The spirit of innovation and discovery took center stage as students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands participated in the 14th Annual National Science and Technology Fair, held on March 4 and 5, 2026, under the theme "Powered by Science – Innovations for a Greener Tomorrow. "
The fair featured national‑level competitions in science projects, debates, quizzes, and poster design, welcoming students, educators, stakeholders, and members of the public for two days of scientific exploration. The event was hosted by Pelican Energy TCI in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and corporate partners CG Insurance, Grace Bay Car Rentals, Caicos Express Airlines, and Ports of Call Resort.
The National High School Science Projects Competition showcased cutting‑edge research and practical solutions to real‑world challenges. A. Louise Garland Thomas High School won first place for its project, "Turning the Tide: From Sargassum Pollution to Sustainable Bioethanol" . Second place was awarded to Holy Family Academy for its innovative project, "From Research to Reality: A Model for a Portable Artificial Kidney. " Third place went to British West Indies Collegiate for its project, "Can You Taste the Rainbow?, " which examined how sight can influence taste.
In addition, the prestigious President's Award, personally selected by Pelican Energy TCI President Devon Cox, was presented to Precious Treasures School for its project, "AI‑Powered Traffic App for Provo. " This award recognized the school's exceptional innovation and forward‑thinking approach among the high school entries.
Primary school students also delivered impressive experiments in their segment of the National Primary School Science Projects Competition. Holy Family Academy secured first place for its project, "Traditional Farming versus Hydroponics. "Second place went to Enid Capron Primary School for "Investigating Garbage for Plant Growth and Development. ” Thelma Lightbourne Primary School earned third place for its project, "The Power of Salt: Building a Saltwater Battery – Unlocking Nature's Electrolyte."
This year also saw the introduction of the Curiosity Catalyst Award, which recognizes outstanding creativity and scientific excellence among primary school projects. The award was presented by the Minister of Innovation, Hon. E. Jay Saunders, to Thelma Lightbourne Primary School.
The National High School Science Debate featured thoughtful, evidence‑based discussions on emerging scientific and technological issues. Topics included deepfake technology, artificial womb research, hydrogen‑powered aircraft, AI‑driven data center demand, cloud seeding projects, remote robotic surgery, and underwater turbines.
H.J. Robinson High School won the debate championship title, marking the school's first appearance in the finals, while Marjorie Basden High School secured second place. This round also marked the first time two outer‑island schools competed in the Grand Finale. A. Louise Garland Thomas High School and Maranatha Academy tied for third place. The newly introduced Debate Dynamo Award was presented by the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Rachel Taylor, to Nailah Byfield of Marjorie Basden High School, who achieved the highest cumulative score across all rounds of the debate.
The National Primary School Science Quiz featured teams of students from Grades 4 through 6, with ten schools participating. The championship title was claimed by Charles Hubert James Primary School, celebrating the school's first‑ever win in the competition. Second place was secured by Eliza Simmons Primary School following two intense tie‑breaking rounds, while third place went to Adelaide Oemler Primary School. The event also marked the first time two schools from North Caicos reached the finals.
The National Science Poster Competition invited high school students to creatively interpret the fair's theme through visual storytelling in both Creative Art and Graphic Art categories. In the Creative Art category, first place went to Jamela Williams of British West Indies Collegiate, second place to A'navia Mantock of H.J. Robinson High School, and third place to Lornisha Bastien of Marjorie Basden High School. In the Graphic Art category, Danae Hernandez of Clement Howell High School secured first place, while second place went to Andie Lantomita of Holy Family Academy.
Commenting on the annual event, Devon Cox, President at Pelican Energy TCI, stated: "This year's National Science and Technology Fair powerfully highlighted the ingenuity, creativity, and curiosity of Turks and Caicos students. It is a testament to what can be achieved when education, innovation, and public‑private collaboration come together. I congratulate the students, educators, and coaches for their excellence, and thank our corporate partners for their commitment to empowering the future leaders of our country."
Pelican Energy TCI President Devon Coxdelivering remarks at the closing awards ceremony for 14th edition of the National Science and Technology Fair
Government officials, stakeholders, students, parents, educators, and members of the public gathered to celebrate this year’s participants of the four nationallevel competitions.
Pelican Energy TCI President Devon Cox with the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School team, winners of the 2026 National High School Science Project Competition.
Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, Honourable E. Jay Saunders, with the Holy Family Academy team, winners of the 2026 National Primary School Science Project Competition.
Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Honourable Rachel Taylor with the Charles Hubert James Primary School team, winners of the 2026 National Primary School Science Quiz.
Pelican Energy TCI Senior Vice President of Energy Operations, Don Forsyth with the H.J. Robinson High School team, winners of the 2026 National High School Science Debate.
Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam with Jamela Williams of British West Indies Collegiate, winner of the 2026 National Science Poster Competition Creative Art category.
Her Excellency Deputy Governor Anya Williams with Danae Hernandez of Clement Howell High School, winner of the 2026 National Science Poster Competition Graphic Art category.
