3RD ANNUAL SCHOOL CENSUS DAY

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture proudly celebrated the 3rd Annual School Census Day. Each year, October 31st marks the Ministry’s official deadline for all public and private schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands to submit their school-level data to the Policy and Planning Unit, ensuring timely reporting to UNESCO and CARICOM.

School Census Day also serves as a national moment to spotlight the importance of data awareness. In its inaugural year, the focus was on understanding the significance of educational data and its role in decision-making, policy development, and long-term sustainability. In year two, 11 private schools entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry as part of an initiative encouraging the use of OpenEMIS in exchange for Microsoft 365 licenses.

In its third year, the Ministry showcased the accomplishments across every sector including Heads of Departments, Principals, Teachers, and Students. The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Honourable Rachel Taylor, commended the dedication demonstrated across the system and reinforced her charge to the Ministry:

“School Census Day is more than a reporting exercise, it is a powerful reminder that data is the backbone of effective education systems. This year’s theme, ‘Delving into Data Dynamics,’ encourages us to not only collect data, but to understand it, use it, and allow it to guide our strategies for national development. I am immensely proud of our team and all our partners who continue to champion data-driven leadership.”

Minister Taylor further applauded the collective efforts of educators and administrators:

“The achievements highlighted today reflect the commitment of our educators, school leaders, and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure that every child in the Turks and Caicos Islands receives quality education. I congratulate all the award recipients. Your dedication helps shape a system that prepares every resident with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to our society and economy.”

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Heads of Departments:
Mr. Mark Garland – Director of Education
Ms. Candice Williams – President/CEO, TCICC
Mr. Jarrette Forbes – TCI Sports Commission
Ms. Arielle Neely – National Internship and Apprenticeship Program
Dr. Anya Malcom – Special Education Needs Services
Mr. Cecil Graham – Library Services
Ms. Kecha Delusma-Chase – Library Services
Ms. Odessa Forbes – Department of Culture

Education Officers:
Ms. Juliet Thelwell
Mr. David Bowen

Principals:
Ms. Robin Cox-Foster – Thelma Lightbourne Primary School
Ms. Eileen Elliot – Iris Stubbs Primary School
Ms. Rhoda Cox-Williams – Ona Glinton Primary School
Ms. Nyree Taylor-Williams – Eliza Simons Primary School
Ms. Jenna Mae Forbes – MILLS Institute
Ms. Darlene Lightbourne – BEST Institute
Ms. Sophia Garland – Enid Capron Primary School
Ms. Shanta Seymour – Clement Howell Primary School

Teachers:
Ms. Chervita Williams – Ona Glinton Primary School
Ms. Chrissy Williams – Eliza Simons Primary School

High School Essay Winners:
Jeffca Forbes – Clement Howell High School
Nathanael Marcelin – A. Louise Garland Thomas High School
Bre’Anna John – Raymond Gardiner High School

Excellence in Service Award:
Ms. Diandra Gray – Policy and Planning Unit

The Ministry extends special thanks to its sponsors and service providers: The Honourable Otis Morris, FLOW TCI, Island Printing, Olympic Construction Ltd., Peaches Restaurant, Unique Creations, Grand Turk Events, Sub-tronic Entertainment, and Mr. Salorne McDonald for their exceptional contributions.

The Policy and Planning Unit team under the leadership of Ms. Michelle Agard, Education Policy and Planning Manager, and Ms. Diandra Gray, Assistant Education Policy and Planning Officer, remains steadfast in its mission to lead data-driven initiatives that yield sustainable outcomes aligned with the needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.