June 14 - 20, 2014
NEWS 17
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Dance classes for North Caicos kids FREE dance lessons are now available to all youngsters in North Caicos thanks to the collaboration of several educators and sponsors. Raymond Gardiner High School’s Performing Arts Club is hosting the classes every weekend at Horse Stable Beach. A press release from the school on Wednesday (June 11) read: “Life on the laidback island of North Caicos can feel somewhat stagnant considering the absence of activities, institutions and outlets which serve to aid the productive and social development of young people. “Outside of the school programme, too little opportunity is open for them to positively channel their energies and time, and the result sometimes breeds undesirable behaviours among young people.” It is this concern that gave birth to
the North Caicos Community Dance Class Programme which has been in operation since the start of May. David Bowen, Director of Culture and former professional dancer, is the main instructor of the classes which are held every Saturday from 1.30pm to 3pm at Horse Stable Beach. The school’s Performing Arts Club, headed by Marguerite Anderson, came up with the idea after she invited Bowen to conduct a series of dance lessons with the group at the school. Bowen, who has been working with the students since February, subsequently began a dance workshop with members of the club during their weekly club meetings. The interest and enthusiasm of the students at the school, sparked the idea to extend this opportunity to others at Raymond Gardiner High
During the classes students learn various techniques
School, as well as to those students of all ages, from the neighbouring schools. “The Director of Culture with support from Anderson thought it a great idea to offer a chance for the North Caicos schools to experience basic dance training,” the release read. “There was also the awareness of the added benefit of offering a wonderful form of recreation, exercise and fun for anyone in the community, who has an interest.” The programme will serve as a pilot for other dance programmes that will eventually take place in the other Government schools
Young pageant winners receive donation from taxi drivers THE LITTLE king and queen of the 2014 Enid Capron Primary School pageant received a generous donation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Taxi Drivers’ Association this week. Winners Rasheek Rigby and Obed Leopold appeared in the studios of TCI Butterfly Effect (105.5FM or 103.5 FM) by the Market Place, where they were interviewed live on the air by radio personality, Dorell Pratt-Delancey on Friday (June 6). During the interviewing process, president of the Taxi Drivers’Association, Toussaint Capron, presented the principal of Enid Capron Primary School, Rachel Taylor, with a $500 cheque which will be used to purchase laptops for the winning students. Capron said that he and his colleagues wanted the Turks and Caicos Islands community to know that they play a role in the community and like to give back. Principal Taylor expressed gratitude for the donation and the students also presented the Taxi Drivers’Association with a special plaque made out of a conch shell for their support. Enid Capron Primary School’s annual school pageant took place at the Williams Auditorium on Friday (May 30) under the theme Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a cultural festival celebrated all over the world, but made popular by the state of Louisiana, which includes the practice was wearing masks and costumes. (DH)
Enid Capron Primary School teacher, principal Rachel Taylor and Little Ms and Mr Enid Capron Primary School
throughout the Islands. During the classes students learn various dance techniques such as TCI cultural and folklore dance, African dance, creative dance, hip hop, Caribbean dance and elements of ballet and modern dance. Already, class size has been growing and although dominantly attended by girls, there has been the interest from a few of the boys as well. A number of people have been in support of this venture in collaboration with the Department
of Culture including Marguerite Anderson, Raymond Gardiner High School’s performing arts coordinator, Caribbean Cruisin’ TCI Ferry, Superior Auto Rental and Tours and the District Commissioner of North Caicos, Donna Gardiner. The organisers would like support from other sponsors and collaborators who can provide water, juices and snacks for the dancers, ferry tickets, and transportation of students and teachers to and from the venue. Those interested can call the Department of Culture on 941-8434.
The Towers of Babel “An ancient city in the land of Shinar in which the building of a tower intended to reach heaven was begun and the confusion of the language of the people took place.” Gen 11:4–9. The Towers of Babel is a collective of voices consisting of various artists prepared to display their exceptional art forms and foster the inner artist in other individuals; providing a venue for the outpouring of their undeniably unique gifts. This group brings to the stage and page productions rarely displayed on stages in the Turks and Caicos Islands melding with some of the most unique artists the country has to offer. For more information email towersofbabel101@gmail.com or visit www.towersofbabel.weebly.com
To the handsome man sitting across from me on the tube By Chelsea Blues
While I am often distracted from your face, By the beautifully, thrown down McDonald’s cup on the ledge by the window, I do sometimes Look upon the painkiller ad above your head as well.
President of the Taxi Drivers’ Association, Toussaint Capron makes cheque presentation the teacher at the ECPS.
Though the central tube map Is infatuatingly fascinating, The empty seat to your left needs filling, But I’ve chosen to sit opposite So you’d be forced to look my way in between gazes. Now I haven’t said a word to you But if you remember seeing me before getting off at Bond Street: I really think you’re fit. Yours truly, Girl wearing floral shoes, black leggings and coat, with the yellow scarf Wearing a determinedly constipated look Pretending to look serious and interesting (hope it worked).