Connect with us

TCI News

TCI: Int’l National Literacy Day marked by local Soroptimist with donation of text books

Published

on

#Providenciales, September 9, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – One little girl gazed lovingly at the handful of new school text books presented to her by the Soroptimist’s International Club of Providenciales; her reaction is the ultimate reward for a gesture which supports education and remembers the value of books and reading.

“As we celebrate International Literacy Day that was celebrated on September 8, but because it fell on a weekend, we decided to come here today – Monday – to donate text books to nine students from two government primary schools.  The Oseta Jolly Primary School of which we always partner, the Ianthe Pratt Primary School and this year, we decided to partner with Shining Stars,” said Rachel Taylor, Program Action for Soroptimist International of Providenciales. 

Mrs. Taylor reminded that literacy is a human right and informed that Soroptimist has a three-pronged commitment: “To Educate, Enable and Empower.”

All text books for the nine students were purchased to support learning for the entire 2019-2020 academic year and the Soroptimists had help, very generous help from Peta-gay Blake-Thomas of NAGICO Insurance company; yearly sponsors and contributor to the mentorship program of the club.

“We know that text books are extremely expensive, so we want to say thank you to our corporate sponsor NAGICO Insurance who donated a large sum of money toward this project.”

The presentation, made today at the Oseta Jolly Primary School was to beaming students of OJPS, Ianthe Pratt and Shining Stars Preparatory; the children were selected for the assistance with the support of school guidance counsellors. 

Barbard Smith-Handfield, Soroptimist Providenciales president believes having the books enable the children to focus on doing well at school.

“It is our pleasure to present you with these books. We know that education is a priority and we would like to see all of you succeed,”  said President of the club, Barbara Smith-Henfield, “So we are happy to give these books to you on your journey as you learn and as you apply these values.”

The students will no longer have to find some $200, which is the cost for all of the text books.  A robust thank you was delivered to NAGICO and a plea for more support came from Blythe Clare, Membership Officer: “Kindly give us a call so that we can help other children.  We are an NGO and we rely basically on sponsorship and fundraising.  We are only able to help nine children; it would be great if we could round it off to a dozen (children).  Come on board with the Soroptimist; we are here to education, enable and empower our young people because you are the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The young students were encouraged to take care of their books, pay attention in classes and to make the TCI proud.

“I want to say thanks to the Soroptimist for this wonderful opportunity, said Dave Morgan, Principal of Shining Stars Preparatory, who spoke on behalf of the schools, “I guarantee that the students will make good use of the books, the parents will be happy to have them and that at the end of the year, they are going to be really, really successful. Thank you and continue to do this great job.”  

Students also expressed gratitude for the text books.

#magneticmedianews

#internationalliteracyday

Continue Reading

News

GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Education

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING