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UnitedWay TCI Summer Reading Buddy program inspires and rewards junior readers

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#Providenciales, August 21, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – ULiteracy is a problem in the Turks and Caicos Islands but this summer reading and reading well were helped by a debut INITIATIVE for the new UnitedWayTCI, which held a Summer Reading Buddy program.

“This is just an awesome program and we were excited throughout the entire six weeks,” explained Claudine Ewing who added that, “When kids are on summer break they tend to just wanna play games or watch TV and then when they get back to school in September, they can’t even remember a word or anything that they have even done for Summer.  So, we decided that we wanted to do a reading program.”

Seventeen children signed up and each received an adult reading buddy; that buddy would supervise the children in their school-break reading.

“We wanted kids to get excited about books, some of them didn’t really have an opportunity to go on vacation so some of the books took them on vacation, the reading journey.  Someone is taking the time out to make sure that they are reading.  Parents are very busy, let’s give the parents a break sometimes.”

A reading camp was the culmination of the six-week Summer Reading Buddy program; the camp was held at the Providenciales Library.

The education and enjoyment were not one-sided in this first-time initiative.  Readers impressed their adult buddies, who used words like ‘amazing’ to describe the children with whom they were paired.

“I got to learn that sometimes, when you take your time with kids, you begin to understand them even more.  I had an amazing reader, she just loves reading and when I first started with her, I noticed that she would read but non-stop. So, what we are in the process of doing right now is (reading with) punctuations.  So, when you see a full stop, a question mark, a comma, you must pause a little and then read on,” said LaTanja Knowles, UnitedWayTCI.

Champion reader, ten-year-old Danya Russell explained that it made her happy to see other children with an interest in reading.

“It was fun because reading is something that I like to do in my leisure time and reading is basically about comprehending what you read and I like to comprehend because I like to learn different things.  So, for me, when you put those two things together, its just like fun all day because I love to read.”

A sacrifice of time hardly seemed like a sacrifice at all when we spoke to the volunteers.  At the library, you could see the true delight and enthusiasm about reading from the boys and girls gathered there.  Some 40 sentences were created by the youngsters, using coloured cards featuring everyday words and punctuation. 

No electronic devices were necessary in this environment; it was a stark and welcomed difference explained parents who were also in attendance for the UnitedWay TCI Summer Reading Budding closing ceremony. 

“I want to say thank you to our executive director, Ms. Claudine Ewing and her outstanding team for her vision for pursuing this reading program.  To the parents who allowed their kids to participate in the program, we want to say ‘thank you’. Readers, without you this program would not have been successful, congratulations, well done and we wish you well,” said Hillary Higgs, UnitedWay TCI director in the vote of thanks.

A huge thank you went out to Stanley Williams, owner of Hertz Rent a Car who gave a handsome donation of $50 per child; the money purchased gift certificates for shopping at Business Solutions.  Each child was presented with a gift certificate to assist in purchasing their back to school supplies. 

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GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

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Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2026 – Commercial flights between Grand Turk and South Caicos have been temporarily discontinued, leaving residents without a direct air link between the two islands since March 1.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirmed the suspension in a statement Tuesday, explaining that the route — which operates under a government subsidy — is currently under review as officials reassess the tender process used to award the service.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade said the government is “working diligently to assess available options” to restore reliable air service between the islands as quickly as possible.

While the statement did not identify which airline had been operating the route, historically Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways have provided flights between South Caicos and Grand Turk using small twin-engine aircraft.

Officials acknowledged the disruption has caused concern among residents, noting that inter-island air travel is critical for access to essential services, business activity and government operations.

The government emphasized that the suspension does not affect flights between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which continue to operate normally.

The review now underway will determine the next provider for the subsidized route. Authorities say the process must be conducted in a “fair, transparent and efficient manner” before service can resume.

For residents of the two islands, however, the immediate issue remains transportation — with many now forced to reroute through Providenciales or rely on limited sea travel until the air connection is restored.

Further updates are expected once the government completes its review and awards a new operating arrangement.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.

The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.

Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.

The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.

“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.

The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.

Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.

The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.

Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.

Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.

Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.

Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

 

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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