Tessenya Pyne of H.J. Robinson High Wins DRCS Speech Competition

Tessenya Pyne of H.J. Robinson High School in Grand Turk has been crowned champion of the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision’s (DRCS) 3rd Annual Speech Competition, held Tuesday at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort in Providenciales.

Tessenya Pyne, (centre) of H.J. Robinson High School and winner of the 2026 DRCS Speech competition, is joined by second place winner Jonathon Malabre, (third from right) of the Precious Treasures International School, Merbelie Obei (third from left) of the Raymond Gardiner High School, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Otis Morris, (fourth from left) Joran Harvey, (right) and sponsors of the event, for a photo op.

The competition brought together students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands who delivered speeches under the theme “The Turning Point: How Early Intervention Can Change the Path for At-Risk Youth.” Participants examined the importance of timely intervention, mentorship and support systems in helping vulnerable youth make positive life choices.

Pyne’s speech, which drew from both research and personal reflection, resonated strongly with judges and the audience, securing her first place in the competition.

Jonathon Malabre of Precious Treasures High School placed second, while Merbelie Obei of Raymond Gardiner High School secured third place.

For winning the title, Pyne received $500 cash from the Rotary Club, a gift voucher from Business Solutions, $100 cash from Lt. Bourne, a blender bottle from Max Kitchen, a $128 voucher from Flow, a $200 Hero’s Gift voucher and a tablet from the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision.

Second-place finisher Jonathon Malabre received a Business Solutions gift voucher, a Cruise and Style Rental Company gift voucher, a Cash Rental voucher, a Flow voucher, a tablet from Flow and $300 cash from the Rotary Club.

Third-place winner Merbelie Obei received a tablet from Flow, $200 from the Rotary Club, a $50 gift voucher, a $100 gift voucher from Business Solutions and a voucher from Jessie’s Hair and Beauty Lounge.

Speaking after the competition, Pyne said the theme resonated deeply with her own life experiences.

“When I first heard the theme about intervention, I wasn’t always a perfect child. I wasn’t always the best, and it brought me back to that point in my life,” she said.

She explained that while research is often part of preparing for competitions, she chose to draw inspiration from her personal journey.

“Research can be done, but the research stands right here today. Sometimes when we see competitions like this we think we have to look deep and search everywhere, but sometimes you just have to look at your life and see how it resonates with you. That’s how my speech came about,” Pyne said.

Pyne also revealed that the trip to Providenciales included an unexpected moment of stress after she realized she had left her tie behind in Grand Turk.

“I left my tie all the way in Grand Turk. I was stressed about everything else but my speech, and my teacher, Ms. Lonsis, reminded me that I needed to place my focus on God. The same God who did things before will do it again,” she said.

Her preparation for the competition included several late evenings refining her speech, including a final round of adjustments the night before the event.

“The day before we came to Providenciales I was at my teacher’s house until 10 o’clock, and even the night before the competition I made changes to my speech because I wanted it to be perfect,” she added.

Asked how she plans to celebrate the victory, Pyne said she expects a warm reception when she returns home to the capital.

“I’m going back to the nation’s capital, so I don’t even have to plan anything. I know once I get there I will be celebrated,” she said.

The annual speech competition forms part of the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision’s ongoing efforts to encourage young people to reflect on rehabilitation, personal responsibility and the critical role early intervention can play in changing the trajectory of at-risk youth.

Hon. Otis Morris

For his part, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, and under whose aegis the DRCS falls, Hon. Otis Morris, said his government remains committed to strengthening programs that support prevention, mentorship, and community engagement.

“...because the best way to build safer communities is to invest in our young people before they fall into difficult circumstances,” he said.

He also commended the DRCS  for its dedication and vision.

“Your work is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful,” he said. “Through initiatives like this competition, you are demonstrating that rehabilitation is not just about correcting behavior, it is about restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and preventing future harm.”