Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, September 2, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos Islands government will be partnering with the University of Technology (UTECH) in Jamaica in the near future to give TCI graduates more options for education. With the emphasis on creating more employable people in the Sciences, Technology Engineering and Mathematics fields globally, Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, explained that they had meetings with Professor Colin Giles, President of UTECH to assess relevant course offerings.

The possible degree programs that TC Islanders would benefit from included, quality surveying, construction, engineering, land surveying, construction management, computing and information technology, sports, athletic training, science, and coaching.

Taylor, speaking at a press conference on Thursday after the conclusion of a trip to Jamaica for the discussions, also explained why UTECH was a golden opportunity for Islanders.

“I must mention that there is also a Technology Innovation Centre which is the first of its kind in the Caribbean— this was quite pleasing for us to learn. We will continue with our various employers with the universities to make sure we bridge that skill gap that currently exists.”

Taylor said in addition to talks regarding the possibility of joint research, short and long courses, online degrees, and internship had been initiated.

The Turks and Caicos is also seeking partnerships with the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and Howard University in Washington D.C.