Representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) embarked on a tour of various Educational facilities in the Bahamas to strengthen ties and to connect with partners with an aim to strengthen the link between the two countries.
Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Ms. Keisha Taylor, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Board Chair, Dr. Candice Williams, President of TCICC, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of TVET and Ms. Vinette Harvey from the Ministry of Education were among the delegation present to view first-hand what education and training opportunities are available in the Bahamas.
The tour took place on April 5th -6th, 2023, with visits across several educational organisations across Nassau, Bahamas, including LJM Maritime Academy, University of the Bahamas; Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the Eugene Dupuch Law School.
Hon. Rachel Taylor commented: ‘’Building Human Capacity is the mandate of the Ministry of Education. We will make an assertive effort to bridge the skill gaps through the programme offerings at our TCICC. We must be proactive in developing linkages with our regional and international partners to strengthen the existing programmes and build a new cadre aligned with the skills demand of our country’’.
The Turks & Caicos Islands Community College has already signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BTVI and LJM Maritime Institute in the Bahamas and is finalising an MOU with the Eugene Dupuch Law School in New Providence.
Dr. Candice Williams stated, ‘’TCI Community College is going through a transformational process where institutional strengthening stands at its core. Through such regional partnerships and the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education and the Board of Governors, the College is better positioned to offer world-class education and training for the TCI populace”.
Dr. Barbara Ambrister shared her excitement and optimism “The plethora of opportunities discussed to have our people certified, upskilled and reskilled solidified our quest in ensuring the development of our human capital by equipping them for higher levels of employment. Additionally, the provision of regional and international internship experiences for TCICC students at these institutions will be strategically embraced.”
Kevin Baxter mentioned the possibility of dual certification, train-the-trainer initiatives, curriculum development support and other quality assurance initiatives that will be realised as a result of the study tour.
The TCI Community College envisions becoming the ‘First Choice’ for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond. It is through these strategic initiatives that will allow the institution to achieve its vision.
The delegation appreciates the hospitality extended by the partners in the Bahamas and looks forward to the valuable partnerships that will be forged.