The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is excited to announce the appointment of Ms. Brielle Jones to the position of Senior Finance Manager within the Financial Services and Supplies Management Department within the Ministry of Finance, Trade, and Investment.

Ms. Jones graduated with a Bachelor's Degree with First Class Honours in Accounting and Finance from Newcastle University and achieved Affiliate status with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in July 2024.

She began her public service career in October 2020 as a full-time Internal Audit Intern with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government while finishing her undergraduate studies. Her dedication and promise led to her official return in November 2021 as an Internal Auditor in the Office of the Chief Internal Auditor. During this time, she gained extensive experience in conducting complex assurance engagements, evaluating internal control systems, reviewing financial data for accuracy, and enhancing financial transparency and operational efficiency across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

In addition to her public sector experience, Ms. Jones has experience from her time in banking, where she focused on client service and anti-money laundering compliance.

Outside her professional endeavours, Ms Jones is a dedicated community leader. She has held positions as Community Service Director, President, and Foundation Chair of the Rotaract Club of Grand Turk, where the club has been recognised as one of the top clubs in Rotaract District 7020. She is also an active member of her church, contributing to youth ministry and community outreach initiatives.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms. Jones remarked, "I am excited and optimistic as I embark on this new journey working within the Financial Services and Supplies Management Department. I look forward to discovering what this chapter holds as I continue to give my best in service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am most importantly thankful to God for His continued guidance and grace and to my family for their unwavering love and support. I am also deeply grateful for the encouragement and support of my mentors, colleagues, and community throughout this journey. As Galatians 6:9 encourages us, 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' I remain committed to supporting the financial stewardship of our islands and working collaboratively with my colleagues to achieve our goals."

In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, expressed, "It gives me great pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Brielle Jones on her recent appointment as Senior Finance Manager. Ms. Jones is a consummate professional who consistently demonstrated remarkable skill, dedication and aptitude in her previous role as an Internal Auditor.

At a young age, she successfully earned her ACCA accreditation, which is a testament to her strong work ethic and commitment to continuous learning. Her drive for excellence and passion for finance have clearly set her apart. I am confident that she will excel in this new leadership position, and I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the future.

Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion Ms. Jones!"

The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Angelina Astwood as the Executive Administrator within the Office of the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ms. Astwood began her academic journey in 2017 at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, graduating at the top of her General Studies (Humanities) course, concentrating on Law, Sociology, and Politics. She further pursued her studies by earning a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Manchester. She is currently advancing her qualifications through the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law.

In addition to her academic achievements, Ms. Astwood has a solid foundation in leadership and administration through her professional involvement in the hospitality industry. She has held key Human Resources positions within this sector and, due to her exceptional service, was honoured with the Heart of Hospitality award from the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association.

On her new appointment, Ms. Astwood said, "I am filled with gratitude and honour for the opportunity to serve my country. I will embrace this role with confidence and a commitment to national development, guided by the scripture: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord..." —Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV). My commitment to public service is deeply rooted and inspired by the legacy of my late grandfather, the Hon. Lewis Astwood III, and my great-grandmother, Myrtle Ewing-Rigby. Both were esteemed public servants who devoted many years to faithful service. I remain motivated by their exemplary integrity and dedication as I embark on this promising new chapter in my career."

In congratulating Ms. Astwood, H.E. Anya Williams, the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Head of the Public Service, stated, “I am pleased to welcome Ms. Astwood to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service and to officially congratulate her on her appointment as the new Executive Administrator in the Office of the Governor. Ms. Astwood’s experience and academic background, as well her dedication to service will undoubtedly be an asset in her now role and will help to bring a fresh perspective. I am confident that she will excel in this role and look forward to her public service contributions.

Congratulations Ms. Astwood on your new appointment!

National Internship and Apprenticeship Program (NIAP) is one of the critical flag ship programs for the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture. It is through this program that the Ministry and Government is able to fulfill its vision for human capital development and avail our young graduates and students with exposure to additional skills and knowledge to make them more ready for the world of work or as they make decisions about their career path. 

A critical aspect of the program is exposure to those skills that were identified in our skills audit as necessary but absent among many of our young people. These include decision making, communication and other skills. 

On Thursday, October 10, the National Internship and Apprenticeship Program hosted a Soft Skills training session for its 2024 cohort of apprentices at the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources conference room. The session was attended by thirteen (13) apprentices from various disciplines, such as law enforcement, healthcare, business management, information technology, education, and biomedical sciences.

These soft skills training sessions address the skills gap identified in the 2017 National Skills Audit, highlighting the need for workforce development in these areas. Soft skills training is crucial for apprentices as it equips them with the interpersonal and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in a professional setting. Moreover, solid soft skills contribute to personal growth, boosting confidence and professionalism and managing time and responsibilities efficiently. Soft skills training prepares apprentices for long-term success by making them well-rounded, adaptable, and valuable employees.

Apprentices participated in the interactive training sessions covering seven topics – professional etiquette, coordinating with others, active listening, service orientation, complex problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills. The sessions were led by experts Arielle Neely, Career Advancement and Program Coordinator of the NIAP, Melanie Smith, Founder & CEO of Talent Recruitment Group and Denise Westcarr, TCA Handling Human Resources Manager. Soft skills training is designed to ensure that apprentices are well-prepared with the skills they need for their desired careers.

At the training, Hon. Taylor, Minister for Education, expressed her commitment to advancing the skills and knowledge of program participants, aiming to prepare them for the competitive job market and empower them to contribute meaningfully to the islands' development.

Registration for the fourth-year implementation of the NIAP opens in February 2025. The program has aligned over 200 students with work experience and soft skills training within their field. We encourage all tertiary students to take advantage of the opportunity and register in February 2025.