Deputy Premier Completes Island-Wide Graduation Tour, Celebrates Excellence Across the Turks and Caicos Islands

Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson, has successfully concluded an island-wide graduation tour, attending each of the four Government high school graduation ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to investing in the nation’s youth.

Deputy Premier and Minister of immigration and Border Services Hon. Jamell Robinson (left) and Minister Education Hon. Rachel Taylor (right) presenting awards at the HJ Robinson High School in Grand Turk

Over four consecutive days, the Deputy Premier joined graduates, educators, parents, and community members in commemorating one of the most significant milestones in the lives of hundreds of young people. The tour underscored the importance of education, leadership, perseverance, and service as the foundation for building a stronger Turks and Caicos Islands.

The tour commenced on June 29th, 2026, at the H.J. Robinson High School in Grand Turk, where graduates celebrated under the theme, “Our Journey Begins: Embracing the Road Ahead with Courage and Determination.” The Deputy Premier then travelled to Marjorie Basden High School in South Caicos, where the graduating class reflected on the theme, “Turning Our Moments Into Milestones.”

From there, Hon. Robinson visited Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos, where graduates embraced the theme, “Rising with Purpose, Rooted in Excellence.” The graduation tour concluded at Clement Howell High School in Providenciales under the theme, “Unyielding in Pursuit, Unmatched in Potential.”

Hon. Jamell Robinson presenting awards at the Clement Howell High School in Providenciales

At the Marjorie Basden High School ceremony, the Deputy Premier brought congratulatory remarks, applauding graduates for their resilience, determination, and commitment throughout their academic journey. He encouraged them to pursue their aspirations with confidence, remain grounded in strong values, and embrace opportunities to contribute positively to their community and country.

A highlight of the tour was the presentation of the inaugural Deputy Premier and Ministry of Immigration & Border Services Award for Excellence and Service at each graduation ceremony. The award recognizes a graduating student who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity, academic commitment, responsibility, and meaningful service within both the school and the wider community.

The award represents the first step in a broader youth engagement initiative currently being developed by the Office of the Deputy Premier and the Ministry of Immigration & Border Services. The initiative will focus on recognizing outstanding young people and creating opportunities that promote leadership, service, excellence, and positive community involvement throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hon. Jamell Robinson presents awards at the Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos

Speaking on the significance of the tour, Deputy Premier Hon. Jamell Robinson said investing in young people remains one of the Government’s highest priorities.

“Our graduates are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are contributors to our nation’s progress today. Whether they pursue higher education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, public service, or enter the workforce, I encourage them to strive for excellence, lead with integrity, and never lose sight of the values that define us as a people. The future prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands depends on a generation that is prepared to innovate, serve, and give back to their communities.”

The Deputy Premier also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, school principals, teachers, parents, guardians, and support staff for their unwavering dedication to nurturing and preparing the nation’s young people for success.

As the Class of 2026 embarks on the next stage of their journey, they do so with more than a diploma, they carry the hopes of a nation that looks to them to become innovators, educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, skilled tradespeople, public servants, and community leaders. Their talents, character, and commitment to service will play a vital role in strengthening the economy, preserving the country’s values, and shaping a prosperous future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hon. Jamell Robinson delivering a speech at the Marjorie Basden High School in South Caicos

The Office of the Deputy Premier remains committed to supporting initiatives that recognize excellence, cultivate leadership, and inspire young people to become active participants in the continued growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.