Hartling Group along with the Ministry of Education hosts its 2nd annual Career Symposium
The Hartling Group along with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services hosted its 2nd annual Career Symposium.
This initiative included an educational, inspiring, and fulfilling day attended by 540 fifth-form students, from private and public sector schools across the Turks & Caicos Islands. The event was held at The Palms Resort on the Croquet lawn in a beautiful setting fit for purpose.
Warm welcoming remarks were provided by the Group Director of Human Resources at The Hartling Group - Danitra Clare who eloquently established protocol and shared inspiring words with the students, encouraging them to embrace the day and the opportunities afforded to them.
Further remarks were shared by the Chief Executive Officer of the Hartling Group – Dr. Stan Hartling who gave an uplifting charge to the youth. In his concluding remarks, he stated, “I have incredible belief in this country and remain as excited about its growth and possibilities now, as I did when I came here over 25 years ago. My excitement however isn’t just about the physical land, buildings, or beaches, I can buy that anywhere. My excitement is about how tomorrow in TCI is generated by what I see in you, as the future of TCI, and today is about all of us; industry, government, and community, helping you embrace the potential within all of you”. End quote
Further remarks were expressed by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, who shared astounding remarks and encouraged the youth to thrive and embrace the opportunities provided. She urged students to seek further education as much as possible and in so doing, be committed to returning to the Turks and Caicos to make their contribution to the development of the islands.
Minister of Education Hon. Rachel Taylor began by urging students to adopt the words of the theme song as their mantra, ‘I can do it! I will do it! Nothing is going to get in my way!’ She expressed her gratitude to the Hartling Group and all the partners who made the symposium possible. She noted that the symposium provided an opportunity for the students to be exposed to numerous areas for career development. In her remarks, the Minister of Education reaffirmed her commitment to providing as many opportunities as possible for young learners. She encouraged businesses to register as part of the internship and apprenticeship program so that the young students could gain work experience and insight into careers and improve their ability to be recruited. She went on to urge the students to consider teaching as a career.
Ashley Brooks, a professional football player and a seed of the soil featured as the special guest speaker for the day! Ashley shared his admirable, successful career story with students to encourage them to pursue their goals in life. He also indicated that to become successful in anything in life, you must first believe, start with what you have, remain consistent, and always have discipline.
The symposium saw more than 30 companies in attendance from across the islands, representing both the public and private sectors. The students were introduced to a host of professions including but not limited to Policing, Border Control, Healthcare, Hospitality, Telecommunications, Security, Cosmetology, Banking & Finance, Construction, Energy, and much more!
The event also provided a platform for internships and job opportunities, connecting eager young minds with potential employers. Students were eager to explore diverse career pathways and take advantage of the opportunities that were available to them.
With an overwhelming turnout and positive feedback, the Career Symposium was deemed a resounding success. It catalyzed inspiring the next generation, fostering valuable connections between students and industry professionals, and paving the way for bright futures in various capacities.
Department of Special Education Needs Services officially launched
Tuesday, February 27th marked a significant milestone in the educational landscape for the Turks and Caicos Islands as the Department of Special Education Needs Services officially launched under the Ministry of Education.
This momentous occasion marked a new era of support and empowerment for children with special needs across our islands.
With a vision to provide comprehensive and inclusive education for all children, the Department of Special Education Needs Services aims to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has access to quality education services tailored to their unique needs.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
The launch event, attended by government officials, educators, parents, volunteers, and stakeholders, showcased the department’s dedication to providing a range of specialized services to meet the diverse needs of children with disabilities. From behavioral therapy to speech therapy, IEP training for teachers, and annual therapy camps, the department offers a holistic approach to support the development and well-being of children with special needs.
Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director for the Department of Special Education Needs Services, emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement in ensuring the success of this initiative. “We are committed to working hand in hand with parents, educators, and stakeholders to create a nurturing environment where no one is left behind or overlooked.”
The Minister responsible for Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, emphasized the importance of the newly established department in advancing inclusive education in the Turks & Caicos Islands. She shared; “the upcoming specialized education school will provide tailored educational programs and resources for children with complex needs.” Hon. Taylor also commended the efforts of all involved in bringing this vision to fruition and reiterated the government’s long-term commitment to providing and enhancing educational opportunities for all children, including those with special needs.
For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and its programs. Please contact sens@gov.tc
Concacaf W Gold Cup: A Beacon for Women's Football
Concacaf’s inaugural Women’s Gold Cup showcased the incredible talent and determination of female footballers from across the region. The exciting matches, fierce competition, and unwavering sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament truly highlighted the growing prominence of women's football on the global stage.
As the sport continues to evolve and gain recognition, it is inspiring to see initiatives like the Women’s Gold Cup provide a platform for female athletes to shine and inspire future generations. The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association remains committed to supporting and promoting women's football, and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the sport in the years to come.
During 2023, the Turks and Caicos Women’s National Football Team participated in Group G of the qualifying stage, known as the "Road to Concacaf W Gold Cup," alongside Belize, Aruba, and Bonaire. Regrettably, the competition concluded for Turks and Caicos during this early stage, which comprised a total of thirty-four teams. Subsequently, the tournament transitioned to the 12-team Group Stage, hosted across three USA venues, leading up to the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup.
The Gold Cup began with a six-team Preliminary Round in February and culminated in the final match. The final, held at the bustling Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, drew over 30,000 spectators on Sunday, March 10th. The match showcased a thrilling encounter between the national women's teams of The United States and Brazil, both renowned competitors in international tournaments, and no stranger to each other. The United States clinched the championship with a 1-0 win, making history as the inaugural champions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
President Sonia Fulford, who holds the position of Concacaf’s Female Council Member, and a prominent advocate for Women’s Football, graced the stage alongside Concacaf’s President Victor Montagliani to present the awards. Their shared passion for recognizing and celebrating the achievements of female athletes was evident. In her remarks, she highlighted the incredible talent and determination of the athletes, emphasizing the importance of supporting and uplifting women in sports. “ As I stood there, surrounded by the warmth of shared joy and unity, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for being a part of this beautiful moment. The energy in the air was electric, filled with love and positivity. At this moment, I am truly thankful for the opportunity to share in this experience with all those involved. The passion and dedication of the athletes have illuminated the field, showing the world the power of teamwork, skill, and resilience. As the sun sets on the horizon, it's a reminder that in unity, there is strength. Women's football is not just a sport, but a movement that inspires and empowers individuals to reach new heights and break barriers. It's a celebration of talent, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of women in sports. Continuing to embrace the essence of International Women’s Day, let's persist in backing and empowering women in football, celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging their path to even greater achievements.”
Congratulations to Concacaf and all the talented players who made the inaugural Women’s Gold Cup a resounding success! Congratulations to the champions, Team USA, and the runners-up, Team Brazil.
THREE DAYS FROM MONDAY 11TH MARCH 2024
GENERAL SITUATION: THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS REMAIN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A WEAKENING RIDGE AS A FAST-MOVING COLD FRONT IS EXPECTED TO MOVE THROUGH THE ISLANDS TONIGHT.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: SOME MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY IN THE BLUE HILLS AND KEWTOWN COMMUNITY, MAY EXPERIENCE HEALTH EFFECTS DUE TO SMOKE.
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND WARM, BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY, MILD, AND A BIT BREEZY WITH SOME ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE TONIGHT.
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT 10 KNOTS OR LESS, BECOMING NORTH TO NORTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS TONIGHT
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 86°F 30°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 70°F 21°C
SUNSET: 06:56 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 04:09 PM (0.3 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 10:22 PM (3.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: THE COLD FRONT WILL MOVE SWIFTLY THROUGH THE ISLANDS TONIGHT INTO EARLY TUESDAY. A HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS IN THE WAKE OF THE FRONT SUPPORTING MILDER AND BREEZY CONDITIONS THROUGH MIDWEEK.
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE. FAIR, COOL, AND BREEZY AT NIGHT.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, INCREASING TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS AT NIGHT.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
SUNRISE: 06:59 AM
SUNSET: 06:57 PM
LOW TIDE: 04:43 AM (0.7 FT) 04:53 PM (0.3 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 10:39 PM (2.6 FT) 11:14 PM (3.0 FT)
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE. FAIR, COOL, AND BREEZY AT NIGHT.
WINDS: EASTERLY AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, INCREASING TO 15 TO 20 KNOTS AT NIGHT.
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
SUNRISE: 06:58 AM
SUNSET: 06:57 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:39 AM (0.7 FT) 05:39 PM (0.3 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:27 PM (2.3 FT)
FORECASTER: H.HAMILTON
Kimo Tynes Appointed as Director of Communications
The Office of the Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kimo Tynes as the Director of Communications within the Communications Directorate in the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.
Tynes is a seasoned communications professional with a distinguished background in international communication. Holding a Master's in International Communication & Development from City, University of London, United Kingdom, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from York University, Toronto, Canada, and an Associates of Arts Degree from Camosun College, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, he brings a wealth of experience and academic excellence to his new role.
Since October 2022, Tynes has served as the Deputy Director of Communications, showcasing his exceptional skills in delivering communication strategies aligned with government priorities. His ability to manage reputational risks, exercise sound judgment, and provide authoritative leadership to his team has been evident.
Tynes consistently aligns communication delivery to secure government objectives, utilizing media and marketing strategies, internal communication, and stakeholder engagement to inform critical audiences.
Before joining the Communications Directorate, Tynes served as the Consular Officer for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in London from 2015 to 2022. He also held the position of Senior Public Relations Officer for the former Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, bringing valuable insights from both the public and private sectors.
Commenting on Mr. Tynes' appointment, Head of the Public Service and Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, stated: "I’m elated to congratulate Mr. Kimo Tynes on his appointment as the Director of Communications within the Communications Directorate in the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.
This is a significant achievement for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government as Mr. Tynes will serve as the first Director of the Communications Directorate since its establishment in 2022. The role of the Communications Directorate is critical as it is responsible for communicating the plans, actions, and vision for the government to every tier of society.
With a proven track record of developing and implementing compelling communication plans, Mr. Tynes has displayed a remarkable ability to enable and drive organizational priorities. His leadership includes effective management of resources and budgets to achieve value for money, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring the efficient delivery of communication objectives.
We are confident in Mr. Tynes’ ability to take on this task and to lead the Communications Directorate into the next phases of its operations." End quote
Congratulations on this well-deserved career achievement, Kimo!”
Experience Turks and Caicos appoints Chique Williams
Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to announce that Chique Williams has been confirmed in the role of Receptionist effective March 1st, 2024.
Williams served in the role on a contractual basis before her permanent appointment. She is a bright, young woman who brings to the job a strong, positive attitude, organisation skills, and an ability to think critically and take initiative.
As Receptionist, Williams will be responsible for handling queries from the public, distributing informational material, and assisting her colleagues as needed.
Congratulations!
Bitcoin price briefly tops $69,000 for new all-time high
The price of the world's largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, briefly hit a new all-time high of more than $69,000.
It surpassed the previous record set in November 2021 - though by 2022 Bitcoin's value had sunk to $16,500.
The new surge in price has been spurred by US finance giants pouring billions into buying bitcoins.
The cryptocurrency rose to around $69,200 shortly after 15:00 GMT on Tuesday, before falling back. It was trading around $62,185 by 21:00 GMT.
Bitcoin's value has spiked by more than 50% over the last month, according to cryptocurrency market data platform CoinMarketCap.
Carol Alexander, professor of finance at Sussex University, said its price could go higher than its new record but warned that crypto was "notoriously volatile."
"Too often in the past, the price crash was timed so that ordinary investors buying Bitcoin during the bubble are the ones who lose out," she told the BBC.
The new record represents another dramatic moment in Bitcoin's turbulent history.
It was invented in 2009 by a person or persons calling themselves Satoshi Nakamoto - their true identity remains a mystery.
Conceived as a means to create money for the internet, its roots lay in an anti-establishment ethos encouraging people to live free from the existing power structure of financial institutions and governments.
However, its new all-time high value has come about precisely because those establishment firms have been pouring billions of dollars into acquiring it.
That has been made possible because, in January 2024, US regulators reluctantly approved several spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
That allowed giant investment firms like Blackrock, Fidelity, and Grayscale to sell products based on the price of Bitcoin.
Between them, they have been buying hundreds of thousands of bitcoins, rapidly driving up their value.
Prof Alexander told the BBC these entrants "are attracting institutional investors into Bitcoin and they are putting a considerable upward pressure on price."
But she added Bitcoin's "halving" event, expected to take place in April, may also influence the cryptocurrency's value.
"In the past, these events have been accompanied by price surges," she said.
For many holders of Bitcoin, this will be a moment to celebrate - as their wealth will have risen a great deal.
But history suggests they should be prepared for that to change.
Bitcoin's value tumbled to 18-month lows of nearly $20,000 in June 2022 as investors sought to cut ties with riskier investments amid a gloomy global economic outlook.
The cryptocurrency's price slumped further later that year when FTX - the huge cryptocurrency exchange founded by the so-called "king of crypto" Sam Bankman-Fried - collapsed into bankruptcy in November 2022.
Its peaks and troughs continued throughout 2023, but it managed to climb back up to trade above $40,000 towards the end of the year.
It is not just companies and individual investors who have been tracking those fluctuations closely.
In Central America, El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele has embraced the cryptocurrency.
The Bitcoin-loving leader has spent more than $100m of his developing nation's public money on buying almost 3000 bitcoins over the last few years.
His investment is now worth around 60% more than he paid for it. Although no public records have been released on the specifics.
Source- BBC
Bahamas experiences growth in January according to Central Bank
The Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBB) says preliminary indications are that during January, the domestic economy sustained its growth momentum, although at a more tempered pace, with economic indicators returning closer to their expected medium-term potential.
In its outlook for the domestic economy, the CBB said that as the economy converges closer to its medium-term growth potential, the domestic economy is anticipated to expand at a moderated pace in 2024, supported by ongoing gains in the tourism industry and other areas of the real sector.
“However, the downside risks to tourism persist, related mainly to exogenous factors, such as geopolitical tensions and heightened global oil prices, which could disrupt travel sector activity.
“Moreover, the resumption in major central banks’ counter-inflation policies could curtail the travel spending capacity of key source market consumers. Nevertheless, new and ongoing foreign investment-led projects are expected to provide stimuli to the construction sector, and by extension, contribute to economic growth,” the CBB said in its “Monthly Economic and Financial Developments (MEFD) January 2024,” report released on Monday.
It said in the labour market, employment conditions are forecasted to improve, with additional job gains concentrated largely in the construction and tourism sectors. In price developments, inflation is projected to continue to trend downward, as improvements in global oil prices persist.
“Nonetheless, upside risks to inflation revolves around uncertainty in global oil prices and supply chain shortages, related to geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.”
On the fiscal front, the government’s net financing gap is anticipated to trend further downward. The expected recovery in revenue remains significantly linked to tourism-led improving trends in taxable economic activities.
Source-CMC
Decision Making in the Public Service: Avoiding Legal Challenges
The Attorney General's Chambers is pleased to have hosted a comprehensive training seminar titled "Decision Making in the Public Service: Avoiding Legal Challenges." This is the second seminar hosted by the Civil Litigation Division within the Chambers. It was designed to provide valuable insights and practical strategies for senior public service and public sector professionals to enhance their decision-making processes and mitigate the risk of legal challenges. It forms part of a training series offered by the Attorney Chamber’s Chambers.
Senior Public service professionals as well as senior leaders and senior managers in statutory bodies are often tasked with the responsibility of making critical and sometimes complex decisions that have far-reaching implications for their respective organizations as well as for the individuals and the public at large. It is therefore imperative for decision-makers to have a thorough understanding of legal principles, procedural requirements, and best practices to ensure that their decisions are robust, defensible, and consistent with the law.
The training seminar forms part of the Attorney General’s Chambers key strategic program delivery to meet its mandate of strengthening decision-making in the public sector. It covered a range of topics essential to effective decision-making in the public sector, including: -
- Understanding the Legal Framework: An overview of relevant legislation, regulations, and case law governing decision-making in the public sector.
- Procedural Fairness and Due Process: Best practices for ensuring procedural fairness, including consultation, transparency, and the duty to give reasons for decisions.
- Effective Communication and Documentation: The importance of clear and concise communication, record-keeping, and documentation in supporting defensible decision-making.
- The Disciplinary process - the investigation, the tribunal, and the final decision
- Suspension, Interdiction, and Administrative Leave; when and how they are applied and how to mitigate the risk of failing to follow the correct procedures
- Decision-making and Managing conflicts of Interest
- Case Studies and Practical Examples: Real-world case studies and scenarios illustrating common legal challenges faced by public service professionals, and strategies for avoiding or addressing these challenges.
The seminar was oversubscribed, seeing more than 100 participants. The seminar was hosted over two (2) days at the Palms Resort Conference Room in Providenciales and featured expert speakers and facilitators within the Civil Litigation Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers with practical experience representing the public service and the wider public sector in litigation where decision making forms a central feature of the matters at issue. The Presenters included Principal Crown Counsel Ms. Clemar B Hippolyte, Principal Legislative Drafter Ms. Desiree Downes, Senior Crown Counsel, Ms Khadija MacFarlane, Mr. Herbert Dakasi, and Crown Counsel Ms. Tamika Simms Williams. These attorneys form the Civil Litigation division with Ms Downes heading the Legislative Drafting division of the Attorney General’s Chambers. Together, this team of presenters have extensive experience in administrative law, governance, and public sector management and were able to deliver invaluable content and smoothly field questions from participants. Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions, group exercises, and networking opportunities to enhance their learning experience.
Opening the training remotely, Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE K.C. said "We are excited to offer this training seminar to public service and public sector professionals seeking to enhance their decision-making skills and minimize the risk of legal challenges.
“We see a range of issues as we undertake our work as legal representatives and advisers and it is an important part of our mandate to provide training that will assist in strengthening the capability of public service and public service professionals. We are very pleased with the strong uptake of the seminar.
“By providing practical guidance and insights, my Chambers aim to empower participants to make informed, defensible decisions that uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and legality.”
At the end of the session, participants shared with RTC News that, “We appreciated the practical takeaways and actionable recommendations provided by the presenters during the two-day seminar. We feel equipped with new tools and techniques to improve our decision-making skills and enhance the quality of their decisions in the workplace.”
“I found the seminar to be highly relevant to our roles and responsibilities as professionals and public servants. The practical insights and strategies shared by the speakers could be directly applied to decision-making processes in the workplace.”
“The collaborative nature of the seminar facilitated valuable knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning, which I found to be enriching and insightful.”
Ministerial Swearing in on RTC
Join Radio Turks & Caicos at 9:30 am for live coverage of the swearing-in of Cabinet Members on 89.1fm, on www.rtc89fm.com or on the Radio Turks & Caicos App in the Google Play Store.