Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Graduates Record-Breaking 194 Students

On Thursday, 28 November 2024, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) hosted its 29th Annual Commencement Ceremony under the inspiring theme: “30 Years of Developing Our Nation-Builders: Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Inspiring the Future.”

The event, held at the Yellowman and Sons Auditorium in Grand Turk, marked a historic milestone with a record-breaking 194 graduates from the Associate, Bachelor’s, and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programmes.

Among the 194 graduates, 69 earned Associate degrees, 29 completed Bachelor’s degrees, and 96 were TVET trainees. Demonstrating academic excellence, 25% of the Associate degree graduates achieved Dean’s List recognition with GPAs above 3.5, while Bachelor’s graduates celebrated a range of honours classifications: 14% earned Upper Second-Class Honours, 69% achieved Lower Second-Class Honours, and 17% secured a Pass.

The ceremony was attended by an audience of over 500, including distinguished dignitaries such as Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams; Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education; Honourable Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs; and Honourable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism. Also present were other past and current government officials, families and well-wishers of the graduands, as well as the dedicated staff and faculty of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

The Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, commended the graduating class and paid tribute to the institution’s rich legacy. She remarked, “As the Minister with responsibilities for Education, I was delighted to witness the graduation ceremony for the cohort of students who walked across the stage and received their certificate in their field of study. Our students have been resilient in their efforts to empower themselves through education.

It was enlightening to witness the (ninety six) 96 candidates who were certified and received their Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) through our Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) from all our training sites on Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos and the Prison.

 It blessed my heart to witness twenty (20) inmates receiving their certification. We truly believe that inmates who have access to and benefit from an education while in prison, develop marketable skills and are better equipped to reintegrate into society upon release. With this initiative in place and being strengthened to offer additional areas of study, our inmates are more likely to secure stable employment, contribute to their communities, and break the cycle of recidivism.

 As a Government, we have partnered with Invest TCI for entrepreneurial opportunities upon completion of our TVET programme. Our boost in registration at TCICC with over 38% increase in enrollment, is a testament of our intent to building Human Capital through Free Access to our community college.”

In her remarks, TCICC President Dr. Candice Williams highlighted the College’s enduring impact on the community, stating, “TCICC’s achievements this year are a testament to our commitment to excellence—TVET certifications soared by 109%, the Dean’s List grew by 169%, and 80% of our students benefit from free tuition. These achievements are transformative. They represent lives changed, communities empowered, and a nation enriched.”

A unique highlight of the event was the graduation of 20 inmates from the HM Prison under TCICC’s TVET Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) programme. These graduates were praised by staff at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for showing remarkable transformation in attitude and outlook, emphasising the College’s commitment to inclusive education and societal reintegration.

The ceremony also featured an inspiring address from three former leaders of TCICC: Rev. Dr. Julia Williams, Dr. Hubert Fulford, and Mrs. Clara Gardiner. Each shared heartfelt reflections on the College’s legacy while issuing powerful charges to the graduates to embrace their roles as changemakers in the community.

As TCICC continues to celebrate its 30th anniversary, this year’s commencement ceremony serves as a resounding testament to its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.