Times of the Islands Fall 2016
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
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TIMES<br />
OF THE<br />
SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FALL <strong>2016</strong> NO. 116<br />
EASY RIDER<br />
Big Bikes Come to Provo<br />
CAICOS GHOST FLEET<br />
Tracing a Nautical Mystery<br />
OWN A FRACTION OF PARADISE<br />
Long Bay Beach Club Villas<br />
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AT<br />
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The Perfect Combination...<br />
The privacy <strong>of</strong> a luxury villa<br />
The convenience <strong>of</strong> a penthouse<br />
• Located on exclusive Long Bay Beach<br />
• The security <strong>of</strong> a full service resort<br />
• Full access to resort amenities<br />
• The opportunity to earn rental<br />
Villa<br />
income<br />
Frontage<br />
A “10 Best Island Beaches Around <strong>the</strong> World”<br />
- Condé Nast Travellers List<br />
www.TheShoreClubTC.com<br />
“Future Location <strong>of</strong> Villas”<br />
Award winning developer <strong>of</strong> luxury<br />
beachfront condos for over a decade.
VOTED<br />
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ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY RESORTS<br />
BEACHES ® Turks & Caicos, <strong>the</strong> last <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> true exotics,<br />
includes absolutely everything for <strong>the</strong> ultimate family<br />
vacation. A thrilling water park with 10 slides and a surf<br />
simulator. Endless land and water sports including unlimited<br />
waterskiing and scuba diving* named by PADI as one <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> top fi ve dive operations in <strong>the</strong> Western Hemisphere.<br />
5-Star Global Gourmet dining at 21 restaurants, and<br />
for adults,14 bars serving unlimited premium spirits. It’s<br />
all included, along with cool hangouts for teens and<br />
Sesame Street ® fun and games for <strong>the</strong> kids. Complimentary<br />
accredited nannies for all ages, all day and into <strong>the</strong><br />
night. Beautifully appointed family-sized rooms, suites,<br />
and villas, some with butler service. Take a closer look<br />
at Beaches Turks & Caicos and see why we continue to<br />
enjoy an unparalleled record <strong>of</strong> award-winning success.<br />
MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN<br />
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&<br />
Turks Caicos<br />
Resort Villages & Spa<br />
BEACHES.COM<br />
1-888-BEACHES or call your Travel Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
*Visit www.beaches.com/disclaimers/btctimes<strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>islandsfall<strong>2016</strong><br />
or call 1-800-BEACHES for important terms and conditions.<br />
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The cool side <strong>of</strong> classic.<br />
7 2 W E S T<br />
T H E S P A<br />
P A R A L L E L 2 3<br />
The Palms (formerly Regent Palms) may totally inhabit <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong><br />
an elegant, luxurious, award-winning resort, but beneath that cultivated<br />
exterior beats an untamed heart. Parallel23 sprinkles every dish<br />
with a dash <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unexpected. 72West <strong>of</strong>fers you <strong>the</strong> moon and <strong>the</strong> stars.<br />
Whimsy rules at The Palms Courtyard Shops featuring Wish Boutique.<br />
And your senses are utterly seduced at The Spa at The Palms.<br />
Feel free to visit and indulge your inner wild child in all we have to <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
THE PALMS, LAID -BACK LU XE .<br />
649.946.8666 | <strong>the</strong>palmstc.com<br />
W I S H B O U T I Q U E
contents<br />
Departments<br />
10 From <strong>the</strong> Editor<br />
15 What’s New<br />
Speed Born in Grand Turk—Delano Williams<br />
By Jody Rathgeb<br />
18 A Call to Action<br />
The Time Has Come!<br />
By Don Stark, Turks & Caicos Reef Fund<br />
46 Real Estate<br />
Paradise by <strong>the</strong> Fraction: Long Bay Beach Club<br />
By Kathy Borsuk<br />
65 A Taste <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong><br />
North Caicos Tea Company<br />
By Jody Rathgeb ~ Photos By Tom Rathgeb<br />
69 Shape Up<br />
Spinal Health and Well Being<br />
By Dr. Craig D. Zavitz<br />
71 Nails Need TLC Too!<br />
By Franceska Parker<br />
72 About <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>/TCI Map<br />
77 Where to Stay<br />
79 Dining Out<br />
82 Classified Ads/Subscription Form<br />
Features<br />
32 The Ride <strong>of</strong> a Lifetime<br />
By Kathy Borsuk ~ Photos By Ileana Ravasio<br />
36 A Revolution in Going Green<br />
By Kathy Borsuk<br />
42 The Easy Way to Shop<br />
By Kathy Borsuk<br />
TIMES<br />
OF THE<br />
SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FALL <strong>2016</strong> NO. 116<br />
ISLANDS<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Cover<br />
Ileana Ravasio <strong>of</strong> Attimi Photography spent a morning<br />
on <strong>the</strong> road with motorcyclists from TCIRide to capture<br />
this cover image and o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong> story on page 32.<br />
She says <strong>the</strong> best part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> photo shoot was to share<br />
a ride from Turtle Cove to Blue Hills and back. “The<br />
sense <strong>of</strong> freedom and <strong>the</strong> wild feel given by <strong>the</strong> bike<br />
were amazing!” This multi-talented woman is <strong>the</strong> Turks<br />
& Caicos’ exclusive photographer for Condé Nast Brides<br />
magazine, as well. Visit www.attimiphotography.com.<br />
Green Pages<br />
22 Project RESCQ<br />
Story & Photos By Don Stark<br />
25 Meal Time!<br />
By Dr. Alastair M. Smith and Dr. Jessica Paddock<br />
30 Bonding with Nature<br />
By Evangelia Ganosellis<br />
Photos By Amy Avenant<br />
Astrolabe<br />
54 A Phantasmal Project<br />
By Dr. Donald H. Keith<br />
59 A Mariner’s Tale<br />
By Captain Willard E. Kennedy<br />
CORRECTION: In <strong>the</strong> Summer <strong>2016</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> on page 42, we incorrectly stated in both<br />
<strong>the</strong> body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> article and photo caption that Grade<br />
6 students at <strong>the</strong> International School at Leeward<br />
are being prepared for <strong>the</strong> GSAT. According to Vice<br />
Principal Indrani Saunders, “A majority <strong>of</strong> our children<br />
do not write <strong>the</strong> GSAT. They prepare for <strong>the</strong> entrance<br />
exams for <strong>the</strong> British West Indies Collegiate and <strong>the</strong> TCI<br />
Middle School.”<br />
We sincerely apologize for this mistake.<br />
6 www.timespub.tc
Turks And Caicos<br />
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villa located on <strong>the</strong> south shore <strong>of</strong> Providenciales<br />
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TCP is <strong>the</strong> leading independent real estate<br />
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Beaches Negril<br />
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your decadently romantic suite while your guests enjoy an exciting vacation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own. And everything’s included at<br />
Beaches—every land and water sport imaginable, exhilarating water parks and activities for kids <strong>of</strong> all ages, and 5-Star Global<br />
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1-800-BEACHES for important terms and conditions.<br />
@weddingmoons
from <strong>the</strong> editor<br />
JOHN CLAYDON<br />
Lobster season <strong>2016</strong>/2017 kicked <strong>of</strong>f on August 15 with opening catch landed at processing plants in South Caicos and Providenciales<br />
totalling 43,206 pounds.<br />
Pressed Down, Shaken Toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Whenever I read or hear <strong>the</strong> Bible verse from Luke 6:38 which says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good<br />
measure, pressed down, shaken toge<strong>the</strong>r and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with <strong>the</strong> measure you<br />
use, it will be measured to you,” I get tears in my eyes. For <strong>the</strong>re are many days when, if I am quiet enough to count<br />
my blessings, <strong>the</strong>y do indeed run over. The people I hold dearest are around me; I have food, shelter, car, clothing,<br />
and a job that I love; I’ve spent a large part <strong>of</strong> my life in <strong>the</strong> most beautiful place in <strong>the</strong> world (Turks & Caicos); and<br />
I know my God cares for me.<br />
Since I started as editor so many years ago, one <strong>of</strong> my biggest fears was not having enough stories to fill <strong>the</strong><br />
magazine every quarter. Thankfully, that has never happened—not once—and we usually have too many! This issue<br />
is an example—chock-full <strong>of</strong> a fascinating variety that represents so many different facets <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. Our cover<br />
story highlights a new niche in <strong>the</strong> market: “biker tourism,” with RideTCI’s motorcycle rentals and tours. I was enraptured<br />
by Dr. Donald Keith’s masterfully imagined feature on <strong>the</strong> Ghost Fleet <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>, as well as Don<br />
Stark’s inspired idea for a dolphin sanctuary in Providenciales. On a more practical note, learn what local business<br />
Green Revolution is doing to encourage energy savings and how Island Bargains makes it easy for residents to shop<br />
and ship, just in time for Christmas.<br />
We couldn’t produce <strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> without <strong>the</strong> contributors—both our esteemed “regulars” and our valued<br />
newcomers—writers and photographers both. Their hard work and dedication is what enables each issue and this<br />
editor’s gratitude to be “running over.”<br />
Kathy Borsuk, Editor<br />
timespub@tciway.tc • (649) 946-4788<br />
10 www.timespub.tc
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an all-inclusive resort. Pools in <strong>the</strong> sky. A living room in a swimming pool.<br />
Decadently romantic suites with discreetly private Tranquility Soaking<br />
Tubs for two on patios and balconies. There’s unlimited land and water<br />
sports—including scuba diving for certified divers, plus six bars serving<br />
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RASHAWDESIGNS.com<br />
TIMES<br />
MANAGING EDITOR<br />
Kathy Borsuk<br />
OF THE<br />
ISLANDS<br />
ADVERTISING MANAGER<br />
Claire Parrish<br />
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS<br />
Kathy Borsuk, Evangelia Ganosellis, Dr. Donald H. Keith,<br />
Capt. Willard E. Kennedy, Dr. Jessica Paddock, Franceska<br />
Parker, Jody Rathgeb, Pat Saxton, Dr. Alastair M. Smith,<br />
Don Stark, Candianne Williams, Dr. Craig D. Zavitz.<br />
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS<br />
Amy Avenant, John Claydon, Michael Floch, David Gallardo–<br />
World <strong>of</strong> Oceans, Heidi Hertler, iStock Photo,<br />
Dr. Donald H. Keith, Capt. Willard E. Kennedy, Claire Parrish,<br />
Macey Rafter, Ileana Ravasio–Attimi Photography,<br />
Tom Rathgeb, Pat Saxton, Dr. Alastair M. Smith, Don Stark,<br />
TCNM Reynolds Collection, Jonathan Trujillo,<br />
Candianne Williams.<br />
Love your home<br />
AWARD-WINNING CUSTOM HOME DESIGN<br />
Award-winning architecture firm RA Shaw Designs<br />
has created some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most sophisticated and<br />
technologically advanced luxury properties<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Caribbean. Recently voted<br />
“The Best Architecture & Design<br />
Company <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year”<br />
for <strong>the</strong> second consecutive year by Caribbean<br />
World Magazine, our team specializes in creating<br />
a unique sense <strong>of</strong> place by integrating building<br />
techniques and architectural details with <strong>the</strong><br />
surrounding culture so that you too can<br />
love your home.<br />
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS<br />
Wavey Line Publishing<br />
PRINTING<br />
Franklin-Dodd Communications, Hialeah, FL<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> ISSN 1017-6853 is<br />
published quarterly by <strong>Times</strong> Publications Ltd.<br />
Copyright © <strong>2016</strong> by <strong>Times</strong> Publications Ltd. All rights reserved<br />
under Universal and Pan American Copyright Conventions.<br />
No part <strong>of</strong> this publication may be<br />
reproduced without written permission.<br />
Subscriptions $28/year; $32/year for<br />
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Submissions We welcome submission <strong>of</strong> articles or photography, but<br />
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Return postage must accompany material if it is to be returned. In no<br />
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While every care has been taken in <strong>the</strong> compilation and reproduction <strong>of</strong><br />
information contained herein to ensure correctness, such information is<br />
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Business Office<br />
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14 www.timespub.tc
what’s new<br />
Born and raised in Grand Turk, runner<br />
Delano Williams represented Great Britain<br />
in <strong>the</strong> <strong>2016</strong> Summer Olympics in Rio.<br />
Speed Born in Grand Turk<br />
Delano Williams participates in <strong>2016</strong> Summer Olympics.<br />
By Jody Rathgeb<br />
When Delano Williams ran in <strong>the</strong> <strong>2016</strong> Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he <strong>of</strong>ficially represented<br />
Great Britain. But <strong>the</strong>re’s more to that story. Currently a resident <strong>of</strong> Kingston, Jamaica, he was born and<br />
raised on Grand Turk and continues to cherish <strong>the</strong> memories <strong>of</strong> a native-born Turks & Caicos Islander.<br />
Delano’s participation in Rio was tweaked by <strong>the</strong> rules <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Olympic Committee. The<br />
IOC does not recognise <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos as a competing country. There was, however, a by-law with<br />
a precedent to Anguillan long jumper Shara Proctor that allowed him to represent Great Britain because<br />
<strong>the</strong> TCI is a British Overseas Territory. So it was that he ran <strong>the</strong> 4x400 metres relay in <strong>the</strong> <strong>2016</strong> Summer<br />
Olympics.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 15
So it was that he ran <strong>the</strong> second leg <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 4x400<br />
metre relay in Rio, helping his team (Nigel Levine, Mat<strong>the</strong>w<br />
Hudson-Smith, Martyn Rooney) come in first during <strong>the</strong><br />
qualifier before <strong>the</strong> committee disqualified <strong>the</strong>m in a<br />
harsh and disappointing decision, claiming that Rooney<br />
was outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> hand-over zone.<br />
Behind it all, however, is a humble and genuine<br />
“island boy” who remembers climbing coconut trees and<br />
catching donkeys on Grand Turk. Shortly before he left for<br />
Rio, we asked <strong>the</strong> 23-year-old to share some <strong>of</strong> his early<br />
experiences that give his nimble feet <strong>the</strong>ir roots.<br />
Early days: Delano was born on December 23, 1993<br />
to Livingston Williams and Haitian-born Ru<strong>the</strong> Barton. “I<br />
used to live in South Back Salina, and <strong>the</strong>n I moved to<br />
Breezy Brae,” he relates. He became involved in sports at<br />
school, and <strong>the</strong> interest intensified through <strong>the</strong> influences<br />
<strong>of</strong> his coach, Neil Harrison, and a mentor, Rita Gardiner.<br />
Who was Delano as a child? “I was a kid with ambition and<br />
determination, dedicated to <strong>the</strong> task at hand. I was jovial<br />
and still am,” he says. He adds that <strong>the</strong> need to always<br />
achieve more helps to keep him humble.<br />
Island flavours: “My favorite food in Turks & Caicos<br />
is crack conch and chips. I get this every time I touch <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong>. That food makes me put on weight! I love my<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r’s cooking. It’s unfortunate I didn’t learn how to<br />
cook from her.”<br />
Hurricane Ike: “I was sleeping” during <strong>the</strong> 2008<br />
storm, Delano says. “I didn’t even feel anything.” His own<br />
home was not destroyed, but <strong>the</strong>re was so much damage<br />
on Grand Turk that <strong>the</strong> school was closed for a long period<br />
<strong>of</strong> time. That was when he moved to Jamaica, following<br />
Coach Harrison, who had become head coach at Munro<br />
College in St. Elizabeth parish. His final thoughts about<br />
<strong>the</strong> hurricane? “Hey, it got me to <strong>the</strong> Olympics today!”<br />
Jamaica: It was in Jamaica that Delano blossomed as<br />
a runner. He entered Munro College in 2008 and represented<br />
<strong>the</strong> school when he won <strong>the</strong> 100 and 200 metres<br />
at <strong>the</strong> 2012 Jamaican National High School Track and<br />
Field Championships. Also in 2012, he represented TCI in<br />
<strong>the</strong> World Junior Championships in Athletics in Barcelona,<br />
Spain; he won a gold medal in <strong>the</strong> 200 metres. Delano has<br />
also won medals at <strong>the</strong> CARIFTA Games (Youth 2009 and<br />
Junior 2011 and 2012).<br />
Delano trains with <strong>the</strong> Racers Track Club in Jamaica,<br />
“home” <strong>of</strong> nine-time Olympic gold medalist runner Usain<br />
Bolt, who has encouraged <strong>the</strong> younger man’s career.<br />
Bolt also ran in Rio, ending his career with his ninth gold<br />
medal. a<br />
16 www.timespub.tc
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a call to action<br />
DAVID GALLARDO—WORLDOFOCEANS.COM<br />
JoJo, a wild Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin, has frequented TCI’s waters for over 25 years and as a National Treasure, is considered a symbol <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> type <strong>of</strong> freedom that all marine mammals deserve.<br />
The Time Has Come!<br />
A dolphin sanctuary for <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
By Don Stark, Chairman, Turks & Caicos Reef Fund<br />
Facilities housing captive marine mammals for <strong>the</strong> entertainment <strong>of</strong> tourists have been around for many<br />
years. It is only recently that people have begun to realize that keeping highly intelligent, family-oriented,<br />
social animals such as dolphins in captivity is inappropriate and cruel to <strong>the</strong> animals. This is evidenced<br />
by <strong>the</strong> steady decline in visitors and revenue from places such as Sea World.<br />
As a consequence, facilities around <strong>the</strong> world, such as <strong>the</strong> National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland<br />
are beginning to close down <strong>the</strong>ir swim-with-dolphin programs and dolphin shows. This trend is creating<br />
a need for a safe haven for <strong>the</strong>se former entertainers to ei<strong>the</strong>r be rehabilitated and released back into<br />
<strong>the</strong> wild or to live out <strong>the</strong>ir natural lives unmolested. In fact, <strong>the</strong> National Aquarium has announced <strong>the</strong>y<br />
intend to create and open a seaside dolphin sanctuary to house <strong>the</strong>ir eight unemployed dolphins by <strong>the</strong><br />
end <strong>of</strong> 2020.<br />
18 www.timespub.tc
INNOVATION | CONSERVATION | ADVENTURE<br />
The National Aquarium has outlined <strong>the</strong> criteria <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
search team is using to evaluate potential sites for <strong>the</strong><br />
dolphin sanctuary. These include: a tropical or subtropical<br />
climate, a dynamic habitat, a place with natural stimuli<br />
(meaning it has live fish that <strong>the</strong> dolphins can interact<br />
with and potentially learn to feed <strong>the</strong>mselves again), and<br />
customised care provided by trained pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff.<br />
The National Aquarium intends to maintain a connection<br />
to <strong>the</strong> facility.<br />
The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund has been in contact<br />
with <strong>the</strong> staff at <strong>the</strong> National Aquarium in an effort to<br />
interest <strong>the</strong>m in evaluating <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> as<br />
a home for <strong>the</strong> dolphin sanctuary <strong>the</strong>y intend to build.<br />
The TCI certainly meets <strong>the</strong> key criteria with regard to<br />
climate, habitat, and natural stimuli and <strong>the</strong> National<br />
Aquarium would hire <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff to provide <strong>the</strong><br />
quality care for <strong>the</strong>se highly intelligent animals.<br />
The TCI is an ideal location for such a facility which<br />
fits well within our “Beautiful by Nature” branding. We<br />
have clear, tropical waters which are <strong>the</strong> natural habitat<br />
for dolphins. We have a healthy population <strong>of</strong> bottlenose<br />
and spotted dolphins in <strong>the</strong> waters around <strong>the</strong>se islands.<br />
The Turks & Caicos would make a perfect home where<br />
<strong>the</strong> dolphins can ei<strong>the</strong>r be rehabilitated and released into<br />
<strong>the</strong> wild or spend <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir natural lifespan without<br />
having to entertain humans for <strong>the</strong>ir food.<br />
In addition, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> have a history <strong>of</strong> rehabilitating<br />
and releasing captive dolphins back into <strong>the</strong> wild. In<br />
1984, Chuck Hesse founded <strong>the</strong> Caicos Conch Farm on<br />
<strong>the</strong> eastern side <strong>of</strong> Providenciales. Conch require sandy<br />
sea floors as <strong>the</strong>y live on detritus in <strong>the</strong> sand left by o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
sea creatures. As a result, <strong>the</strong> Caicos Conch Farm had<br />
60 acres <strong>of</strong> fenced-in sea pasture. In February 1990, Mr.<br />
Hesse sent out a notice that any organization wishing to<br />
rehabilitate a dolphin could have access to this 60 acre<br />
pasture, <strong>the</strong> Conch Farm staff, and its facilities.<br />
Shortly <strong>the</strong>reafter, ZooCheck, an environmental<br />
group in <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom, contacted Mr. Hesse<br />
about <strong>the</strong>ir desire to free three dolphins being held in<br />
deplorable conditions in facilities in <strong>the</strong> UK. ZooCheck<br />
said that if <strong>the</strong> Conch Farm facility was deemed appropriate<br />
by <strong>the</strong> London Zoological Society, <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
last three captive dolphins in <strong>the</strong> UK could be on its way<br />
to Providenciales by December <strong>of</strong> that same year. Rocky<br />
was <strong>the</strong> first dolphin to arrive in January 1991 after Hesse<br />
and his nonpr<strong>of</strong>it organization, PRIDE, obtained approval<br />
for <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rehabilitation facility from <strong>the</strong><br />
TCI Government and permission to import <strong>the</strong> dolphins.<br />
Missie and Silver arrived two months later. The three had<br />
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<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 19
DISTRIBUTOR FOR EVINRUDE & MERCURY<br />
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Lures and Live Bait<br />
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Marine Batteries<br />
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PHONE: 649-946-4411<br />
FAX: 649-946-4945<br />
spent a combined 56 years in concrete pools on display<br />
and performing tricks for <strong>the</strong>ir “daily bread.” Major funding<br />
support was raised by ZooCheck with help from <strong>the</strong><br />
Mail on Sunday, a popular British newspaper.<br />
For five months, <strong>the</strong> dolphins lived in <strong>the</strong> Conch Farm<br />
pasture. During that time, volunteers worked tirelessly<br />
to rehabilitate <strong>the</strong> dolphins so <strong>the</strong>y could return to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
natural habitat, <strong>the</strong> open sea. During <strong>the</strong> years <strong>the</strong>y spent<br />
in captivity, Missie, Rocky, and Silver had been hand-fed<br />
frozen fish instead <strong>of</strong> foraging on <strong>the</strong>ir own for food or<br />
using <strong>the</strong>ir sonar capabilities, so <strong>the</strong>y had to learn how<br />
to hunt and feed <strong>the</strong>mselves. Many in <strong>the</strong> community<br />
were involved in this effort, including several <strong>of</strong> TCI’s<br />
current elected <strong>of</strong>ficials. Over time, <strong>the</strong> three dolphins<br />
were weaned from a diet <strong>of</strong> dead, frozen fish to catching<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own living, swimming meals.<br />
Once <strong>the</strong> three could catch live fish on <strong>the</strong>ir own, it<br />
was time to attempt <strong>the</strong>ir release back into <strong>the</strong> wild. To<br />
accomplish this, a special sea pen was built to transport<br />
<strong>the</strong> dolphins to <strong>the</strong> uninhabited island <strong>of</strong> West Caicos.<br />
After spending three days in this sea pen, <strong>the</strong> gate was<br />
opened on September 10, 1991 so <strong>the</strong> dolphins could<br />
swim free. At first, <strong>the</strong>y didn’t want to leave <strong>the</strong> security<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sea pen. But after much hesitation, Rocky led <strong>the</strong><br />
way and <strong>the</strong> three finally left <strong>the</strong> pen and entered <strong>the</strong><br />
open ocean. They were spotted several months later in<br />
<strong>the</strong> waters around <strong>the</strong> TCI and appeared to be healthy.<br />
The rehabilitation process was considered a success.<br />
So, with a perfect climate and large native dolphin<br />
population, as well as previous experience in <strong>the</strong> rehabilitation<br />
and release <strong>of</strong> captive dolphins, <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> are an excellent location for a dolphin sanctuary.<br />
This is a much better business to support than a commercially-operated,<br />
for-pr<strong>of</strong>it, swim-with-<strong>the</strong>-dolphins<br />
program. A dolphin sanctuary would provide a safe environment<br />
with lots <strong>of</strong> natural space in which to roam for<br />
formerly captive dolphins. And if <strong>the</strong>y can be rehabilitated<br />
to feed on <strong>the</strong>ir own, it would be an ideal location<br />
into which to release <strong>the</strong>se former slaves. a<br />
The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF), a local not-forpr<strong>of</strong>it<br />
organization whose mission is to help preserve<br />
and protect <strong>the</strong> TCI environment, along with a group<br />
<strong>of</strong> volunteers has proposed establishing a new Dolphin<br />
Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre in <strong>the</strong> TCI. To make<br />
this happen, TCRF needs <strong>the</strong> financial and moral support<br />
<strong>of</strong> tourists, <strong>the</strong> local population, and <strong>the</strong> TCI Government.<br />
More information about <strong>the</strong> plan can be found at:<br />
www.tcreef.org/dolphindefensefund.html<br />
20 www.timespub.tc
Visit<br />
THE CAICOS CONCH FARM<br />
WE GROW<br />
CONCH & FISH<br />
Monday - Friday: 9am - 4pm<br />
Saturday: 9am - 2.30pm<br />
Closed: Sundays<br />
Adults $12.00<br />
Children $10.00<br />
Leeward Highway, Leeward, Providenciales<br />
Phone: (649) 946-5330
green pages<br />
newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
head <strong>of</strong>fice: church folly, grand turk, tel 649 946 2801 • fax 649 946 1895<br />
• astwood street, south caicos, tel 649 946 3306 • fax 946 3710<br />
• national environmental centre, lower bight road, providenciales<br />
parks division, tel 649 941 5122 • fax 649 946 4793<br />
fisheries division, tel 649 946 4017 • fax 649 946 4793<br />
email environment@gov.tc or dema.tci@gmail.com • web www.environment.tc<br />
DAVID GALLARDO—WORLDOFOCEANS.COM<br />
This thriving Elkhorn coral is at Northwest Point, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> few areas in TCI where <strong>the</strong> coral has not been affected by White Band Disease.<br />
Project RESCQ<br />
Restoring endangered coral species to TCI reefs.<br />
Story & Photos By Don Stark, Chairman, Turks & Caicos Reef Fund<br />
Coral reefs form some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> planet’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, providing protection <strong>of</strong><br />
beaches, habitat for fishes, and a natural source <strong>of</strong> carbon capture from <strong>the</strong> atmosphere (corals build<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir homes out <strong>of</strong> calcium carbonate which <strong>the</strong>y source from atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolved in<br />
seawater). Until <strong>the</strong> 1980s, Acropora coral species dominated <strong>the</strong> near shore zone <strong>of</strong> many Caribbean<br />
islands with cover estimates <strong>of</strong> up to 85% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sea floor. Unfortunately, Elkhorn (Acropora palmata)<br />
and Staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) coral reef zones have almost disappeared from most islands in<br />
<strong>the</strong> region largely as a result <strong>of</strong> White Band Disease, a coral disease which remains poorly understood.<br />
Elkhorn and Staghorn corals are currently listed as “Critically Endangered” on <strong>the</strong> International Union for<br />
Conservation <strong>of</strong> Nature (IUCN) Red List.<br />
22 www.timespub.tc
green pages newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
The loss <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se corals has had large negative effects<br />
on biodiversity, biomass <strong>of</strong> fishes, and coastal protection<br />
as well as a significant decline in <strong>the</strong> attractiveness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
shallow underwater landscape.<br />
Some colonies have survived <strong>the</strong> outbreak <strong>of</strong> White<br />
Band Disease and have been reported to be resistant to<br />
<strong>the</strong> disease, which still persists, but with much-reduced<br />
virulence. The remnant colonies have as yet not been<br />
able to recolonise <strong>the</strong> reef to anywhere near <strong>the</strong>ir former<br />
occurrence.<br />
The Turks & Caicos has several areas <strong>of</strong> healthy<br />
Elkhorn coral (for example, near Wheeland Cut <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong><br />
coast <strong>of</strong> Providenciales) and <strong>the</strong>re has been a slow<br />
regrowth <strong>of</strong> Staghorn coral on some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reefs <strong>of</strong>f<br />
Northwest Point, West Caicos, Pine Cay, and Grace Bay,<br />
but not nearly <strong>the</strong> density that once existed. The only<br />
area in <strong>the</strong> TCI that has impressive stands <strong>of</strong> Staghorn<br />
coral is <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> coast <strong>of</strong> East Caicos, <strong>the</strong> last remaining<br />
virtually untouched example <strong>of</strong> what <strong>the</strong>se islands were<br />
like before development began.<br />
Coral reproduce in two ways—both sexually and<br />
asexually. Sexual reproduction occurs when coral polyps<br />
release bundles <strong>of</strong> sperm and eggs into <strong>the</strong> water column.<br />
When a sperm bundle comes in contact with an egg<br />
bundle, baby corals, called planulae, are formed. These<br />
free swimming planktonic babies swim toward <strong>the</strong> light<br />
at <strong>the</strong> surface <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sea and drift with <strong>the</strong> currents until<br />
<strong>the</strong>y settle to <strong>the</strong> bottom and form a new coral polyp.<br />
Asexual reproduction occurs when a piece <strong>of</strong> a coral<br />
colony is broken <strong>of</strong>f, ei<strong>the</strong>r by a storm, accidental contact<br />
by humans, or o<strong>the</strong>r causes. This coral fragment can<br />
form a new coral colony where it lands on <strong>the</strong> sea floor.<br />
Sexual reproduction produces a more genetically diverse<br />
<strong>of</strong>fspring than asexual reproduction which produces <strong>of</strong>fspring<br />
with <strong>the</strong> exact same genetic make-up <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> parent<br />
colony.<br />
In early <strong>2016</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF)<br />
was informed that a grant submitted to <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Union for a project to help restore Elkhorn and Staghorn<br />
corals was funded. The project, which is being led by<br />
IMARES, <strong>the</strong> research arm <strong>of</strong> Wageningen University in <strong>the</strong><br />
Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands, involves four islands in <strong>the</strong> Caribbean and<br />
tropical Atlantic: St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Saba, and <strong>the</strong><br />
Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>. The project is called “Restoration<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ecosystem Services and Coral Reef Quality” or RESCQ<br />
for short.<br />
The three-year project will restore Elkhorn (Acropora<br />
palmata) and Staghorn (A. cervicornis) coral reef zones<br />
by establishing a coral nursery on each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> four islands<br />
to grow coral fragments and ultimately transplant <strong>the</strong><br />
newly grown-up corals at selected restoration sites. Coral<br />
fragments (small pieces <strong>of</strong> living coral) will be harvested<br />
from healthy growths <strong>of</strong> Staghorn and Elkhorn corals<br />
around <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos and attached to locally built<br />
coral nursery structures.<br />
This close-up shows a coral fragment attached to <strong>the</strong> ladder rungs.<br />
Within six months to a year <strong>the</strong>y will grow into larger corals.<br />
The type <strong>of</strong> structure that will be used in <strong>the</strong> TCI is a<br />
“Coral Ladder” which is a series <strong>of</strong> bamboo poles (<strong>the</strong><br />
rungs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ladder) suspended between two ropes. Each<br />
ladder will be anchored to <strong>the</strong> sea floor and supported<br />
vertically with floats to keep <strong>the</strong> entire structure suspended<br />
in <strong>the</strong> water column. The small pieces (about 5<br />
cm or 2 inch fragments) <strong>of</strong> coral will <strong>the</strong>n be attached<br />
to <strong>the</strong> ladder rungs with mon<strong>of</strong>ilament line. After six<br />
months to a year, <strong>the</strong>se small fragments will grow into<br />
much larger corals which can <strong>the</strong>n ei<strong>the</strong>r be refragmented<br />
to restock <strong>the</strong> nursery or transplanted on a reef where<br />
<strong>the</strong>y will continue to grow.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 23
green pages newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
Both Staghorn and Elkhorn corals are relatively<br />
fast-growing corals. Both species can, under <strong>the</strong> right<br />
conditions, grow nearly a half a foot a year or more.<br />
Harvesting small pieces (fragments) from existing colonies<br />
rarely causes harm to <strong>the</strong> colony as <strong>the</strong> wounds<br />
created heal rapidly. But this will, <strong>of</strong> course, be monitored<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> study to ensure that <strong>the</strong> naturally occurring<br />
stands <strong>of</strong> both coral species are not harmed.<br />
TCRF will work closely with <strong>the</strong> TCI Government’s<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR)<br />
to implement this research project in <strong>the</strong> TCI. DECR and<br />
TCRF are beginning to survey existing reefs to identify<br />
healthy parent colonies <strong>of</strong> both coral species that will provide<br />
<strong>the</strong> initial coral fragments for <strong>the</strong> nursery once it is<br />
built and installed. The first <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nurseries should be in<br />
place by late <strong>2016</strong>.<br />
DNA analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> corals in each nursery on all four<br />
islands will also be conducted by researchers at IMARES<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands. This genetic information, as well as<br />
monitoring <strong>the</strong> resilience <strong>of</strong> coral fragments, will be used<br />
to maintain genetic diversity within <strong>the</strong> restored colonies<br />
and ensure that <strong>the</strong> most resilient fragments are transplanted<br />
to <strong>the</strong> restoration sites. Establishing multiple<br />
small, genetically diverse populations that will, in time,<br />
become sexually reproductive can contribute to species<br />
recovery, especially in areas <strong>of</strong> significant parent population<br />
declines.<br />
To ensure <strong>the</strong> long term success <strong>of</strong> this project, especially<br />
after <strong>the</strong> grant funding ends, <strong>the</strong> TCRF has started<br />
an “Adopt a Coral” program. Visitors and residents<br />
wishing to help support this project can adopt a coral<br />
fragment for $50. Each adoptive “parent” will receive<br />
a certificate and a photograph <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir adopted coral.<br />
Anyone interested can visit <strong>the</strong> TCRF website to join <strong>the</strong><br />
program (www.tcreef.org/projects/adoptacoral.html).<br />
a<br />
From top: This completed “Coral Ladder” is ready to receive coral<br />
fragments.<br />
Part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> RESCQ project will involve measuring and monitoring<br />
Staghorn coral fragments to track growth.<br />
24 www.timespub.tc
green pages newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
This selection <strong>of</strong> Caribbean fruits and vegetables can be found in o<strong>the</strong>r countries, but is not so readily available or affordable for Turks &<br />
Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> consumers.<br />
Meal Time!<br />
The past, present and future <strong>of</strong> feeding <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
By Dr. Alastair M. Smith, School for Field Studies, Center for Marine Resource Studies, South Caicos,<br />
and Dr. Jessica Paddock, Sustainable Consumption Institute, Manchester University, UK<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> many reasons that a growing number <strong>of</strong> people are flocking to visit <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> is to enjoy <strong>the</strong> increasingly sumptuous food culture that can be found across <strong>the</strong> archipelago.<br />
Internationally famous for its Strombus gigas, or Queen Conch (pronounced “conk”), visitors can enjoy<br />
local delicacies <strong>of</strong> cracked conch and blackened grouper, alongside a growing range <strong>of</strong> regional, international,<br />
and fusion dishes.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 25
green pages newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
While some proportion <strong>of</strong> fish available on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong><br />
comes from local waters, <strong>the</strong> vast majority <strong>of</strong> food consumed<br />
on TCI by locals and visitors is imported, mostly<br />
from North America via <strong>the</strong> port <strong>of</strong> Miami. The imported<br />
food is primarily distributed by a few large supermarkets<br />
on Providenciales, and although some individuals, large<br />
hotels, and o<strong>the</strong>r retailers purchase directly from Miami,<br />
smaller businesses <strong>of</strong>ten buy wholesale from <strong>the</strong> major<br />
supermarkets.<br />
Overall, it is estimated that well over 90% <strong>of</strong> food<br />
eaten comes from elsewhere, and this means that in 2012<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> spent over $60 million on importing food; an<br />
expense that constituted <strong>the</strong> third largest import expense<br />
after mineral fuels and machinery. Perhaps more surprising,<br />
and as is <strong>of</strong>ten <strong>the</strong> case with o<strong>the</strong>r countries in <strong>the</strong><br />
Caribbean and West Indies, <strong>the</strong> vast majority <strong>of</strong> fish consumed<br />
on TCI is now imported.<br />
The need to import food comes at considerable economic,<br />
but also social cost. While <strong>the</strong> high price <strong>of</strong> eating<br />
might be written <strong>of</strong>f as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> holiday experience by<br />
many visitors, it presents an unfortunate reality for many<br />
<strong>of</strong> those living permanently on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. In contrast<br />
to <strong>the</strong> wealth <strong>of</strong> some, an independent study in 2012<br />
suggested that around 22% <strong>of</strong> TCI’s households are classified<br />
as “poor.” Given that <strong>the</strong> less wealthy are usually<br />
forced to spend a higher percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir income on<br />
food, it makes sense that <strong>the</strong> same investigation found<br />
that 40% <strong>of</strong> respondents were concerned about obtaining<br />
sufficient food, while 20% said <strong>the</strong>y had gone hungry at<br />
least once in <strong>the</strong> last month.<br />
These problems are likely to be exacerbated as critical<br />
levels <strong>of</strong> silting have recently rendered <strong>the</strong> shipping<br />
channel into <strong>the</strong> only deep-water port on Providenciales<br />
impassable by fully loaded international cargo ships. For<br />
this reason, shipments have to be unloaded and cargo<br />
transferred to smaller vessels that bring food to <strong>the</strong><br />
major wholesalers on Providenciales. This adds a fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
step in <strong>the</strong> food chain that supplies <strong>the</strong> outlying Caicos<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, and <strong>the</strong>refore results in an inevitable increase in<br />
price.<br />
These challenges have long inspired a call for greater<br />
efforts to produce more food on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. In January<br />
<strong>2016</strong>, TCI Premier Rufus Ewing called for greater food<br />
self-sufficiency. Many people here fondly refer to memories<br />
<strong>of</strong> North and Middle Caicos as <strong>the</strong> breadbasket <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
archipelago and <strong>the</strong>ir grandparents who would produce a<br />
From top: One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most popular ways to eat conch in <strong>the</strong> Turks &<br />
Caicos is as conch salad, similar to ceviche.<br />
Fruits and vegetables grow well on a small scale in North and Middle<br />
Caicos.<br />
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wide variety <strong>of</strong> home-grown vegetables and fruit for <strong>the</strong><br />
family table. For this reason perhaps, o<strong>the</strong>r stakeholders<br />
well support government efforts, asking how a country<br />
can feel secure without at least a reasonable ability to<br />
feed its own population.<br />
In response to this, researchers from <strong>the</strong> School for<br />
Field Studies, Center for Marine Resource Studies on<br />
South Caicos, <strong>the</strong> Sustainable Places Institute (Cardiff<br />
University, UK), and <strong>the</strong> Sustainable Consumption<br />
Institute (Manchester University, UK), joined forces to<br />
investigate <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>of</strong> food supply. Collectively, <strong>the</strong><br />
team carried out 60 interviews and a number <strong>of</strong> focus<br />
groups across <strong>the</strong> TCI, as well as archival research at <strong>the</strong><br />
National Museum on Grand Turk and <strong>the</strong> British Library<br />
in London.<br />
This research explored <strong>the</strong> links between local ecosystems<br />
and <strong>the</strong> food security <strong>of</strong> islands in <strong>the</strong> context<br />
<strong>of</strong> rapid tourism and service sector-led development.<br />
For example, where important natural resources such as<br />
seagrasses, coral reefs, and mangroves are damaged or<br />
destroyed, <strong>the</strong> capacity <strong>of</strong> oceans to support <strong>the</strong> reproduction<br />
<strong>of</strong> many forms <strong>of</strong> marine life is significantly<br />
reduced. Even where environmental loss is minimal, <strong>the</strong><br />
fishing industry has found itself constrained by <strong>the</strong> critical<br />
need for more sustainable practices.<br />
A number <strong>of</strong> projects have sought to bypass <strong>the</strong>se constraints<br />
through <strong>the</strong> farming <strong>of</strong> seafood. Unfortunately,<br />
none <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se previous or current efforts have been able<br />
to <strong>of</strong>fer production at a significant scale: although those<br />
interested in such efforts should certainly consider a visit<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Caicos Conch Farm on Providenciales.<br />
The story <strong>of</strong> agriculture on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> is equally complex.<br />
Delving into historical records, analysis suggests<br />
that stories <strong>of</strong> previous successes should be “taken with<br />
a grain <strong>of</strong> salt.” This is because Grand Turk, South Caicos,<br />
and Salt Cay were inhabited largely to make <strong>the</strong> most<br />
<strong>of</strong> harvesting <strong>the</strong> naturally occurring salt. As one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
major suppliers <strong>of</strong> salt used for preserving food on <strong>the</strong><br />
transatlantic voyages which were rapidly connecting <strong>the</strong><br />
Western world, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> became key players in a global<br />
economy. Also, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> were described as “low sandy<br />
and barren, with very little, if any fresh water, without<br />
any vegetables except low shrubs, or any animals except<br />
lizards, guanas and land crabs” (Annual Register, 1765).<br />
Very little food was said to have been grown at this time.<br />
Although, as <strong>the</strong> source suggests, <strong>the</strong>re was an abun-<br />
From top: The Caicos Conch Farm at Leeward-Going-Through in<br />
Providenciales is an example <strong>of</strong> seafood farming on a larger scale.<br />
This postcard from Grand Turk circa 1904 shows that TCI’s Salt<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> were once one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world’s major suppliers <strong>of</strong> salt for preserving<br />
food.<br />
The terrain <strong>of</strong> South Caicos today shows <strong>the</strong> many abandoned salt<br />
ponds.<br />
ALASTAIR SMITH<br />
COURTESY JEFFREY DODGE<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 27
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MACEY RAFTER<br />
From top: Harvesting local Spiny Lobster is how many South Caicos<br />
Islanders have earned a living for decades.<br />
This old poster advertises <strong>the</strong> diversity <strong>of</strong> cuisine <strong>of</strong>fered at <strong>the</strong><br />
Admirals Arms, <strong>the</strong> first hotel on South Caicos.<br />
Typical TCI fare today includes fried fish, peas ‘n’ rice, and “cabbage”<br />
(cole) slaw.<br />
dance <strong>of</strong> sea life, it was reported that “food is [imported]<br />
salt pork . . . stinking rum . . . [and] musty biscuit . . . and<br />
now and <strong>the</strong>n a guana (a sort <strong>of</strong> large lizard) when <strong>the</strong>y<br />
[<strong>the</strong> inhabitants] have time to catch <strong>the</strong>m, and [that] very<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten <strong>the</strong>y are without bread” (Annual Register, 1765).<br />
The lusher islands <strong>of</strong> Providenciales, and North and<br />
Middle Caicos have certainly had more success in growing<br />
food. However, <strong>the</strong> evidence also clearly shows that <strong>the</strong>re<br />
was never a sustained and significant production <strong>of</strong> food,<br />
largely due to <strong>the</strong> cycles <strong>of</strong> drought and hurricane that<br />
regularly hit <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. These records are punctuated<br />
with <strong>the</strong> recurring need for authorities to provide relief<br />
to <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> due to crop failure,<br />
as <strong>the</strong> Administrative report from 1889 explains: “The<br />
experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> last ten years has shown that at least<br />
once in three years <strong>the</strong> rainfall in <strong>the</strong> Caicos is insufficient<br />
to nourish a crop which will feed <strong>the</strong> people who grow it,<br />
and that it is only in about three years out <strong>of</strong> every five<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y may expect to have any surplus to dispose <strong>of</strong> in<br />
order to procure clothing or o<strong>the</strong>r necessaries” (Harriott,<br />
1889).<br />
While local growing provided for some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> staple<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> families, TCI found itself fur<strong>the</strong>r integrated into<br />
global trade during <strong>the</strong> later parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 20th century.<br />
Seafood had long been exchanged for fruits and vegetables<br />
from outside. However, a catalyst for deepening<br />
trade came when pr<strong>of</strong>its from selling conch and Spiny<br />
Lobster (Panulirusargus) to high price markets <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
United States were invested in supplying readily available,<br />
more diverse and cheap food: as one informant noted<br />
as “fish went out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country, o<strong>the</strong>r things came in to<br />
make <strong>the</strong> most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trip.”<br />
With <strong>the</strong> slow decline and eventual closure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> salt<br />
industry by <strong>the</strong> early 1970s, tourism became <strong>the</strong> mainstay<br />
<strong>of</strong> TCI’s economy. With this structural change, <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
quickly many more permanent and temporary residents<br />
to feed, and a much greater demand for a wider diversity<br />
<strong>of</strong> foods. An interesting example is <strong>the</strong> old poster in<br />
<strong>the</strong> South Caicos airport, where an advertisement for <strong>the</strong><br />
first hotel on <strong>the</strong> island, <strong>the</strong> Admirals Arms, highlights<br />
“Hungarian Specialties” and “gourmet” seafood.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r research among contemporary stakeholders<br />
identified that <strong>the</strong> fluctuating structures <strong>of</strong> food supply<br />
brought significant changes to local diets. What many<br />
people refer to as <strong>the</strong> traditional foods—such as peas<br />
‘n’ rice or macaroni and cheese—are actually borrowings<br />
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from surrounding food cultures. Therefore, visitors seeking<br />
truly au<strong>the</strong>ntic cuisine should look for “hominy”—a<br />
corn-based meal similar to grits—or “Johnny Cake”—a<br />
sweet bread, originally called Journey Cake as it was given<br />
to sailors to eat at sea.<br />
Many informants <strong>of</strong> all generations also highlighted a<br />
declining ability to access local fish, given <strong>the</strong> high prices<br />
paid by those catering to tourists. The lack <strong>of</strong> access to<br />
affordable fresh produce is also a barrier to families and<br />
individuals wishing to maintain healthy diets. Indeed,<br />
those working in public health suggested that cheap<br />
low quality protein, a lack <strong>of</strong> accessibly priced fruits and<br />
vegetables, and a common culture <strong>of</strong> frying food, has<br />
contributed towards a rise in non-communicable disease<br />
such as diabetes and hypertension.<br />
TCI continues to face a complex situation in planning<br />
how its food security will be met in <strong>the</strong> future—especially<br />
true as this global aspiration calls not only for physical<br />
and economic access to food, but also that people are<br />
nutritionally and culturally satisfied. While TCI’s physical<br />
and economic geography discourages pr<strong>of</strong>itable<br />
investments in food production, aside from some notable<br />
farming efforts on North and Middle Caicos, research<br />
also identified social barriers to growing. This is because<br />
agricultural work is thought <strong>of</strong> by many as less desirable<br />
than <strong>the</strong> perceived opportunities promised by a growing<br />
service-based economy.<br />
The promotion <strong>of</strong> food security on TCI will likely<br />
<strong>the</strong>n require a wholesale social, economic, and technical<br />
re-imagination <strong>of</strong> what it will mean to ensure that all<br />
Islanders have access to affordable, appropriate, and<br />
nutritious foods throughout <strong>the</strong>ir lifetime. This will likely<br />
include efforts to curb demand for low quality foods and<br />
promote <strong>the</strong> availability <strong>of</strong> healthier alternatives.<br />
If more food is to be successfully produced, it will<br />
most likely be through <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> new technologies<br />
better able to manage <strong>the</strong> constraints <strong>of</strong> local<br />
geography with low levels <strong>of</strong> ecological impact. TCI will<br />
need to look towards those developing highly technical<br />
skills to take up <strong>the</strong> challenge. a<br />
For more information contact <strong>the</strong> authors at asmith@<br />
fieldstudies.org or jessica.paddock@manchester.ac.uk.<br />
To learn more about o<strong>the</strong>r work done by <strong>the</strong> Center for<br />
Marine Resource Studies on South Caicos, contact <strong>the</strong><br />
Director Heidi Hertler at hhertler@fieldstudies.org.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 29
green pages newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> department <strong>of</strong> environment & coastal resources<br />
Above: During a boat trip with Big Blue Unlimited, program leader Amy Avenant (at center) taught <strong>the</strong> children about respectfully observing<br />
wildlife without touching or harassing it.<br />
Opposite page (from top): The kids hiked <strong>the</strong> half-mile Caicos Pine Yard Trail, led by <strong>the</strong> DECR’s B Naqqi Manco, to study <strong>the</strong> Caicos Pine, <strong>the</strong><br />
TCI’s National Tree.<br />
Besides learning to swim, Tiann Malcolm learned much about marine life and its value to TCI.<br />
Bonding with Nature<br />
Junior Park Warden course spawns new environmental advocates.<br />
By Evangelia Ganosellis ~ Photos By DECR Education Outreach Coordinator Amy Avenant<br />
The beauty <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> is obvious to anyone who looks. It’s why hundreds <strong>of</strong> thousands<br />
<strong>of</strong> tourists flock to <strong>the</strong> country every year. It’s why our national motto is “Beautiful by Nature.”<br />
And it is why, for <strong>the</strong> last two years, Grace Bay has been deemed <strong>the</strong> “Number One Beach in <strong>the</strong> World”<br />
by TripAdvisor voters.<br />
To maintain that beauty requires some foresight. That’s why 300 square miles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos<br />
are designated as Marine Protected Areas. But that won’t mean anything to someone who doesn’t understand<br />
it. It begins with education, especially with <strong>the</strong> local children. They are, after all, <strong>the</strong> future <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
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This forms <strong>the</strong> foundation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Junior Park Warden<br />
program—a two-week summer course hosted every year<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Environment & Coastal Resources<br />
(DECR) since 2000. The aim is to give kids a better understanding<br />
and appreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> islands <strong>the</strong>y call home<br />
so that <strong>the</strong>y can become advocates for <strong>the</strong> environment.<br />
This year’s program, sponsored by <strong>the</strong> Pine Cay<br />
Project and led by DECR Education Outreach Coordinator<br />
Amy Avenant, focused on Marine Protected Areas and<br />
took <strong>the</strong> kids—ages 10 to 17—beyond <strong>the</strong> shores <strong>of</strong><br />
Providenciales. The program kicked <strong>of</strong>f at <strong>the</strong> National<br />
Environmental Center, where <strong>the</strong>y learned about <strong>the</strong> TCI’s<br />
natural wonders and listened to a talk by Lynn Robinson<br />
<strong>of</strong> Big Blue Unlimited about marine pollution and <strong>the</strong><br />
importance <strong>of</strong> reducing plastic waste.<br />
By that afternoon, <strong>the</strong>y were on <strong>the</strong> beach, watching<br />
a green turtle tag-and-release at Coral Gardens and practicing<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir swimming and snorkeling. Tiann Malcolm, 14,<br />
<strong>of</strong> Wesley Methodist School, completed <strong>the</strong> program with<br />
a new skill —<strong>the</strong> ability to swim. “I learned a lot <strong>of</strong> things<br />
about marine life that I didn’t know before. I knew that<br />
marine life was important, but I didn’t realize it was that<br />
important to <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos,” Tiann said, citing parrotfish<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir relationship with <strong>the</strong> reef as an example.<br />
Parrotfish eat algae <strong>of</strong>f coral. “Marine life matters just as<br />
much as human life,” Tiann added.<br />
The students participated in a beach clean-up, learned<br />
about fish identification, and were fortunate enough to<br />
see a dolphin and her calf during a boat trip with eco-tour<br />
company Big Blue Unlimited—an opportunity for program<br />
leader Amy to teach <strong>the</strong>m about respectfully observing<br />
wildlife without touching or harassing it. “I learned about<br />
<strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> protecting <strong>the</strong> national parks,” said<br />
Antwun Arthur, 16, <strong>of</strong> Raymond Gardiner High School on<br />
North Caicos. “National parks are important places. They<br />
can be a breeding ground for fishes and we have one <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> last sustainable reef systems.”<br />
The kids also had <strong>the</strong> opportunity to spend a day<br />
on North and Middle Caicos, where <strong>the</strong>y hiked <strong>the</strong> halfmile<br />
Caicos Pine Yard Trail, led by <strong>the</strong> DECR’s B Naqqi<br />
Manco. The Caicos Pine, <strong>the</strong> TCI’s national tree, is a<br />
threatened species found only on some Turks & Caicos<br />
and Bahamian islands. They also visited Marine Protected<br />
Areas Flamingo and Cottage Ponds.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> last day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program, while <strong>the</strong> older kids<br />
cruised <strong>the</strong> north shore <strong>of</strong> Providenciales by boat, Amy<br />
quizzed <strong>the</strong> students on TCI environmental trivia. “What<br />
is <strong>the</strong> sedimentary rock that forms our jagged coastline?<br />
On what islands are <strong>the</strong> Caicos Pine found?’ (Answers:<br />
Limestone. Middle Caicos and Pine Cay.)<br />
Most kids agreed—<strong>the</strong>ir favorite part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program<br />
was being on <strong>the</strong> water, exploring Princess Alexandra<br />
National Park, and getting acquainted with marine life.<br />
“I learned about <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> coral reef and different<br />
types <strong>of</strong> fish and things that are in <strong>the</strong> sea,” said<br />
Nikeem Claire, 12, <strong>of</strong> TCI Middle School. “I learned some<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fish names,” said Rayvon Walkin, 11, <strong>of</strong> Ian<strong>the</strong> Pratt<br />
Primary School.<br />
We can only fully appreciate and protect that which<br />
we understand. That’s why <strong>the</strong> JPW program is so important.<br />
In two weeks, 32 children walked away with a greater<br />
understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment, and why conservation<br />
should matter to <strong>the</strong>m and <strong>the</strong> TCI gained 32 environmental<br />
advocates. a<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 31
feature<br />
Opposite page: Motorcycles available for touring at RideTCI include iconic Harley-Davidson models.<br />
Above: Avid motorcycle riders regularly cruise Providenciales’ paved roads. This seaside ride through Blue Hills is especially picturesque.<br />
The Ride <strong>of</strong> a Lifetime<br />
Cruising in paradise on a V-Twin motorcycle.<br />
By Kathy Borsuk ~ Photos By Ileana Ravasio, Attimi Photography<br />
I must admit my perceptions <strong>of</strong> motorcyclists are stereotypical and come from limited experience. On<br />
one hand, I envision <strong>the</strong> outlaw bikers personified in “Rebel Without a Cause,” yet I also recall a parade<br />
<strong>of</strong> Harley folks riding with stuffed animals through <strong>the</strong> streets <strong>of</strong> Portland, Oregon to benefit sick kids,<br />
including my niece.<br />
So I was surprised to learn that <strong>the</strong>se days, many <strong>of</strong> those baby-booming “easy riders” have grown<br />
into successful pr<strong>of</strong>essionals who are passionate about motorcycling as recreation. Their creed is, “It’s<br />
not <strong>the</strong> destination, it’s <strong>the</strong> ride.” With <strong>the</strong> recent opening <strong>of</strong> RideTCI in Providenciales, avid motorcyclists<br />
can now enjoy that ride in one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most beautiful destinations in <strong>the</strong> world!<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 33
When you enter RideTCI’s headquarters at Provo<br />
lunch and refreshments along <strong>the</strong> way, with <strong>the</strong> chance<br />
Plaza on Leeward Highway, <strong>the</strong> first thing you notice is to swap stories about o<strong>the</strong>r great rides and experiences.<br />
that oddly-appealing “new car/fresh tire” smell in <strong>the</strong> air. Alternatively, visitors can rent <strong>the</strong> awesome and<br />
A glance to <strong>the</strong> back <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> shop reveals five, gleaming, immaculately kept cruisers by <strong>the</strong> hour, 1/2 day, full day,<br />
premium motorcycles that can only be described as gorgeous!<br />
Polished chrome contrasts with brightly colored <strong>the</strong> beat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own drum. All rentals include a full tank<br />
or choose a customised tour, should <strong>the</strong>y prefer to ride to<br />
tanks and wheel covers and gleaming black rubber; each <strong>of</strong> gas, use <strong>of</strong> a helmet, and third party liability insurance.<br />
bike so spotless you’d hate to ride through a puddle! Because <strong>the</strong> key goal <strong>of</strong> RideTCI is to create a safe,<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> starting place for partakers in this niche pleasurable experience, riders must be at least 25 years<br />
attraction, and RideTCI is <strong>the</strong> first to <strong>of</strong>fer tours with and old, produce a valid motorcycle license, and be experienced<br />
with riding full size motorcycles. (Couples can<br />
rentals <strong>of</strong> classic V-Twin cruisers, including iconic Harley<br />
Davidson Sportster 1200s: The “48,” The “72,” and The ride with one as a passenger.) Of course, long pants and<br />
“Custom;” and Kawasaki Vulcan 900s: The “Classic,” and closed shoes are best . . . along with <strong>the</strong> traditional biker<br />
The “Custom.” Each motorcycle has <strong>the</strong> perfect combination<br />
<strong>of</strong> aes<strong>the</strong>tics, torque-laden power, and easy handling Riders can choose <strong>the</strong>ir “flavor” from <strong>the</strong> pristine fleet<br />
attitude <strong>of</strong> respect, honor, dignity, and adventure!<br />
chassis for touring Providenciales in comfort, control, in <strong>the</strong> shop. Luigi says, “No two <strong>of</strong> our bikes are identical<br />
and style.<br />
RideTCI was opened this<br />
summer by Luigi Garritano<br />
and Tony Lancaster, longtime<br />
TCI residents and avid bikers<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves. They explained <strong>the</strong><br />
unique aura that motorcycle<br />
cruising embraces. “True bikers<br />
get an external and internal<br />
pleasure from riding a motorcycle—deep<br />
into your heart and<br />
soul. No matter where <strong>the</strong>y are,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y like to ride and want to<br />
ride. We are <strong>of</strong>fering <strong>the</strong> chance<br />
to cruise in a sunny, warm location<br />
with good roads, limited<br />
traffic, spectacular vistas, and<br />
plenty <strong>of</strong> places to stop and Ride TCI was opened this summer by Luigi Garritano (left) and Tony Lancaster, both longtime TCI<br />
explore.”<br />
residents and avid bikers.<br />
Luigi and Tony are members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Provo Midlife as to seating, color, or riding characteristics. They each<br />
Crisis Motorcycle Club. For <strong>the</strong> past six years, this pack have a unique personality and we’re actually thinking <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> four to twelve bikers has roamed <strong>the</strong> island’s roads giving <strong>the</strong>m names.” The bikes were purchased in Texas<br />
on a Sunday morning. Tony explains, “In spite <strong>of</strong> having<br />
different backgrounds and personalities, we enjoy a <strong>the</strong> warehouse, <strong>the</strong> RideTCI mechanics put <strong>the</strong>m toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and shipped to TCI partially assembled. Upon arrival at<br />
strong camaraderie because we share a common love. and <strong>the</strong> inaugural ride for <strong>the</strong> fleet took place up Leeward<br />
We wanted to <strong>of</strong>fer this experience to visitors who have Highway.<br />
<strong>the</strong> same passion.” Luigi adds, “It’s fun to ride with our Interestingly, <strong>the</strong> photogenic bikes are also available<br />
clients and it turns into a bonding experience for all <strong>of</strong> as props for events and photo shoots, and have already<br />
us.”<br />
participated in a “biker wedding” held in Grace Bay.<br />
RideTCI <strong>of</strong>fers four-hour motorcycle tours <strong>of</strong> Although not a motorcycle rider myself, I can sense<br />
Providenciales that cover both <strong>the</strong> typical tourist spots <strong>the</strong> appeal. The big bikes have an alluring attraction to<br />
and unexpected “<strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> beaten path” locations, with lots <strong>the</strong>ir heft, handlebars, and powerful engines for easy<br />
<strong>of</strong> photo opportunities. The tour includes a break for maneuvering on <strong>the</strong> road. From <strong>the</strong> seat <strong>of</strong> a bike, you’re<br />
34 www.timespub.tc
A guide to <strong>the</strong> ride<br />
What are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Provo Midlife Crisis Motorcycle<br />
Club’s favorite places to ride <strong>the</strong>ir beloved V-twin<br />
cruisers? According to Luigi Garritano, it is important<br />
to stay on paved roads, due to <strong>the</strong> intrinsic<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> motorbikes, but, he says, “If <strong>the</strong> road<br />
Harbour Club Villas<br />
Turtle Tail Drive, Providenciales<br />
Six one-bedroom villas.<br />
Dive operators at our dock.<br />
Bonefishing in <strong>the</strong> lake.<br />
Fabulous beaches nearby.<br />
Ideal for couples or groups.<br />
is paved, it’s worth riding on!” Following are some <strong>of</strong><br />
Providenciales’ motorcycle highlights:<br />
Trip Advisor<br />
Travellers’ Choice<br />
Awards Winner<br />
• Chalk Sound — Thrill to <strong>the</strong> pastel colors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Juan Martinez E: harbourclub@tciway.tc<br />
<strong>Fall</strong> 15 sixth_Layout 1 5/27/16 11:58 AM Page 1<br />
water and <strong>the</strong> curvy hills <strong>of</strong> South Dock Road.<br />
T: 1 649 941 5748<br />
• Silly Creek — Appreciate <strong>the</strong> lush mangroves, See our website<br />
for details.<br />
home to a variety <strong>of</strong> birds, fish, turtles, and baby<br />
www.HARBOURCLUBVILLAS.com<br />
sharks.<br />
• Millennium Highway/Blue Hills/Wheeland<br />
— Soak in local flavor with homes, churches, cemeteries,<br />
and colorful local restaurants. Cruise close to<br />
PHONE:<br />
2 4 1 . 3 2 9 7<br />
<strong>the</strong> ocean and investigate <strong>the</strong> picturesque pier.<br />
2 4 4 . 9 0 9 0<br />
3 4 4 . 9 4 0 3<br />
• Slow ride through downtown Provo (Airport<br />
2 4 4 . 6 1 9 1<br />
Road/Butterfield Square) — This is <strong>the</strong> place to see<br />
SOUTH DOCK<br />
ROAD, PROVO<br />
and be seen by Islanders.<br />
•Turtle Cove Marina — A good place to take pictures<br />
with yachts and o<strong>the</strong>r motorcraft.<br />
• Lower Bight Road through to Grace Bay Road<br />
— This is a slow, peaceful drive until you enter <strong>the</strong><br />
Grace Bay Gold Coast. Then, it’s time to style and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ile for <strong>the</strong> tourists!<br />
• Along Governor’s Road and through Leeward<br />
homes/Leeward Marina — This is an interesting trip<br />
through a well-established residential area bordered<br />
by beaches and sea.<br />
• Long stretch on Leeward Highway back into<br />
town — Depending on <strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> week and time<br />
<strong>of</strong> day, this will probably be <strong>the</strong> ride with <strong>the</strong> most<br />
traffic, but it’s a good way to experience “real life.”<br />
• Old Long Bay Road to Long Bay Marina — This is<br />
Island Auto Rentals & Sales is<br />
a very quiet, slow cruise. a<br />
committed to adding value to your<br />
tropical vacation experience<br />
by delivering excellent service<br />
free to take in all <strong>the</strong> sights, feel <strong>the</strong> warm sea breeze<br />
along with secure and reliable<br />
and taste <strong>the</strong> salty tang <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ocean. You’re open to <strong>the</strong><br />
transportation that will take you<br />
where you need to go.<br />
sounds and smells <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caribbean. Best <strong>of</strong> all, <strong>the</strong> call <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> open road give you <strong>the</strong> freedom to shape an experience<br />
all your own. Get on a bike, and <strong>the</strong> world goes away<br />
EXCELLENT SERVICE • GREAT VALUE<br />
SECURE • RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION<br />
. . . a<br />
Leeward Palms, Leeward, Providenciales<br />
Telephone: (649) 246-0395 or 232-0933 or 946-2042<br />
For more information, visit www.RideTCI.com or call<br />
649 241 7433.<br />
Email: nevilleadams@hotmail.com or<br />
philipgibson251@hotmail.com<br />
Web: islandautorentals.tc<br />
For Vehicle Rental in<br />
Grand Turk call<br />
232 0933 or 946 2042<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 35
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
feature<br />
Opposite page: Energy efficiency is <strong>the</strong> first step before moving towards renewable energy solutions.<br />
Above: The luxurious Beach Enclave villas (shown here is one on Providenciales’ North Shore) is one development that turned to Green<br />
Revolution for solar solutions.<br />
COURTESY TC SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY<br />
A Revolution in Going Green<br />
Local company encourages energy efficiency.<br />
By Kathy Borsuk<br />
It was with joy that I covered Fortis TCI’s foray into <strong>of</strong>fering solar energy options to its customers<br />
for our Summer <strong>2016</strong> article “Let <strong>the</strong> Sun Shine.” The country’s electricity providers now <strong>of</strong>fer both<br />
customer-owned and utility-owned solar photovoltaic systems that are interconnected with <strong>the</strong> grid.<br />
After he read <strong>the</strong> article, Paul Chaplin, co-owner <strong>of</strong> Green Revolution, a local renewable energy/energy<br />
efficiency solutions consulting firm, called to gently chide me. He said, “Energy efficiency is <strong>the</strong> first step<br />
before moving towards renewable energy solutions. If we are energy hogs but install a renewable energy<br />
system, it doesn’t necessarily make us green.”<br />
Point taken. For according to this “green guru,” energy efficiency and energy efficient technologies<br />
have far quicker paybacks than, for instance, a whole house solar installation.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 37
Case study<br />
Green Revolution’s mission is to introduce renewable<br />
energy and energy efficiency into <strong>the</strong> everyday lives <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> citizens and residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caribbean. Paul Chaplin<br />
and Jim Dunlop started <strong>the</strong> company in 2011. Paul, a<br />
Quantity Surveyor with a construction background and<br />
Jim, a Master Plumber, are both passionately interested<br />
in helping people “go green.” The pair focuses on ideas<br />
and technologies that <strong>of</strong>fer low maintenance, speedy paybacks,<br />
and are suited to <strong>the</strong> region’s idiosyncrasies and<br />
wea<strong>the</strong>r variations.<br />
In order <strong>of</strong> fastest payback, following are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
suggestions <strong>the</strong>y make to clients:<br />
1.) Adopt simple energy management strategies such as<br />
turning <strong>of</strong>f lights, cooling/ventilation systems, and appliances<br />
when not in use. (Immediate payback.)<br />
2.) Switch to energy-efficient lighting such as compact<br />
fluorescent or LED bulbs. (One to two year payback.)<br />
3.) Switch to an energy-efficient HVAC system with a high<br />
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. (One to two<br />
year payback.)<br />
4.) Use solar pool heating to take your pool heating <strong>of</strong>f<br />
<strong>the</strong> grid. (One to two year payback.)<br />
5.) Use solar water heaters to take your water heating <strong>of</strong>f<br />
<strong>the</strong> grid. (Two to three year payback.)<br />
6.) Use solar pumps to take your pool or irrigation pump<br />
<strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> grid. (Two to three year payback.)<br />
Green Revolution encourages homeowners to conduct<br />
a basic home energy assessment using ei<strong>the</strong>r a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional auditor, a FortisTCI representative, or doing<br />
it yourself following some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> techniques listed on<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir website, www.greenrevolutionltd.com. This is <strong>the</strong><br />
first step in assessing how much energy your home consumes<br />
and where you may be losing energy. It can also<br />
determine <strong>the</strong> efficiency <strong>of</strong> your heating and cooling systems,<br />
and how to conserve hot water and electricity.Green<br />
Revolution can prepare a basic report <strong>of</strong> recommenda-<br />
Paul Chaplin, co-owner <strong>of</strong> Green Revolution, described<br />
to me a typical client case study. “We were called by <strong>the</strong><br />
owner <strong>of</strong> a Providenciales luxury villa that was built in<br />
2005. When occupied, <strong>the</strong> average monthly electricity<br />
bill was in excess <strong>of</strong> $6,000; unoccupied it was $2,500.<br />
We conducted a thorough energy audit, using a power<br />
monitor to determine real time power consumption and<br />
where <strong>the</strong> power was being consumed.<br />
With our client’s blessing, we began a two-year<br />
energy management program, taking a step-by-step<br />
approach. Early-on, we discovered that <strong>the</strong> landscape<br />
lighting was on 24 hours a day, pumps were running 24<br />
hours a day, and water heaters were running 24 hours<br />
a day—that was an easy fix. We replaced <strong>the</strong> air conditioning<br />
system with an energy efficient VRV system,<br />
changed <strong>the</strong> configuration <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> duct work,<br />
and increased insulation in <strong>the</strong> home. We installed solar<br />
hot water heaters for <strong>the</strong> domestic water heating and<br />
solar pool pumps for <strong>the</strong> infinity edge, jacuzzi filter<br />
pump, and pool filter pump.<br />
We encouraged <strong>the</strong> client to implement a simple<br />
energy management strategy through <strong>the</strong>ir property<br />
managers. When all was said and done, we dropped <strong>the</strong><br />
power bill to $900 per month when <strong>the</strong> villa was vacant,<br />
and under $2,000 per month when occupied; this in<br />
spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> interior temperature is kept<br />
at a maximum <strong>of</strong> 80ºF year-round when unoccupied to<br />
avoid damage to furniture and possessions.” a<br />
tions, including <strong>the</strong> savings <strong>of</strong> each recommendation and<br />
paybacks <strong>of</strong> that technology. (FortisTCI auditors will send<br />
you a report with recommendations, as well.)<br />
Green Revolution’s best sellers are solar pool heating,<br />
solar water heaters, and solar pumps. The company’s<br />
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM<br />
From left: Digital energy management systems can help track daily power usage.<br />
Solar powered pool pumps <strong>of</strong>fer big electricity savings and no CO 2 emissions.<br />
38 www.timespub.tc
100+ projects range from small, one-<strong>of</strong>f installations in<br />
existing homes to more extensive work in most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
new villa developments that are expanding across <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong>. For instance, <strong>the</strong> company is currently providing<br />
solar solutions to BE Developments, Wymara Villas, Parrot<br />
Cay Villas and o<strong>the</strong>r local resorts.<br />
According to Rob Ayer, principal <strong>of</strong> Wymara Villas,<br />
“Offering energy efficient homes is important to us, especially<br />
given <strong>the</strong> fact that utility costs are expensive in<br />
TCI. Similar to what we did at <strong>the</strong> Gansevoort Resort, we<br />
researched possible solutions to implement for our new<br />
oceanfront villas and sought <strong>the</strong> advice and expertise <strong>of</strong><br />
Paul Chaplin. He and his team were great in suggesting<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n designing <strong>the</strong> right applications to fit our needs.<br />
They showed us all <strong>the</strong> possible products and what <strong>the</strong><br />
costs and payback periods would be so that we could<br />
make informed decisions. They <strong>the</strong>n worked with our<br />
architects and engineers to coordinate <strong>the</strong> design and<br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se solutions.”<br />
Paul explains, “Developers and designers are keen to<br />
pursue greener, more energy efficient homes. In addition<br />
to ‘help <strong>the</strong> planet’ motives, <strong>the</strong>y are seen as a good sales<br />
incentive for purchasers, as electricity will be one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
largest operating costs.” In fact, worldwide growth in <strong>the</strong><br />
use <strong>of</strong> solar power has increased by an average <strong>of</strong> 60%<br />
per year for <strong>the</strong> last 10 years.<br />
You could say that Green Revolution is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
pioneers in TCI’s green energy movement. Paul is a<br />
director <strong>of</strong> Norstar Group, a long established, full service<br />
construction company with a 12 year history in <strong>the</strong><br />
Turks & Caicos and Jim is a partner in Estel Plumbing.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> late-2000s recession struck, <strong>the</strong> pair thought<br />
that retr<strong>of</strong>itting existing construction with green energy<br />
technologies would be a way to both stimulate <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
business and help <strong>the</strong> local community save money on<br />
energy costs. Paul recalls, “We basically approached <strong>the</strong><br />
architects, mechanical/electrical/plumbing consultants,<br />
and developers to consider solar energy solutions. We<br />
went through a process <strong>of</strong> building up a business case<br />
for <strong>the</strong> technologies we were suggesting, to demonstrate<br />
what kind <strong>of</strong> payback and savings could be achieved for<br />
each suggestion. It was a bit slow-going at first, but now<br />
architects and engineers are suggesting solar options<br />
to clients and owners/developers are asking for <strong>the</strong>se<br />
technologies to be included in <strong>the</strong>ir early designs.” Green<br />
Revolution has completed many projects, both residential<br />
and commercial, throughout <strong>the</strong> region, saving residents<br />
hundreds <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> dollars in energy costs each<br />
year.<br />
renewable energy solutions<br />
energy efficiency solutions<br />
www.greenrevolutionltd.com<br />
moreinfo@greenrevolutionltd.com<br />
tel. 649-232-1393<br />
Blue Loos_Layout 1 2/9/16 2:47 PM Page 1<br />
All your septic tank solutions<br />
in one place provided by a<br />
family-owned business that<br />
cares about <strong>the</strong> environment<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks and Caicos<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
Call Blue Loos 231 7448 to<br />
have your tank emptied,<br />
cleaned or fixed. All waste<br />
disposed <strong>of</strong> in a licensed facility.<br />
Call IWWTT on 231 2366 for information<br />
about Bionest - <strong>the</strong> most efficient and<br />
environmentally friendly septic tank system<br />
available in <strong>the</strong> Turks and Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
The only way to achieve totally clear and<br />
odorless effluent.<br />
Eco Friendly<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 39
The longest established legal practice<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Real Estate Investments<br />
& Property Development<br />
Immigration, Residency<br />
& Business Licensing<br />
Company & Commercial Law<br />
Trusts & Estate Planning<br />
Banking & Insurance<br />
1 Caribbean Place, P.O. Box 97<br />
Leeward Highway, Providenciales<br />
Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>, BWI<br />
Ph: 649 946 4344 • Fax: 649 946 4564<br />
E-Mail: dempsey@tciway.tc<br />
Cockburn House, P.O. Box 70<br />
Market Street, Grand Turk<br />
Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>, BWI<br />
Ph: 649 946 2245 • Fax: 649 946 2758<br />
E-Mail: ffdlawco@tciway.tc<br />
TWR <strong>Fall</strong>16_Layout 1 8/18/16 12:49 PM Page 1<br />
Tradewinds Radio FM 104.5<br />
Music you’ll enjoy all day long.<br />
U.S.A. world news and local marine wea<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Stream at www.tradewinds1045.com<br />
Thank you to all featured Taxi’s and Hire Cars.<br />
Please support our advertisers during your vacation:<br />
Asu on <strong>the</strong> Beach, Caicos Adventures, Caicos Express Airways,<br />
Dive Provo, Elevate Spa, Fire & Ice, Mama’s and Ride TCI, Salt<br />
Bar & Grill, Turks Kebab, Thalasso Spa and Waterplay Provo.<br />
With a background <strong>of</strong> over 20 years in construction<br />
in <strong>the</strong> UK, US, and TCI, Paul Chaplin’s passion for green<br />
energy is matched by a drive to keep up with new technologies<br />
and inventions, as well as maintaining a good<br />
network <strong>of</strong> worldwide suppliers. He is currently excited<br />
about a solar hybrid “earth cooling” system that uses<br />
solar-powered ventilators to draw warm air through a<br />
series <strong>of</strong> tubes placed underground, cooling <strong>the</strong> fresh<br />
air to ground temperature (75ºF) and <strong>the</strong>n distributing it<br />
through <strong>the</strong> building to provide electricity-free air conditioning.<br />
It sounds like a brilliant idea!<br />
He is also carrying out extensive testing <strong>of</strong> a wireless,<br />
remote energy management system with a large<br />
Providenciales-based hotel and villa development which<br />
monitors real time energy consumption, provides energy<br />
consumption reports, sets ongoing targets for consumption,<br />
and benchmarks against historical consumption.<br />
It also controls <strong>the</strong> main power consumers. The idea is<br />
to encourage resorts and villa owners to adopt a simple<br />
energy management strategy. This, coupled with <strong>the</strong><br />
power consumption reporting and control <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> large<br />
energy consumers, will provide significant cost savings<br />
to owners. Initial results indicate attractive paybacks <strong>of</strong><br />
around three years.<br />
Green Revolution encourages clients to take advantage<br />
<strong>of</strong> Scotiabank’s finance options for selected products,<br />
including solar hot water heaters and solar pumps. This<br />
is a win-win opportunity, as <strong>the</strong> monthly repayments on<br />
loans taken to purchase and install <strong>the</strong> equipment are<br />
LESS THAN <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> electricity saved!<br />
For customers who choose to go “all <strong>the</strong> way” and<br />
install a solar photovoltaic system, Green Revolution<br />
notes that <strong>the</strong> payback periods vary depending on <strong>the</strong><br />
installation and on <strong>the</strong> choice <strong>of</strong> system used. Based on<br />
an average 5 kW system, you can expect a grid-tied system<br />
to payback in 4 to 20 years depending on <strong>the</strong> rate <strong>the</strong><br />
utility is willing to pay for <strong>the</strong> power you produce and an<br />
<strong>of</strong>f-grid system to payback in under 10 years.<br />
Paul and Jim see TCI’s future as incorporating more<br />
green energy systems into resorts and hotels. They<br />
believe that <strong>the</strong> type <strong>of</strong> tourist coming to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong><br />
would be attracted to and impressed by such measures.<br />
a<br />
For more information or to schedule an energy consultation,<br />
contact Green Revolution at (649) 232-1393 or visit<br />
www.greenrevolutionltd.com.<br />
40 www.timespub.tc
PROVIDENT LIMITED<br />
Developing commercial and residential<br />
properties since 1966<br />
Most experienced,<br />
most knowledgeable, and<br />
with <strong>the</strong> largest inventory<br />
<strong>of</strong> LAND AVAILABLE<br />
for sale on<br />
Providenciales<br />
Properties available in:<br />
Turtle Cove • Turtle Tail<br />
Grace Bay • Long Bay<br />
Ocean/Beach Front<br />
Ocean View • Canal<br />
ALSO:<br />
Commercial Areas<br />
Call Bengt Soderqvist<br />
Barefoot Palms Ad:Layout 1 8/19/16 Marinas1:16 PM Page 1<br />
Ph: 649 946-4303 Fax: 649 946-4326 Email: provident@tciway.tc<br />
Hotels • Condos<br />
P.O. Box 594, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos<br />
15150 Golden Point Lane, Wellington, FL USA 33414<br />
Private Homes<br />
Food for Thought is a new charity set up to provide<br />
daily breakfast to government school students –<br />
starting with <strong>the</strong> primary schools in North Caicos,<br />
Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay.<br />
We estimate that just $200 will allow us to provide<br />
breakfast to one child for a whole school year.<br />
If you would like to donate or learn more please<br />
email foodforthoughttci@gmail.com<br />
or visit our website foodforthoughttci.com<br />
VRBO.com #377589<br />
Barefoot Palms<br />
3 bedroom, 2 bath villa<br />
Gorgeous pool, patio, tiki bar<br />
Blocks om <strong>the</strong> ocean, walk to beach,<br />
minutes drive to golf, supermarket,<br />
shopping and restaurants<br />
$2450-$3850 weekly; flexible dates<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 41
feature<br />
Opposite page: Island Bargains shipments come via sea freight or air, depending on how fast you want your goods delivered.<br />
Above: Convenient shopping on <strong>the</strong> Internet is made all <strong>the</strong> more easier with <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> Island Bargains services.<br />
The Easy Way to Shop<br />
Island Bargains revolutionizes <strong>the</strong> Caribbean shopping experience.<br />
By Kathy Borsuk ~ Photos By iStock Photo<br />
When I moved to Providenciales nearly 24 years ago, <strong>the</strong>re were no IGA supermarkets, hardware stores,<br />
pharmacies, clothing or electronics outlets, or even a bookshop. Only <strong>the</strong> basics were available—usually<br />
on Wednesdays when <strong>the</strong> freight boat came in—and we learned to make do or do without.<br />
As a result, for most Islanders and residents, a trip <strong>of</strong>f-island meant only one thing: SHOPPING. I, like<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs, became an expert in packing. Empty suitcases on departure returned to <strong>the</strong> TCI stuffed to bursting.<br />
I remember that my “most-needed” items were contact lens solution, tampons, bras, and books.<br />
There’s no doubt that <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong> items available on-island has expanded dramatically. But <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are still many things that simply can’t be kept in stock in a small island nation. And with <strong>the</strong> advent <strong>of</strong><br />
Internet shopping, <strong>the</strong>re continues to be a need for a shopping/shipping/delivery service to streamline<br />
<strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> getting goods from Point A to TCI. That’s where Island Bargains comes in.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 43
Started by Richard Chilton in 2009, Island Bargains<br />
has grown to become <strong>the</strong> #1 online shopping and<br />
shipping service in <strong>the</strong> Caribbean. It operates in 43<br />
countries, including <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>, which<br />
is currently its fourth largest market, with over 5,500<br />
customers and more signing up every day!<br />
Island Bargains’ services are wide-ranging. Once<br />
you register (it’s free and easy), just order your goods<br />
from any US merchant or on-line supplier and have<br />
<strong>the</strong> items delivered to Island Bargains’ 20,000 sq. ft.<br />
warehouse in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Staff will handle<br />
all <strong>the</strong> freight documentation and customs clearance,<br />
and ship your goods to any island, safely and securely.<br />
Island Bargains’ all inclusive rates start at just $10.<br />
Simply collect your packages at your local agent (Air &<br />
Sea Agency) when <strong>the</strong>y arrive on island or choose home<br />
delivery. Whe<strong>the</strong>r you are shipping a pair <strong>of</strong> shoes or an<br />
entire household, Island Bargains has got you covered!<br />
Their shipping model to Providenciales is based<br />
on flat-rate shipping, figured according to cubic size<br />
(ocean freight) or by weight (air freight). On top <strong>of</strong><br />
weekly ocean shipments, Island Bargains also <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
two air option services: 1–2 days (Priority) or 1 day<br />
(Expedited).<br />
In addition to shopping with major online retailers,<br />
you can order directly from <strong>the</strong> Island Bargains website,<br />
where you will find a wide variety <strong>of</strong> name-brand<br />
groceries, beverages, health and beauty aids, cleaning<br />
and household goods, home, baby, and pet items, and<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice supplies, all at great prices. Your order is carefully<br />
packaged in sturdy, double-wall boxes and will<br />
arrive in TCI within <strong>the</strong> week. This is all included in<br />
your one low price. To make your grocery shopping<br />
experience quick and easy, Island Bargains accepts<br />
international credit cards, wire transfers, PayPal, and<br />
even cash payments on-island.<br />
Especially useful to Caribbean customers who may<br />
not have <strong>the</strong> time or means to travel abroad, or a US<br />
credit card, is <strong>the</strong> personal shopping service. You make<br />
<strong>the</strong> request and for a nominal fee, Island Bargains will<br />
source and procure whatever you need. You <strong>the</strong>n pay<br />
Island Bargains using your TCI credit/debit card, wire<br />
transfer, or cash.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r valuable services include pickup and delivery,<br />
hazmat certification, warehouse storage, container<br />
loading, and commercial consolidation in South Florida<br />
(perfect for hotels, restaurants and event planners).<br />
Island Bargains also can crate fragile or bulky items<br />
such as motorcycles, TVs, and glass, and prepare <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>ten-complicated shipping documents for cars, boats,<br />
and even jet skis and golf carts!<br />
Richard Chilton is <strong>the</strong> energetic, charismatic driving<br />
force behind Island Bargains. After spending time<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Caribbean, he saw <strong>the</strong> need for a reliable shop-<br />
JONATHAN TRUJILLO<br />
Island Bargains maintains a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and handles an average <strong>of</strong> 1,500 packages per day.<br />
44 www.timespub.tc
ping/shipping service. Using skills from a family history<br />
in retailing, it started with a simple list <strong>of</strong> groceries as<br />
he traveled country to country to recruit local agents.<br />
The business snowballed as on-line shopping became<br />
popular, with Island Bargains serving as <strong>the</strong> missing<br />
link for most Caribbean shoppers.<br />
Today, Island Bargains services 50,000 customers<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> Caribbean and handles 1,500 packages<br />
on an average day (and counting). Richard estimates<br />
that in TCI, about half his customers are commercial<br />
businesses and half are personal shoppers. Besides<br />
a typical turn-around time <strong>of</strong> one week (or faster if<br />
required), a major attraction is that because all packages<br />
are consolidated for full container shipping,<br />
customers are charged one low landed cost when<br />
goods arrive on island, as low as $10 for sea freight<br />
and $25 for air freight, plus your local duties at <strong>the</strong><br />
time <strong>of</strong> delivery.<br />
In TCI, <strong>the</strong> Island Bargains agent is Air & Sea<br />
Agency, currently building a new, large warehouse on<br />
Leeward Highway. As in all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> countries Richard<br />
works with, <strong>the</strong> agents are experienced, reputable customs<br />
brokers for whom customer service is key.<br />
Customers in TCI include some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major resorts,<br />
developers, and event planners, who appreciate <strong>the</strong><br />
company’s ability to “make appear” <strong>the</strong> unusual and<br />
hard-to-find. Richard recalls sourcing “Virginia jumbo<br />
organic peanuts” for a discerning guest on Parrot Cay;<br />
picking up a dog and ushering it through customs red<br />
tape; delivering 250 live Maine lobsters and 30 dozen<br />
Krispy Kreme donuts to a client in Surinam; and, in St.<br />
Vincent, loading an entire chopped-up semi truck in a<br />
container.<br />
When packages are delivered to <strong>the</strong> sprawling Ft.<br />
Lauderdale warehouse, Island Bargain staff opens each<br />
one, checking for damage and items that are illegal<br />
to import, such as knifes and pornography. Goods are<br />
re-sealed and carefully loaded into a container to be<br />
forwarded to every island, every week.<br />
Richard is a firm believer in lots <strong>of</strong> legwork on<br />
<strong>the</strong> ground. He is <strong>of</strong>ten seen on <strong>the</strong> streets <strong>of</strong> any<br />
Caribbean island passing out flyers or cavorting with<br />
a local mascot such as Bermuda’s “Cube Man.” It’s all<br />
part <strong>of</strong> building up <strong>the</strong> buzz. He anticipates opening in<br />
20 more markets by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year.<br />
Are you ready to have Island Bargains help with<br />
your Christmas shopping? Visit www.islandbargains.<br />
com to sign up! You’ll soon receive emails featuring<br />
monthly specials you won’t want to miss. a<br />
The Best <strong>of</strong> Blue Hills<br />
This is an opportunity to purchase one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most amazing, unique<br />
parcels <strong>of</strong> land on Providenciales. The entire 19.75 acre lot sprawls atop<br />
a high plateau, inviting a panoramic view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> island—from stunning<br />
Chalk Sound and <strong>the</strong> Caicos<br />
Bank to <strong>the</strong> south to a clear<br />
view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world-famous reef<br />
to <strong>the</strong> north.<br />
These historic quotes from<br />
H.E. Sadler’s Turks <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Landfall could have been<br />
made by persons from this very<br />
parcel:<br />
•“The Blue Hills in<br />
Providenciales provides a fine<br />
view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> surrounding reefs,<br />
which was so prized by <strong>the</strong><br />
wreckers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> last century.”<br />
• “To <strong>the</strong> south <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> island<br />
lies Chalk Sound, a large natural creek, which is famous for its lobsters<br />
and sponges…”<br />
Offered at $1,500,000<br />
Sherlin Williams • 1 649 244 9945<br />
sherlinwilliams@gmail.com<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 45
eal estate<br />
Opposite page: Long Bay Beach Club is <strong>the</strong> place to create a lifetime <strong>of</strong> family memories.<br />
Above: Each five-bedroom villa includes a private infinity pool, deck, and firepit for outdoor relaxation.<br />
Paradise by <strong>the</strong> Fraction<br />
Long Bay Beach Club introduces new villa ownership concept.<br />
By Kathy Borsuk ~ Photos Courtesy Long Bay Beach Club<br />
Staying in a beachfront luxury villa with family and friends is a vacation option that is growing in popularity<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>. The combination <strong>of</strong> comfort, privacy, and versatility—along with<br />
enjoying <strong>the</strong> most beautiful beaches in <strong>the</strong> world—is an attraction that’s hard to beat.<br />
Long Bay Beach Club is a unique opportunity to enjoy a holiday that combines five-star resort-style<br />
amenities in a newly constructed, contemporary designed, five-bedroom villa overlooking <strong>the</strong> sparkling<br />
turquoise waters <strong>of</strong> Long Bay — year after year — for a fraction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cost. It also <strong>of</strong>fers potential property<br />
owners a fantastic chance to “get <strong>the</strong>ir feet wet” in more than <strong>the</strong> sea.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 47
Long Bay Beach Club (LBBC) is an enclave <strong>of</strong> three<br />
private, beachfront luxury villas that are sold under<br />
fractional ownership. This concept has been very popular<br />
in North America for some time. Vacation home<br />
buyers can purchase a 10% registered ownership in<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> beachfront villas. Fractional club membership<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers use <strong>of</strong> a spectacular, multi-million dollar<br />
property for no less than five weeks a year, along with<br />
additional usage when space is available.<br />
This is a “win-win” opportunity for several reasons.<br />
Owners are guaranteed over a month in paradise every<br />
year, for a price tag that is commonly less than what<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would spend on a single trip! It is also a chance<br />
to “test <strong>the</strong> waters” <strong>of</strong> future property ownership in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> at a reasonable entry level price, without<br />
having to make a big investment in a vacation property<br />
or deal with pesky maintenance issues.<br />
Buyers at Long Bay Beach Club automatically<br />
become part <strong>of</strong> Elite Alliance®, an exchange program<br />
<strong>of</strong>fering a select family <strong>of</strong> prestigious residence clubs<br />
and luxurious, pr<strong>of</strong>essionally managed vacation homes<br />
worldwide. Through a simple exchange process, LBBC<br />
members can contribute <strong>the</strong>ir unused weeks into a key<br />
that unlocks <strong>the</strong> door to seamless travel adventures—<br />
ski trips, golf getaways, beach escapes, and much<br />
more—at a growing array <strong>of</strong> coveted destinations.<br />
Members at Long Bay Beach Club can also decide<br />
to contribute some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir weeks to <strong>the</strong> Club’s pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
property management company and enjoy<br />
rental income in lieu <strong>of</strong> personal or family use. The<br />
Club is designed to provide <strong>the</strong> ultimate level <strong>of</strong> member<br />
flexibility.<br />
LBBC Development is led by Tom Cibotti and Ben<br />
Dunn, business partners for over 20 years in a Bostonbased<br />
corporate advisory firm. Interestingly, Ben’s<br />
family roots include some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earliest Bermudians<br />
who came to Salt Cay in <strong>the</strong> 1700s to harvest and<br />
export salt at <strong>the</strong> legendary White House. For over a<br />
decade, Tom has been on <strong>the</strong> board and is currently<br />
president <strong>of</strong> a five-star residence club located in Deer<br />
Valley, Utah, considered by many as <strong>the</strong> most exclusive<br />
ski resort in North America.<br />
Tom explains <strong>the</strong> pair’s decision to introduce fractional<br />
club ownership to Providenciales, “Second home<br />
vacation owners find <strong>the</strong>mselves making significant<br />
investments into whole ownership properties to which<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir level <strong>of</strong> use is not commensurate. Fractional<br />
club ownership aligns capital investment with vacation<br />
use.” He adds, “We wanted to eliminate all <strong>the</strong><br />
worries <strong>of</strong> owning vacation properties, particularly<br />
outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> US. Our goal in developing Long Bay<br />
Beach Club was to deliver <strong>the</strong> highest quality service<br />
Long Bay Beach Club homes enjoy 160 feet <strong>of</strong> private beach frontage on <strong>the</strong> western end <strong>of</strong> Long Bay Beach in a quiet residential neighborhood<br />
noted for its luxury estates.<br />
48 www.timespub.tc
Each villa’s lower level fosters a relaxed, seaside atmosphere, with <strong>the</strong> indoors blending seamlessly into <strong>the</strong> beautiful oceanscapes.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 49
Above: Villa interiors are comfortable and calming, melding warm woods, s<strong>of</strong>t tones, and seaside <strong>the</strong>mes.<br />
35Years<br />
Assisting domestic and international clients for 35 years<br />
Tel + 1 649 946 4602 • Fax + 1 649 946 4848<br />
Email reception@savory-co.com • Website www.savory-co.com<br />
in a luxurious Caribbean beachfront villa setting, to<br />
create unforgettable vacations for families and friends<br />
for generations.”<br />
According to Savory & Co. Senior Attorney Emma<br />
Riach (emmariach@savory-co.com), <strong>the</strong> Fractional<br />
Ordinance <strong>of</strong> 31 December 2014 introduced for <strong>the</strong><br />
first time into TCI law <strong>the</strong> ability for multiple owners<br />
to hold separate and registered fractions in property.<br />
The advantage <strong>of</strong> such is to give each owner its own<br />
legal interest in <strong>the</strong> real property which is secured by<br />
registration at <strong>the</strong> TCI Land Registry. Additionally,<br />
<strong>the</strong> usage rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> owners are enshrined in <strong>the</strong><br />
registered fractional By Laws, which must set out <strong>the</strong><br />
rights and obligations <strong>of</strong> each owner in terms <strong>of</strong> when<br />
and how <strong>the</strong>y can occupy <strong>the</strong> property and effectively<br />
exercise <strong>the</strong>ir proprietary rights, booking systems,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir liabilities for cost sharing with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r fractional<br />
owners. Fractional ownership affords far greater<br />
security and potential investment value for people<br />
investing in “shared” ownership than <strong>the</strong> alternative<br />
<strong>of</strong> owning shares in a private company governed by a<br />
private shareholders agreement.<br />
Like o<strong>the</strong>r forms <strong>of</strong> real estate, this interest can<br />
be placed in a trust, sold, or willed to o<strong>the</strong>rs. More<br />
50 www.timespub.tc
than one family or person can own a single ownership;<br />
<strong>the</strong>se joint owners can allocate <strong>the</strong>ir scheduled time<br />
among <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
Long Bay Beach Club sits on 160 feet <strong>of</strong> private<br />
beach frontage on <strong>the</strong> western end <strong>of</strong> sprawling Long<br />
Bay Beach. The quiet residential neighborhood is<br />
noted for its luxury estates, while <strong>the</strong> beach boasts<br />
pristine ivory sand and has been an ideal entry point<br />
for international kite surfers, who take advantage <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> steady tradewinds and unencumbered stretches <strong>of</strong><br />
sea. Long Bay Beach was ranked among <strong>the</strong> “Ten Best<br />
Beaches in <strong>the</strong> World” by Condé Nast Traveler in 2015.<br />
Each home boasts three levels and 6,000 square<br />
feet <strong>of</strong> indoor/outdoor space with five bedrooms,<br />
private infinity pools, beachside decks, fire pits,<br />
and a yoga/gym pavilion. Its clean and contemporary<br />
Caribbean design—a creation <strong>of</strong> internationally<br />
renowned SWA Architects— focuses on family-oriented<br />
living areas on <strong>the</strong> first floor, with increasing privacy<br />
and breathtaking views from <strong>the</strong> second and third<br />
levels. The homes are surrounded by lush Caribbean<br />
foliage typical to <strong>the</strong> area, fur<strong>the</strong>r enhancing <strong>the</strong> sense<br />
<strong>of</strong> staying at a boutique resort all your own.<br />
Interior design is led by DADA Associates, one <strong>of</strong><br />
Miami’s leading specialists in Caribbean design. Fully<br />
furnished with state <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> art kitchens, interiors are<br />
comfortable and calming, melding warm woods, s<strong>of</strong>t<br />
tones, and nautical <strong>the</strong>mes.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r benefit to being a LBBC owner or guest<br />
is <strong>the</strong> exceptional level <strong>of</strong> service <strong>of</strong>fered. Each villa is<br />
staffed by a personal attendant whose job is to make<br />
your stay perfect. This includes personal airport transportation<br />
and daily concierge services. Also included<br />
are five-star resort amenities, including a gym with <strong>the</strong><br />
latest in fitness equipment, spa and yoga services, and<br />
paddleboards and kayaks to use on <strong>the</strong> beach. The<br />
Club’s concierge will arrange scuba diving or snorkeling<br />
excursions, horseback riding outings, sailing or<br />
fishing trips, golf and tennis, or any o<strong>the</strong>r activities <strong>the</strong><br />
island has to <strong>of</strong>fer. At <strong>the</strong> same time, Providenciales’<br />
vast menu <strong>of</strong> dining options, evening entertainment,<br />
and shopping is readily accessible from your villa.<br />
Walter Gardiner Jr., director/broker <strong>of</strong> Regency-<br />
Christie’s International Real Estate, is among TCI’s<br />
most experienced and respected realtors. He is excited<br />
about introducing his clients to <strong>the</strong> project, explaining,<br />
“Our slogan—‘Own a Piece <strong>of</strong> Paradise for a Fraction <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Cost’—says it all. Why spend several million dollars<br />
on a villa that you may stay in only a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year?<br />
W a t e r f r o n t R e a l t y<br />
S K Y E P A L M S, P R O V I D E N C I A L E S<br />
Prime Oceanfront Residential Hillside Site located in Blue Mountain<br />
comprising approximately 2.5 acres, with ocean frontage <strong>of</strong> over 250 feet.<br />
These two maturely landscaped and adjacent seafront lots each enjoy <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own private, secluded beach. The property has varied elevations providing<br />
numerous options for development, all with uninterrupted vistas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
ocean and its coral reef. Suitable for a family estate or residential enclave.<br />
The owner is willing to sell <strong>the</strong> two lots toge<strong>the</strong>r or separately.<br />
Total Property is for Sale at USD$ 3.95M; can be sold in Two Separate Lots<br />
Contact Waterfront Realty at : (+1 649) 231 6666 or info@waterfronttci.com<br />
ELE VATE SPA<br />
Ask about our daily specials!<br />
Open daily | 9:00 am - 6:00 pm<br />
FIND US ON<br />
FACEBOOK!<br />
@ELEVATESPA<br />
BLUE HAVEN RESORT | BLUEHAVENTCI.COM<br />
+1.649.946.9900 | CONTACT@BLUEHAVENTCI.COM<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 51
Kathryn is a founding member <strong>of</strong><br />
Turks and Caicos Real Estate<br />
Association formed in 2000. She<br />
was instrumental in writing and<br />
implementing <strong>the</strong> manual for <strong>the</strong><br />
Association as well as Rules and<br />
Regulations for <strong>the</strong> membership.<br />
In 2007 she was voted <strong>the</strong> first<br />
TCREA Ambassador by her peers. In 2009/10 she was part <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Team that wrote <strong>the</strong> first Training Manual for TCREA; all new<br />
members are required to complete <strong>the</strong> course and final exam<br />
before being accepted as full members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Association. She<br />
served as President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Association for five years (2008-<br />
2013), as well as serving on many TCREA committees, some <strong>of</strong><br />
which she still serves.<br />
Kathryn started her real estate career in Cayman <strong>Islands</strong> where<br />
she worked for ERA for a number <strong>of</strong> years until her move to<br />
TCI ERA Coralie Properties Ltd in 2000; she was brought to<br />
implement <strong>the</strong> ERA system and manage <strong>the</strong> operation for <strong>the</strong><br />
newly franchised Coralie Properties. Over <strong>the</strong> years Kathryn<br />
has become an active partner shareholder and Director <strong>of</strong> ERA<br />
Coralie Properties Ltd., as well as being a successful sales<br />
associate, consistently being in <strong>the</strong> top ten.<br />
A background in interior design and retail fit well with a real<br />
estate career; working well with people, high standard <strong>of</strong><br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism, integrity and quality service. Kathryn has<br />
many repeat customers as well as a strong referral network.<br />
If you want to learn about real estate in Turks & Caicos give<br />
Kathryn a call, she will be pleased to meet you and help with<br />
your real estate needs, wants, dreams...<br />
Tel: 649 231 2329<br />
Email: krbrown@era.tc<br />
Web: www.eraturksandcaicos.com<br />
Kathryn<br />
Brown<br />
ERA Coralie Properties Ltd.<br />
Long Bay Beach is known internationally as an ideal place to kitesurf.<br />
Why deal with <strong>of</strong>ten-hefty maintenance and property<br />
management costs? This is a chance for more people<br />
to be part <strong>of</strong> a luxury villa experience, and at <strong>the</strong> same<br />
time still enjoy <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> property ownership in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. Get away from <strong>the</strong> crowded beach resorts<br />
and come join <strong>the</strong> Club!”<br />
With construction well underway in Long Bay and<br />
villa completion anticipated in late <strong>Fall</strong>/early Winter<br />
<strong>2016</strong>, ownership opportunities for a “piece <strong>of</strong> paradise”<br />
are rapidly diminishing! a<br />
Visit www.longbaybeachclubtci.com or contact<br />
Walter Gardiner at (649) 941 4100/231 6461 or (954)<br />
636 1426/284 4053 or email walter@tcibrokers.com.<br />
52 www.timespub.tc
astrolabe<br />
newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
front street, p.o. box 188, grand turk, turks & caicos islands, bwi<br />
tel 649 946 2160 • fax 649 946 2160 • email info@tcmuseum.org • web www.tcmuseum.org<br />
This illustration depicts a Massachusetts fishing schooner from c. 1905 trailed by one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>’ Ghost Fleet ships drawn as<br />
“graffiti” on <strong>the</strong> wall <strong>of</strong> St. James Plantation in North Caicos. The resemblance is astonishing!<br />
DONALD H. KEITH<br />
Partnerships<br />
By Dr. Donald H. Keith, President, Turks & Caicos National Museum Foundation<br />
There is a lot <strong>of</strong> important work to be done here in <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>—environmental protection<br />
and conservation, cultural preservation, historical and archaeological research, and improvements<br />
in education—to name but a few. The TCI Government is doing what it can to address <strong>the</strong>se needs, but<br />
it has its limits. Meanwhile, opportunities for charities, businesses, schools, and cultural institutions to<br />
work toge<strong>the</strong>r to build a better society abound.<br />
As I was preparing this edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Astrolabe it occurred to me that virtually every article or item<br />
in it represents a partnership between <strong>the</strong> TCI Museum and local or international entities. With <strong>the</strong> Royal<br />
Bank <strong>of</strong> Canada and <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Environment and Coastal Resources to maintain <strong>the</strong> agricultural,<br />
native plant, and medicinal plant garden at <strong>the</strong> Caicos Heritage House. With <strong>the</strong> British Library’s<br />
Endangered Archives Programme to locate, preserve, and digitize documents important to <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. With high schools and travel agencies on Providenciales to sponsor <strong>the</strong> National History and<br />
Cultural Heritage Quiz. And with individual citizens such as Capt. Willard E. Kennedy to preserve <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
memoirs.<br />
The potential <strong>of</strong> such cooperative partnerships is limitless. In fact, our article about <strong>the</strong> Ghost Fleet<br />
opens <strong>the</strong> door to a major cooperative, interdisciplinary effort to investigate what remains <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Loyalist<br />
period in <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>. We are all stronger when we work toge<strong>the</strong>r. a<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 53
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
This graffito is<br />
located on <strong>the</strong><br />
side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> window<br />
opening<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kitchen<br />
building at Wades<br />
Green. (You can<br />
see it in situ on<br />
page 57).<br />
DONALD H. KEITH<br />
A Phantasmal Project<br />
Saving <strong>the</strong> Ghost Fleet <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
By Dr. Donald H. Keith, President, Turks & Caicos National Museum Foundation<br />
Unbeknownst to most residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se islands, a fleet <strong>of</strong> ancient ships has sailed <strong>the</strong> Caicos for more<br />
than 200 years. A ghost fleet <strong>of</strong> sorts, almost invisible. Hundreds <strong>of</strong> people have looked right at <strong>the</strong>m—<br />
and seen nothing! Don’t bo<strong>the</strong>r gazing out to sea because <strong>the</strong>y aren’t <strong>the</strong>re. No, <strong>the</strong>y’re on dry land,<br />
hiding in plain sight in dozens <strong>of</strong> different places, dark corners where you would least expect to find <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
54 www.timespub.tc
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
My first glimpse <strong>of</strong> a small part <strong>of</strong><br />
this fleet came in 1987 when TCI Museum<br />
Founder Gre<strong>the</strong> Seim showed me images<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ships that she and Countess Helen<br />
Czernin encountered at St. James Plantation<br />
on North Caicos. They were full-size tracings<br />
made directly from fine lines someone<br />
etched or engraved into <strong>the</strong> plaster covering<br />
an interior wall. The old home, now in ruins,<br />
is thought to have been built by <strong>the</strong> first<br />
Loyalists to settle in <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> following<br />
<strong>the</strong> American War <strong>of</strong> Independence.<br />
Helen, an artist, was curious about how <strong>the</strong><br />
etchings were made. She concluded that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were done while <strong>the</strong> plaster was still<br />
s<strong>of</strong>t, like doodles that people make today in<br />
wet sidewalk cement. If so, <strong>the</strong>y were done<br />
at <strong>the</strong> same time <strong>the</strong> house was built in <strong>the</strong><br />
1790s! Gre<strong>the</strong>, an avocational archaeologist,<br />
loved a good mystery and was puzzled by<br />
<strong>the</strong> ships’ location on an interior wall near<br />
a window. Knowing that I was a maritime<br />
archaeologist, she showed <strong>the</strong>m to me in<br />
<strong>the</strong> hope that I could shed some light on <strong>the</strong><br />
lingering questions <strong>of</strong> who made <strong>the</strong> ships?<br />
When? And what did <strong>the</strong>y mean?<br />
There were seven images, rendered in<br />
remarkable detail, <strong>of</strong> different types and<br />
sizes <strong>of</strong> vessels, all but one proudly flying<br />
Union Jacks at <strong>the</strong>ir mas<strong>the</strong>ads. Some ships<br />
were so clear it was tempting to speculate<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir type and even nationality, but o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
were faint and eroding to invisibility. The<br />
longer I looked, <strong>the</strong> more detail I could see.<br />
It was obvious that whoever did this had<br />
more than a passing familiarity with sailing<br />
ships. Sail shapes and configurations were Gre<strong>the</strong> Seim and Helen Czernin traced <strong>the</strong> images <strong>of</strong> ships found on <strong>the</strong> walls <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
James Plantation in North Caicos. At top is a tracing <strong>of</strong> a two-masted schooner (or<br />
faithfully represented, along with <strong>the</strong> myriad<br />
<strong>of</strong> stays, shrouds, halyards, and o<strong>the</strong>r o<strong>the</strong>r. In real life, <strong>the</strong> largest would have been <strong>the</strong> topsail brigantine (lower left), fol-<br />
ketch).<br />
Below are tracings <strong>of</strong> four o<strong>the</strong>r ships. The ships are not to scale relative to each<br />
lowed by <strong>the</strong> double gaff ketch with <strong>the</strong> Bermuda rigged main and mizzen topsails<br />
ropes that controlled <strong>the</strong>m. Parallel lines on<br />
(upper right), followed by <strong>the</strong> sloop (lower right) and sailing skiff (upper left).<br />
<strong>the</strong> sails show that <strong>the</strong>y were made <strong>of</strong> long,<br />
relatively narrow canvas strips sewn toge<strong>the</strong>r. Curiously, Ship graffiti in archaeology<br />
lines representing <strong>the</strong> masts were shown passing through As an archaeologist, I was aware that ship depictions, or<br />
<strong>the</strong> decks to terminate on <strong>the</strong> keel. The artists attached graffiti, on walls, structures, and geological features are<br />
particular significance to <strong>the</strong> flags flying at <strong>the</strong> mas<strong>the</strong>ads—almost<br />
certainly Union Jacks.<br />
Some examples date back more than a thousand<br />
not uncommon at coastal locations all over <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
years.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 55
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
MICHAEL FLOCH FOR EARTH ISLAND JOURNAL<br />
TCNM REYNOLDS COLLECTION<br />
From top: Tres Hombres is a modern example <strong>of</strong> a topsail brigantine.<br />
Note <strong>the</strong> similarity to <strong>the</strong> brigantine etching on <strong>the</strong> previous page.<br />
This 1950s image shows a single-masted Caicos sloop, well-stocked<br />
for working.<br />
Maritime archaeologists treasure <strong>the</strong>se representations as<br />
potential sources for tracing <strong>the</strong> evolution <strong>of</strong> ship types,<br />
sail configurations, and construction details. At <strong>the</strong> same<br />
time, because <strong>the</strong>re is always <strong>the</strong> ambiguity associated<br />
with simple artistic attempts to represent complicated<br />
objects, <strong>the</strong>y are cautious about <strong>the</strong> conclusions <strong>the</strong>y<br />
draw. Still, I was intrigued by <strong>the</strong> potential <strong>the</strong> Ghost Fleet<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> might have to reveal some tantalizing<br />
clues to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>’ maritime connections to <strong>the</strong> rest<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world 200 years ago. I thought it was a subject<br />
that should be brought to people’s attention, particularly<br />
because many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ships in <strong>the</strong> fleet must have been<br />
created by <strong>the</strong> ancestors <strong>of</strong> people who live here now!<br />
The range <strong>of</strong> identifiable ship types found so far in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Ghost Fleet appears to be fairly narrow, consisting<br />
mainly <strong>of</strong> single- and two-masted vessels: schooners,<br />
brigantines, sloops, ketches, and skiffs. “Typing” ships<br />
can be very confusing. It tends to key on features such as<br />
<strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> masts, <strong>the</strong>ir heights relative to each o<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y are located along <strong>the</strong> length <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> deck,<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y carry square or fore-and-aft sails, and <strong>the</strong><br />
configurations <strong>of</strong> those sails. Ano<strong>the</strong>r layer <strong>of</strong> confusion<br />
is added when you consider that ship types evolve over<br />
time, whereas <strong>the</strong> names used to describe <strong>the</strong>m stay <strong>the</strong><br />
same. As a result, a “Bermuda Sloop” <strong>of</strong> 1800 bears little<br />
resemblance to <strong>the</strong> vessels we call by <strong>the</strong> same name<br />
today. Regardless <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nautical information contained<br />
in <strong>the</strong> fleet, <strong>the</strong> questions <strong>of</strong> who drew <strong>the</strong> ships—and<br />
why—remain.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> years as I continued to ponder those clues<br />
and as similar graffiti turned up on <strong>the</strong> walls <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
plantation buildings on Providenciales, North, Middle,<br />
and East Caicos, I realized that it was not just a TCI phenomenon.<br />
People in <strong>the</strong> Bahamas were finding <strong>the</strong> same<br />
type <strong>of</strong> ship graffiti in association with plantation houses<br />
from <strong>the</strong> same period—and asking <strong>the</strong> same questions.<br />
There were even unsubstantiated reports <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir presence<br />
in Haiti.<br />
Ship graffiti in <strong>the</strong> Bahamas<br />
I am aware <strong>of</strong> only one scientific publication dedicated to<br />
<strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> this type <strong>of</strong> phenomenon, Ms. Grace Turner’s<br />
2004 M.A. <strong>the</strong>sis titled “Bahamian Ship Graffiti,” in which<br />
she examines numerous examples found in <strong>the</strong> Bahamas<br />
as well as two from <strong>the</strong> Cheshire Hall Great House on<br />
Providenciales, and six from <strong>the</strong> Wade’s Green complex<br />
on North Caicos. Ms. Turner’s research led her to advance<br />
several hypo<strong>the</strong>ses as to who created <strong>the</strong> ship graffiti,<br />
when <strong>the</strong>y did it, how <strong>the</strong>y did it, and even <strong>the</strong>ir purpose.<br />
After demonstrating that most <strong>of</strong> this type <strong>of</strong> ship graffiti<br />
is associated with <strong>the</strong> Bahamas’ 19th-century plantation<br />
and slavery period, and that it was not <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> a single<br />
person, she observes:<br />
“An assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> various locations where ship<br />
graffiti were documented in <strong>the</strong> Bahamas suggests<br />
a very high correlation <strong>of</strong> this cultural phenomenon<br />
with Bahamians <strong>of</strong> predominantly African heritage.<br />
The presence <strong>of</strong> ship graffiti at several sites not<br />
56 www.timespub.tc
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
associated with any specific ethnic group<br />
implies that instead <strong>of</strong> being a cultural phenomenon<br />
practiced exclusively by Blacks, <strong>the</strong><br />
creation <strong>of</strong> Bahamian ship graffiti was actually<br />
a tradition among Bahamians <strong>of</strong> lower<br />
socio-economic status. Since Blacks were<br />
predominantly represented in this category<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would also be <strong>the</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> practitioners<br />
engaged in any activity limited to this<br />
social class.”<br />
She fur<strong>the</strong>r concludes that <strong>the</strong> creators<br />
were most probably male, that <strong>the</strong> graffiti<br />
was etched into hardened plaster ra<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
applied when it was wet, that it was sometimes<br />
drawn in stages ra<strong>the</strong>r than all at once, and that<br />
<strong>the</strong> graffiti may represent some type <strong>of</strong> non-literate<br />
record-keeping ra<strong>the</strong>r than just an idle<br />
pastime. This last conclusion is apparently drawn from<br />
<strong>the</strong> fact that many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> depictions, such as those seen<br />
at St. James Plantation, appear in places <strong>of</strong>fering vantage<br />
points from which ships could be seen and sketched in<br />
“real life.”<br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs have speculated that this type <strong>of</strong> ship graffiti<br />
had some sort <strong>of</strong> mystical or magical significance for <strong>the</strong><br />
people who created it or, for people <strong>of</strong> African descent,<br />
that it harkens back to an indelible racial memory <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
horrific Atlantic crossings aboard slave ships. At <strong>the</strong> very<br />
least this type <strong>of</strong> graffiti demonstrates <strong>the</strong> fascination—<br />
bordering on reverence—with which ships were regarded<br />
by people living in small, relatively isolated island groups.<br />
DONALD H. KEITH<br />
Loyalist period ship graffiti<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong><br />
The questions <strong>of</strong> who made <strong>the</strong>m and why are still a matter<br />
<strong>of</strong> speculation, but perhaps <strong>the</strong> best clues are where<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are found. At Cheshire Hall on Providenciales two<br />
ships appear on an exterior wall bordering a ground level<br />
patio, one at more or less eye level, and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r much<br />
lower. At Wade’s Green, <strong>the</strong> structure with <strong>the</strong> greatest<br />
concentration <strong>of</strong> ship graffiti is <strong>the</strong> kitchen adjacent to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Great House. Here <strong>the</strong>y are found on <strong>the</strong> walls, in <strong>the</strong><br />
window sill, and even high above <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ground<br />
floor ceiling (no longer present). These locations appear<br />
to conform to Ms. Turner’s hypo<strong>the</strong>sis that <strong>the</strong>re is a correlation<br />
between where <strong>the</strong> graffiti are found and places<br />
From top: The walls <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> kitchen at Wade’s Green, North Caicos are<br />
decorated with more than a dozen examples <strong>of</strong> ship graffiti.<br />
The thick walls <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> kitchen provided an easel for ship graffiti on<br />
<strong>the</strong> sides <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> window opening. Note <strong>the</strong> large area where plaster<br />
has fallen <strong>of</strong>f. How many ships did it take with it?<br />
frequented by workers, but in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> any hard<br />
evidence <strong>of</strong> a motive, <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> “why” remains unanswered.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 57
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
How do we save <strong>the</strong>m?<br />
The Ghost Fleet is disappearing, fading and crumbling<br />
away as <strong>the</strong> limestone walls <strong>the</strong>y are on erode and<br />
eventually collapse. Undoubtedly many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se ship representations<br />
have already suffered <strong>the</strong> ravages <strong>of</strong> time<br />
and are now irrevocably lost. The old plaster surfaces<br />
holding <strong>the</strong> graffiti cannot be preserved in situ, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are too fragile to attempt physical removal or even moulding<br />
and casting. How can <strong>the</strong> remainder be saved?<br />
What is needed is a careful and exhaustive survey to<br />
thoroughly document <strong>the</strong> known ship graffiti and locate<br />
those that have not yet been found. Ultimately this would<br />
mean inspecting every square inch <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plastered surfaces<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Loyalist plantations in <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>,<br />
many <strong>of</strong> which are difficult to access. “Documenting”<br />
includes photography <strong>of</strong> course, but also tracings or<br />
rubbings (if <strong>the</strong> surface is smooth enough), accurate measurements,<br />
sketches, and written observations. The exact<br />
locations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> graffiti must be recorded with GPS coordinates<br />
and more precise descriptions such as “interior wall<br />
<strong>of</strong> NE corner <strong>of</strong> kitchen 1.5 meters from floor.”<br />
Useful photographs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ghost Fleet are rare. After<br />
examining scores <strong>of</strong> photos taken over <strong>the</strong> last 30 years it<br />
is clear to me that casual snapshots are <strong>of</strong> little use. What<br />
we need are long exposure photographs taken with raking<br />
light, which toge<strong>the</strong>r make even faint etched lines show<br />
up more clearly and in focus. Additional macro photos<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lines <strong>the</strong>mselves will help determine if <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
created when <strong>the</strong> plaster was wet or after it hardened.<br />
The bigger picture<br />
Perhaps such a survey could be combined with an overall<br />
condition assessment for <strong>the</strong> ruins <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Loyalist<br />
plantations <strong>the</strong>mselves. These ruins are more prevalent<br />
and extensive than one might think—and also virtually<br />
uninvestigated. Most <strong>of</strong> what we know about <strong>the</strong> Loyalist<br />
period in <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> comes not from archeological<br />
investigations but <strong>the</strong> excellent historical research<br />
conducted by Dr. Charlene Kozy. She identified 92 land<br />
grants in <strong>the</strong> Caicos made by <strong>the</strong> Crown between 1789<br />
and 1791. Not all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se grants were consummated, but<br />
<strong>the</strong> numbers give us some idea <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first<br />
Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> “development boom.” While more than 20<br />
plantation ruins are known to exist scattered throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re may be many more, long ago lost in<br />
<strong>the</strong> bush. Limited controlled excavations by pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
archaeologists have been conducted only at Wade’s Green<br />
Plantation on North Caicos and to a lesser extent, two<br />
plantations on Middle Caicos. Given <strong>the</strong> singular importance<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Loyalist period, when <strong>the</strong> ancestors <strong>of</strong> many<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people who live in <strong>the</strong> Caicos today first arrived, it<br />
is surprising that so little actual archaeological research<br />
has been devoted to it.<br />
The Caicos Ghost Fleet is still shrouded in a fog <strong>of</strong><br />
much speculation and very little hard data. A thorough<br />
investigation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> remaining Loyalist structures in <strong>the</strong><br />
Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> will likely discover many more ship graffiti<br />
examples. An analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, compared with Grace<br />
Turner’s findings for similar sites in <strong>the</strong> Bahamas, could<br />
enable us to answer <strong>the</strong> questions <strong>of</strong> who created <strong>the</strong>m<br />
and why. Several new hypo<strong>the</strong>ses occurred to me while<br />
working on this article:<br />
• It is clear from <strong>the</strong> best examples that <strong>the</strong> artists<br />
were very familiar with <strong>the</strong> intricate detail <strong>of</strong> different<br />
types <strong>of</strong> sailing rigs. Could at least some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ship graffiti<br />
been used to teach neophytes <strong>the</strong> art <strong>of</strong> rigging and<br />
sailing?<br />
• During <strong>the</strong> Loyalist period, American and French<br />
privateers were a constant threat. Could <strong>the</strong> grafitti have<br />
been aids for vessel identification like <strong>the</strong> “friend or foe”<br />
ship and aircraft silhouette charts used in World War II?<br />
• Are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> drawings specific ships that visited<br />
<strong>the</strong> Caicos regularly, or are <strong>the</strong>y just “generic?”<br />
• Most ships are depicted under full sail ra<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
at rest. This suggests that <strong>the</strong> artists <strong>the</strong>mselves were<br />
sailors or at least had been to sea, and were drawing from<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir experience ra<strong>the</strong>r than just landlubbers sketching<br />
ships at anchor with <strong>the</strong> sails furled.<br />
• Determining if <strong>the</strong> graffiti was created while <strong>the</strong><br />
plaster was wet or after it hardened is a critical factor<br />
in dating it. Grafitti created in wet plaster is more likely<br />
to date to when <strong>the</strong> wall or building was constructed,<br />
whereas grafitti etched into dry plaster could date to a<br />
later time.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> last ship in <strong>the</strong> Ghost Fleet erodes to dust<br />
will <strong>the</strong> best, most accurate ship graffiti recordings ever<br />
made in <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> still be <strong>the</strong> seven ships traced<br />
by Gre<strong>the</strong> Seim and Helen Czernin almost 40 years ago?<br />
Will <strong>the</strong> Ghost Fleet become <strong>the</strong> stuff <strong>of</strong> legend? If so, our<br />
questions will remain forever unanswered. Or will someone<br />
come forward now to do what needs to be done? The<br />
choice is ours. Time is running out. a<br />
58 www.timespub.tc
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
A Mariner’s Tale<br />
By Captain Willard E. Kennedy, Master Mariner<br />
Captain Willard Kennedy came into <strong>the</strong> Museum one<br />
day and asked <strong>the</strong> staff if we wanted his sextant and<br />
navigational tools. What a wonderful gift, and through<br />
emails we have been privileged to learn about this “Salt<br />
Cay boy” and his journey through life. The Museum<br />
thanks Captain Kennedy for this gift and <strong>the</strong> following<br />
story excerpted from his autobiography.<br />
Often folks would say, “You’ve had an interesting<br />
life, why don’t you tell your story?” My reply would be<br />
“Someday.” I always knew that it should be today, but<br />
today lapsed into yesterday and <strong>the</strong> story has never<br />
been told until now.<br />
I was born in Salt Cay to Japthalina Duncanson<br />
Kennedy and William Henry Kennedy, on February 14,<br />
1944, <strong>the</strong> third <strong>of</strong> seven children. Life as a boy in Salt<br />
Cay was slow, yet <strong>the</strong>re was a lot for children to do,<br />
such as waking up before sunrise, going in <strong>the</strong> bush to<br />
get wood to burn coal, going to <strong>the</strong> tank for water, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>n on to school where Miss Mary Robinson was <strong>the</strong><br />
head teacher.<br />
At eleven years old, I started working in <strong>the</strong> salt<br />
lighters carrying salt to <strong>the</strong> ships that came to Salt Cay.<br />
My job was to empty <strong>the</strong> salt from <strong>the</strong> bags and tie<br />
<strong>the</strong>m up in bundles <strong>of</strong> ten. The money I made was used<br />
to help my sister Amelia, who was in Grand Turk going<br />
to Senior school. I had two uncles who were captains<br />
<strong>of</strong> ships, Capt. Bertrand (Bert) Duncanson and Capt.<br />
Eustace Duncanson. Even though I did not know <strong>the</strong>m,<br />
hearing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m and what <strong>the</strong>y did impressed me and I<br />
wanted to be a captain like <strong>the</strong>y were. I got my chance<br />
to go to sea.<br />
On November 8, 1960, at <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> sixteen, I<br />
joined <strong>the</strong> M.V. Inagua Trader in South Caicos. When<br />
I joined <strong>the</strong> ship, Capt. Swann said, “Young man, your<br />
wages are $80 a month—$30 for your mo<strong>the</strong>r, $30 for<br />
<strong>the</strong> bank, and $20 for you.” I had no say in <strong>the</strong> matter!<br />
Our first port <strong>of</strong> call was Santiago de Cuba, <strong>the</strong> first foreign<br />
port that I visited. I was intrigued with <strong>the</strong> beauty<br />
<strong>of</strong> Santiago—after all, I’d only ever seen Salt Cay, Grand<br />
Turk, and South Caicos—so going to Cuba and hearing<br />
Spanish for <strong>the</strong> first time was something else. I was<br />
taken ashore by Capt. Swann and we walked for an hour<br />
through <strong>the</strong> city. I kept turning around and looking up<br />
at <strong>the</strong> high rise buildings, as <strong>the</strong> highest building on<br />
Salt Cay was <strong>the</strong> White House!<br />
I bought <strong>the</strong> sextant in 1963 to practice celestial<br />
navigation—measuring <strong>the</strong> altitudes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> celestial<br />
bodies, computing <strong>the</strong>m, and plotting <strong>the</strong> position<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vessel. I was employed by West India Shipping<br />
Company as an Able Bodied Seaman (ABS) on <strong>the</strong><br />
M.V. Inagua Crest and was allowed to practice on <strong>the</strong><br />
bridge. From 1968–69 I attended <strong>the</strong> American Marine<br />
Nautical School in New Orleans, Louisiana to study for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Second Mate’s License. On successfully obtaining<br />
<strong>the</strong> license, I went back to work as a second mate on<br />
<strong>the</strong> M.V. Inagua Sound for one year, responsible for <strong>the</strong><br />
navigation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vessel.<br />
I saved my money and in 1970, returned to school,<br />
studied for <strong>the</strong> Chief Mate’s License and received it in<br />
1971. I was promoted to Chief Mate on <strong>the</strong> M.V. Inagua<br />
Sound, second in command and responsible for deck<br />
operations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vessel. In 1972, I attended <strong>the</strong> U.S<br />
Merchant Marine School in New York and studied for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Master’s License. On successfully passing <strong>the</strong> examination,<br />
I was issued an “Unlimited Master Mariner’s<br />
W.E. KENNEDY<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 59
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
Exploring historic Cap Haitien<br />
By Museum Manager Candianne Williams<br />
PAT SAXTON<br />
Capt. Kennedy’s sextant,<br />
having once navigated <strong>the</strong><br />
Seven Seas, now enjoys retirement in <strong>the</strong><br />
TCNM, along with his memoirs.<br />
License Any Ocean, Any Gross Tonnage.” That was<br />
quite a feat for a young man at <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 28 and I<br />
was proud because I saved my money and educated<br />
myself.<br />
From 1974–76, I was Captain <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> M.V. Inagua<br />
Trader II, operating out <strong>of</strong> various European ports in<br />
<strong>the</strong> North Sea. In <strong>the</strong> year following, we transited <strong>the</strong><br />
Atlantic Ocean from Houston, Texas to Kuwait via <strong>the</strong><br />
Suez Canal, to Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy,<br />
Spain, and France. From 1972–1985, I worked as<br />
Master on various vessels and navigated <strong>the</strong> world<br />
with a sextant and nautical tables. That experience, I<br />
called an adventure because <strong>the</strong>re was nothing routine<br />
with it. West India Shipping specialized in transporting<br />
heavy equipment, oil rigs, and high pressure<br />
vessels for oil refineries. We were globe trotters. In<br />
1992 with <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> GPS, <strong>the</strong> sextant was<br />
laid aside for instant position and accuracy within a<br />
hundred feet. So from 1986–2013 we followed weekly<br />
schedules in <strong>the</strong> Caribbean—you knew which ports<br />
you would be in every day. As a man <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sea, it was<br />
a job I loved doing. But <strong>the</strong>re was no adventure in it.<br />
During my career, I was paid to go to see places o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
people have to pay to go to see! a<br />
The prize for <strong>the</strong> winning team <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first annual<br />
Turks & Caicos National Museum’s History and Cultural<br />
Heritage Quiz was a three day, two night Caicu Naniki<br />
excursion to nor<strong>the</strong>rn Haiti. Clement Howell High<br />
School students Mellonie Popo, Saloman Dormeus,<br />
Joshua Daniel, and coach/teacher Anetra Musgrove had<br />
<strong>the</strong> opportunity to tour historic Cap Haitien and experience<br />
its rich cultural history. They were accompanied<br />
by Chloe Zimmermann, owner <strong>of</strong> Marco Travel, one <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> quiz sponsors.<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Haiti has a significant place in <strong>the</strong> history<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Americas. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UNESCOproclaimed<br />
International Year to Commemorate <strong>the</strong><br />
Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition, was to “commemorate<br />
<strong>the</strong> bicentenary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Haitian Revolution,<br />
which led to <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first black republic<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Western Hemisphere, and, by extension, to<br />
<strong>the</strong> liberation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> peoples <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caribbean and Latin<br />
America from slavery.” Records show that slaves from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> escaped to freedom in Haiti.<br />
The Palace <strong>of</strong> Sans Souci, which was once <strong>the</strong> royal<br />
residence <strong>of</strong> King Henri Christophe, <strong>the</strong> mountaintop<br />
fortress called <strong>the</strong> Citadelle, and <strong>the</strong> buildings at<br />
Ramiers are monuments to Haiti’s declared independence<br />
and comprise Haiti’s National History Park. These<br />
UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating back to <strong>the</strong> early<br />
19th century have been described by UNESCO as “universal<br />
symbols <strong>of</strong> liberty, being <strong>the</strong> first monuments to<br />
be constructed by black slaves who had gained <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
freedom.”<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highlights <strong>of</strong> our prize-winners’ trip was<br />
a tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> historical park. Mellonie remembers how<br />
struck she was by <strong>the</strong> shear enormity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Citadelle.<br />
Her first thought was “This is humongous.” Built on top<br />
<strong>of</strong> Bonnet á L’Eveque, which itself rises over 3,000 feet,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Citadelle has walls as high as 130 feet and is spread<br />
over a hectare.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fortress in <strong>the</strong> distance, <strong>the</strong><br />
real adventure was getting to it. They had to ride<br />
donkeys to get <strong>the</strong>re, a first for <strong>the</strong> team. From all<br />
accounts Mellonie mastered <strong>the</strong> art like a pro, sparking<br />
60 www.timespub.tc
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
Salomon’s competitive spirit<br />
and driving him to prove that<br />
he too could master <strong>the</strong> art <strong>of</strong><br />
donkey riding—even though<br />
<strong>the</strong> winding path up <strong>the</strong> precipitous<br />
mountain trail was a<br />
little nerve-racking at times.<br />
As <strong>the</strong>y toured <strong>the</strong><br />
Citadelle <strong>the</strong> group was<br />
immersed in its story, particularly<br />
its 365 cannons <strong>of</strong><br />
varying sizes and huge piles<br />
<strong>of</strong> cannon balls. It was built<br />
to defend <strong>the</strong> country against<br />
<strong>the</strong> French. That war never<br />
happened, although <strong>the</strong> fortress<br />
was built and outfitted<br />
to accommodate up to 5,000<br />
persons for a year, if necessary.<br />
The breathtaking view<br />
<strong>of</strong> what seemed like all <strong>of</strong><br />
Cap Haitien gave reason to<br />
pause and take it all in.<br />
The exposure to a different<br />
culture highlighted <strong>the</strong><br />
similarities and differences<br />
between <strong>the</strong> students’ own and what <strong>the</strong>y were now<br />
experiencing. Riding <strong>the</strong> brightly coloured, artistically<br />
decorated “tap tap” bus was a uniquely Haitian experience.<br />
The trip on a traditional boat and visit to <strong>the</strong> fishing<br />
village <strong>of</strong> Labadee was quite an adventure as well and lots<br />
<strong>of</strong> fun.<br />
As a result <strong>of</strong> this experience, <strong>the</strong> students now<br />
have a renewed appreciation for <strong>the</strong> history and culture<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>, and are inspired to widen<br />
<strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge by exploring that <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
countries, as well. The Museum would like to thank <strong>the</strong><br />
sponsors—FortisTCI Ltd., Caicu Naniki, Marco Travel, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> TCI Reef Fund for making it possible for <strong>the</strong>se young<br />
people to have such a wonderful experience. a<br />
From top: TCNM Quiz winners Joshua Daniel, Mellonie Popop, Anetra<br />
Musgrove, and Saloman Dormeau arrive in Haiti.<br />
The view from <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Citadelle is spectacular!<br />
The students were immersed in <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Citadelle during<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fortress.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 61
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
Wise water<br />
By Museum Manager Candianne Williams<br />
RBC Royal Bank renewed its partnership with <strong>the</strong> TCI<br />
National Museum Foundation by contributing $1,800<br />
to support landscaping maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caicos<br />
Heritage House’s agricultural, native plant, and medicinal<br />
plant gardens. The partnership began when <strong>the</strong> UK<br />
Overseas Territories Conservation Fund/TCNM’s Wise<br />
Water Project was awarded <strong>the</strong> RBC Royal Bank’s Blue<br />
Water Grant <strong>of</strong> $55,000 to help create water conservation<br />
gardens at <strong>the</strong> National Museum in Grand Turk and<br />
Caicos Heritage Garden in Providenciales.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> cheque presentation ceremony, RBC Royal RBC Royal Bank and Museum staff members Sanfra Foster, Olive<br />
Connell, Fernand, Candianne Williams, Zoya Faessler, B Naqqi<br />
Bank’s Country and Branch Manager Sanfra Foster Manco, Prince Selver, Arlene Deveraux, and Sonia Grant tackle<br />
planting <strong>the</strong> Caicos Pines provided by <strong>the</strong> DECR.<br />
reiterated <strong>the</strong> bank’s commitment to protecting <strong>the</strong><br />
world’s most precious natural resource: fresh water, through its global Blue Water Project. RBC Royal Bank’s staff<br />
members have also committed to voluntary service in <strong>the</strong> gardens. The Caicos Pine is TCI’s National Tree. Four<br />
Caicos pine trees grown by <strong>the</strong> Caicos Pine Recovery Project were planted at <strong>the</strong> Caicos Heritage Garden as part <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> project’s National Tree Restoration Strategy. The Caicos Heritage Garden is <strong>the</strong> only place on Providenciales<br />
where <strong>the</strong> National Tree can be seen publicly, so it will prove to be a valuable educational resource.<br />
B Naqqi Manco <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Environment &<br />
Coastal Resources (DECR) led <strong>the</strong> tree planting, explaining<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Caicos pine and its pineyard habitat were<br />
historically very important to <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caicos<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> in <strong>the</strong> pre-Hurricane Donna time represented<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Caicos Heritage House. Ro<strong>of</strong>ing timbers, timber<br />
and pitch for boats, torches, lime kilns, and fence posts<br />
were supplied by <strong>the</strong> Caicos pine; o<strong>the</strong>r plants from <strong>the</strong><br />
habitat provided thatch for ro<strong>of</strong>s, food items, animal<br />
fodder, and medicines.<br />
The pine trees originate from seed collected on Pine<br />
Cay, and should fare well in <strong>the</strong> sandy soil <strong>of</strong> Grace Bay<br />
which is similar to <strong>the</strong>ir ancestral habitat. The population<br />
will provide a genetic reservoir, hopefully out <strong>of</strong><br />
reach <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pine tortoise scale insect which has devastated<br />
wild populations on Pine Cay and North and<br />
Middle Caicos. Establishing small populations <strong>of</strong> Caicos<br />
DECR Officer B Naqqi Manco instructs <strong>the</strong> gardeners on <strong>the</strong> proper pine on o<strong>the</strong>r islands for conservation and educational<br />
way to transplant <strong>the</strong> National Tree <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
purposes is an important part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Tree<br />
Restoration Strategy. The Caicos pine joins a planting <strong>of</strong> over 20 native plant species <strong>of</strong> historical and cultural<br />
importance—a vital part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> post-Loyalist economy and pharmacopeia.<br />
The Caicos Heritage House and Garden, a representation <strong>of</strong> a 19th century Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> homestead, is open<br />
to visitors 9:00 AM–1:00 PM weekdays and is located in <strong>the</strong> Village at Grace Bay. We hope that you will come to<br />
visit soon and be inspired to try some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ways to conserve water in your own garden. a<br />
62 www.timespub.tc
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
Museum matters<br />
Story & Photos By Museum Director Pat Saxton<br />
Taking things for GRANTed<br />
On July 26, <strong>the</strong> Museum held <strong>the</strong> second in a series<br />
“An Evening with <strong>the</strong> Experts.” This time we invited<br />
everyone to come and see what experts from <strong>the</strong> UK,<br />
Canada, and <strong>the</strong> Bahamas are doing to help preserve<br />
<strong>the</strong> Museum’s collection <strong>of</strong> 19th century records by<br />
organizing and digitizing <strong>the</strong>m to make <strong>the</strong>m freely<br />
available.<br />
Facilitating this grant from <strong>the</strong> British Library’s<br />
Endangered Archives Project (EAP) is a group <strong>of</strong> experts<br />
assembled by <strong>the</strong> Zemi Foundation (zemiglobal.org),<br />
a Florida-based non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organization. The Zemi<br />
team, comprised <strong>of</strong> Executive Director Dr. Kelley<br />
Scudder-Temple, IT Specialist Michael Temple, and<br />
Special Projects Manager Paul Diamond were joined<br />
by Bahamas National Museum Assistant Director Dr.<br />
Michael Pateman.<br />
Dr. Scudder-Temple and Dr. Pateman spoke to <strong>the</strong><br />
crowd about <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> locating, preserving,<br />
organizing, and digitizing documents. This is a tremendous<br />
undertaking and <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National<br />
Museum Foundation is pleased to partner with <strong>the</strong> Zemi<br />
Foundation. The Museum does not receive government<br />
funding, yet takes <strong>the</strong> responsibility <strong>of</strong> housing government<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r documents in our climate-controlled<br />
safe room.<br />
Hon. Josephine Connolly observes <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> digitizing old<br />
records.<br />
TCNM Director Patricia Saxton <strong>of</strong>fered a plea for<br />
From left: Paul Diamond, Mike Temple, Lynn Thomas, Pat Saxton,<br />
Kelley Scudder-Temple, and Mike Temple participated in Radio TC’s<br />
talk show, “Expressions” to discuss <strong>the</strong> need for a National Archive.<br />
<strong>the</strong> need <strong>of</strong> a National Archive. She spoke about finding<br />
burial records from <strong>the</strong> 1800s which showed over<br />
120 slaves buried on <strong>the</strong> island in <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> Town<br />
Salina, <strong>the</strong> oldest cemetery on Grand Turk. Because <strong>the</strong><br />
Museum saved <strong>the</strong>se records, we were able to alert <strong>the</strong><br />
TCI Government to revise plans to put a donkey sanctuary<br />
on this sacred land. This, along with <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> slave ship Trouvadore, are excellent examples <strong>of</strong><br />
why a country needs to protect and save its historical<br />
documents.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> close <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> event, <strong>the</strong> Museum invited<br />
guests to come <strong>the</strong> following day to see <strong>the</strong> important<br />
work <strong>the</strong> Zemi Foundation and <strong>the</strong> Museum are doing<br />
to digitize <strong>the</strong>se records. It was heartening that a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> government members took time to witness <strong>the</strong><br />
work we are doing to save <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks &<br />
Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>.<br />
We want to thank our many volunteers who came<br />
and learned about archiving, digitizing, and preservation.<br />
Everyone put in many hours to lessen <strong>the</strong> burden<br />
<strong>of</strong> digitizing all <strong>the</strong>se documents. We will be calling on<br />
<strong>the</strong>m again when <strong>the</strong> Zemi Foundation returns early<br />
next year to continue with <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
On July 28, <strong>the</strong> Zemi Foundation and <strong>the</strong> Museum<br />
participated in a special “Expressions” radio show on<br />
RTC 107.9 FM to speak about <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> setting<br />
up a National Archive. This program was very well<br />
received with much support from <strong>the</strong> community. Now<br />
is <strong>the</strong> time to speak with your government representatives<br />
to get behind <strong>the</strong> movement to build a National<br />
Archive. a<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 63
astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />
Rest in peace<br />
On May 27, <strong>2016</strong><br />
Rupert Thorogood was<br />
on island to celebrate<br />
<strong>the</strong> 60th year since he<br />
set foot on Grand Turk<br />
on May 28, 1956! He<br />
came to <strong>the</strong> Museum<br />
to donate a stamp<br />
inscribed “Direct West<br />
India Cable Company<br />
Grand Turk Turks and<br />
Caicos Island,” along<br />
with a box <strong>of</strong> dates to<br />
be inserted in <strong>the</strong> stamp!<br />
Sadly, Mr. Thorogood passed away on June 25,<br />
<strong>2016</strong>. Our thoughts go out to his family, as he was<br />
a true gentleman. I enjoyed his company and stories<br />
about Grand Turk in <strong>the</strong> late 1950s, and will certainly<br />
miss him. a<br />
Vestiges <strong>of</strong> a bygone era<br />
Following demolition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Woodville house on Middle<br />
Street in Grand Turk, landscaper Conrad Baron found<br />
several items on <strong>the</strong> property and brought <strong>the</strong>m to <strong>the</strong><br />
Museum for safekeeping until <strong>the</strong> new owner starts to<br />
rebuild.<br />
One was a First Prize certificate to Evans Wood<br />
for Flowering Annual (?!) during <strong>the</strong> Exhibition <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Products and Industries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks and Caicos<br />
<strong>Islands</strong>, dated February 6, 1919 and signed by HH<br />
Hutchings! a<br />
Unsolved mystery<br />
Charlie Wright continues to donate items to <strong>the</strong><br />
Museum. His most recent gift is a real mystery. Mr.<br />
Wright found what appears to be a trail board from a<br />
boat from South Caicos. The name on <strong>the</strong> hand-carved<br />
sign reads “Panuloris • South Caicos • T.I.” The name<br />
Panuloris does not come up in <strong>the</strong> Latin dictionary, but<br />
<strong>the</strong> name Panulirus does. It is <strong>the</strong> genus for <strong>the</strong> Spiny<br />
lobster, a product South Caicos is famous for.<br />
According to Mr. Wright, <strong>the</strong> board was found on<br />
a remote beach in Grand Bahama sometime between<br />
1981 and 1983. We are hoping that someone from<br />
South Caicos will recognize this name and come forward<br />
with <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> this boat. For now, it will hang<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Caicos Heritage House in Providenciales for all<br />
to see, and perhaps recognize! a<br />
Join <strong>the</strong> Museum<br />
Become a Member and receive a year’s subscription<br />
to <strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> (which includes<br />
Astrolabe), free admission to <strong>the</strong> Museum, and a<br />
Members’ Discount in <strong>the</strong> Museum Shop.<br />
Senior (62+) $35<br />
Individual $50<br />
Family/Friend $100<br />
Sponsor $250<br />
Contributor $500<br />
Partner $750<br />
To join*, send name, address, email, and type <strong>of</strong><br />
membership, along with cheque or money order<br />
payable to “Turks & Caicos National Museum” to:<br />
Friends <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National<br />
Museum<br />
39 Condesa Road<br />
Santa Fe, NM 87508 USA<br />
Or, visit:<br />
www.tcmuseum.org/membership-support/<br />
*For U.S. residents, support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Museum is tax-deductible via<br />
Friends <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum, Attn: Donald<br />
H. Keith, 39 Condesa Road, Santa Fe NM 87508, our affiliated<br />
institution and registered 501 (c) (3).<br />
64 www.timespub.tc
a taste <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> islands<br />
Donna Gardiner <strong>of</strong> North Caicos has turned <strong>the</strong> island’s “bush tea” tradition into a new business venture, North Caicos Tea Company.<br />
North Caicos Tea Company<br />
Serving up tradition, one sip at a time.<br />
By Jody Rathgeb ~ Photos by Tom Rathgeb<br />
T is for tradition.<br />
T is for taste.<br />
T is for time.<br />
T is for tenacity.<br />
But most <strong>of</strong> all, T is for tea, which blends all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> above<br />
into <strong>the</strong> island experience <strong>of</strong> North Caicos Tea Company.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 65
Caicos Tea Company is a North Caicos venture which<br />
sells traditional bush teas and tea blends. It was created<br />
by Donna Gardiner as a way <strong>of</strong> preserving local culture<br />
and sharing <strong>the</strong> knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> “old ways” on <strong>the</strong> island<br />
where she grew up. “I want Caicos Teas to represent <strong>the</strong><br />
‘bush tea’ tradition for those who can’t go out and pick<br />
leaves for <strong>the</strong>ir daily drink,” she says.<br />
The business got underway in earnest at <strong>the</strong> beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>2016</strong>, although <strong>the</strong> idea had been growing for a<br />
while. As a child in Major Hill, Donna took <strong>the</strong> tea tradition<br />
for granted, commenting that her paternal grandmo<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
Susan Gardiner, simply assumed that no one left <strong>the</strong><br />
house in <strong>the</strong> morning without first drinking some tea . .<br />
. at least three mouthfuls. Years later, she was surprised<br />
when o<strong>the</strong>rs asked about <strong>the</strong> tea she brought with her<br />
to a former job. She began sharing with friends, <strong>the</strong>n<br />
experimenting with dried plants, doing every step by<br />
hand: picking, drying, bagging and packaging. Caicos<br />
Tea Company was born.<br />
The current line in <strong>the</strong> fledgling business includes<br />
six teas: Caicos Sunshine (a blend <strong>of</strong> fever grass, mint<br />
and citrus), soursop, moringa mint, fever grass, mint, and<br />
a soursop-fever grass blend. All are made from natural<br />
herbs found on North Caicos, none has caffeine, and all<br />
can be served hot or cold after brewing. Older Islanders<br />
have long used <strong>the</strong>se teas for health benefits (see sidebar),<br />
although Donna is careful <strong>of</strong> making specific claims.<br />
Her tea boxes state only, “Our teas have long been cherished<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir health promoting properties.”<br />
Developing a tradition into a business has been a<br />
process full <strong>of</strong> learning and trial-and-error, Donna says.<br />
First came finding <strong>the</strong> plants and learning how to dry<br />
<strong>the</strong>m properly. She has sought out <strong>the</strong> wisdom <strong>of</strong> older<br />
people on North Caicos for ga<strong>the</strong>ring plants and now, she<br />
says, “I believe I know all <strong>the</strong> plants on <strong>the</strong> island.” She<br />
continues, “I like getting <strong>the</strong>m from <strong>the</strong> senior citizens. I<br />
get both <strong>the</strong> plants and <strong>the</strong> stories, just a little chitchat.”<br />
Most people make <strong>the</strong>ir own bush tea from fresh<br />
plants, so figuring out <strong>the</strong> drying process was a matter<br />
<strong>of</strong> experimentation. “When <strong>the</strong>y’re drying, <strong>the</strong>y all behave<br />
differently,” she says. Fever grass (also known as lemongrass<br />
in o<strong>the</strong>r cultures), for example, is easy to work with<br />
when green, but harder to handle when drying has made<br />
<strong>the</strong> leaf edges sharp and tough. “Moringa has been <strong>the</strong><br />
hardest teacher,” Donna notes, recalling an entire batch<br />
that had to be thrown away because <strong>of</strong> improper drying.<br />
Caicos Teas are dried naturally with sun and air, so <strong>the</strong><br />
wea<strong>the</strong>r comes into play.<br />
Local herbs from North Caicos are dried as ingredients for <strong>the</strong> teas (clockwise from left): soursop, mint, moringa and fever grass. They are<br />
shown here placed atop a handmade “fanner basket,” fashioned from local palm tree leaves.<br />
66 www.timespub.tc
“There’s a tea for everything”<br />
Each box <strong>of</strong> Caicos Tea includes a quote from<br />
Susan B. Gardiner, grandmo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> company’s<br />
owner: “There’s a tea for everything.”<br />
One would be hard-pressed to find any aficionado<br />
<strong>of</strong> bush tea who believes differently. Island tradition<br />
assigns a tea as a cure for all sorts <strong>of</strong> ailments, from<br />
tummy rumbles to diseases that are puzzles to modern<br />
medicine. Donna Gardiner <strong>of</strong> Caicos Tea Company<br />
makes no specific health claims for her teas, but she<br />
has listened to <strong>the</strong> lore and done research on <strong>the</strong> benefits<br />
<strong>of</strong> her herbal teas. Here are her comments about<br />
<strong>the</strong> six teas she <strong>of</strong>fers:<br />
Mint: Many cultures acknowledge <strong>the</strong> soothing<br />
qualities <strong>of</strong> mint, making it a natural for problems with<br />
digestion and o<strong>the</strong>r stomach ailments.<br />
Soursop: Its relaxing qualities aid with insomnia,<br />
and it is known to help reduce blood pressure. “I know<br />
people who take soursop tea to manage blood pressure,<br />
but you should work along with your doctor if<br />
you’re going to try it,” Donna says. Soursop is also<br />
good for headaches and, she adds, “Some studies show<br />
soursop has some possible effects against cancer.”<br />
Fever grass: Known in some o<strong>the</strong>r cultures as lemongrass,<br />
fever grass gets its TCI name from its ability to<br />
cool <strong>the</strong> body and bring down a fever. It is <strong>of</strong>ten used<br />
to ease <strong>the</strong> symptoms <strong>of</strong> a cold or flu.<br />
Moringa: Sometimes referred to as <strong>the</strong> “miracle”<br />
tree, moringa is used for colds, fevers and blood pressure.<br />
Every part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tree is used for something. The<br />
teas Donna makes are from <strong>the</strong> moringa leaves, but she<br />
is now experimenting with its flowers. Moringa has a<br />
very strong, distinct flavour, so she pairs it with mint.<br />
Soursop-moringa blend: “We did this mostly<br />
because it’s fun and improves <strong>the</strong> flavour.”<br />
Caicos Sunshine: The most popular <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> teas,<br />
this is a blend <strong>of</strong> fever grass and mint with a touch <strong>of</strong><br />
citrus (Donna uses lime leaves). “The traditional blend,”<br />
she says, “is <strong>the</strong> medicine my grandmo<strong>the</strong>r and every<br />
grandmo<strong>the</strong>r used for everything. It’s also a fun blend<br />
and makes a nice iced tea.”<br />
A number <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r traditional bush teas are touted<br />
as something to “make you strong” . . . a veiled reference<br />
to aphrodisiac qualities. Currently, Caicos Tea<br />
Company doesn’t have any such blends, but Donna is<br />
experimenting with brasiletto, cerasee and dill, all <strong>of</strong><br />
which are reported to help “strength.”<br />
Jody Rathgeb<br />
Schedule/price subject to change without prior notice.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 67
North Caicos Tea Company currently produces six flavours and blends. More are planned for <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
Packaging has also meted out its lessons. She has<br />
already gone through several generations <strong>of</strong> box designs,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> simplicity <strong>of</strong> a tea bag belies all <strong>the</strong> research that<br />
goes into decisions about bags, tags, string and more.<br />
“We spent $500 before figuring out that this is THE staple,”<br />
she says, holding up a bag with its tag stapled to a<br />
string.<br />
Marketing <strong>the</strong> teas draws on o<strong>the</strong>r skills and Donna’s<br />
desire to serve her customers well. Word <strong>of</strong> mouth and<br />
social media helped launch <strong>the</strong> business, but she also<br />
learned to adapt to <strong>the</strong> different ways <strong>the</strong> tea can be sold.<br />
An order from Grace Bay Club, for example, was planned<br />
as gifts for tourists to buy, so <strong>the</strong> company developed<br />
a small burlap package that <strong>of</strong>fers a sampling <strong>of</strong> all six<br />
flavours.<br />
In addition to Donna’s <strong>of</strong>fice/production space/tea<br />
bar along Airport Road on North Caicos, Caicos Teas<br />
are sold at Grace Bay Club, Parrot Cay, <strong>the</strong> TCI National<br />
Museum on Grand Turk and <strong>the</strong> Turquoise Duty-Free<br />
shop at <strong>the</strong> Providenciales International Airport. She<br />
hopes to have more hotel gift shops on <strong>the</strong> list as <strong>the</strong><br />
season starts.<br />
She has many more plans for <strong>the</strong> future <strong>of</strong> Caicos<br />
Tea Company. In production, Donna wants to develop<br />
new flavours and has already begun experimenting with<br />
brasiletto branches, cerasee and dill. “There are so many<br />
plants and blends I want to do,” she says. “Some will be<br />
traditional, some a little bit new.” Farming <strong>the</strong> plants is<br />
also in <strong>the</strong> plan. A touch <strong>of</strong> automation will help production<br />
as well. Donna is looking into a bagging machine and<br />
dryers. She is also outfitting her space to function as a tea<br />
bar, where customers can see <strong>the</strong> process, taste <strong>the</strong> teas<br />
and learn more about <strong>the</strong>ir properties.<br />
She expects her own learning to continue as she<br />
works toward <strong>the</strong> future. “I cannot express how much it’s<br />
been an awesome experience to create <strong>the</strong> business,” she<br />
says. “Every day about Caicos Tea surprises me.” a<br />
This “tea bouquet,” is a selection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plants Donna Gardiner picks<br />
and dries to make <strong>the</strong> various Caicos Teas.<br />
Jody Rathgeb has been a contributor to <strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Islands</strong> since 1992. She admits to having downed nearly<br />
a gallon <strong>of</strong> iced Caicos Sunshine tea while writing this<br />
article.<br />
68 www.timespub.tc
shape up<br />
Spinal health and well being<br />
By Dr. Craig D. Zavitz D.C.<br />
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that <strong>the</strong><br />
leading cause <strong>of</strong> human suffering, loss <strong>of</strong> income<br />
through inability to work, and long term disability is<br />
back pain. It affects people in all countries, both genders<br />
and all ages. WHO states that more money is spent<br />
globally to treat back pain than many serious aliments<br />
combined. According to WHO, 85% <strong>of</strong> us will suffer significant<br />
back pain and disability at some point in our<br />
lives. They also advise that much <strong>of</strong> this suffering is<br />
preventable and preventative measures cost much less<br />
than treatment.<br />
The four pillars <strong>of</strong> a healthy back are:<br />
Proper lifting technique: This means keeping your<br />
back straight, bending your knees, holding <strong>the</strong> object<br />
close to your body, and lifting with your strongest muscles<br />
(thigh muscles)—not your back.<br />
Flexibility: This can be obtained by doing easy<br />
stretches on a daily basis.<br />
Strength: This can be improved by committing to<br />
simple, at-home exercises only 5–10 minutes per day<br />
without <strong>the</strong> need for expensive equipment.<br />
Alignment: Chiropractors specialize in spinal alignment.<br />
Consider having regular spinal checkups much<br />
like you do with your dentist. The sooner a spinal misalignment<br />
is detected and corrected, <strong>the</strong> more likely<br />
you are to prevent future problems.<br />
The above-mentioned exercise programs for flexibility<br />
and strength, as well as proper lifting techniques,<br />
are available for your use on <strong>the</strong> clinic website:<br />
www.gracebaychiro.com.<br />
In addition to traditional gentle chiropractic care, I<br />
provide <strong>the</strong> only <strong>the</strong>rapeutic laser treatments in Turks<br />
& Caicos. Therapeutic laser is non-invasive, painless,<br />
has no side effects and provides effective relief for<br />
acute injuries (sprains and strains) and chronic conditions<br />
such as osteoarthritis (in hips, knees, hands, and<br />
shoulders).<br />
I welcome my patients into a relaxed, evidencebased<br />
chiropractic clinic. How long <strong>the</strong> patient benefits<br />
from care is always up to <strong>the</strong>m. a<br />
Dr. Craig Zavitz and his wife<br />
Robin travel to TCI every<br />
month from <strong>the</strong>ir base practice<br />
in Niagara <strong>Fall</strong>s, Canada<br />
and consider Providenciales<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir second home. In 2010,<br />
Dr. Zavitz opened Grace Bay Chiropractic in association<br />
with Dr. Sam Slattery <strong>of</strong> Grace Bay Medical, <strong>the</strong> island’s<br />
only Integrated Medical Centre, located in Neptune<br />
Court, Grace Bay.<br />
Dr. Zavitz also provides regular chiropractic services<br />
to Grand Turk and South Caicos. He developed<br />
a daily stretching program called “Straighten Up TCI”<br />
and, along with “Pack It Light, Wear it Right” (a backpack<br />
program developed by <strong>the</strong> Ontario Chiropractic<br />
Association), has implemented <strong>the</strong>m in over 30 schools<br />
and numerous businesses and resorts in TCI, and continues<br />
to do so. Dr. Zavitz has devoted his career to<br />
assisting people in achieving optimum health through<br />
chiropractic care and healthy lifestyle education. His<br />
mission statement is: To improve <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong><br />
humanity starting with you and your entire family.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> delicate infant to <strong>the</strong> fragile aged, we provide<br />
safe, gentle, effective care.<br />
For more information, contact Dr. Zavitz via email<br />
craig@gracebaychiro.com or call (649) 347-8964.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 69
dentalsum16_Layout 1 6/2/16 10:37 PM Page 1<br />
A Reason to Smile...<br />
World Class<br />
Dental Care & Aes<strong>the</strong>tic Services<br />
+(649) 432 3777<br />
www.markosmonddentalclinic.com<br />
70 www.timespub.tc
shape up<br />
Nails need TLC too!<br />
By Franceska Parker, Nail Technician, Elevate Spa<br />
When studying nail technology, <strong>the</strong> sheer number <strong>of</strong> different<br />
types <strong>of</strong> nail infection and nail damage stunned<br />
me. I soon learnt <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> cleanliness and<br />
close observation to keep every client safe. I wash my<br />
hands and clean and dry my equipment very carefully.<br />
In my last several years in <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos<br />
<strong>Islands</strong> I have seen many cases <strong>of</strong> nail infection and<br />
ingrowing nails. Resident clients’ nails are especially<br />
damaged. It is my belief that highly trained technicians<br />
need to communicate, ask questions, and educate <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
clients accordingly.<br />
For instance, if I see a discoloured nail I will ask:<br />
“How long has <strong>the</strong> nail been discoloured? Have you<br />
seen a doctor? Are you on medication? What kind <strong>of</strong><br />
shoes do you typically wear? Have you bumped your<br />
nail, causing trauma?” The responses help decide treatment.<br />
I never soak a client’s nails until I have examined<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. If I come across a client with a nail infection, I<br />
politely inform <strong>the</strong>m. There will be no treatment unless<br />
<strong>the</strong> client brought <strong>the</strong>ir own polish and <strong>the</strong>ir own tools<br />
(file, buffer, clippers, etc.). If <strong>the</strong>y are not able to, I provide<br />
<strong>the</strong>m with tools that <strong>the</strong>y can buy and reuse next<br />
time.<br />
A fungal nail infection can be carefully treated with<br />
such things as tea tree oil, antifungal cream, or even<br />
a few drops <strong>of</strong> bleach, but how can clients continue to<br />
keep <strong>the</strong> fungus away? Discontinue <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> polish or<br />
tools that were used during <strong>the</strong> infection. Wear socks<br />
with exercise shoes, change socks <strong>of</strong>ten, dry feet and<br />
nails properly, use an antifungal spray inside shoes<br />
before and after wear, and avoid going to a salon that<br />
uses a jet tub. My workplace uses a copper bowl that is<br />
washed and treated and left to dry before re-use.<br />
Resident clients’ nails are <strong>of</strong>ten paper-thin due to<br />
harsh filing, over-buffing, <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> acrylic, shellac,<br />
and gel nails, as well as <strong>the</strong>ir harsh removal. Some nail<br />
technicians buff <strong>the</strong> clients’ nail beds using coarse files<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n apply primer, glue, acrylic nail, file fur<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
and apply acrylic powder and gel liquid on top. How is<br />
your nail meant to brea<strong>the</strong>? When you finally remove<br />
<strong>the</strong> acrylic, <strong>the</strong> strength <strong>of</strong><br />
your nail will be compromised,<br />
as will <strong>the</strong> cuticle that<br />
protects your nail bed.<br />
The cuticle is <strong>the</strong>re to<br />
protect <strong>the</strong> nail as it grows, preventing dirt and bacteria<br />
from damaging <strong>the</strong> nail. Practice keeping cuticles<br />
moisturised with a good cuticle oil or even a good hand<br />
lotion after doing dishes or washing hands. Rub in a<br />
small amount <strong>of</strong> oil or lotion, paying particular attention<br />
to <strong>the</strong> cuticle.<br />
Treating infections is not just cosmetic. Infections<br />
from your nail can slowly attack your immune system.<br />
If a fungus or nail infection is left untreated for a long<br />
time, it can keep returning after treatment because it<br />
now lives in your blood system.<br />
Shaping and cutting should be done according to<br />
a client’s cuticle area shape and activities. Runners<br />
should clip <strong>the</strong> nail shorter and straight across. The<br />
sides <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nail should never be clipped or <strong>the</strong> nail will<br />
start to grow differently, not straight. The nails will sink<br />
and a practice <strong>of</strong> digging under <strong>the</strong> nail may happen,<br />
opening it to infection.<br />
Watch your environment; be smart when getting<br />
manicures and pedicures; don’t overuse and abuse <strong>the</strong><br />
use <strong>of</strong> shellac, acrylic, or gel nails; keep your own tools<br />
clean and be careful <strong>of</strong> public showers and unsanitary<br />
salons. Treat nail fungus and let your salon know. Do<br />
you live with someone who has nail fungus? Do you<br />
share your home nail polishes? If your immune system<br />
is especially low, stay away from salons. I am not a<br />
doctor, but as a caring nail technician I believe in being<br />
careful, respectful, and firm to ensure my clients’ safety<br />
and <strong>the</strong> safety <strong>of</strong> future clients. a<br />
Franceska Parker has been working as a nail technician<br />
since 2005, after a one year course in nail technology.<br />
She currently works as a nail technician and massage<br />
<strong>the</strong>rapist at Elevate Spa at <strong>the</strong> Blue Haven Resort and<br />
Marina.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 71
about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Map provided courtesy Wavey Line Publishing. Their navigation charts and decorative and historic maps <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />
Bahamas, and Hispaniola are available in shops throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. Visit www.waveylinepublishing.com.<br />
Where we are<br />
The Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> lie some 575 miles sou<strong>the</strong>ast<br />
<strong>of</strong> Miami — approximately 1 1/2 hours flying time —<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Bahamas about 30 miles to <strong>the</strong> northwest and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic some 100 miles to <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>ast.<br />
The country consists <strong>of</strong> two island groups separated<br />
by <strong>the</strong> 22-mile wide Columbus Passage. To <strong>the</strong> west are<br />
<strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong>: West Caicos, Providenciales, North<br />
Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. To<br />
<strong>the</strong> east are <strong>the</strong> Turks <strong>Islands</strong>: Grand Turk and Salt Cay.<br />
The Turks & Caicos total 166 square miles <strong>of</strong> land<br />
area on eight islands and 40 small cays. The country’s<br />
population is approximately 32,000.<br />
Getting here<br />
There are international airports on Grand Turk, North<br />
Caicos, Providenciales, and South Caicos, with domestic<br />
airports on all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> islands except East Caicos.<br />
At this time, all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> major international carriers<br />
arrive and depart from Providenciales International<br />
Airport. American Airlines flies three times daily from<br />
Miami and daily from Charlotte. JetBlue Airways <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
daily service from New York/JFK and Fort Lauderdale.<br />
Delta Airlines flies from Atlanta daily and from New York/<br />
JFK on Saturday. United Airlines travels from Newark daily<br />
and from Houston on Friday and Saturday. West Jet travels<br />
from Toronto on Wednesday and Saturday. Air Canada<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer flights from Toronto on Saturday and Sunday and<br />
from Montreal on Thursday. British Airways travels on<br />
Thursday and Sunday from London/Gatwick via Antigua.<br />
72 www.timespub.tc
Bahamasair flies to Nassau on Thursday and Sunday;<br />
Inter-caribbean Airways travels on Monday, Wednesday,<br />
and Friday. Inter-caribbean Airways and Caicos Express<br />
travel to Haiti daily, while Inter-caribbean Airways flies<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic daily (except Wednesday);<br />
to Jamaica on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday,<br />
and to Puerto Rico on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.<br />
(Schedules are current as <strong>of</strong> August <strong>2016</strong> and subject to<br />
change.)<br />
Inter-island service is provided by Inter-caribbean<br />
Airways, Caicos Express Airways, and Global Airways. Sea<br />
and air freight services operate from Florida.<br />
Language<br />
English.<br />
Time zone<br />
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) observed year-round.<br />
Currency<br />
The United States dollar. The Treasury also issues a Turks<br />
& Caicos crown and quarter. Travellers cheques in U.S.<br />
dollars are widely accepted and o<strong>the</strong>r currency can be<br />
changed at local banks. American Express, VISA, and<br />
MasterCard are welcomed at many locations.<br />
Climate<br />
The average year-round temperature is 83ºF (28ºC). The<br />
hottest months are September and October, when <strong>the</strong><br />
temperature can reach 90 to 95ºF (33 to 35ºC). However,<br />
<strong>the</strong> consistent easterly trade winds temper <strong>the</strong> heat and<br />
keep life comfortable.<br />
Casual resort and leisure wear is accepted attire for<br />
daytime; light sweaters or jackets may be necessary on<br />
some breezy evenings. It’s wise to wear protective clothing<br />
and a sunhat and use waterpro<strong>of</strong> sunscreen when out<br />
in <strong>the</strong> tropical sun.<br />
Entry requirements<br />
Passport. A valid onward or return ticket is also required.<br />
Customs formalities<br />
Visitors may bring in duty free for <strong>the</strong>ir own use one carton<br />
<strong>of</strong> cigarettes or cigars, one bottle <strong>of</strong> liquor or wine,<br />
and some perfume. The importation <strong>of</strong> all firearms including<br />
those charged with compressed air without prior<br />
approval in writing from <strong>the</strong> Commissioner <strong>of</strong> Police is<br />
strictly forbidden. Spear guns, Hawaiian slings, controlled<br />
drugs, and pornography are also illegal.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 73
about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong><br />
Returning residents may bring in $400 worth <strong>of</strong><br />
merchandise per person duty free. A duty <strong>of</strong> 10% to<br />
60% is charged on most imported goods along with a<br />
7% customs processing fee and forms a major source <strong>of</strong><br />
government revenue.<br />
Transportation<br />
A valid driver’s license from home is suitable when renting<br />
vehicles. A government tax <strong>of</strong> 12% is levied on all<br />
rental contracts. (Insurance is extra.) Driving is on <strong>the</strong><br />
left-hand side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> road, with traffic flow controlled by<br />
round-abouts at major junctions. Please don’t drink and<br />
drive! Taxis are abundant throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> and<br />
many resorts <strong>of</strong>fer shuttle service between popular visitor<br />
areas. Scooter, ATV, and bicycle rentals are also available.<br />
Telecommunications<br />
FLOW Ltd. provides land lines and superfast broadband<br />
Internet service. Mobile service is on a LTE 4G network,<br />
including pre and post-paid cellular phones. Most resorts<br />
and some stores and restaurants <strong>of</strong>fer wireless Internet<br />
connection. Digicel operates mobile networks, with<br />
a full suite <strong>of</strong> LTE 4G service. FLOW is <strong>the</strong> local carrier<br />
for CDMA roaming on US networks such as Verizon and<br />
Sprint. North American visitors with GSM cellular handsets<br />
and wireless accounts with AT&T or Cingular can<br />
arrange international roaming.<br />
Electricity<br />
120/240 volts, 60 Hz, suitable for all U.S. appliances.<br />
Departure tax<br />
US $20 for all persons two years and older, payable in<br />
cash or traveller’s cheques. It is typically built into <strong>the</strong><br />
cost <strong>of</strong> your ticket.<br />
Courier service<br />
Delivery service is provided by FedEx, with <strong>of</strong>fices on<br />
Providenciales and Grand Turk, and DHL. UPS service is<br />
limited to incoming delivery.<br />
Postal service<br />
The Post Office and Philatelic Bureau in Providenciales is<br />
located downtown in Butterfield Square. In Grand Turk,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Post Office is on Front Street, with <strong>the</strong> Philatelic<br />
Bureau on Church Folly. The <strong>Islands</strong> are known for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
varied and colorful stamp issues.<br />
Media<br />
Multi-channel satellite television is received from <strong>the</strong> U.S.<br />
and Canada and transmitted via cable or over <strong>the</strong> air.<br />
Local station WIV-TV broadcasts on Channel 4 and Island<br />
EyeTV on Channel 5. People’s Television <strong>of</strong>fers 75 digitally<br />
transmitted television stations, along with local news<br />
and talk shows on Channel 8. There are also a number <strong>of</strong><br />
local radio stations, magazines, and newspapers.<br />
Medical services<br />
There are no endemic tropical diseases in TCI. There are<br />
large, modern hospitals on Grand Turk and Providenciales.<br />
Both hospitals <strong>of</strong>fer a full range <strong>of</strong> services including:<br />
24/7 emergency room, operating <strong>the</strong>aters, diagnostic<br />
imaging, maternity suites, dialysis suites, blood bank,<br />
physio<strong>the</strong>rapy, and dentistry.<br />
In addition, several general practitioners operate in<br />
<strong>the</strong> country, and <strong>the</strong>re is a recompression chamber, along<br />
with a number <strong>of</strong> private pharmacies.<br />
Immigration<br />
A resident’s permit is required to live in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. A<br />
work permit and business license are also required to<br />
work and/or establish a business. These are generally<br />
granted to those <strong>of</strong>fering skills, experience, and qualifications<br />
not widely available on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>. Priority is given<br />
to enterprises that will provide employment and training<br />
for T&C Islanders.<br />
Government/Legal system<br />
TCI is a British Crown colony. There is a Queen-appointed<br />
Governor, HE Peter Beckingham. He presides over an executive<br />
council formed by <strong>the</strong> elected local government.<br />
PNP Leader Dr. Rufus Ewing is <strong>the</strong> country’s premier.<br />
The legal system is based upon English Common<br />
Law and administered by a resident Chief Justice, Chief<br />
Magistrate, and Deputy Magistrates. Judges <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Court<br />
<strong>of</strong> Appeal visit <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> twice a year and <strong>the</strong>re is a final<br />
Right <strong>of</strong> Appeal to Her Majesty’s Privy Council in London.<br />
Taxes<br />
There are currently no direct taxes on ei<strong>the</strong>r income<br />
or capital for individuals or companies. There are no<br />
exchange controls. Indirect taxation comprises customs<br />
duties and fees, stamp duty, taxes on accommodations,<br />
restaurants, vehicle rentals, o<strong>the</strong>r services and gasoline,<br />
as well as business license fees and departure taxes.<br />
74 www.timespub.tc
Economy<br />
Historically, TCI’s economy relied on <strong>the</strong> export <strong>of</strong><br />
salt. Currently, tourism, <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fshore finance industry,<br />
and fishing generate <strong>the</strong> most private sector income.<br />
The <strong>Islands</strong>’ main exports are lobster and conch, with<br />
<strong>the</strong> world’s first commercial conch farm operating on<br />
Providenciales. Practically all consumer goods and foodstuffs<br />
are imported.<br />
The Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> are recognised as an<br />
important <strong>of</strong>fshore financial centre, <strong>of</strong>fering services<br />
such as company formation, <strong>of</strong>fshore insurance, banking,<br />
trusts, limited partnerships, and limited life companies.<br />
The Financial Services Commission regulates <strong>the</strong> industry<br />
and spearheads <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fshore legislation.<br />
People<br />
Citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> are termed<br />
“Belongers” and are primarily descendants <strong>of</strong> African<br />
slaves who were brought to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> to work on <strong>the</strong><br />
salt ponds and cotton plantations. The country’s large<br />
expatriate population includes Canadians, Americans,<br />
Brits and Europeans, along with Haitians, Jamaicans,<br />
Dominicans, Bahamians, Indians, and Filipinos.<br />
Churches<br />
Churches are <strong>the</strong> center <strong>of</strong> community life and <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are many faiths represented in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>, including:<br />
Adventist, Anglican, Assembly <strong>of</strong> God, Baha’i,<br />
Baptist, Catholic, Church <strong>of</strong> God <strong>of</strong> Prophecy, Episcopal,<br />
Faith Tabernacle Church <strong>of</strong> God, Jehovah’s Witnesses,<br />
Methodist and Pentecostal. Visitors are always welcome.<br />
Pets<br />
Incoming pets must have an import permit, veterinary<br />
health certificate, vaccination certificate, and lab test<br />
results to be submitted at <strong>the</strong> port <strong>of</strong> entry to obtain<br />
clearance from <strong>the</strong> TCI Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture, Animal<br />
Health Services.<br />
National symbols<br />
The National Bird is <strong>the</strong> Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis).<br />
The National Plant is Island hea<strong>the</strong>r (Limonium<br />
bahamense) found nowhere else in <strong>the</strong> world. The<br />
National Tree is <strong>the</strong> Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var.<br />
bahamensis). The National Costume consists <strong>of</strong> white cotton<br />
dresses tied at <strong>the</strong> waist for women and simple shirts<br />
and loose pants for men, with straw hats. Colors representing<br />
<strong>the</strong> various islands are displayed on <strong>the</strong> sleeves<br />
and bases. The National Song is “This Land <strong>of</strong> Ours,” by<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 75
<strong>the</strong> late Rev. E.C. Howell, PhD. Peas and Hominy (Grits)<br />
with Dry Conch is revered as symbolic island fare.<br />
Going green<br />
TCI Waste Disposal Services currently <strong>of</strong>fers recycling services<br />
through weekly collection <strong>of</strong> recyclable aluminum,<br />
glass, and plastic. The TCI Environmental Club is spearheading<br />
a campaign to eliminate single-use plastic bags.<br />
Do your part by using a cloth bag whenever possible.<br />
Keep TCI “Beautiful by Nature” by not littering!<br />
Recreation<br />
Sporting activities are centered around <strong>the</strong> water. Visitors<br />
can choose from deep-sea, reef, or bonefishing, sailing,<br />
glass-bottom boat and semi-sub excursions, windsurfing,<br />
waterskiing, parasailing, sea kayaking, snorkelling,<br />
scuba diving, kiteboarding, stand up paddleboarding,<br />
and beachcombing. Pristine reefs, abundant marine life,<br />
and excellent visibility make TCI a world-class diving<br />
destination. Tennis and golf—<strong>the</strong>re is an eighteen hole<br />
championship course on Providenciales—are also popular.<br />
The <strong>Islands</strong> are an ecotourist’s paradise. Visitors can<br />
enjoy unspoilt wilderness and native flora and fauna in<br />
thirty-three national parks, nature reserves, sanctuaries,<br />
and areas <strong>of</strong> historical interest. The National Trust<br />
provides trail guides to several hiking trails, as well as<br />
guided tours <strong>of</strong> major historical sites. There is an excellent<br />
national museum on Grand Turk, with an auxillary<br />
branch on Providenciales. A scheduled ferry and a selection<br />
<strong>of</strong> tour operators make it easy to take day trips to <strong>the</strong><br />
outer islands.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r land-based activities include bicycling, horseback<br />
riding, and football (soccer). Personal trainers are<br />
available to motivate you, working out <strong>of</strong> several fitness<br />
centres. You will also find a variety <strong>of</strong> spa and body treatment<br />
services.<br />
Nightlife includes local bands playing island music<br />
at bars and restaurants and some nightclubs. There are<br />
two casinos on Providenciales, along with many electronic<br />
gaming parlours. Stargazing is extraordinary!<br />
Shoppers will find Caribbean paintings, T-shirts,<br />
sports and beachwear, and locally made handicrafts,<br />
including straw work and conch crafts. Duty free outlets<br />
sell liquor, jewellery, watches, perfume, lea<strong>the</strong>r goods,<br />
crystal, china, cameras, electronics, brand-name clothing<br />
and accessories, along with Cuban cigars. a<br />
76 www.timespub.tc
where to stay<br />
Grand Turk<br />
range <strong>of</strong> daily rates<br />
US$ (subject to change)<br />
number <strong>of</strong> units<br />
major credit cards<br />
restaurant<br />
bar<br />
air conditioning<br />
phone in unit<br />
television in unit<br />
kitchen in unit<br />
laundry service<br />
pool<br />
on <strong>the</strong> beach<br />
H<br />
The Arches <strong>of</strong> Grand Turk – Tel 649 946 2941 190–210 4 • • • • • • •<br />
Bohio Dive Resort – Tel 649 946 2135 • Web www.bohioresort.com 170–230 16 • • • • • • • •<br />
Crabtree Apartments – Tel 978 270 1698 • Web www.GrandTurkVacationRental.com 210–250 3 • • • • • •<br />
Grand Turk Inn – Tel 649 946 2827 • Web www.grandturkinn.com 250–300 5 • • • • • • •<br />
Island House – Tel 649 946 1519/232 5514 • Web www.islandhouse.tc 110–185 8 • • • • • • •<br />
Manta House – Tel 649 946 1111 • Web www.grandturk-mantahouse.com 110–130 5 • • • • • • •<br />
Osprey Beach Hotel – Tel 649 946 2666 • Web www.ospreybeachhotel.com 90–225 37 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Pelican House – Tel 649 246 6797 • Web www.pelicanhousegrandturk.com 110-130 3 • • • • •<br />
Salt Raker Inn – Tel 649 946 2260 • Web www.saltrakerinn.com 55–140 13 • • • • • • •<br />
Solomon Porches Guesthouse – Tel 649 946 2776/241 2937 • Fax 649 946 1984 75–100 3 • •<br />
Middle Caicos<br />
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Blue Horizon Resort – Tel 649 946 6141 • Web bhresort.com 265–400 7 • • • • • • • • •<br />
North Caicos<br />
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Bottle Creek Lodge – Tel 649 946 7080 • Web www.bottlecreeklodge.com 155–240 3 • •<br />
Caicos Beach Condominiums – Tel 649 241 4778/786 338 9264 • Web www.caicosbeachcondos.com 159–299 8 • • • • • • • •<br />
Cedar Palms Suites – Tel 649 946 7113/649 244 4186 • Web www.oceanbeach.tc 250–300 3 • • • • • • • • •<br />
Flamingo’s Nest – Tel 649 946 7113/649 244 4186 • Web www.oceanbeach.tc 175–340 2 • • • • • • • •<br />
Hollywood Beach Suites - Tel 800 551 2256/649 231 1020 • Web www.hollywoodbeachsuites.com 200–235 4 • • • • • •<br />
JoAnne’s Bed & Breakfast - Tel 649 946 7301 • Web www.turksandcaicos.tc/joannesbnb 80–120 4 • • • •<br />
Palmetto Villa – Tel 649 946 7113/649 244 4186 • Web www.oceanbeach.tc 225–250 1 • • • • • • • •<br />
Pelican Beach Hotel - Tel 649 946 7112/877 774 5486 • Web www.pelicanbeach.tc 125–165 14 • • • • • • • •<br />
Pine Cay<br />
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The Meridian Club Turks & Caicos - Tel 649 946 7758/866 746 3229 • Web www.meridianclub.com 800–1300 13 • • • • • •<br />
Parrot Cay<br />
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Parrot Cay Resort & Spa - Tel 866 388 0036/904 886 97768 • Web www.parrotcay.com 550–2850 65 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Providenciales<br />
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Airport Inn - Tel 649 941 3514 • Web www.airportinntci.com. 140 18 • • • • • • •<br />
The Alexandra Resort & Spa - Tel 800 704 9424/649 946 5807 • Web www.alexandraresort.com 280–420 99 • • • • • • • • •<br />
The Atrium Resort - Tel 888 592 7885/649 333 0101 • Web www.<strong>the</strong>atriumresorttci.com 159–410 30 • • • • • • • •<br />
Amanyara – Tel 866 941 8133/649 941 8133 • Web www.amanresorts.com 1000–2100 73 • • • • • • • •<br />
Aquamarine Beach Houses - Tel 649 231 4535/905 556 0278 • www.aquamarinebeachhouses.com 200–850 24 • • • • • • • •<br />
Beaches Resort & Spa - Tel 800-BEACHES/649 946 8000 • Web www.beaches.com 325–390AI 453 • • • • • • • • •<br />
Beach House Turks & Caicos – Tel 649 946 5800 • Web www.beachchousetci.com 532–638 21 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Blue Haven Resort & Marina - Tel 855 832 7667/649 946 9900 • Web www.bluehaventci.com 250–650 51 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Caribbean Paradise Inn - Tel 649 946 5020 • Web www.paradise.tc 162–225 17 • • • • • • • •<br />
Club Med Turkoise - Tel 800 258 2633/649 946 5500 • Web www.clubmed.com 120–225 290 • • • • • • • • •<br />
Coral Gardens on Grace Bay - Tel 877 746 7800 • Web www.coralgardensongracebay.com 199-449 32 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Gansevoort Turks + Caicos – Tel 877 774 3253/649 941 7555 • Web www.gansevoorttc.com 315–720 91 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Grace Bay Club - Tel 800 946 5757/649 946 5757 • Web www.gracebayclub.com 650–1750 59 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Grace Bay Suites – Tel 649 941 7447 • Web www.GraceBaySuites.com 99–195 24 • • • • • • • •<br />
Harbour Club Villas - Tel 649 941 5748/305 434 8568 • Web www.harbourclubvillas.com 210–240 6 • • • • •<br />
Kokomo Botanical Gardens - Tel 649 941 3121• Web www.kokomobotanicalresort.com 169–299 16 • • • • •<br />
Le Vele - Tel 649 941 8800/888 272 4406 • Web www.levele.tc 303–630 22 • • • • • • • •<br />
La Vista Azul – Tel 649 946 8522/866 519 9618 • Web www.lvaresort.com 215–375 78 • • • • • • •<br />
The Lodgings – Tel 649 941 8107/954 338 3812 • Web www.hotelturksandcaicos.com 175–255 15 • • • • • •<br />
Neptune Villas – Tel 649 331 4328 • Web www.neptunevillastci.com 150–400 10 • • • • • • • • •<br />
Northwest Point Resort • Tel 649 941 5133 • Web www.northwestpointresort.com 196–550 49 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Ocean Club Resorts - Tel 800 457 8787/649 946 5461 • Web www.oceanclubresorts.com 180–690 191 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
The Palms Turks & Caicos – Tel 649 946 8666 • Web <strong>the</strong>palmstc.com 595–1700 72 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Pelican Nest Villa – Tel 649 342 5731 • Web www.pelicannest.tc 429–857 2 • • • • • •<br />
Point Grace - Tel 888 682 3705/649 946 5096 • Web www.pointgrace.com 424–1515 27 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 77
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where to stay<br />
range <strong>of</strong> daily rates<br />
US$ (subject to change)<br />
number <strong>of</strong> units<br />
major credit cards<br />
restaurant<br />
bar<br />
air conditioning<br />
phone in unit<br />
television in unit<br />
kitchen in unit<br />
laundry service<br />
pool<br />
on <strong>the</strong> beach<br />
Providenciales (continued)<br />
Ports <strong>of</strong> Call Resort – Tel 888 678 3483/649 946 8888 • Web www.ports<strong>of</strong>callresort.com 135–210 99 • • • • • • •<br />
Queen Angel Resort – Tel 649 941 8771 • Web www.queenangelresort.com 150–575 56 • • • • • • • • •<br />
Reef Residence at Grace Bay – Tel 800 532 8536 • Web www.reefresidence.com 275-385 24 • • • • • • •<br />
The Regent Grand – Tel 877 537 3314/649 941 7770 • Web www.TheRegentGrand.com 495–1100 50 • • • • • • • • •<br />
Royal West Indies Resort – Tel 649 946 5004 • Web www.royalwestindies.com 180–695 92 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
The Sands at Grace Bay – Tel 877 777 2637/649 946 5199 • Web www.<strong>the</strong>sandsresort.com 175–675 116 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Seven Stars Resort – Tel 866 570 7777/649 941 7777 – Web www.SevenStarsResort.com 365–2400 165 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Sibonné – Tel 800 528 1905/649 946 5547 • Web www.Sibonne.com 110–375 29 • • • • • • • •<br />
The Somerset on Grace Bay – Tel 649 339 5900/877 887 5722 • Web www.TheSomerset.com 350–1300 53 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Turtle Cove Inn – Tel 800 887 0477/649 946 4203 • Web www.turtlecoveinn.com 85–180 30 • • • • • • • •<br />
The Tuscany – Tel 649 941 4667 • Web www.<strong>the</strong>tuscanygracebay.com 975–1300 30 • • • • • • • •<br />
The Venetian Grace Bay – Tel 877 277 4793 • Web www.<strong>the</strong>venetiangracebay.com 695–1175 27 • • • • • • • •<br />
Villa del Mar – Tel 877 238 4058/649 941 5160 • Web www.yourvilladelmar.com 190–440 42 • • • • • • •<br />
Villa Mani – Tel 649 431 4444 • Web www.villamanitci.com See Web/AE 6 • • • • • • •<br />
Villa Renaissance - Tel 649 941 5300/877 285 8764 • Web www.villarenaissance.com 295–650 36 • • • • • • • • •<br />
The Villas at Blue Mountain – Tel 649 941 4255 • Web www.villasatbluemountain.com 1200–2500 3 • • • • • • • •<br />
West Bay Club – Tel 866 607 4156/649 946 8550 • Web www.TheWestBayClub.com 235–1163 46 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
Windsong – Tel 649 941 7700/800 WINDSONG • Web www.windsongresort.com 275–925 50 • • • • • • • • •<br />
The Yacht Club – Tel 649 946 4656 • Web www.yachtclubtci.com 250–350 52 • • • • • • •<br />
Salt Cay<br />
Castaway – Salt Cay – Tel 772 713 9502 • Web www.castawayonsaltcay.com 175–265 4 • • • • •<br />
Genesis Beach House – Tel 561 502 0901 • Web www.Genesisbeachhouse.com 1000–1200W 4 • • • • •<br />
Pirate’s Hideaway B & B – Tel 800 289 5056/649 946 6909 • Web www.saltcay.tc 165–175 4 • • • • • • •<br />
Salt Cay Beach House – Tel 772 713 9502 • Web www.saltcaybeachhouse.blogspot.com 799W 1 • • • • • •<br />
Trade Winds Lodge – Tel 649 232 1009 • Web www.tradewinds.tc 925–1325W 5 • • • • •<br />
Twilight Zone Cottage – Tel 772 713 9502 • Web www.twilightzonecottage.blogspot.com 499W 1 • • • •<br />
The Villas <strong>of</strong> Salt Cay – Tel 772 713 9502 • Web www.villas<strong>of</strong>saltcay.com 150–475 5 • • • • • • • •<br />
South Caicos<br />
East Bay Resort – Tel 844 260 8328/649 232 6444 • Web eastbayresort.com 198–1775 86 • • • • • • • • • •<br />
South Caicos Ocean & Beach Resort – Tel 877 774 5486/649 946 3219<br />
Web southcaicos.oceanandbeachresort.com 120–275 24 • • • • •<br />
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Hotel & Tourism Association Member<br />
Green Globe Certified<br />
Rates (listed for doubles) do not include Government Accommodation Tax and Service Charge<br />
78 www.timespub.tc
dining out – providenciales<br />
Amanyara — Amanyara Resort. Tel: 941-8133. Light gourmet<br />
cuisine for lunch and dinner with menu changing daily.<br />
Angela’s Top O’ The Cove Deli — Suzie Turn, by NAPA.<br />
Tel: 946-4694. New York-style delicatessen. Eat-in, carry-out,<br />
catering. Open daily 6:30 AM to 6 PM; Sunday 7 AM to 2 PM.<br />
Asú on <strong>the</strong> Beach — Alexandra Resort. Tel: 941-8888. Casual<br />
Caribbean and popular international fare. Open daily for breakfast,<br />
lunch and dinner. Service indoors, poolside, and at beach.<br />
Baci Ristorante — Harbour Towne, Turtle Cove. Tel: 941-3044.<br />
Waterfront Italian dining. Brick oven pizza. Popular bar. Open<br />
for lunch Monday to Friday 12 to 2 PM and dinner nightly from<br />
6 to 10 PM. Closed Sunday. Carry-out available.<br />
Bay Bistro — Sibonné Beach Hotel. Tel: 946-5396. Oceanfront<br />
dining featuring creative international cuisine. Open daily<br />
7 AM to 10 PM. Weekend brunch. Catering and special events.<br />
Beaches Resort & Spa — The Bight. Tel: 946-8000.<br />
All-inclusive resort. A variety <strong>of</strong> restaurants and bars on premises.<br />
Non-guests can purchase a pass.<br />
Bella Luna Ristorante — Glass House, Grace Bay Road. Tel:<br />
946-5214. Fine Italian dining. Full bar and wine cellar. Indoor or<br />
covered terrace seating above a tropical garden. Open daily for<br />
dinner from 6 PM. Closed Sunday. Private catering available.<br />
Big Al’s Island Grill — Salt Mills Plaza. Tel: 941-3797. Wide<br />
selection <strong>of</strong> burgers, steaks, salads, and wraps in a diner-like<br />
setting. Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.<br />
Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl — Five Cays. Tel: 941-3863. The<br />
freshest seafood in Provo, conch prepared to order, rum, buckets<br />
<strong>of</strong> beer, live local bands. Open daily from Noon to 10 PM.<br />
Cabana Bar & Grille — Ocean Club. Tel: 946-5880 x 1104.<br />
Casual island fare, pizza, burgers. Open daily from 7 AM to<br />
9 PM. Tropical cocktails with a spectacular view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sea.<br />
Caicos Bakery — Caicos Café Plaza. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic French boulangerie.<br />
Fresh-baked breads, rolls, croissants, muffins, quiche,<br />
pastries, cakes. Open 7 AM to 4:30 PM daily except Sunday.<br />
Caicos Café — Caicos Café Plaza. Tel: 946-5278.<br />
Mediterranean specialties, grilled local seafood. Fine wines, dining<br />
on <strong>the</strong> deck. Open 6 PM to 10 PM Monday to Saturday.<br />
Carambola Grill & Lounge — Airport Inn Plaza. Tel: 946-<br />
8122. Generous portions <strong>of</strong> local and international fare at<br />
moderate prices in a casual atmosphere. Catering available.<br />
The Caravel Restaurant — Grace Bay Court. Tel: 941-5330.<br />
Cozy restaurant <strong>of</strong>fering island food with flair; something for<br />
everyone. Daily happy hour. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM; Sunday<br />
5 to 9 PM.<br />
Chicken Chicken — <strong>Times</strong> Square, downtown Provo. Fast food,<br />
fried chicken, native fare.<br />
Chinson Jade Garden Pastries & Deli — Leeward Highway.<br />
Tel: 941-3533. Caribbean pastries, fresh bakery and Jamaican<br />
and Chinese cuisine. Lunch buffet/take-out. Open Monday to<br />
Saturday, 7 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, 2 PM to 8 PM.<br />
Chopsticks — Neptune Court. Tel: 333-4040. Fusion <strong>of</strong> Asian<br />
cuisines–light, healthy and delicious in a beautiful setting. Takeaway,<br />
delivery, on-site dining. Open daily Noon to 3 PM and<br />
5:30 to 10:30 PM. Closed Sunday.<br />
Club Med — Grace Bay Road. Tel: 946-5500. All-inclusive<br />
resort. Buffet-style dining; live show and disco in <strong>the</strong> evenings.<br />
Non-guests can purchase a daily pass.<br />
Coco Bistro — Grace Bay Road. Tel: 946-5369. Continental<br />
Caribbean cuisine by Chef Stuart Gray under a canopy <strong>of</strong> palms.<br />
Serving dinner nightly from 6 PM. Closed Monday.<br />
Coyaba Restaurant — Caribbean Paradise Inn. Tel: 946-5186.<br />
Contemporary Caribbean gourmet cuisine in a private tropical<br />
garden setting. Extensive wine list. Dinner nightly from 6 to 10<br />
PM. Closed Tuesday. Reservations recommended. Catering, special<br />
events, private chef visits.<br />
Crackpot Kitchen — Ports <strong>of</strong> Call. Tel: 245-0005. Experience<br />
<strong>the</strong> Island feel, culture and <strong>the</strong> best <strong>of</strong> au<strong>the</strong>ntic Turks & Caicos<br />
and Caribbean cuisines. Open for dinner 5 to 10 PM daily except<br />
Thursday; Happy Hour 5 to 7 PM.<br />
Crust Bakery & Café — Graceway IGA. Tel: 941-8724.<br />
Breakfast sandwiches, specialty c<strong>of</strong>fees, soups, salads, gourmet<br />
sandwiches and desserts. Open Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to<br />
8:30 PM. Covered patio dining or take-out. Catering available.<br />
Da Conch Shack & RumBar — Blue Hills. Tel: 946-8877.<br />
Island-fresh seafood from <strong>the</strong> ocean to your plate. Covered<br />
beachfront dining for lunch and dinner daily from 11 AM.<br />
Danny Buoy’s Irish Pub — Grace Bay Road. Tel: 946-5921.<br />
Traditional Irish cuisine, standard American pub fare; imported<br />
draught beers. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 AM.<br />
Happy Hour specials. Large screen TVs for sporting events.<br />
The Deck — Seven Stars Resort. Tel: 941-7777. All day dining<br />
and cocktails by <strong>the</strong> water’s edge. Open daily 11 AM to 11 PM.<br />
Live music Friday nights.<br />
Dune — Windsong Resort. Tel: 333-7700. Private beachfront<br />
dining with limited availability. Fresh fare prepared to perfection.<br />
Open daily.<br />
Fairways Bar & Grill — Provo Golf Club. Tel: 946-5833.<br />
Dine overlooking <strong>the</strong> “greens.” Open to all for lunch Monday<br />
to Thursday and breakfast from 9 AM on Sunday. Friday Pub<br />
Nights, Saturday BBQ.<br />
Fire & Ice — Blue Haven Resort & Marina. Tel: 946-9900.<br />
Drinks at <strong>the</strong> Ice Bar, dessert by <strong>the</strong> fire pits in <strong>the</strong> Fire Lounge.<br />
South American-meets-Caribbean flavors and spices. Open for<br />
breakfast daily 7:30 to 10:30 AM; dinner 6 to 9:30 PM. Closed<br />
Wednesday.<br />
Fresh Bakery & Bistro — Atrium Resort. Tel: 345-4745.<br />
Healthy European salads, soups, sandwiches, bakery, pies and<br />
cakes. Gelato. Open daily 7 AM to 6 PM, closed Sunday.<br />
Fresh Catch — Salt Mills Plaza. Tel: 243-3167. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic native<br />
cuisine, from seafood to soup. All-you-can-eat seafood buffet on<br />
Wednesday. Open daily 8 AM to 10 PM. Closed Sunday.<br />
Garam Masala — Regent Village. Tel: 941-3292. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic<br />
Indian cuisine, including tandoori charcoal-oven specialties.<br />
Open daily Noon to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to Midnight. Closed Tuesday.<br />
Giggles Ice Cream & Candy Parlour — Ports <strong>of</strong> Call &<br />
Williams Storage. Tel: 941-7370. Cones, sundaes, shakes,<br />
smoothies, “Gigglers,” ice cream pies and cakes. Pick ‘n’ mix<br />
candies. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM.<br />
Gilley’s Cafe — At <strong>the</strong> airport. Tel: 946-4472. Burgers, sandwiches,<br />
local food. Full bar. Open daily 6 AM to 9 PM.<br />
Grace’s Cottage — Point Grace Resort. Tel: 946-5096.<br />
Elegant, gourmet Caribbean cuisine showcasing regional foods.<br />
Extensive wine list. Gazebo seating under <strong>the</strong> stars or indoor<br />
dining in a romantic gingerbread cottage. Serving dinner from<br />
6 PM nightly. Reservations required. Weddings and receptions.<br />
Greenbean — Harbour Town at Turtle Cove. Tel: 941-2233.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 79
Internet café, Starbucks® c<strong>of</strong>fee, salads, wraps, pizza, sandwiches,<br />
fresh bakery. Open daily 7 AM to 6 PM.<br />
The Grill Rouge — Grace Bay Club. Tel: 946-5050. Casual<br />
oceanfront poolside bistro, serving international bistro fare.<br />
Cool cocktails at <strong>the</strong> swim-up bar. Open 7 AM to 9:30 PM daily.<br />
Havana Club — Windsong Resort. Tel: 941-7700. Fine wine,<br />
specialty c<strong>of</strong>fees, decadent desserts, with comedy/magic shows<br />
on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and music and sports nights.<br />
Healthy Treats Restaurant & Deli — Touch <strong>of</strong> Class Plaza,<br />
Airport Road. Tel: 241-3318. Native Caribbean dishes, fresh<br />
juices, smoothies. Call to order.<br />
Hemingways on <strong>the</strong> Beach — The Sands at Grace Bay. Tel:<br />
941-8408. Casual beachfront bar and restaurant. Fresh fish,<br />
pasta, sandwiches, salads and tropical drinks by <strong>the</strong> pool.<br />
Oceanfront deck for great sunsets! Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily.<br />
Hole in <strong>the</strong> Wall Restaurant & Bar — Williams Plaza, Old<br />
Airport Road. Tel: 941-4136. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic Jamaican/Island cuisine<br />
where <strong>the</strong> locals go for jerk chicken. Full bar. Indoor A/C dining<br />
or outdoors on <strong>the</strong> deck. Open 7 days from 8 AM. Cash only.<br />
Infiniti Restaurant — Grace Bay Club. Tel: 946-5050. Elegant<br />
beachfront dining for lunch and dinner. Gourmet Euro/<br />
Caribbean cuisine; fine wines. Full bar and lounge. Reservations<br />
required.<br />
Island Conch Bar & Grill — Bight Cultural Market. Tel: 946-<br />
8389. Caribbean and local cuisine. Open daily 11 AM to 9 PM.<br />
Island Scoop — Grace Bay Plaza. Tel: 242-8511/243-5051.<br />
21 flavors <strong>of</strong> ice cream made locally. Cones, smoothies, blizzards<br />
and shakes. Open daily, 11 AM to 10 PM.<br />
The Java Bar — Graceway Gourmet. Tel: 941-5000. Gourmet<br />
café serving fresh baked desserts, sandwiches and c<strong>of</strong>fee<br />
delights. Open 7 AM to 8 PM daily.<br />
Jimmy’s Dive Bar — Ports <strong>of</strong> Call. Tel: 946-5282. The place for<br />
steaks, BBQ, booze and breakfast. Open daily, 7 AM to 11 PM,<br />
(Thursday to Saturday to Midnight); open Sunday at 8 AM.<br />
Kalooki’s Beach Restaurant & Bar — Blue Hills. Tel:<br />
332-3388. Caribbean-infused dishes in an oasis-like setting<br />
overlooking <strong>the</strong> sea. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 10 PM;<br />
Sunday 11 AM to 7 PM. Live music every Friday!<br />
KItchen 218 — Beach House, Lower Bight Road. Tel: 946-5800.<br />
Caribbean cuisine with hints <strong>of</strong> French and Asian fusion and <strong>the</strong><br />
chef’s passion for fresh ingredients. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily.<br />
The Landing Bar & Kitchen — Grace Bay Road across from<br />
Regent Village. Tel: 341-5856. Unique nautical setting for dinner<br />
under <strong>the</strong> stars. Cocktails, fire pit. Open daily 5:30 PM to . . .<br />
Las Brisas — Neptune Villas, Chalk Sound. Tel: 946-5306.<br />
Mediterranean/Caribbean cuisine with tapas, wine and full bar.<br />
Terrace, gazebo and inside dining overlooking Chalk Sound.<br />
Open daily 8 AM to 10 PM, Tuesday 8 AM to 3 PM.<br />
Le Bouchon du Village — Regent Village. Tel: 946-5234. A<br />
taste <strong>of</strong> Paris in TCI. Sidewalk café with sandwiches, salads, tartines,<br />
tapas, nightly dinner specials. Open daily 7 AM to 10 PM.<br />
Closed Sunday.<br />
Le Comptoir Francais — Regent Village. Tel: 946-5234.<br />
French deli, bakery, wine shop. Open daily.<br />
Lemon 2 Go C<strong>of</strong>fee — Ventura House, Grace Bay Road. Tel:<br />
941-4487. Gourmet c<strong>of</strong>feehouse. Sandwiches, muffins, cookies,<br />
croissants, yogurt, salads. Open Monday to Saturday 7:30 AM to<br />
7 PM, Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM.<br />
The Lounge — Grace Bay Club. Tel: 946-5050. Decidedly hip<br />
lounge. Caribbean-infused tapas, martinis, tropical cocktails,<br />
world music and <strong>the</strong> finest sunset location in Providenciales.<br />
Lupo — Regent Village. Tel: 431-5876. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic Italian “comfort<br />
food.” Regional wine list. Dine in or take out ready-made<br />
gourmet meals. Open daily for lunch and dinner.<br />
Magnolia Restaurant & Wine Bar — Miramar Resort. Tel:<br />
941-5108. International cuisine with island flavors, north shore<br />
views. Open for dinner from 6 to 9:30 PM except Monday. Wine<br />
bar opens at 4 PM.<br />
Mango Reef — Turtle Cove. Tel: 946-8200. Old favorites in a<br />
new location. Fresh local flavors and seafood, homemade desserts.<br />
Open daily 8 AM to 10 PM. Set price dinner on weekdays.<br />
Children’s menu. Tie-up to dock at Turtle Cove Marina.<br />
Market Café — Blue Haven Resort. Tel: 946-9900. Gourmet<br />
c<strong>of</strong>fees, teas, frozen drinks; fresh breads and pastries; grab ‘n’<br />
go salads and sandwiches, fresh smoothies. Open daily 7 AM to<br />
8 PM.<br />
Melt Ice Cream Parlour — Regent Village. Tel: 432-1234.<br />
Carefully crafted selection <strong>of</strong> sumptous and inspired sundaes,<br />
with c<strong>of</strong>fee, champagne and cocktails for <strong>the</strong> grown-ups! Open<br />
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM.<br />
Mis Amigos Cocina Mexicana — Central Square. Tel: 946-<br />
4229. A variety <strong>of</strong> traditional Mexican fare, including salads and<br />
<strong>the</strong> best margaritas in town. Open daily.<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r’s Pizza — Downtown <strong>Times</strong> Square. Tel: 941-4142.<br />
Best pizza in <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos, available by <strong>the</strong> slice or <strong>the</strong><br />
island’s biggest “large.” Open daily 11 AM to 9 PM; to 10 PM on<br />
Friday and Saturday; Noon to 8 PM on Sunday.<br />
Mr. Groupers — Lower Bight and Airport Road. Tel: 242-6780.<br />
Serving fresh local seafood straight from <strong>the</strong> sea. Open daily 10<br />
AM to 11 PM.<br />
Noodle Bar + Kitchen — West Bay Club. Tel: 946-8550.<br />
Delicious rice and noodle dishes and hearty staples with<br />
uniquely Caribbean flavors and spices. Open for lunch and dinner<br />
daily to 9:30 PM.<br />
Opus — Ocean Club Plaza. Tel: 946-5885. Wine • Bar • Grill<br />
International menu with Caribbean flair. Wine tastings. Serving<br />
dinner nightly 6 to 10:30 PM. Closed Monday. Indoor/outdoor<br />
dining. Conference facility, events, catering.<br />
Parallel23 — The Palms. Tel: 946-8666. Pan-tropical cuisine in<br />
a setting <strong>of</strong> casual elegance. Boutique wine list. Al fresco or private<br />
dining room available. Open for breakfast and dinner daily.<br />
The Patty Place — Behind Shining Stars; Le Petit Place, Blue<br />
Hills. Tel: 246-9000. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic Jamaican patties and loaves. 18<br />
flavors <strong>of</strong> Devon House ice cream. Open daily 9:30 AM to 10 PM.<br />
Pavilion — The Somerset. Tel: 339-5900. Chef Brad <strong>of</strong>fers a<br />
global palate, interpreted locally. Lobster tank. Seafood raw bar.<br />
Open daily for breakfast and dinner; Sunday Prime Rib special.<br />
Pelican Bay — Royal West Indies Resort. Tel: 941-2365.<br />
Poolside restaurant and bar with French, Caribbean and Asian<br />
fare. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily from 7:30 AM to 10 PM.<br />
Pepper Town Café — Digicel Cinema, #4. Tel: 246-9237.<br />
Native and Caribbean Dishes. Open daily except Sunday 11:30<br />
AM to 7 PM. Island breakfast on Saturday at 7 AM.<br />
Pizza Pizza — Grace Bay Plaza/Cinema Plaza. Tel: 941-<br />
8010/941-3577. New York style specialty pizzas. Open daily<br />
11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, weekends until 10 PM. Free delivery.<br />
Rickie’s Flamingo Café — Between Ocean Club and Club Med.<br />
Tel: 244-3231. Local fare and atmosphere right on <strong>the</strong> beach.<br />
Best grouper sandwich and rum punch! Don’t miss Curry Fridays<br />
and Beach BBQ Saturdays.<br />
Sailing Paradise — Blue Hills. Tel: 344-1914. Casual beachfront<br />
restaurant and bar. Caribbean fare. Open daily 7 AM to 11<br />
80 www.timespub.tc
PM. Sunday brunch and beach party, daily happy hour.<br />
Salt Bar & Grill — Blue Haven Resort & Marina. Tel: 946-9900.<br />
Casual dining with outdoor seating overlooking <strong>the</strong> marina.<br />
Sandwiches, burgers and salads, classic bar favorites with local<br />
flair. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.<br />
Seaside Café — Ocean Club West. Tel: 946-5254. Casual fare,<br />
burgers, salads, tropical drinks, served with panoramic views <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> ocean. Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. Kid-friendly.<br />
Seven — Seven Stars Resort. Tel: 339-7777. Elevated contemporary<br />
cuisine fused with TCI tradition. Open Wednesday to<br />
Saturday, 5:30 to 9:30 PM.<br />
72West — The Palms Resort. Tel: 946-8666. Beachside dining<br />
with a family-friendly, Caribbean-inspired menu. Serving lunch<br />
daily; dinner seasonally.<br />
Sharkbite Bar & Grill — Admiral’s Club at Turtle Cove. Tel:<br />
941-5090. Varied menu. Sports bar/game room with slots. Open<br />
daily from 11 AM to 2 AM.<br />
Shay Café — Le Vele Plaza. Tel: 331-6349. Offering organic<br />
c<strong>of</strong>fees and teas, sandwiches, salads and soup, pastries, as well<br />
as gelato, sorbetto, smoothies, beer and wine. Open daily 7 AM<br />
to 7 PM.<br />
Somewhere Café & Lounge — Coral Gardens Resort. Tel:<br />
941-8260. Casual dining with Tex-Mex flair right on <strong>the</strong> beach.<br />
Cocktails, beers, specialty drinks. Open early to late daily.<br />
Stelle — Gansevoort Turks + Caicos. Tel: 946-5746. Modern<br />
Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh fish and seafood. Open 6<br />
to 10 PM daily, until 2 AM on Friday with DJ. Beach bar and grill<br />
open for lunch 11:30 AM to 5 PM daily.<br />
Thai Orchid — The Regent Village. Tel: 946-4491. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic<br />
Thai cuisine; over 60 choices! Dine in or carry out. Open for<br />
lunch and dinner daily.<br />
Three Bro<strong>the</strong>rs Restaurant — Town Center Mall, Downtown.<br />
Tel: 232-4736. Seafood and native cuisine. Tuesday night buffet<br />
dinner. Catering services. Open daily, 7 AM to 10 PM.<br />
Three Queens Bar & Restaurant — Wheeland. Tel: 243-<br />
5343. Oldest bar on Provo, serving Jamaican and Native dishes.<br />
Serving lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday.<br />
Tiki Hut Island Eatery — New location dockside at Turtle<br />
Cove Inn. Tel: 941-5341. Imaginative sandwiches, salads, seafood,<br />
Black Angus beef, pasta, pizzas and fresh fish. Wednesday<br />
crab and lobster specials. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM. Breakfast<br />
on weekends.<br />
Turkberry Frozen Yogurt — The Regent Village. Tel: 431-<br />
2233. Frozen yogurt in a variety <strong>of</strong> flavors, with a large selection<br />
<strong>of</strong> toppings. Open 11 AM to 11 PM daily.<br />
Turks Kebab — At Craft Market on Sand Castle Drive. Tel: 431-<br />
9964. Turkish and Mediterranean fare. Salads, falafel, gyros,<br />
kebabs, hummus. Open for lunch and dinner.<br />
Via Veneto — Ports <strong>of</strong> Call. Tel: 941-2372. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic Italian<br />
dining in a stylish indoor/outdoor venue. Serving lunch from<br />
11:30 AM to 2 PM; snacks with wine and drinks from 5:30 PM<br />
and dinner from 7:30 PM daily. Closed on Tuesday.<br />
The Vix Bar & Grill — Regent Village. Tel: 941-4144. High-end<br />
cuisine and <strong>the</strong> finest wines in an inviting ambiance. Open daily<br />
for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7:30 AM to 10 PM.<br />
Yoshi’s Japanese Restaurant — The Saltmills. Tel: 941-3374.<br />
Sushi bar menu plus Wagyu beef, Japanese curries. Open daily<br />
Noon to 3 PM; 6 to 10 PM. Closed Sunday.<br />
Zanzi Bar & Tapas Restaurant — Leeward Highway. Tel: 342-<br />
2472. Sophistication meets class at <strong>the</strong> new tapas eatery and<br />
entertainment venue overlooking Grace Bay.<br />
dining out – north caicos<br />
Club Titters — Bottle Creek. Tel: 946-7316. Local dishes for<br />
breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live music weekends.<br />
Higgs’ Café — Sandy Point Marina. Tel: 242-9426 or 341-9084.<br />
Local cuisine served daily from 7 AM.<br />
Last Chance Bar & Grill Club — Bottle Creek. Tel: 232-4141.<br />
Waterfront dining. American and Caribbean dishes. Open 10:30<br />
AM for breakfast and lunch; dinner by reservation.<br />
Miss B’s— King’s Road. Tel: 241-3939. Au<strong>the</strong>ntic local and<br />
Caribbean cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.<br />
Catering, delivery, take-out. Wednesday Fish Fry.<br />
Pappa Grunt’s Seafood Restaurant — Whitby Plaza. Tel/fax:<br />
946-7301. Native & American cuisine daily.<br />
Pelican Beach Hotel — Tel: 946-7112. Well known for native<br />
conch, lobster, grouper and snapper dishes.<br />
Silver Palm Restaurant — Whitby. Tel: 946-7113/244-4186.<br />
Local seafood and international cuisine. Home-baked breads<br />
and desserts. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Screened patio.<br />
dining out – south caicos<br />
Café Periwinkle and Blu — East Bay Resort. Tel: 946-3611.<br />
Casual or fine dining serving top-class local and international<br />
fare. Lounge and pool bar. Open daily.<br />
Eastern Inn Restaurant — Stamers Street. Tel: 946-3301.<br />
Ocean & Beach Resort — Cockburn Harbour. Tel: 946 3219.<br />
Native cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.<br />
Pond View Restaurant — Tel: 946-3276. Native cuisine.<br />
dining out – middle caicos<br />
Daniel’s Restaurant — Conch Bar. Tel: 245-2298/232-6132.<br />
Local seafood, homemade breads. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Call<br />
ahead for groups and dinner reservations.<br />
dining out – grand turk<br />
Bird Cage Restaurant — Osprey Beach Hotel. Tel: 946-1453.<br />
Full bar & restaurant. Lunch and dinner daily.<br />
Guanahani — Bohio Resort. Tel: 946-2135. Gourmet menu <strong>of</strong><br />
French, Italian and Asian influence with a Caribbean twist. Open<br />
daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.<br />
The Inn Restaurant & Bar — Grand Turk Inn. Tel: 431-0466.<br />
A taste <strong>of</strong> Asian fusions. Open daily for lunch and dinner.<br />
Closed on Tuesday.<br />
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville — Grand Turk Cruise Center.<br />
High energy bar and restaurant. Swim-up pool bar and signature<br />
menu <strong>of</strong> grilled favorites.<br />
Sand Bar Restaurant — Manta House Beach. Tel: 946-1111.<br />
Quinessential beach bar serving local seafood specialties. Open<br />
for lunch and dinner, Sunday to Friday.<br />
Secret Garden — Salt Raker Inn. Tel: 946-2260. Local &<br />
American dishes in a garden courtyard. English breakfast.<br />
Weekly BBQ and sing-alongs.<br />
dining out –salt cay<br />
Coral Reef Bar & Grill — Tel: 232-1009. Breakfast, lunch and<br />
dinner daily on <strong>the</strong> beach. Full service bar.<br />
Pat’s Place — Island-style garden restaurant in historic district.<br />
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.<br />
Porter’s Island Thyme — Tel: 242-0325. Gourmet island dining<br />
in open air dining room. Full bar. a<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2016</strong> 81
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