LET'S CREATE TCI! YOUTH MAGAZINE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2018 VOLUME 4
LET'S CREATE TCI!
ABOUT LET'S CREATE TCI! IN THIS ISSUE
by Tatiana Handfield (Editor)
PERFORM ON POINT
Welcome to the fourth
(POP) STARS
volume of the Let's Create TCI! Youth MagazineÂ
JESSICA CORVIL:
This magazine will be used
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
to highlight and share the artistic talents and
YOUTH IN ACTION!
development of youths within the Turks and
MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE COLOR RUN UNDER THE
Caicos Islands. Let's Create TCI! is an artistic endeavor which
THEME: STRESS FREE
focuses on producing
DAY!
local literature and art while also developing young artistic minds. Our motto stands firm and strong:Build your dreams in living color with Let's Create TCI! Look for us on Facebook at : Let's Create TCI!
Journalist/Writer/Visionary CHECK OUT MS. TOUSSAINT'S BRAND NEW BLOG: www.angetoussaint.com/
Perform on Point: A showcase of spectacular young talent! Perform on Point, spearheaded by music teacher Sir Maurice Clarke bought a much-needed boost to talented young performers. The second edition of Perform on Point culminated on a high note Sunday, May 27th, 2018 after 8 weeks of intense training and noteworthy performances. Thirty Contestants from private and public high schools as well as the community college participated in the POP competition where performers were eliminated weekly. The top five performers battled it out for the chance of becoming the reigning POP star and ended the competition with a bang! Let's Create TCI! sat down with the top 5 finalists and chatted about their experience and future goals.
Perform on Point: A showcase of spectacular young talent!
NAME: Davonte Missick (WINNER 2018) SCHOOL: Turks & Caicos Islands Community College What inspired you to enter the POP competition? Fellow contestant Kayanna Gibson actually invited me to audition. What was the journey like for you during the competition? Rough and the competition was stiff!
Perform on Point: A showcase of spectacular young talent!
What are some of the values you will take away with you from this competition as you continue your music career? To have confidence in myself as a performer.
Perform on Point: A showcase of spectacular young talent!
NAME: Kayanna Gibson School: Turks & Caicos Islands Community College What or who inspired you to enter the POP competition? The PR Assistant at school told me about the competition.
Where do you see yourself in the future as a musician? I can't say right now. Definitely not sleeping on my talent and will invest on expanding my talent!
Perform on Point: A showcase of spectacular young talent!
What was the journey like for you during the competition? It was amazing seeing the talent of my fellow contestants and observing my growth as a professional performer. What are some of the values you will take away with you from this competition as you continue your music career? Keep pushing forward and being confident in myself! I'd like to perfect my craft and show my true self through my style of music.
Perform on Point: A showcase of spectacular young talent!
Te'Ann Malcolm School: Wesley Methodist High School Who/what inspired you to enter the POP competition? My music teacher and mother. What was the journey like for you? It was kind of easy. The only thing that took some getting used to was crowd participation.
What are some of the values you will take away from this competition as you continue your music career? I can't compare myself to other performers. The competition helped me to grow as a musician. Different environments bring out different sides and sometimes things don't always turn out as you'd like them to. Making friends was one of the most important values I will take away. Where do you see yourself in the future as a musician? I see myself travelling and furthering my musical skills. I love getting into music more now because of the POP competition.
Sibonne Smith School: Wesley Methodist High School What inspired you to enter the POP competition? My music teacher, as well as others at school, encouraged me! What was the journey like for you? It was fun! I got to meet new people, was exposed to the world of performance and gained confidence in performing on stage.
What are some of the values you will take away with you from this competition as you continue your music career? Learning new things about music such as the importance of vocal exercises/scales. Becoming confident and knowing my worth as a performer! Where do you see yourself in the future as a musician? Evaluating my skills as a performer and developing academic pursuits in music.
Aravna Lucsama School: Clement Howell High School What/who inspired you to enter the POP competition? My friends encouraged me to enter because they thought it would be a great avenue for me to get out of my shell! What was the journey like for you during the competition? It was fun! I made friends with fellow contestants and got to participate in the school tour.
What are some of the values you will take away with you from this competition as you continue your music career? Performance enrichment is definitely one of the values I’d take away with me. Where do you see yourself in the future as a musician? I see myself advancing my music skills academically and eventually going international with my musical performances.
Youth Parliamentarians in Action Youth Parliamentarians Ms.Ryesha Higgs and Mr. Layton Lewis took part in the 14th Regional Youth Parliament in Grand Cayman which focused on the moot "BREXIT". Here's an in-depth look at Mr.Lewis' and Ms.Higgs' address: Layton Lewis The — Former U.K. ambassador Tom Fletcher said, “Muhammad Ali didn’t brief everyone in advance on the Rumble in the Jungle.” Madam Speaker, Members of Legislative Assembly, other Government officials, ladies and gentlemen. We, the commonwealth nations and British Overseas Territories, are called upon to share our views on a matter that strikes a plausible threat. Madam Speaker, I am addressing the ‘rumble in the jungle’. Brexit is scheduled to take
place on March 29th, 2019, which is the start of the transitioning period of Britain leaving the European Union. The relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union may have been a beneficial one economic wise, but, Britain deemed it is necessary to protect and hopefully restore, the countries identity. Britain’s campaign slogan was, “Take control”. Madam Speaker this slogan alone should give you an idea of how British citizens felt about their position in the European Union, and also a key insight on the type of relationship they may have. The loss of authority over economic rules and regulations is only one of the reasons as to why the referendum for “Brexit” was brought up. Madam Speaker, the question is, am I for or am I against this action. My answer was first influenced by the percentage of votes, to leave the European Union being 51.9% and to stay with them 48.1%. The referendum turnout consisted of 71.8% of the population, to be more specific, more than 30 million people voted. This should say something, shouldn’t it? I am AGAINST Brexit! MADAM SPEAKER THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH!the economy will suffer great damage, the mere fact that the referendum has already affected the economy; the pound is at its lowest valuation in seven years, and the possibility of losing access to trade and investments because of loss to the Europeans open markets will send the country into turmoil. Britain has an influx of migrant workers, and yes, it has put a strain on British identity and culture but losing that labor force could lead to lower productivity, slower economic growth and decreased job opportunities and the British belongs to a monarch culture, who can forget such traditions? Madam Speaker, Europe is Britain’s most important export market and its greatest source of foreign direct investment, and union membership has been crucial to establishing London as a global financial center. A British exit would jeopardize that status — and the high-paying jobs that come with it. How can the people vote for this?
Madam Speaker, enough about Britain, what about us? Where is our say in this matter? We all make up the British Overseas Territories. Madam Speaker, Anguilla relies on access to St. Martin for many of its daily necessities. From food supplies, to MRI scans, to the postal office. The Anguillan government representative in London said, and I quote “We have a symbiotic relationship, and we don’t want Brexit to affect this.” Anguilla is also mostly ineligible for British development aid and is therefore dependent on money coming from the EU for more than a third of its budget. Madam Speaker, Montserrat is still struggling from a volcanic eruption that happened two decades ago and is still relying on funding from the European Union aid programmes. Madam Speaker, the Falkland Islands relies heavily on their fishing industry. Most of their exports goes to Spanish ships who are attracted to the Falklands tariff-free trade with the European Union. Madam Speaker, we are all not as fortunate as Bermuda. Bermuda has described themselves as a fiscally self-sufficient island and has rejected independence from the United Kingdom in 1995. Other territories such as the Pitcairn’s remain reliant on United Kingdom funding. What will happen after Brexit?Madam Speaker to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Brexit will have a major impact as the Turks and Caicos is currently a beneficiary of significant grant funding through the European Union. Now in its 11th European Development Fund (EDF) program, which is dedicated to the Education Sector, the Turks and Caicos Islands has benefited from millions of dollars through programs such as this. So, the question is who and what will fill this gap post? Mr. Speaker, that also includes cuts in infrastructure, and health care.Susie Alegre, a lawyer specializing in the rights of citizens in the British Overseas Territories states, "The fact that people in overseas territories are going to lose an important element of their citizenship, without having been asked about it, may well give rise to legal challenges in the future."
Madam Speaker, have you heard enough? I will end where I began, the STAKES ARE TOO HIGH, I do not support Brexit, the loss is far too much to bear for Britain, and for us in the British Overseas Territories. I thank you.
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Jessica Corvil: Female Empowerment Jessica Corvil is a 16 year old student of the Raymond Gardiner High School. She is the innovator behind a series of Female Empowerment seminars for teens. We caught up with her to find out more about her newest venture!
My name is Jessica Corvil, a beautiful, smart, sophisticated, ambitious, talented 16-year-old 4th form student at the prestigious Raymond Gardiner High School on North Caicos. I live by the well-known scripture verse, Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In the future, I will become a lawyer, life coach, and a journalist. Earlier this year I started hosting Girls Empowerment seminars around the various islands. I hosted a two-day seminar in Providenciales on April 5th & 6th and recently on North Caicos on June 2nd, 2018. A lot of people ask why I started having the Girls Empowerment Seminars? Truth is I find that too many young girls in our society are going through very difficult situations such as low self-esteem, mental abuse, and the list goes on. Most times they end up feeling lost, unloved and broken because they don’t feel comfortable seeking help or cannot find the words to explain their situations and allow these situations to depict whom they become in life and this should not be the case.
Living in a world where as females we literally have to fight for equality, where society paints ugly images of us, where older men see us as prey to sexual inclinations, where we are forced to believe we are inferior to men it is indeed time that a difference is made! One day I sat down and was trying to come up with a way to help girls my age overcome these situations and the idea came to mind. These events are a way of letting other girls know that they are not alone and what better way than bringing together a group of empowered, smart, beautiful and aspiring young women? The girls who come to these events are given the opportunity to speak out freely, tell their stories and interact in a relaxing, confidential environment which they really enjoy. They get to listen to older successful women tell their stories, play games, eat, ask questions and just be themselves.
The girls who attend always leave feeling rejuvenated and happy. Some start making changes with their attitudes and their lives and from time to time I would hear them quote things that were said at the event to other girls or make references to what the speakers had said in their girl to girl conversations. Going forward I want to visit all the other islands around the Turks and Caicos and find responsible girls who would be willing to do things in my absence seeing that I reside in North Caicos, so that the movement can be an island-wide thing and every couple of months girls from all the islands can come together creating a sisterhood around the Turks and Caicos Islands.
I believe that it can be something great if I am able to find support and sponsors which have been quite hard, but with God all things are possible. To the future me I would say “it doesn’t matter how many times you fail, what matters is how many times you rise, do not let what anyone has to say to your circumstances define whom you become, keep reaching for your goals , always trust in God, continue being the strong ,kind, wonderful , dignified person that you are and remember you deserve the world so do not settle for just anything.�
HIP HIP HOORAY! Meet the Top 5Â Helena J Robinson, 2018 Graduates
Miranda C. I. Archbold Age 16 Average 89.24 Desired Profession Pediatrician Motto: When you fall down get back up stronger
Aleidy Encarnacion Age 17 Average  88.24 Desired Profession Statistics Motto Attempt the impossible in order to achieve greatness
Angelia N. Ariza Age 16 Years Old Average 85.19% Desired Profession Entrepreneur Motto ”If you aren’t willing to work for it. Don’t complain about not having it!”
DeAjah Smith Age 16 Average 84.12 Desired Profession: Sports Physician Motto: The race is not given to the swift or the strong but unto them that endure to the end
Dahanda Pluviose Age 16 years old Average 85.30% Desired Profession Social Worker Motto You can’t get anything done right with the wrong attitude and energy.
YOUTH PARLIAMENTARIANS IN ACTION (CONT'D)
Ryesha S Higgs 14th Regional Commonwealth Youth Parliament The Brexit Referendum Madame Speaker, members of legislative assembly, and members of the public gallery, it is a pleasure to stand before you all to discuss the topic of Brexit and its influence on Commonwealth member states in the Caribbean, Americas and the Greater Atlantic Region.
Britain’s departure from the European Union has undoubtedly initiated a global discussion surrounding bureaucracy, international trade, monetary policy, and immigration. Madame Speaker, more than ever before there should be a strong call for unity amongst commonwealth member states, the time has come for us to assert the relevance of our nations as viable trading partners not only to the United Kingdom; but also, to the rest of Europe and, the wider world. Madame Speaker this can only be achieved by standing in complete solidarity with the United Kingdom’s decision to exit the European Union. Madame Speaker Brexit has presented us with a world of opportunities and consequently, I stand in total affirmation of the United Kingdom’s decision. Madame Speaker I do so in the hope of a stronger Commonwealth and as an MP of the Turks & Caicos Islands, I stand in support of Brexit for a stronger Caribbean. British Prime Minister Theresa May noted in her most recent public address concerning Brexit that “the choice to exit the European Union has dually come with a responsibility to ensure a solution”. As the founding member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Kingdom is obligated to ensure that it’s decision to depart from the EU not only empowers it’s legal residents, but also, that it empowers the combined 2.4 million residents of its commonwealth member states.
Madame Speaker, whilst we have yet to confirm the exact implications of Brexit on the wider world, for our Non-EU Commonwealth member states, most especially those which rely heavily on trading and exports, among many other things Brexit presents a token opportunity to establish stronger trading relationships with the UK. Madame Speaker, as the democratic referendum showed resounding support for the ‘leave campaign’, I ask my Honorable members of the opposition, “what impact will vocally challenging Brexit have on the Greater Atlantic region’s position in negotiation?”, “How do you intend to support the commonwealth’s main goals of promoting development, democracy, and peace by challenging a decision made by the people?” In my view my fellow members, you simply cannot. Our mission is to support sustainable development and prosperity, to strengthen the institutions of the Commonwealth and support our fellow small developing member states. Madame Speaker, by standing together in affirmation, as a unified body, we show our dedication to the principals set forth in our Commonwealth Charter. Our time should not be spent looking back to examine the merits of the decision to leave, but instead, looking forward to identify its effects on our nations and developing proactive proposals to bring and keep our member states at the forefront of discussion. Madame Speaker, Britain's longstanding membership within the European Union has lessened the country’s ability to foster greater trading relations with Commonwealth nations. Presently, as a member of the European Union, the United Kingdom is more inclined to partake in trading with its fellow member states which also reap the benefits of the EU’s four freedoms.
Once the UK exits the EU, it is no longer entitled to these freedoms and may be less predisposed to its trading relations with its former member states. Madame Speaker this is an opportunity for us to market the viability of all Commonwealth nations as major trading partners. Madame Speaker the economies of various Commonwealth nations are developing more rapidly than EU member states; with a nominal GDP in 2014 of $10.5 trillion, the Commonwealth is advancing exponentially and is becoming more financially independent day by day. Madame Speaker, as the UK will no longer be limited by common market legislation, the opportunity is here for us to negotiate new trade agreements which ensure the best possible outcome for our nations. Madame Speaker, as the United Kingdom exits the common market it takes with it the primary ‘economic hub of the EU’ and sets London on an equal investment footing with cities like Toronto for instance. Arguably this could lead to a shift in investment towards Commonwealth countries as EU member states begin to look pass London as its go-to investment zone. Madame Speaker, this offers commonwealth member states such as Canada and the Cayman Islands the chance to redirect investment throughout the Americas, Caribbean and Greater Atlantic Region. Madame Speaker, Brexit presents our commonwealth nations, most specifically our overseas territories, an additional opportunity; the use of the British departure from the EU as a platform to advocate for greater internal legislative control.
Madame Speaker there is a resounding lack of confidence in the stability, advancement and future prosperity of the European Union, in many political arenas, there is a strive for many countries such as France, Demark, and Sweden to also exit the common market and establish greater internal control. I quote the French National Front Party Leader Miss Marine Le Pen in saying, 'This...shows the EU is decaying, there are cracks everywhere'. Madame Speaker, the call has come for our nations to charter the dialogue on bureaucracy and liberty. Honorable members let us not waste time challenging what is already a reality; Brexit is already in motion, would you rather use this time to move ahead, or lag behind and pick up the crumbs of what’s left after other countries have eaten the pie? Madame Speaker, Honorable Members of the opposition and members of the gallery; Brexit remains fresh in the minds of parliamentarians and the public alike, whilst many will draw early conclusions on its effects in the wider world, it is more beneficial for us to collectively affirm its onset and use this transition period as a means of asserting the relevance of the Caribbean, Americas and greater Atlantic Region during discussion. We have the joint opportunity of steering focus in our favor and it is in our best interest to begin a serious analysis of what it means to our countries individually, what it means for us collectively and how we can use it to the advantage of this Commonwealth of Nations.
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Dr.Raven Saunders has recently earned her medical degree at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica by passing the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program. Dr.Saunders is currently interning at St Ann's Bay Hospital and aspires to specialize in Interventional Radiology.
IN HER OWN WORDS: "This is the greatest achievement of my life and would not have been made possible without the grace of God. I am ecstatic to finish my training so I can come home and contribute to my country."Â
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Color Run! The mental health department hosted a color run on North Caicos (AOPS Playground) for all students of North and Middle Caicos on June 29,2018. It was a colorful event, filled with lots of fun. Our theme: RISING ABOVE THE INFLUENCE” is geared at keeping kids focus, redirecting those who have strayed and giving each individual a chance to release the stress build up form the last school year. Each year events like these are held during The United Nations' (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Observances. Their response to this was: “Trafficking falls on June 26 each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society." This day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world,” and Turks and Caicos especially North and Middle is no exception.
Kacy Higgs, Substance Abuse Counselor and mother of four is always excited about organizing and hosting events like the Color Run Stress-Free Day to promote a healthy and positive mindset in youths! THANK YOU Mrs.Higgs for your dedication!
Take a look at exciting images captured during the day! (Photos courtesy of Kacy Higgs: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counsellor)
Raising awareness for and celebrating the Caicos Caribbean Pine Caicos Pine so divine Born from a seed Of a dying tree just to Grow in a life of abuse! Will anyone help? My leaves are dying My insides are crumbling Is anyone going to help me? I’m sick, is anyone here? I’m dying second by second But all they do is talk Will anyone take action? I’m running out of time I am dying! Once tall and strong But now feeble I try to dance in the wind I am breaking apart Please join up and help me Bring back my country! Name: Jabari Bryce Form: 1 Age: 12 School: Long Bay High School
Protect Her-Free Verse Her lovely locs are green and lush Beauty to the bark Smooth to the touch Why do we have a temptation To ruin what we love? Is it really love If we hurt her so much? Her delicate locs Feeble and brittle People break them all the time And put her back together As if its all fine But it’s not! She’s dying inside She’s suffering Help her Protect her She’s trying to survive And we’re not helping! She’s put as royalty But treated as dirt! We need to notice It’s not okay We need to stop Harming our environment Spread the word Make it known: Stop hurting the Caicos Pine!
Name: Lashane Thompson Form: 1 Age: 12 School: Long Bay High School
Raising awareness for and celebrating the Caicos Caribbean Pine It is our National Tree A beauty for people to see Recommended by Demekos Williams On these islands there has to be millions! It’s our National Tree Please don’t let it be mistreated We should have great love for this tree And I’ll make sure that it starts with me! Nice and tall So it won’t be able to fall It stretches across this beautiful place It’s beauty and all cannot be replaced. Known for its endemic to these glorious islands We need to plant more on this beautiful land If you learn its history Trust me it won’t be a mystery How proud can this island be! Oh come on it’s our National Tree! We have proper insurance That it will be remembered for its endurance. It was around for too many years So you don’t have to be in all that fear. Thank God that we have this tree Name: Tanesia Without it what would this island be! Gardiner We love you oh National Tree! Form: 1 Age: 12 School: Long Bay High School
What makes you happy?
DATE
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY
SCHEDULE FOR TODAY 1
WHAT MADE YOU HAPPY TODAY?
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NOTES (WRITE A HAPPY NOTE TO ENCOURAGE YOURSELF!)
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