Education
Ewings working on TCIs first indigenous university and school of medicine; plans unveiled
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, November 15, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos is moving even closer to having its own medical school after high level stakeholder meetings were held on Thursday.
A team from Hamilton Education Fund including Dr. Rufus Ewing, former TCI Premier and his wife, Dr. Dawn Perry Ewing met with Premier Washington Misick, other government ministers and select government bodies in a session
which offered some insight into the Hamilton University project.
“We are all excited about the Hamilton University School of Medicine, it’s a university that is proposed to the government of The Turks and Caicos Islands by the Hamilton Education Foundation to establish an indigenous medical school,” explained Ewing.
The combined vision of Ewing and his wife, he said HUSM will bring ‘great socio economic benefit’ to the TCI by “Not only training medical doctors to serve Turks and Caicos need for doctors but also the rest of the Caribbean and the world where there’s a global shortage.”
He maintained that HUSM would diversify the country’s tourism offerings as well as boost the island’s medical offerings.
“All we have is persons coming on vacation, honeymoons and weddings but now we can add to that list of tourist arrivals students who are coming to the Turks and Caicos Islands to live for some period for training.”
He added “The school will bring with it as well persons who are highly skilled as specialists within their fields as visiting faculty to teach our medical students. And they in doing so will be able to provide medical care that is currently not available.”
The school which is slated to begin construction in 2023 will span 45,000 square feet. It will include a Medical Clinic that will house specialist clinics serving the educational needs of the students and offering care to the local community
Back in August when the initial MOU was signed, the government had promised “state-of-the-art learning technologies, and an accredited curriculum.”
During Thursday’s session, at the conference room at Blue Haven Resort, the Hamilton Education Fund met with key agencies including the Ministry of Health, the TCI Hospitals, the Health Regulatory Authority and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College in closed sessions.
When opened HUSM will be The Turks and Caicos’ first indigenous university.
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.
Education
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Launches Inaugural E-Magazine “Beyond the School Bell”
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos is reaffirming its commitment to national youth development through ongoing initiatives that mentor and train young people to reach their full potential.
The resort’s management believes that every young person deserves the tools and guidance for turning potential into purpose. Managing
Director James McAnally said the resort’s philosophy is grounded in providing opportunity for growth, regardless of background.
“We create an environment where, with the right disposition, the team members’ start does not determine where they will end up,” McAnally said.
Through its learning and development department, Beaches Turks & Caicos offers training, mentorship and exposure to different career paths. Phildreka Mayham, manager of the department, explained that the resort actively recruits young, motivated individuals and helps them develop both personally and professionally.
“We take in bright, driven individuals with no prior experience and give them the chance to prove themselves, grow and level up,” Mayham said. She noted that the Sandals Corporate University, an educational arm of the Sandals group, provides accredited training and degree-level study through partnerships with regional and international universities.
The success of the resort’s youth development approach is evident in stories like that of Deandra Astwood, a front desk agent who joined the
resort shortly after completing secondary school. Recently named Diamond Team Member of the Month – a prestigious monthly recognition at Beaches – Astwood credited the resort’s supportive environment for her success.
“I am truly humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It motivates me to continue growing and giving my best every day.”
Her manager, Shaneque Grant, described her as one of the youngest yet most dedicated team members in the department. “Deandra’s journey shows what’s possible when young people are given the chance to learn and shine,” Grant said.
Beaches Turks & Caicos, through the Sandals Foundation, continues to expand its investment in education and career development. The resort views its role in youth empowerment as more than corporate responsibility; it is a national commitment to preparing the next generation for leadership.
Photo Captions:
Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort shares with students and educators from the Clement Howell High School in a fine dining training experience at the resort
1st Insert: Oseta Jolly Primary School Guidance Counsellor Carane Hall-Brodber (standing left) shares in a conversation with Beaches Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan while students enjoy a chill time on one of the chairs in the green space at the school as the resort continues to invest in youth
2nd Insert: Clement Howell High School students receive fine dining etiquette training led by Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Food and Beverage team leader Claude Williams at one of the 22 dining outlets on the resort
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