FSC Strengthens Community Partnership with Donation to SNAP Centre

The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC) continues to demonstrate its commitment to cor-porate social responsibility and community partnership through a recent visit and donation to the Marion Williams Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) Centre in Kew Town.

FSC and SNAP outside

Senior leadership of the FSC’s Providenciales office visited the SNAP Centre this week, where essential nutritional items were donated in support of the students' physical development and overall well-being. The donation was met with immediate appreciation from SNAP’s staff, who described the contribution as timely and impactful in supporting daily meal planning and stu-dent care. The visit also provided an opportunity for FSC leadership to conduct a needs-based assessment and explore meaningful ways to partner with the centre moving forward.

The delegation comprised Kenisha Bacchus, Managing Director (Ag.); Camardia Higgs, Director of Human Resources & Administration; Courtney Robinson, Communications Advisor; Alidavidson Higgs, Administrative Assistant. While on-site, the team met with the principal, educators, and students; toured the classrooms and grounds; and spent time interacting with students in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.

FSC delegation meet with Principal, Dr Little and teacher, Paulette Delancy Simmons

Students responded enthusiastically to the visit, expressing visible excitement and joy through-out the engagement. Staff noted that the students were particularly happy to interact with new faces, participate in conversations, and receive individual attention; experiences that are essen-tial to their social and emotional development. Laughter, smiles, and active participation un-derscored the positive atmosphere created by the interaction.

The SNAP Centre is a government-funded facility that has been operational for over 35 years and currently serves approximately 30 students between the ages of 5 and 20. The organisation provides specialised intellectual and life-skills training for children and young people with diag-nosed special needs, including autism, Down syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental chal-lenges.

Services include therapeutic support such as speech, occupational, and behavioural therapy, as well as inclusive education programmes designed to foster independence, socialisation, and community integration.

Kenisha Bacchus, Managing Director and student

Speaking on the visit, Mrs Bacchus emphasised the importance of stewardship and partnership with underserved communities: “At the FSC, we recognise the importance of being good stew-ards within our community. Engaging with SNAP and spending time with the students firsthand was both humbling and inspiring. Seeing the students’ excitement and openness to interaction reinforced how important community engagement is. We stand with SNAP in its mission to cre-ate a nurturing and empowering environment for its students, and we are committed to explor-ing sustainable ways to partner with the organisation as it continues its vital work.”

Dr Regena Little, Principal of the SNAP Centre, welcomed the FSC’s presence and acknowl-edged the dual impact of the donation and personal interaction: “For more than three decades, SNAP has relied on the generosity of partners to enhance the learning environment for our stu-dents. The nutritional supplies will be put to immediate use, and the interaction with the FSC team brought visible joy to our students.”

She further noted that such encounters play an important role in student development: “These moments of connection are essential to nurturing social and psychological growth. The students were excited, engaged, and truly enjoyed the experience.”

Kenisha Bacchus and Alidavidson Higgs with SNAP students

Dr Little also emphasised that, despite its long-standing service, many individuals within the special education community across the Turks and Caicos Islands remain without adequate re-sources. She described SNAP as both an educational institution and a support network for fami-lies seeking comprehensive assistance.

The FSC’s outreach reflects its broader ethos of collaboration, inclusion, and service to vulnera-ble groups, extending its impact beyond regulatory functions.

While continuing to uphold its mandate of financial services oversight across the Turks and Cai-cos Islands, the FSC remains committed to initiatives that foster stronger communities and promote shared responsibility, opportunity, and inclusion.