Times of the Islands Fall 2016

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
Salomon’s competitive spirit
and driving him to prove that
he too could master the art of
donkey riding—even though
the winding path up the precipitous
mountain trail was a
little nerve-racking at times.
As they toured the
Citadelle the group was
immersed in its story, particularly
its 365 cannons of
varying sizes and huge piles
of cannon balls. It was built
to defend the country against
the French. That war never
happened, although the fortress
was built and outfitted
to accommodate up to 5,000
persons for a year, if necessary.
The breathtaking view
of what seemed like all of
Cap Haitien gave reason to
pause and take it all in.
The exposure to a different
culture highlighted the
similarities and differences
between the students’ own and what they were now
experiencing. Riding the brightly coloured, artistically
decorated “tap tap” bus was a uniquely Haitian experience.
The trip on a traditional boat and visit to the fishing
village of Labadee was quite an adventure as well and lots
of fun.
As a result of this experience, the students now
have a renewed appreciation for the history and culture
of the Turks & Caicos Islands, and are inspired to widen
the scope of their knowledge by exploring that of other
countries, as well. The Museum would like to thank the
sponsors—FortisTCI Ltd., Caicu Naniki, Marco Travel, and
the TCI Reef Fund for making it possible for these young
people to have such a wonderful experience. a
From top: TCNM Quiz winners Joshua Daniel, Mellonie Popop, Anetra
Musgrove, and Saloman Dormeau arrive in Haiti.
The view from the top of the Citadelle is spectacular!
The students were immersed in the history of the Citadelle during
their tour of the fortress.
Times of the Islands Fall 2016 61