Times of the Islands Summer 2024
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities. Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
Government/Legal system TCI is a British Crown colony. There is a Queen-appointed governor HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. She presides over an executive council formed by the elected local government. Hon. Charles Washington Misick is the country’s premier, leading a majority Progressive National Party (PNP) House of Assembly. The legal system is based on English Common Law and administered by a resident Chief Justice, Chief Magistrate, and Deputy Magistrates. Judges of the Court of Appeal visit the Islands twice a year and there is a final Right of Appeal to Her Majesty’s Privy Council in London. Taxes There are currently no direct taxes on either income or capital for individuals or companies. There are no exchange controls. Indirect taxation comprises customs duties and fees, stamp duty, taxes on accommodations, restaurants, vehicle rentals, other services and gasoline, as well as business license fees and departure taxes. Economy Historically, TCI’s economy relied on the export of salt. Currently, tourism, the offshore finance industry and fishing generate the most private sector income. The Islands’ main exports are lobster and conch. Practically all consumer goods and foodstuffs are imported. The Turks & Caicos Islands are recognised as an important offshore financial centre, offering services such as company formation, offshore insurance, banking, trusts, limited partnerships and limited life companies. The Financial Services Commission regulates the industry and spearheads the development of offshore legislation. People Citizens of the Turks & Caicos Islands are termed “Belongers” and are primarily descendants of African slaves who were brought to the Islands to work in the salt ponds and cotton plantations. The country’s large expatriate population includes Canadians, Americans, Brits and Europeans, along with Haitians, Jamaicans, Dominicans, Bahamians, Indians and Filipinos. Churches Churches are the center of community life and there are many faiths represented in the Islands including: Adventist, Anglican, Assembly of God, Baha’i, Baptist, Catholic, Church of God, Episcopal, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Methodist and Pentecostal. Visitors are always welcome. Pets Incoming pets must have an import permit, veterinary health certificate, vaccination certificate and lab test results submitted at port of entry to obtain clearance from the TCI Department of Agriculture. National symbols The National Bird is the Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). The National Plant is Island heather (Limonium bahamense) found nowhere else in the world. The National Tree is the Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis). The National Costume consists of white cotton dresses tied at the waist for women and simple shirts and loose pants for men, with straw hats. Colors representing the various islands are displayed on the sleeves, sashes and hat bands. The National Song is “This Land of Ours” by the late Rev. E.C. Howell. Peas and Hominy 80 www.timespub.tc
(Grits) with Dry Conch is revered as symbolic island fare. Going green TCI Waste Disposal Services currently offers recycling services through weekly collection of recyclable aluminum, glass and plastic. Single-use plastic bags have been banned country-wide as of May 1, 2019. There is also a ban on importation of plastic straws and some polystyrene products, including cups and plates. Recreation Sporting activities are centered around the water. Visitors can choose from deep-sea, reef or bonefishing, sailing, glass-bottom boat and semi-sub excursions, windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing, sea kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, snuba, kiteboarding, stand up paddleboarding, mermaid encounters and beachcombing. Pristine reefs, abundant marine life and excellent visibility make TCI a world-class diving destination. Whale and dolphin encounters are possible, especially during the winter/ spring months. Tennis and golf—there is an 18 hole championship course on Providenciales—are also popular. The Islands are an ecotourist’s paradise. Visitors can enjoy unspoilt wilderness and native flora and fauna in subscription form TIMES OF THE ISLANDS SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS One year subscription $28 U.S. addresses/$32 non-U.S. addresses 33 national parks, nature reserves, sanctuaries and areas of historical interest. The National Trust provides trail guides to several hiking trails, as well as guided tours of major historical sites. Birdwatching is superb, and there is a guided trail on Grand Turk. There is an excellent national museum on Grand Turk, with an auxillary branch on Providenciales that includes the Caicos Heritage House. A scheduled ferry and a selection of tour operators make it easy to take day trips to the outer islands. Other land-based activities include bicycling, horseback riding and football (soccer). Personal trainers are available to motivate you, working out of several fitness centres. You will also find a variety of spa and body treatment services. Nightlife includes local bands playing island music at bars and restaurants and some nightclubs. There are two casinos on Providenciales, along with many electronic gaming parlours. Stargazing is extraordinary! Shoppers will find paintings, T-shirts, sports and beachwear and locally made handicrafts, including straw work, conch crafts and beach jewellery. Duty free outlets sell liquor, jewellery, watches, perfume, leather goods, crystal, china, cameras, electronics, brand-name clothing and accessories, along with Cuban cigars. a VISIT WWW.TIMESPUB.TC TO VIEW CURRENT ISSUE ON-LINE! Name____________________________________________________________________ Date ____________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________________________________ State/Province____________________________________________________________ Country/Postal Code_____________________________________________________ E-mail address (not required)_____________________________________________ r New Subscription r Renewal r U.S. Cheque/M.O. enclosed Mail with payment to: Times Publications Ltd., c/o Kathy Borsuk, 247 Holmes Ave., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 Please allow 30 to 60 days for delivery of first issue. Times of the Islands Summer 2024 81
- Page 29 and 30: This close-up shows how a flounder
- Page 31 and 32: Flounder are mainly solitary creatu
- Page 33 and 34: green pages newsletter of the depar
- Page 35 and 36: green pages newsletter of the depar
- Page 38 and 39: 38 www.timespub.tc
- Page 40 and 41: The beginnings—Bamboo Gallery On
- Page 42 and 43: quite petite.” Later that day whe
- Page 44 and 45: SHUTTERSTOCK
- Page 46 and 47: ELLINGTON OSBORNE The response This
- Page 48 and 49: of Salt Cay sailors and had carried
- Page 50 and 51: ANTHONY FORBES—TRIPLE A EVENT PHO
- Page 52 and 53: The return 3:45 PM Kell called his
- Page 54 and 55: DR. DONALD H. KEITH 54 www.timespub
- Page 56 and 57: The mysterious inscription The insc
- Page 58 and 59: GIDEON JACQUES DENNY This oil paint
- Page 60 and 61: Who inscribed the epitaph? On Septe
- Page 63 and 64: esort report Opposite page: The 20
- Page 65 and 66: front desk; Aiesha Sealy and Romane
- Page 67 and 68: Grown on North Caicos Ocean Breeze
- Page 69 and 70: Donkeys possess several traits that
- Page 71 and 72: astrolabe newsletter of the Turks &
- Page 73 and 74: astrolabe newsletter of the Turks &
- Page 75 and 76: astrolabe newsletter of the Turks &
- Page 77 and 78: about the Islands Map provided cour
- Page 79: and either single phase or three ph
- Page 84: Nothing compares to that perfect pl
Government/Legal system<br />
TCI is a British Crown colony. There is a Queen-appointed<br />
governor HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. She presides<br />
over an executive council formed by <strong>the</strong> elected local government.<br />
Hon. Charles Washington Misick is <strong>the</strong> country’s<br />
premier, leading a majority Progressive National Party<br />
(PNP) House <strong>of</strong> Assembly.<br />
The legal system is based on English Common Law<br />
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 />
Economy<br />
Historically, TCI’s economy relied on <strong>the</strong> export <strong>of</strong> salt.<br />
Currently, tourism, <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fshore finance industry and fishing<br />
generate <strong>the</strong> most private sector income. The <strong>Islands</strong>’<br />
main exports are lobster and conch. Practically all consumer<br />
goods and foodstuffs 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 in <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, Baptist,<br />
Catholic, Church <strong>of</strong> God, Episcopal, 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 submitted at port <strong>of</strong> entry to obtain clearance<br />
from <strong>the</strong> TCI Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture.<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 />
sashes and hat bands. The National Song is “This Land<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ours” by <strong>the</strong> late Rev. E.C. Howell. Peas and Hominy<br />
80 www.timespub.tc
Change language