The Special Education Needs Services (SENS) Department within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture successfully hosted its annual Inter-High School Speech Competition on Friday, 7 November 2025, at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort. The event formed part of the month-long celebrations for Special Education Month.
This year’s competition was held under the national theme “Partners in Progress: Strengthening Special Education Together.” Students presented speeches on the topic “Creating an Inclusive Future: Why Special Education Advocacy Starts with Us.” Five high schools from across the Turks and Caicos Islands participated, which included Marjorie Basden High, Raymond Gardiner High, British Collegiate, Clement Howell High, and A. Louise Thomas High. Students delivered powerful and thought-provoking speeches that emphasized the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and unity in advancing special education.
At the end of an inspiring morning, Clement Howell High School emerged as the first-place winner, followed by Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and British Collegiate School in third place.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Premier, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Permanent Secretary Mr. James Astwood, and Deputy Secretary Mr. Edgar Howell, who all expressed pride in the students’ performances and their advocacy for inclusion. The panel of judges included Mr. Jasmin Walkin, District Commissioner for North Caicos and former Education Officer for Special Education, along with other distinguished professionals who brought expertise and fairness to the evaluation process.
In her remarks, Director of SENS, Dr. Anya Malcolm – Gibbs, commended the students for their passion and poise, noting that their voices reflected the change the department continues to champion, “It was encouraging to see our young people taking an active role in shaping a more inclusive Turks and Caicos Islands. Advocacy begins with awareness, and each student contributed meaningfully to that mission.”
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, extended congratulations to the winners and participants, emphasising the importance of inclusion in education. “Special Education Month reminds us that we all share responsibility in ensuring that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive,” Minister Taylor said. “These students demonstrated that advocacy and empathy go hand in hand, and their words inspired hope for a more inclusive future.”
The Inter-High School Speech Competition continues to serve as a meaningful platform for youth engagement and awareness, empowering students to become advocates and allies for individuals with special needs. As Special Education Month continues, the SENS Department will host a series of activities and outreach initiatives that foster collaboration among families, schools, and organisations, working together as partners in progress to strengthen special education across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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