Return and Help Build Turks and Caicos, Minister Urges Students
- Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor
- 59 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor is encouraging young people who pursue higher education overseas to return home and use their knowledge and skills to help build the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Taylor made the appeal during the 2026 Beaches Turks and Caicos Summer Internship Graduation Ceremony, held on Thursday, August 13, at the Caribbean Village Conference Room.
Approximately 120 students graduated from the internship programme after gaining practical experience across various departments at the resort.
Addressing the graduates, Taylor expressed concern that many young people leave the Turks and Caicos Islands to study in the United Kingdom or the United States but do not return after completing their education.
“How are you going to be that change for the Turks and Caicos Islands if you decide to provide growth for another country?” she asked.
The Minister urged the graduates to consider the meaningful impact they could make at home after acquiring international qualifications and experience.
She said the Government had been intentional in creating educational opportunities for students transitioning from secondary school, including tuition-free education at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
“What you are leaving home for is already available,” she told the students.
Taylor said the Community College had been strengthened in response to the 2017 National Skills Audit to provide programmes aligned with the country’s workforce and development needs.
She explained that attending the Community College could also create a pathway to scholarship opportunities overseas. Some of the students recently awarded scholarships to study abroad had first attended the institution, she noted.
According to the Minister, those students demonstrated their willingness to take advantage of the educational opportunities available at home before seeking assistance to continue their studies overseas.
Taylor also encouraged students to carefully examine the financial realities of studying abroad, particularly the high cost of accommodation and other living expenses in the United Kingdom.
She said the Turks and Caicos Islands Government provides scholarships to support students pursuing higher education, with recipients expected to return and contribute to the country upon completing their studies.
The Minister clarified that scholarship recipients are not required to work in the public service to fulfil their bond obligations. Returning graduates may work for private-sector companies or other organisations in the Turks and Caicos Islands and still satisfy the service requirements attached to their scholarships.
“If you are given a scholarship and you return home, we don’t care who you work with,” Taylor explained. “Just return home and find work.”
She said the scholarship policy was amended after it became clear that returning graduates were not always able to find immediate employment within the Government.
Under the revised policy, graduates can use their qualifications throughout the local economy while completing the required period of service.
Taylor also encouraged the interns to consider employment opportunities at Beaches Turks and Caicos and other local businesses while continuing their education at home.
She said internships allow young people to explore different careers, build workplace skills and gain valuable experience before entering permanent employment.
The Minister challenged the graduates to become the change they wanted to see in the Turks and Caicos Islands and to play an active role in the country’s future.
She assured them that the Government would continue expanding access to education, scholarships, skills training and employment pathways.
“Opportunities are available,” Taylor said. “The only thing that you have to do is make yourself aware of what is available so that you are able to tap into it.”
Comments