"Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow." This inspiring theme sets the tone for the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday, 16th July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort. Hosted by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, in collaboration with WizdomCRM and the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO), the ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements of students who competed against their peers from across the Caribbean in one of the region's most innovative financial literacy and AI-powered education initiatives.
Students, teachers, government officials, and partners gather to celebrate the Cycle 13 National Awards Ceremony under the theme, "Champions Today: AI Leaders Tomorrow."
From April to June 2026, students across the Caribbean embarked on a three-month investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000. Their objective was to strategically grow their portfolios through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets while developing financial literacy, critical thinking, and investment skills. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM's AI Tutor, and participated in WizdomCRM E-Classroom sessions facilitated by education professionals, creating an engaging learning experience powered by artificial intelligence and real-world financial concepts.
The Turks and Caicos Islands delivered an exceptional regional performance, emerging as one of the Caribbean's top-performing territories by claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 places in the Caribbean's Top 20, and having four schools represented on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, whose outstanding investment strategy grew his portfolio to an impressive USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School, who finished second with USD $264,841.31, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who secured third place with USD $247,738.09. Completing the top six were Oled'larle Jolissaint of Wesley Methodist School, Tyshawn Wright of Raymond Gardiner High School, and Jah'keem Missick, also of Raymond Gardiner High School.
The nation's success extended beyond the podium, with Curvin Handfield, Chadazea Darville, Vivaan Castleton, Damendine Simplus, Dyvion Louis, Colin Moriarty, Kensley Felix, and Redjino Saint-Louis all earning places among the Caribbean's Top 20 students. Their achievements are a testament to months of dedication, strategic thinking, and perseverance.
Regional Champion Perceus Marc-Roubentz and the Top Three winners proudly display their awards after an outstanding Cycle 13 performance.
Four schools proudly represented the Turks and Caicos Islands in the regional competition: TCIPS Comprehensive High School, Raymond Gardiner High School, Wesley Methodist School, and British West Indies Collegiate. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognized as the Top School for Cycle 13, reflecting its exceptional overall performance and commitment to student excellence.
The ceremony also celebrated the educators whose mentorship and dedication helped shape this historic achievement. Special recognition was given to Mr. Fexnel Colvert of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, Mrs. Valerie Olice of Raymond Gardiner High School, Mr. Warren French of Wesley Methodist School, and Mrs. Phyllis Boucher of British West Indies Collegiate. Through their guidance, encouragement, and commitment, students were empowered to apply classroom learning in a competitive regional environment.
Teachers proudly celebrate alongside their students, whose achievements reflect the power of mentorship, collaboration, and educational excellence.
Joining the ceremony virtually, Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister responsible for Education, congratulated the students on their remarkable accomplishments, stating that they had "demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally." She emphasized that this success was "not luck,it is the result of an ecosystem," acknowledging the collective efforts of students, teachers, parents, school leaders, and stakeholders who continue to invest in educational excellence. The Minister also revealed that the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its innovative AI-powered educational technologies, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, Plagiarism Checker, and Grammar Checker, further strengthening digital learning and equipping students with the future-ready skills needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor addresses the audience virtually, sharing the Ministry's vision for expanding AI-powered learning across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The awards ceremony was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Hon. Otis Morris, Member of Parliament; Mrs. Khalila Astwood-Tatem, Deputy Attorney General; Hon. Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition; Mr. James Astwood, Permanent Secretary; Mr. Edgar Howell, Deputy Permanent Secretary; and Hon. Gordon Burton, Speaker of the House of Assembly, underscoring the national importance of investing in education, innovation, and youth development.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Rubis Turks & Caicos Cash Prizes to the top three regional champions. The event was also honored by the presence of Ms. Zaneta Burton, Managing Director of Rubis Turks & Caicos, whose company proudly sponsored the cash prizes awarded to the first, second, and third place winners. This generous contribution reflects Rubis' unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility, educational excellence, and empowering the next generation of leaders in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Ms. Zaneta Burton, Managing Director of Rubis Turks & Caicos, and Gordon Burton Honourable Speaker of the house join award recipients as Rubis celebrates and supports student excellence through its sponsorship of the top three cash prizes.
Special recognition was also extended to Mr. Newman, whose vision, passion, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in spearheading the WizdomCRM initiative in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through his leadership in organizing the Cycle 13 National Awards Ceremony and championing financial literacy and AI-powered education, countless students have been given opportunities to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to compete on a regional stage. His dedication continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthen the future of education across the nation.
Mr. Robert Newman is recognized for his leadership in spearheading the WizdomCRM initiative and creating transformative opportunities for students throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As the ceremony concluded, one message resonated throughout the room," Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow." More than an awards ceremony, Cycle 13 celebrated the power of collaboration between government, educators, parents, corporate partners, and innovative technology. It demonstrated that when an entire ecosystem invests in young people, extraordinary outcomes become possible. The Ministry of Education, WizdomCRM, CPSO, Rubis Turks & Caicos, participating schools, teachers, parents, and stakeholders congratulate every student whose dedication and determination contributed to this historic achievement, reaffirming that the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands is bright, innovative, and ready to lead the Caribbean.