country of the trends, development and achievements in Special Education in the TCI. The launch of this magazine was a special feature of the Policy Initiative “No Child Left Behind”. At the launch, the Education Officer for Special Needs Mr. Jasmin Walkin gave an overview of the assessment of Special Education Programs conducted throughout the government schools in the Turks & Caicos Islands and how the information gained inspired him to collaborate with the Special Education Teachers to develop a National Strategy to begin to meet the needs of Students with Special Needs.
Mr. Walkin explained to those in attendance; “This policy initiative is derived from TCI Special Education Policy document. However, it is a list of specific targets my team and I will seek to meet during a twelve-month period March 2018 – February 2019. The targets outlined in “No Child Left Behind” Policy Initiative are directed towards a massive Special Education public relations campaign, establishing a system of reliable data collection, referrals and intervention, professional development and collaboration, capacity building, and finally; promoting ‘best practices’ in regard to Special Education models throughout our schools.”
Some of the specific targets of “No Child Left Behind” Policy Initiative are:
- Establishment of Special Education Assessment & Intervention Team (SEAIT) – National Steering Committee to supervise, develop, and support the work of School Based Assessment Teams, design intervention and monitor its implementation.
Appoint Special Education Programme Coordinators to assist with the implementation of TCI Special Education Policy, programme management, evaluation, student assessment and staff development.- Establish a system for consistent Special Education Screening and Assessments that leads to intervention (SEAIT Objective)
- Establish a smooth system of assessment, screening, referrals, and intervention in collaboration with Ministry of Health and their external agencies – which provides the ministry with support for Special Needs assessments
- Establish Culture of Capacity Building among Special Education Teachers (SET)
- Implement a PR campaign encouraging parents to have their children assessed and to pressure parents who have not accepted the prognosis of their Special Needs child to allow intervention where it is possible.
- As part of the PR Campaign: Collaborate with Special Education Teachers to establish quarterly Special Education Magazine, as well as establish partnership with media houses, conduct interviews about Special Education Policy initiatives and updates.
Mr. Walkin was pleased to inform those in attendance that many of the targets outlined in the policy initiative had already been realized and introduced the country to the Special Education Program Coordinators: Ms. Te-Ann Astwood for Zone 1, Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings for Zone 2, and Ms. Edith Gray for Secondary Schools and expressed his confidence in their work and driven spirit in bringing innovation to Special Education.
Additionally, the Education Officer was grateful for the progress being made by the SEAIT National Steering Committee and was pleased to introduce three of its key members to the media: Ms. Tiffany Ivey (Chairperson), Ms. Denise Duncan (Secretary) and Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs a Clinical Psychologist representing the Ministry of Health. Other members of the SEAIT Committee also include Ms. Sriya Smalling, Mrs. Sherryl Patterson and Mrs. Levenia Bishop.
Mr. Walkin further stated: “The work of SEAIT National Steering Committee is volunteer work and the members should be commended for the sacrifices they are making to meet the needs of Special Education Students in the TCI.
Also present at the Launch was the Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcom. In her remarks she stated; “I remember giving remarks at the First Special Education Teachers Conference in February of this year and sensed from then that it was just the beginning. Then, the Special Education Assessment & Intervention Team National Steering Committee was established and was tasked with developing a system of screening, assessment and intervention for Special Needs students. The new developments in Special Education in TCI did not stop there. The Education Officer then informed us that the first ever Special Education News magazine was being developed in support of the targets outlined in the “No Child Left Behind Policy Initiative”.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased and very excited to be here at the Launch of this Special Education Policy Initiative and to say congratulations to the department of education, the director, the education officer Mr. Jasmin Walkin, his Special Education leaders and teachers for the progress they have made and pledge my ministry’s support in regards to seeing these targets successfully implemented. And in the words of the Education Officer, I am excited to be a part of the “New Era in Special Education”.
With the successful and historic launch of the Special Education Magazine “Inclusion” now behind them, the Education Officer has defined the next chapter in the development of Special Education in the TCI as the “New Era in Special Education” and informed the country that this launch was just the beginning; citing the pop phrase “We got big things poppin”.
Release: TCIG
Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2025 – On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, the United States Coast Guard Southeast (USCG), working
in coordination with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Marine Branch, the TCI Regiment, and the TCI Border Force, intercepted a vessel carrying 103 migrants bound for Providenciales.
The suspicious vessel, first tracked by the USCG, was stopped at sea and later secured by the Sea Guardian vessel, which towed it safely to South Dock Marina. Upon arrival, the migrants were disembarked and handed over to the TCI Border Force for processing.
A breakdown of those on board confirmed:
- 75 males (including two minors)
- 28 females (including two minors)
This interception marks the 18th such operation in 2025, bringing the total number of migrants detained this year to 1,510. The RT&CIPF thanks the USCG and local agencies for their close cooperation, noting that this successful outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of layered security measures protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Force reminds the public that illegal migration is dangerous and life-threatening, and violations of the law will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information on illegal migration is urged to contact the nearest police station, call 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or via the P3 app.
Photos Courtesy: Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force
TCI News
Invest Turks and Caicos Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Impact at 4th Annual General Meeting
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 19, 2025 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency (Invest TCI) proudly hosted its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton, Turks and Caicos, marking a historic milestone, under the theme ‘ Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Impact’.
The celebratory event brought together government officials, investors, developers, business leaders, and community stakeholders as the
agency reflected on ten years of strategic growth and outlined its vision for the next decade.
The meeting was called to order by Chairlady, Ms. Cindy Ewing, who welcomed the full house with energy and gratitude. She acknowledged the partnerships which have fuelled Invest TCI’s success over its first ten years. In her remarks, she stated, ‘This agency was created with a clear purpose, to attract sustainable investment that would strengthen our economy and open new doors for our people’.
The evening continued with a powerful address from Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick, emphasizing the role of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development as cornerstones of the country’s future. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, community-driven infrastructure, and balanced growth. Building on that vision, Her Excellency, Acting Governor Anya Williams reflected on how the landscape has shifted from TCI once seeking foreign investors to now being actively pursued. She emphasized that with this new dynamic, growth must remain sustainable, protect the environment, and deliver lasting benefits for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Delivering the agency’s annual performance report, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove outlined achievements during the 2024–2025 financial year. These included the first Youth Business Summit, the opening of a new office in Grand Turk, the launch of the Community Pop-Up Series, the approval of the Heritage Turks and Caicos Islander Investment Policy, and advancement of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy. She also reflected on a decade of accomplishments, noting how Invest TCI has expanded its reach, strengthened its impact, and positioned the islands for greater opportunity.
A Ten Years in Review video presentation followed, sparking applause and pride as it highlighted milestones in national development. The film set the stage for an invigorating panel discussion under the theme “The Next Horizon: Catalyzing Economic Development through Investment,” moderated by financial expert Mr. Drexwell Seymour.
The panel featured an extraordinary lineup: Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, former Premiers Hon. Galmo Williams and Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove, and youth leader Ms. Arielle Neely. The discussion highlighted not only the perspectives of national leaders but also the entrepreneurial achievements of the former Premiers, both of whom have successfully built businesses that continue to contribute to the Turks and Caicos economy. The presence of three seasoned leaders alongside Invest TCI’s chief executive and a dynamic youth voice captivated the audience, underscoring both the depth of experience and the promise of the next generation.
The discussion was focused on how investment can power sustainable growth and resilience in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Key themes included sustainable development, innovation and technology, local business competitiveness, youth integration, and public-private collaboration. Panelists emphasized the need for robust legislative frameworks and compliance, while highlighting human capital development as the cornerstone of future progress. Ms. Neely added a compelling youth perspective, calling for measurable inclusion through Youth Impact data and innovative financing models to ensure young people are active stakeholders in shaping the economy.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Invest TCI also launched the Inaugural Developer Awards, created to recognize developers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive, responsible, and impactful development. The awards spotlighted projects that extended beyond commercial success to deliver meaningful community value.
Two award categories were introduced:
- Sustainability Trailblazer: Recognizing developers who lead in building sustainable legacies through infrastructure, cultural preservation, and enduring community partnerships.
- Community Impact Award: Honouring developers who have made the most visible social contributions through job creation, training, community programs, and philanthropy.
Submissions showcased initiatives such as recycling and composting programs, eliminating single-use plastics, landscaping with indigenous vegetation, and investments in renewable energy. Many also reflected consistent support for local charities, reinforcing the vision of development that uplifts both the economy and the community.
Nominees included The Hartling Group, Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos), Grace Bay Resorts, Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd., and JEM TCI Holdings Ltd. (Salterra Resort & Spa). Grace Bay Resorts received the Sustainability Trailblazer Award, while Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos) was honoured with the Community Impact Award.
Other memorable moments of the evening included two luxury raffle draws and a special recognition presented to Ms. Sheryl McLaughlin for five years of dedicated service to the agency.
The evening concluded with closing remarks from Deputy Chair Mr. Walter Gardiner, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and extended appreciation to the organizers for delivering a successful and memorable celebration.
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Providenciales will come alive this September as the Hair Evolution International Beauty Education Expo & Hair Show takes center stage for two days of creativity, culture, and community impact. Hosted by New Light Entertainment, the highly anticipated event runs from September 26–27, 2025, blending artistry with empowerment while spotlighting some of the region’s brightest talents and industry pioneers.
Day One, set for Friday, September 26 at Graceway Sports Centre, will feature the International Beauty Education Expo, an immersive
program dedicated to skill-building and professional growth. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can take part in live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions led by international experts. Highlights include the discussion “Where Style Meets Strategy: Elevating Beauty, Business & Wellbeing” featuring renowned panelists such as dermatologist Dr. Marsha Barnett, cosmetologist and educator Dr. Kym Stubbs, Jamaica International Beauty Expo founder Suzette Brown, Toronto-based event producer Keisha Pinto, and educator Orica Smart. Celebrity stylists will also lead specialized trade classes, including a wig installation masterclass taught by Sophia Kay.
The Expo’s mission goes beyond beauty. It provides networking opportunities, showcases local and international vendors, and connects aspiring professionals—particularly youth—with career pathways in the creative industry. Part proceeds will benefit the Cancer Society of the Turks and Caicos Islands, ensuring that the event makes a lasting impact both inside and outside the beauty arena.
On Saturday, September 27, the spotlight shifts to Brayton Hall for the dazzling Main Stage Hair & Fashion Showcases. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the night promises high-energy runway performances, fantasy hair creations, cutting-edge barbering, and striking fashion presentations. Local and international talents will converge, blending artistry with entertainment for an unforgettable show.
The evening will also honor trailblazers who have made extraordinary contributions to the beauty industry. This year’s Hair Evolution Honourees include:
- Commenci Duncan-Hanfield, recipient of the Legacy in Beauty & Community Impact Award, recognized for her lasting influence and service.
- Camille Swann, awarded the Beauty & Influence Trailblazer Award, celebrating her innovative leadership and impact on the industry.
- Fior Rivas, recipient of the Outstanding Service & Industry Impact Award, for her dedication to advancing the beauty profession.
- Dr. Kym Stubbs, honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Beauty & Education Award, for decades of excellence as a cosmetologist and educator.
- Kareem Higgs, receiving the Barbering Legacy & Trailblazer Award, recognizing his contributions to elevating barbering within the community.
Founder and Executive Director Natasha Bien-Aimé expressed her excitement about the show’s return, emphasizing its role as more than entertainment. “Hair Evolution is about celebrating artistry, but also about education, empowerment, and building opportunities for the next generation,” she said.
With its dynamic blend of education, fashion, and recognition, Hair Evolution 2025 promises to inspire, entertain, and uplift. Tickets are available now, with limited space for attendees eager to witness the Caribbean’s premier beauty showcase.
