CLEMENT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL AUTOCAD Lab Inauguration: Rubis Turks & Caicos Ltd. Elevates Community Support and Educational Development

Turks & Caicos Islands, September 22, 2023 — Rubis Turks and Caicos Limited, a leading energy company in the region, has once again underscored its commitment to community support and educational development with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art AutoCAD Lab at Clement Howell High School.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the Honorable Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Labour, Employment & Customer Service; Honorable Speaker of the House Gordon Burton; Mrs. Shanta S. Seymour, Principal of Clement Howell High School; Mrs. Stephanie Johnson and Mrs. Nadra Wilson-Kirlew, Vice-Principals; Mr. Damian Williams, Head of the AutoCAD Department; as well as faculty, staff, and students. Representatives from Rubis, including Micah Knowles, Rubis Sales and Marketing Manager, Rubis Turks & Caicos Staff, and Ms. Aribella Smith, Rubis Retailer, were also present to mark this significant occasion.

Rubis Turks and Caicos Limited's company initiated the "RUBiS Cares Campaign" back in 2020 aimed at providing relief to those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, this campaign has evolved to support community engagement initiatives, with a particular focus on children, the disabled, and loyal customers.

In 2022, Rubis extended its support to Clement Howell High School's AutoCAD program, providing the school with essential resources, including printers and laptops tailored for AutoCAD education. The company also sponsored the prestigious Top AutoCAD Graduating Student Award presented to Mr. Stepherlee Brazile, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence.

Building upon this successful partnership, Rubis Turks & Caicos Ltd. has invested over $15,000 to renovate a brand-new AutoCAD classroom, symbolizing its unwavering dedication to local educational institutions' growth and empowerment. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap in the country and empower students with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their academic pursuits and future careers.

Principal Shanta Seymour expressed her gratitude for Rubis' continued support, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in education. She commended Rubis for turning their commitment to social responsibility into tangible action, stating, "It is a great thing when companies realize education is all of our business and put this concept into action."

Rubis Sales and Marketing Manager, Micah Knowles, reiterated the company's dedication to supporting the local community and educational development. Knowles emphasized that the total outfitting of the AutoCAD lab exceeds $15,000, reinforcing Rubis' commitment to local education institutions' growth.

Damion Williams, Head of the AutoCAD Department at Clement Howell High, celebrated the unique offerings of the school and its role in providing AutoCAD education. Williams pointed out the growing interest in AutoCAD among students, highlighting the need for an expanded classroom to accommodate the increasing number of eager learners.

Minister of Education Hon. Rachel Taylor applauded Rubis for its dedication to the development of young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She emphasized Rubis' commitment to education and nation-building, noting the importance of engineering and architectural skills identified in a recent skills gap audit. Minister Taylor expressed her enthusiasm for the emphasis on AutoCAD education at Clement Howell High School and its potential to prepare students for future educational opportunities, including admission to the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

The inauguration of the Rubis-sponsored AutoCAD Lab represents a significant stride forward in advancing educational opportunities and addressing critical skills gaps in the Turks and Caicos Islands.