Times of the Islands Fall 2019

TIMES 

SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FALL 2019 NO. 128 

MANGROVE MAGIC 

A valuable eco-treasure 

TCI IN THE WORLD WARS 

German sub attacks 

CORAL DISEASE 

Applying a cure 

OF THE 

ISLANDS

H O W D O YO U L I K E Y O U R L U X U R Y ? 

EFFORTLESS? OR BRILLIANTLY UNCONVENTIONAL? 

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magic awaits around every corner. Each with a style 

and a vibe all its own. Both singular destinations, part 

of the Hartling Group’s stellar portfolio of luxury resorts 

which also includes The Sands at Grace Bay. Your call. 

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TURKS & CAICOS 

Generation 

Everyone 

Everything’s Included for Everyone! 

2018 

2018 

More Quality 

Inclusions than 

any other Resorts 

in the World 

At Beaches ® Turks & Caicos, everyone can create their 

own perfect vacation. For some, it’s the white-sand 

beaches and calm waters featuring unlimited land and 

water sports. For others, it’s the awesome 45,000 sq. 

ft. waterpark with surf simulator. There’s 5-Star Global 

Gourmet TM dining at 21 incredible restaurants, and 

non-stop bars and entertainment —and it’s always 

included. Even the tips, taxes, and Beaches transfers*. 

We’ve even added trend-setting food trucks, new live 

entertainment, and re-styled accommodations 

… making the World’s Best even better for 

Generation Everyone. 

BEACHES.COM in the U.S. & Canada: 1-800-BEACHES 

In the Caribbean: 1-888-BEACHES; In Turks & Caicos 649-946-8000 

@beachesresorts 

WORLD’S BEST ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY RESORTS 

21 

YEARS IN A ROW AT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 

TM/© 2019 Sesame Workshop 

*Airport transfers included. Other transfers may be additional. Beaches ® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc., is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

contents 

Departments 

6 From the Editor 

13 Giving Back 

Peppajoy for Vets 

Photos By Delano Handfield 

16 Eye on the Sky 

It’s All Relative 

By Paul Wilkerson 

30 Creature Feature 

The Perfect Husband: The Lined Seahorse 

By Brian Heagney ~ Photos By Sabine Frank, 

Humpback Dive Shack, Grand Turk 

50 Business 

Don’t Worry, I’ve Got This Covered 

Story & Photos By John Galleymore 

57 New Development 

South Bank Launches The Boathouses 

72 About the Islands/TCI Map 

77 Where to Stay 

78 Classified Ads 

80 Dining Out 

82 Subscription Form 

Features 

20 A Long Way to Long Bay 

By Tim Cotroneo 

26 Twenty-Five Years and Counting 

TCI Community College Celebrates a Milestone 

40 The Magic of Mangroves 

By Kelly Currington 

Photos By Agile LeVin, Visit TCI 

TIMES 

OF THE 

SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FALL 2019 NO. 128 

ISLANDS 

On the Cover 

Agile LeVin grew up in the Turks & Caicos Islands and has 

a keen eye for capturing the country’s natural beauty. 

This aerial shot depicts kayakers exploring Mangrove 

Cay, a very well-known kayaking and paddle boarding 

location near Leeward on Providenciales, part of the 

Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve. 

To see more of Agile’s work, see “The Magic of 

Mangroves” on page 40 and go to visittci.com, where 

you can also learn much more about the TCI. 

Green Pages 

32 All is Not Lost . . . Yet 

A Chance to Save the Coral Reefs of the 

Turks & Caicos Islands 

36 The Story of a Parasite 

Black Spot Syndrome 

By Hannah Hall 

16 

Astrolabe 

60 TCI in World War I and World War II 

Story & Photos By Captain Eric Wilberg 

65 One is Silver, the Other Gold 

By Lisa Turnbow-Talbot 

Photos Courtesy Turks & Caicos National 

Museum 

MARTA MORTON—WWW.HARBOURCLUBVILLAS.COM 

4 www.timespub.tc

TurksAndCaicosProperty.com 

Windhaven - Long Bay Beachfront 

Turks and Caicos investors looking for strong cash flow and a turn key property look no further than 

Windhaven, Long Bay Beach villas. This 8 bedroom boutique resort real estate offering is situated on 2.23 

acres of prime Long Bay beachfront land with an incredible 155 ft. of pristine white sandy beach frontage. 

The entire property has been beautifully designed and impeccably maintained by the current owners. 

US$7,200,000 

Wymara - Grace Bay Beachfront 

Wymara Turks & Caicos suite 1201/02/03 is a contemporary 2nd floor, 3 bedroom beachfront condo 

on the world famous Grace Bay Beach. This spacious 2,543 sq. ft. luxury suite is composed of a separate 

beachfront one bedroom condo, beachfront studio condo, and an ocean view studio condo. An excellent 

investment with strong financial returns. Contact Bernadette Hunt for more information on purchasing. 

US$2,500,000 

Bernadette Hunt 

Cell ~ 649 231 4029 | Tel ~ 649 941 3361 

Bernadette@TurksAndCaicosProperty.com 

Bernadette has lived in the Turks and Caicos 

Islands for over 21 years and witnessed the 

development and transition of the islands 

into a significant tourist destination. Based 

on independent figures her gross transaction 

numbers are unrivalled. Bernadette 

has listings on Providenciales, Pine Cay, 

Ambergris Cay, North and Middle Caicos 

and is delighted to work with sellers and 

buyers of homes, condos, commercial real 

estate and vacant undeveloped sites. 

Turks and Caicos Property is the leading 

independent real estate firm in the Turks and 

Caicos Islands with offices located at Ocean 

Club West Resort and Ocean Club West 

Plaza on the Grace Bay Road. 

Bernadette’s reputation and success has been 

earned over time through her dedication, 

enthusiasm and passion for real estate. Her 

personal experience as having practiced law 

in the islands for more than 10 years together 

with owning and renovating a number of 

properties means she is well-placed to advise 

her customers and developers on what to 

anticipate in the purchasing and construction 

process. 

Bernadette delights in working in the real 

estate industry and her humor and energy 

make her a pleasure to work with. 

Crystal Sands - Sapodilla Bay Beachfront 

Crystal Sands Villa is located beachfront in Sapodilla Bay, one of the Turks and Caicos Islands most coveted 

areas. With its westerly exposure you will enjoy the most magical sunsets the islands have to offer. 

The property has 4 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and incredible beach views. Crystal Sands is 

ideal for large gatherings with family and friends and currently operated as a successful vacation rental. 

Please contact Bernadette if you would like 

to find out more about owning real estate in 

the Turks & Caicos Islands. 

US$4,500,000

from the editor 

COURTESY TURKS & CAICOS REEF FUND 

Shaped as if a hand is saying “HELP,” this pillar coral in Grace Bay is 

showing signs of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease and will likely be 

completely dead within just a few weeks. 

www.tcreef.org/donate 

HELP! 

Our readers are used to seeing an exquisite photo of one of Turks & Caicos’ natural wonders on this page. There’s no 

lack in the rest of the magazine, especially Agile LeVin’s spectacular shots of the mangroves that line TCI’s shores. 

But we had to use this forum to call to your attention the tragedy that is facing our reefs. 

The 340 miles of barrier reef that surround the Turks & Caicos Islands are among the best in the world, helping 

to account for the thriving marine life, gorgeous underwater scenery, pristine white sand beaches and luxury tourism-driven 

economy. 

As you can read on page 32, Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has made its way to the popular reefs of 

West Caicos and Providenciales at a fast-enough rate that it has caused alarm among maritime authorities and recreational 

divers alike. It is an issue that needs to be addressed quickly. In Grace Bay, some ancient large pillar corals 

and boulder corals are showing signs of disease. Without intervention soon, these corals could be lost. 

As more research is completed in Florida and elsewhere, treatments are being developed that can be used on 

TCI reefs. Fortunately, the will to solve this problem is strong; money, manpower and materials are lacking. Please 

read more about the situation in this issue’s Green Pages and be determined to help via: www.tcreef.org/donate. 

Kathy Borsuk, Editor • Claire Parrish, Advertising Manager 

timespub@tciway.tc • (649) 431-4788 

6 www.timespub.tc

Introducing the Boathouses 

The Boathouses at South Bank will be conveniently 

located on the marina waterfront with elevated 

water views, most with a private dock keeping 

your boat close at hand for when the ocean calls. 

Cleverly designed to maximize space and light, 

each is imbued with a warm, contemporary 

aesthetic as a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom layout. Managed 

by Grace Bay Resorts, the Boathouses will offer 

the perfect balance of community, service, views 

and space. 

Prices starting from $795,000 

Register interest today at livesouthbank.com 

Developed by the 

Windward Development Company 

www.windward.tc 

Brand partners: 

Managed by: 

For more information contact 

Nina Siegenthaler at 649.231.0707 

Joe Zahm at 649.231.6188 

or email: nina@tcsothebysrealty.com

FIVE DISTINCT VILLAGES 

TO CHOOSE FROM 

1. Key West Village 2. Italian Village 

2018 

2018 

THE WORLD’S BEST 

IS NOW BETTERTHANEVER 

BEACHES VOTED WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY RESORTS 

21 


Beaches, waterparks, pools—there’s 

something for everyone. 

MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS IN THE WORLD

3. Caribbean Village 4. French Village 5. Seaside Village 

WHERE EVERYTHING’S 

INCLUDED FOR EVERYONE 

At Beaches ® Turks & Caicos, everyone can create their own perfect day. For some, it’s the 

white-sand beaches and calm waters featuring land and water sports. For others, it’s the 

awesome 45,000 sq. ft. waterpark with surf simulator. There’s 5-Star Global Gourmet TM 

dining at 21 incredible restaurants, and non-stop bars and entertainment —and it’s always 

included—tips, taxes and Beaches transfers*, too. We’ve even added trend-setting food trucks, 

new live entertainment, and re-styled accommodations … making the World’s Best even better. 

*Visit www.beaches.com/disclaimers/timesoftheislandsspring2019 or call 1-800-SANDALS for important terms and conditions. 

Hang out with some real 

characters at Beaches. 

Discover a whole world of cuisine with 

5-Star Global Gourmet dining. 

TM/© 2019 Sesame Workshop 

BEACHES.COM • In the U.S. and Canada: 1-800-BEACHES; 

In the Caribbean: 1-888-BEACHES; In Turks & Caicos: 649-946-8000 or call your Travel Professional

THE WORLD’S BEST IS 

BETTER 

BEACHES VOTED WORLD’S BEST 

21 


Beaches ® Turks & Caicos has held the top spot at the World Travel 

Awards for two decades by offering families more of everything 

on the world’s best beach. Every land and water sport, an 

awe-inspiring waterpark with surf simulator, 5-Star Global 

For more information, visit BEACHES.COM 

In the U.S. and Canada: 1-800-BEACHES; 

In the Caribbean: 1-888-BEACHES; 

Gourmet TM dining at 21 incredible restaurants, and non-stop bars 

and entertainment — always included. And now we’ve added 

trend-setting food trucks, new live entertainment, and restyled 

accommodations … making the World’s Best even better. 

In Turks & Caicos:649-946-8000 

or call your Travel Professional 

TIPS, TAXES AND BEACHES TRANSFERS* INCLUDED 

MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS IN THE WORLD 

TM/© 2019 Sesame Workshop

Five Distinct Villages 

to Choose From 

1. Key West Village 2. Italian Village 3. Caribbean Village 4. French Village 5. Seaside Village 

THANEVER 

Beaches Turks & Caicos 

is on the world’s 

#1 BEST BEACH 

by tripadvisor ® 

*Visit www.beaches.com/disclaimers/timesoftheislandsspring2019btc or call 1-800-BEACHES for important terms and conditions.

TIMES 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Kathy Borsuk 

ADVERTISING MANAGER 

Claire Parrish 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Kathy Borsuk, Tim Cotroneo, Kelly Currington, 

Samuel Forbes, Dr. Hubert Fulford, John Galleymore, 

Hannah Hall, Rachel Harvey, Brian Heagney–Humpback Dive 

Shack, Jason Henry, Dr. Michael P. Pateman, 

Desiree Robinson, SFS CMRS Staff, Lisa Turnbow-Talbot, 

TCRF Staff, Captain Eric Wilberg, Paul Wilkerson, 

Candianne Williams. 

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Sean Brady, Alex Brett, Tim Cotroneo, Preston Dickenson, 

Franzsika Elmer, Vanessa Forbes-Pateman, Sabine Frank– 

Humpback Dive Shack, John Galleymore, Hannah Hall, 

Delano Handfield, iStock.com–salamov, Kite Surf TCI, Agile 

LeVin–Visit TCI, Marta Morton–Harbour Club Villas, Karen 

Neely–Nova Southeastern University, 

Dr. Michael P. Pateman, Revell, Barbara Shively, 

Turks & Caicos Community College, 

Turks & Caicos National Museum, Turks & Caicos Reef 

Fund, Captain Eric Wilberg, Candianne Williams. 

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS 

Jill Beckingham, Wavey Line Publishing 

PRINTING 

PF Solutions, Miami, FL 

OF THE 

ISLANDS 

Times of the Islands ISSN 1017-6853 is 

published quarterly by Times Publications Ltd. 

Copyright © 2019 by Times Publications Ltd. All rights reserved 

under Universal and Pan American Copyright Conventions. 

No part of this publication may be 

reproduced without written permission. 

Subscriptions $28/year; $32/year for 

non-U.S. mailing addresses 

Submissions We welcome submission of articles or photography, but 

assume no responsibility for care and return of unsolicited material. 

Return postage must accompany material if it is to be returned. In no 

event shall any writer or photographer subject this magazine to any 

claim for holding fees or damage charges on unsolicited material. 

While every care has been taken in the compilation and reproduction of 

information contained herein to ensure correctness, such information is 

subject to change without notice. The publisher accepts no 

responsibility for such alterations or for typographical or other errors. 

Business Office 

Times Publications Ltd., P.O. Box 234, 

Lucille Lightbourne Building #1, 

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI 

Tel/Fax 649 941 4788 or 431 4788 

Advertising 649 431 7527 

E-mail timespub@tciway.tc 

Web: www.timespub.tc 

12 www.timespub.tc

giving back 

From left: USMC Staff Sergeant Tony Ssonko and his wife Jennifer are met by Peppajoy owner Delano 

Handfield as winners of the first Peppajoy Veterans Vacation contest. 

Peppajoy for Vets 

Local hot sauce entrepreneur shares TCI’s peace with other veterans. 

Photos Courtesy Delano Handfield 

In early 2018, local entrepreneur and U.S. army veteran Delano Handfield dreamed up the nonprofit project 

“Peppajoy for Veterans Vacation.” The concept was to gather local sponsors to create a Turks & Caicos 

all-expense-paid vacation package that would be donated to a deserving veteran and guest of their choice 

through an annual contest draw. The contest was launched on Peppajoy.net. 

Times of the Islands Fall 2019 13

Blue Hills native Delano Handfield is the founder 

and owner of Peppajoy sauces. He is a U.S. Army veteran 

who has been on numerous deployments to war zones, 

and understands the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress 

Disorder. He explains, “After returning to my home in the 

Turks & Caicos in 2006, I experienced calm, peace and 

serenity for the first time since my days in the service. I 

thought it would be a great idea to share this feeling with 

my military brothers and sisters and hopefully give them 

a chance to drop their guards, even if only for a few days. 

The peaceful vibe of the Turks & Caicos Islands is the 

therapeutic medicine needed for many service members 

around the world.” 

“Peppajoy for Veterans Vacation” was Delano’s way 

of showing appreciation for those who put serving their 

country before their self. To participate, entrants would 

have to submit a short story saying why the veteran they 

are nominating should win a trip to the Turks & Caicos 

Islands. Hundreds of stories were received throughout 

the following months. The draw occurred on November 

11, 2018. Tony Ssonko (a staff sergeant of the U.S. 

Marine Corps reserves and a New Hampshire police officer) 

was nominated by his wife Jennifer and was officially 

announced as the winner on Veteran’s Day. This is the 

story she submitted: 

“I’m nominating my husband so we can take this vacation 

as our honeymoon. We have been married almost 2 years 

and were unable to take a honeymoon due to financial 

difficulties after he lost his job. Throughout our 7 1/2 

year relationship we have been through a deployment to 

Afghanistan, job highs and lows, and dealing with medical 

issues. Now that we are back on our feet and he has 

worked incredibly hard and achieved his dream job of 

being a police officer, I feel that he and we deserve to take 

time to relax and enjoy time as husband and wife before 

planning to start a family next year.” 

The couple, who at first were a little skeptical of the 

legitimacy of this “too good to be true” contest, started 

communicating with Delano Handfield and agreed on 

some travel dates. The airfare was generously donated by 

Provo Travel who also graciously coordinated finding the 

best possible route and booking the tickets. The deserving 

couple from New Hampshire landed in Providenciales 

on April 16, 2019. They were greeted by Delano, who was 

witnessing a long-time dream unfold before his eyes. 

They collected a vehicle from Grace Bay Car Rentals 

and made a stop at Graceway IGA where they were 

From top: Peppajoy contest winners Tony and Jennifer Ssonko sample 

their favorite hot sauce at Da Conch Shack in Blue Hills. 

Jennifer and Tony meet Delano Handfield and his fiancé Melissa 

Willcocks in front of Melissa’s gift store Serene by Mel. 

graced with a gift card by the local supermarket. They 

then proceeded to check in at Grace Shore Villas, a beautiful 

property conveniently located in the heart of Grace 

Bay. Owners Kim and Darren Wadden had offered to supply 

the winning couple with a one-bedroom villa for the 

duration of their stay. The property offers three pools, 

luscious gardens, bicycles and a grilling area—all within 

minutes of the world’s number one beach! 

Day two started with a visit to Serene by Mel, a gift 

shop that offers handcrafted souvenirs, local artwork 

and unique fashion jewelry. The boutique is owned by 

Delano’s fiancé Melissa Willcocks, and also serves as an 

office and storefront for Peppajoy’s gourmet products. 

14 www.timespub.tc

The couple was presented with some of the famous 

sauce, Peppajoy gear and a one-of-a-kind TCI map throw. 

Gifts were also collected at FOTTAC, which is well known 

for its fabulous gift baskets and Bambarra Rum! 

Tony and Jen had the opportunity to experience some 

of Providenciales’ favorite restaurants. They had lunch at 

delicious eateries such as Jack’s Fountain, Bugaloo’s and 

Plunge, located at the elegant Palms Resort. They had 

dinner at Da Conch Shack, where they enjoyed delicious 

Peppajoy wings and some of the best local conch recipes. 

On their second night, they indulged in great food on 

the deck overlooking Grace Bay Beach at Hemingway’s 

on the Beach. Dinner number three took place at the 

newly remodeled Las Brisas in spectacular Chalk Sound. 

A dinner and evening pass was also provided by the 

all-inclusive resort Club Med Turkoise. Every meal was 

donated by these establishments’ generous owners who 

are all Peppajoy patrons. 

Sponsored activities included a massage for two at 

the Seven Stars Spa and a boat excursion donated by 

Althea and Galmo Williams. The couple was also able 

to enjoy other activities due to a generous cash donation 

from USMC veteran Carl Defazio of BLU Security. 

This vacation of a lifetime was enjoyed to the fullest 

by the deserving veteran and his spouse. Tony and Jen 

are ever-grateful for the opportunity of experiencing such 

generosity; they have returned home touched beyond 

words by the kind-hearted people of the Turks & Caicos 

Islands and everyone who made this contest possible! 

Peppajoy is looking forward to hosting this contest 

annually and has opened the contest to Canadian veterans 

for year two! Submit your veteran of choice via 

Peppajoy.net or in person at Serene by Mel for a chance 

to win in 2020! The draw for the contest will take place 

on November 11, 2019. a 

Delano Handfield was inspired to create Peppajoy’s 

all-natural gourmet guava pepper sauce in 2010 while 

eating at local restaurant Da Conch Shack. The sauce 

was such a hit that Delano soon started supplying it to 

restaurants throughout the TCI. 

Today Peppajoy sauce is sold all over the world. It 

first started being manufactured in the USA in 2017 and 

is now available to order online at Peppajoy.net. The 

sauce is carefully handcrafted using only natural, handpicked 

ingredients. It is a versatile product that can be 

used for cooking, seasoning, grilling and even in dips. 

However, what really gives Peppajoy sauce that extra 

something special is Delano’s amazing story. 


ISTOCK.COM—SALAMOV

eye on the sky 

Opposite page: High humidity does have its advantages, including the formation of dew that offers moisture to plants between rainfalls. 

Above: For most TCI visitors, a high dew point means it’s time to head for the ocean! 


It’s All Relative 

Humidity, dew point and comfort (or discomfort). 

By Paul Wilkerson 

Millions of temperate-climate dwellers have had this thought in the warmer months of the year—“Gosh it 

feels so humid out. Yuck!” For people living in the Turks & Caicos, humidity doesn’t seem to bother them 

as much, as they are likely acclimatized to the conditions. Once you have experienced enough hot and 

sultry days, your body naturally will adjust. On the other hand, travelers to the Turks & Caicos Islands, 

especially from drier climates, may be in for quite the shock as soon as the cabin doors are opened on 

the air-conditioned aircraft on which they just arrived. 


Humidity is a function of the air temperature and the 

dew point. “Relative humidity” is basically how close the 

air is to 100% saturation. When we have 100% saturation 

of the air, the temperature and dew point are the same. 

Any time the dew point is less than the temperature, you 

will see relative humidity values be lower as well. 

Confused yet? Let’s talk a bit more about this dew 

point temperature. The dew point relates to how much 

water vapor is actually in the air. Water vapor is the gaseous 

form of water. As the dew point rises, so does the 

amount of water vapor in the air. As dew points decrease, 

the amount of water vapor in the air also decreases. 

To understand this from a comfort perspective, we 

can look at this function in different climates. In the 

Islands, wind flow is always from the water, which transports 

moisture over the Islands, contributing to higher 

dew point temperatures. Contrast the Caribbean climate 

against the climate of western New Mexico and other high 

desert areas. 

In Caribbean climates, it is routine to see dew point 

temperatures of 74º to 82ºF, while air temperatures 

hover around 88ºF. As mentioned earlier, travelers will 

note upon arrival to TCI that the air feels sultry, and to a 

degree, wet. Doing activities outside in a Caribbean climate 

has a marked effect on the body as well. As you 

begin to sweat, the ability of your body to cool itself 

is degraded. In order for you to perspire properly and 

maintain comfort, it is imperative that your body is able 

to get rid of heat via perspiration effectively. When the 

air is already highly saturated, your body struggles to 

This lizard has the right idea for keeping cool. 

evaporate and add your perspiration to the already moist 

environment. 

This chart pairs dew point temperatures with comfort level. In Caribbean climates, it is routine to see 

dew point temperatures between 74º and 82ºF. 

Contrast that with western New Mexico where the 

air temperature may be 93ºF and the dew point might 

be closer to 30º or 35ºF. Here, the air is very dry with 

lower amounts of water vapor. Just stepping outside in 

temperatures in the low 90s 

is usually still surprisingly 

comfortable. Start hiking and 

biking, doing any outdoor 

activity in this environment, 

and again your body will start 

to perspire to cool itself down. 

But there is a big difference. 

Remember that the lower the 

dew point, the less water vapor 

there is in the air. As a result, 

the relatively dry air can efficiently 

evaporate sweat from 

your body. As this occurs, it 

is cooling your body by absorbing 

the heat via the process of 

evaporation. Therefore, when 

comparing climates, there are 

drastic differences in what the 


18 www.timespub.tc

perceived comfort level of the air will be based on geographic 

location. 

Finally, what makes a big difference in human comfort 

or discomfort when it comes to high humidity and 

high dew points, is the wind. The Turks & Caicos Islands 

are blessed to lie in a great spot, wind-wise. In general, 

the wind machine is usually on in the Islands. While the 

humidity may be high, when the winds are up, this will 

help with the cooling effect on the body. Even in a high 

humidity environment, the wind will evaporate some of 

the moisture from your skin as long as the wind continues 

to blow. At times, the wind dies off, especially overnight 

and into the early morning. It is at these times that it can 

be quite uncomfortable, as any perspiration your body 

produces will not be effectively removed. That is why it 

can literally feel “sticky” in very humid environments. 

While the air may seem uncomfortable to us, it is 

important to know that this high humidity environment 

also serves as an important environmental condition for 

the Islands’ ecology. In the evening when the winds die 

off and the air cools, dew sometimes forms on surrounding 

plants and other objects such as cars. This dew does 

offer nourishment to plants that it forms on. While the 

dew may be in very small amounts, when this happens 

consistently over days or even weeks it can bridge the 

gap until the next rain falls. 

Comfort and discomfort with regards to humidity levels 

is relative to each individual. On your next visit if you 

find the air uncomfortable, I challenge you to take a look 

at the flora and fauna and try to remember that it very 

well may be thriving thanks to those high dew points and 

humidity levels. a 

Times Kevin_Times Kevin 9/18/18 10:51 AM Page 1 

Paul Wilkerson is an American meteorologist and tourist 

who frequents the Turks & Caicos Islands. Along with 

his wife and two daughters, the Wilkersons stay actively 

engaged with Islanders throughout the year with his 

Facebook page Turks and Caicos Islands Weather Info. 


TIM COTRONEO

feature 

Opposite page: From a kiteboarding standpoint, Long Bay Beach had everything you could ask for. This part of the beach fronts the luxurious 

Shore Club resort property. 

Above: Between Hungary and Turks & Caicos, Anett Pasztor’s before-to-after existence took more turns than a kiteboarder performing in gale 

force winds. 

A Long Way to Long Bay 

How one couple’s destiny involved world-class kiteboarding. 

By Tim Cotroneo 

How does one shift from a corporate banking career in Budapest, Hungary to becoming co-owner of a 

kiteboarding business located 5,000 miles away in the Turks & Caicos Islands? 

If you’re Anett Pasztor, it begins when you say no to another managerial change, conduct a life- 

changing Internet search, embark on an Ecuador vacation, kiss your husband-to-be at sunset, relocate to 

Colombia, give birth to a baby girl, and set up shop on the best beach in the world for kiteboarding. 


TIM COTRONEO 

Robert and Anett’s business reputation has grown to the point where clients arrive from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, India, Chile, 

North America and Europe to kiteboard on Long Bay Beach. 

For Anett Pasztor, these events were only the beginning 

of her major life changes. Between Hungary and 

Turks & Caicos, Pasztor’s before-to-after existence took 

more turns than a kiteboarder performing in gale force 

winds. Let’s back up to what got Pasztor rolling on a journey 

that reads like a romance novel turned best-selling 

business book. 

New life, new love, new world 

In 2008, a then 28-year-old Anett Pasztor was Hungary’s 

youngest Deputy Director of Corporate Banking. The 

world’s economic crisis impacted Pasztor’s business life 

to the point where she was working 12-hour days under 

four different bosses in a year. 

Pasztor was called into a meeting and asked if she 

could be counted on help support boss number four. “I 

was so tired of the conflict and the turmoil. I remember 

sighing and then saying NO. Up until that point, I always 

felt I could change the world. I decided after seven years 

in banking I needed something new,” Pasztor said. 

Pasztor’s plan was to relax for three months and discover 

what to do next, career-wise. But first she needed 

to rejuvenate and take part in a bit of adventure. Pasztor 

decided to learn Spanish, and the sport of kiteboarding, 

Robert and Anett now have two children and three businesses in the 

TCI, including a new school for children opening this fall. 

22 www.timespub.tc

Ferry Fall 17_Layout 1 8/22/17 12:52 PM Page 1 

both during the month of May. She Googled the words 

Spanish, kiteboarding, and May. The search results provided 

the springboard for what would be Pasztor’s new 

life, new love, and traveling halfway around the world. 

Speaking each other’s language 

Pasztor told her mother that her Spanish-meetskiteboarding 

Internet search translated to a vacation 

in Ecuador. Pasztor’s always-supportive and somewhat 

prophetic parent could only reply, “Please don’t find a 

husband in a place that’s so far from home.” 

On Pasztor’s third day in Manta, Ecuador, the owner 

of the kiteboarding school she found on the Internet 

picked her up at Spanish class and drove to scenic Santa 

Marianita Beach. At the time Pasztor spoke no Spanish, 

and her instructor, Robert Bedoya, spoke no Hungarian. 

This initial meeting took place on a Monday. On 

Wednesday something happened that Pasztor will never 

forget. “We were walking at sunset on this beautiful 

beach. Pelicans were flying, the sky was this amazing 

color, and then we kissed. It was like a scene right out of 

a movie,” Pasztor recalled. 

Walkin May2017_Layout 1 5/28/17 5:45 PM Page 1 

Letter with a special meaning 

Pasztor had always believed in faith, fate, and flow. This 

new adventure in Ecuador just felt right. “Something 

seemed ‘off’ in my banking career. After I met Robert, 

my life suddenly felt easy,” Pasztor said. 

As she adapted to her new locale, new language, and 

new sport, she became conscious of how focused Bedoya 

was on his business and the future. Pasztor was never one 

to shy away from asking direct questions, so during one 

of their rides back to the city of Manta, she asked Robert 

if he imagined children in his future. Bedoya’s answer 

was unflinching and equally direct. Robert believed that 

he would have a boy and a girl. Then he continued with 

a remark that Pasztor could only attribute to fate. “I was 

startled when Robert said that his children’s names would 

start with the letter M. This was remarkable, because as a 

child I remember carving the letter M into my desk. I had 

always wondered if this letter had special meaning in my 

life,” Pasztor said. 

Phenomenal Long Bay 

A one month vacation extended to two months and then 

continued for two years in Ecuador. In 2010, Pasztor 

and Bedoya discussed having a child together. Pasztor 

became pregnant a month later. 

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the birth of their daughter Maya. For the next two years 

Robert bounced between Ecuador and Colombia running 

his business while Anett stayed at home with their baby. 

A friend of Robert’s told him to consider relocating to 

the Turks & Caicos Islands. He said the kiteboarding on 

Providenciales’ Long Bay Beach was phenomenal. In 2012, 

Robert sold his Ecuador business and with little Maya in 

tow, the couple moved to Providenciales. 

Upon arrival, Robert and Anett loved nearly everything 

about Turk & Caicos’ most inhabited island. They 

discovered a beautiful landscape, it was safe, and it was 

a healthy place to raise children. 

Rough waves 

From a kiteboarding standpoint, Long Bay Beach had 

everything you could ask for. All the kiteboarding conditions 

are as good as it gets. There are shallow water, low 

waves, no sharks, sand rather than rocks, idyllic temperatures, 

and the winds are steady. “Everyone who comes 

here says the same thing. The conditions are perfect. The 

saying goes that if you can’t learn to kiteboard here, it’s 

not for you,” Pasztor said. 

The island had a single drawback. “It was really 

expensive to get a work permit and operate a business. 

We spent every nickel during our first three months on 

the island. Times were pretty rough in the beginning,” 

Pasztor said. 

The reach of the beach 

Robert always believed in buying the very best kiteboarding 

equipment for his business. He finally was issued a 

work permit. After some initially lean times the business 

started to gain momentum. 

In 2017, Robert and Anett bought out their kiteboarding 

business partner. Going solo with Waterplay TCI freed 

them up to expand their business to include private boat 

tours, stand up paddleboarding, sailing, and eco-kayaking 

excursions. They also opened an indoor playground 

for children ages two to twelve called Playland TCI. 

Last year Robert added three more kiteboarding 

instructors. Kitesurf TCI now also has its own shelter on 

Long Bay Beach. Robert and Anett’s kiteboarding business 

reputation has grown to the point where clients 

arrive from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, India, 

Chile, North America, and Europe. 

Robert Bedoya loves that the Turks & Caicos is a healthy, safe place 

to raise his children. Teaching them his favorite sport is an added 

bonus. 

Go with the flow 

With their two children, three businesses and Anett even 

taking tap dancing lessons, you’d think Pasztor and 

24 www.timespub.tc

Bedoya would slow down. “Actually we’re opening up a 

new school for children ages six through twelve in the 

fall,” Pasztor said. 

When asked how she and Robert find the time to 

do everything that’s on their plate, Pasztor smiled and 

shrugged. “We just go with the flow.” a 

For more information about Robert and Anett’s various 

business ventures, visit: 

www.kitsurftci.com 

www.waterplaytci.com 

www.playlandtci.com 

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26 www.timespub.tc 

Clockwise from top left: TCICC staff and 

guests. VP Samuel Forbes, President Dr. 

Hubert Fulford and Academic Dean Dr. John 

Mubenwafor. TCICC’s first local Principal Rev. 

Julia Williams. TCICC’s first Principal, the late 

Dr. Jacob Bynoe. Head of Faculty Desiree 

Robinson, Chairman of Board Keno Forbes, 

VP Samuel Forbes, Head of Faculty Jason 

Henry at press conference. Tourism students 

in Grand Turk hosting session with primary 

School kids. Dr. Fulford speaks at Graduation 

2018.

feature 

This is the entranceway to the Turks & Caicos Islands Community College Grand Turk campus, which opened in mid-2002. 

Twenty-five years and counting 

Turks & Caicos Islands Community College celebrates a milestone. 

Edited by Desiree Robinson and Jason Henry with contributions made by Dr. Hubert Fulford, Rachel Harvey 

and history notes from Samuel Forbes ~ Photos Courtesy Turks & Caicos Islands Community College 

It was a thought that became a dream that is now a reality and 25 years later, the Turks & Caicos Islands 

Community College continues to have a positive impact on the country. It was in the early 1980s that a 

group of college graduates discussed the concept and the general view that there should be a tertiary 

institution in the Islands to meet the educational needs of the growing population. 


1992 

It was in 1992 that Hon. Charles Washington Misick of 

the Progressive National Party stated publicly that it was 

the TCI Government’s intention to develop a community 

college. Up to that time, students would have to study 

in regional countries such as Jamaica, the Bahamas and 

Barbados, but strides were being made in the Turks & 

Caicos Islands that would signal a historical change on 

the horizon. 

Hon. Arabella Smith was responsible for setting up 

a task force to conceptualize the idea. There were town 

hall meetings with the public to garner their views and 

suggestions in moving forward. Government realized that 

this project would require the “buy in” from the community 

in establishing the college. 

1993 

A feasibility study to ascertain the location of the college 

was performed by Mr. Kurt Johansen, Regional Education 

Advisor to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. 

The late Dr. Jacob Bynoe also completed a study which 

provided the steps needed for institution’s establishment. 

Government ensured that proper consultation would 

be paramount for the sound establishment of the TCI 

Community College. 

1994 

This would prove to be a pivotal year for the country and 

it would mark the historical opening of the college. It 

was in 1994 that UTECH President Dr. Alfred Sangster 

gave his findings from another study that was funded 

by the Caribbean Development Bank. It revealed that 

there was an urgent need for the establishment of a tertiary 

institution in the TCI and that Grand Turk should 

be the administrative centre with a secondary campus in 

Providenciales. The campus would be housed in rental 

facilities to be transferred to the Education Department’s 

site. 

The Ordinance 

It was on September 2, 1994 that the ordinance 

was passed, establishing the Turks & Caicos Islands 

Community College as a statutory body. Ordinance 25 of 

1994 established the Turks & Caicos Islands Community 

College (TCICC) and empowered the college to grant 

diplomas, certificates and other awards. The college 

could then enter into association and affiliation with 

universities, colleges or relevant institutions within or 

outside of the country to fulfill its objectives. 

On September 18, 1994, the TCICC opened under 

the leadership of the late Dr. Bynoe with the main campus 

in Grand Turk at the HJ Robinson High School, and 

a branch opened in Providenciales at the Clement Howell 

High School. September 21, 1994 marked the inaugural 

meeting of the Board of Governors held under the chairmanship 

of Attorney at Law, now QC, Mr. Carlos Simons 

and supported by Board Members Mr. Sterlin Garland, 

Mr. Glennvans Clarke, Ms. Marjorie Simms and Dr. Rosita 

Butterfield. The ex-officio members present were Mr. 

Hartley Coalbrooke, then Financial Secretary, Mrs. Julia 

Williams, Permanent Secretary—Education, with Dr. Jacob 

Bynoe—First Principal and Hon. Arabella Smith, then 

Minister of Education. 

1995 

With a change of government in 1995, the People’s 

Democratic Movement’s Hon. Clarence Selver assumed 

the position as Minister of Education and commissioned 

the official opening on March 4, 1995. Headquartered 

at Harbour House in Grand Turk, the TCICC progressed 

to the point where it became necessary to facilitate its 

growing numbers with the opening of a second campus 

at Butterfield Square in Providenciales. 

The Providenciales campus was initially earmarked 

as a Hospitality Centre and the vehicle to facilitate 

the burgeoning hospitality and tourism sector there. 

Simultaneously, student numbers at the Grand Turk campus 

at Grand Turk had significantly grown. Hon. Selver, 

recognizing the need for more space, sought to upgrade 

and utilize the ex-naval facility at Grand Turk as the 

new campus. It was on May 31, 2002 that the current 

headquarters for the Turks & Caicos Islands Community 

College at Grand Turk was officially opened and occupied. 

Then and now 

It was from this beginning that the Turks & Caicos Islands 

Community College was birthed to be a beacon in this 

country and to provide an opportunity for everyone to 

advance. The vision that began all those years ago now 

celebrates a quarter of a century. Despite challenges, 

there is an intentional determination that the college will 

continue to chart a course that would assist students in 

achieving their educational goals. 

The TCICC is accredited by the TCI Government’s 

Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services; 

it is a member of the Association of Caribbean Tertiary 

Institutions; a member of the Caribbean Association 

28 www.timespub.tc

of Quality Assurance in Education; and a member 

of the Association of Caribbean Higher Education 

Administrators. 

TCICC celebrates its 25 years of existence by giving 

kudos to those whose ingenious thoughts and actions 

have provided the Turks & Caicos Islands with an institution 

of which it should be justly proud. Stepping into 

any area of government, the private sector, construction, 

aviation, medicine, law, entertainment, commerce and 

leadership with its myriad of roles, resides a graduate of 

the Turks & Caicos Islands Community College, always 

DARING TO ASPIRE and being DETERMINED TO SUCCEED! 

In fact, the TCICC prides itself as the catalyst that 

educates the whole person and challenges all students to 

recognize that a truly educated person is one who seeks 

to improve the lives of others, while enhancing their own 

personal growth and development in all facets of society. 

The college prides itself as being a place where students 

can feel capable of achieving any goal, working together 

with fellow students and faculty, in an harmonious environment. 

With the continued desire to expand its offerings 

and the quality of work and certification, in 2016 the college 

signed an Article of Agreement with the Council of 

Community Colleges of Jamaica which provided for the 

offering of Bachelor Degrees. The college had already 

cemented its relationship with the University of the 

West Indies (School of Education) with the offering of an 

Associate Degree in Primary and Secondary Education. 

The ordinance giving birth to the Turks & Caicos 

Islands Community College was amended in 2018, affording 

the college the privilege of offering its own Bachelor 

Degrees in Early Childhood Development and Social Work. 

In this the 25th year, the TCI Community College 

offers a number of Bachelor and Associate Degree programmes, 

Certificate Courses and Short Technical/ 

Vocational Programmes. 

The Turks & Caicos Islands Community College’s 

Alumni Association has hundreds of students who have 

passed through the doors of this noble institution. The 

college will endeavour to continue to blaze a path for 

others to follow, to make new roads and to work together 

to build up this country. a 

For more information on the Turks & Caicos Islands 

Community College, visit tcicc.edu.tc. 

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creature feature 

Although shy and elusive, the lined seahorse makes the perfect mate: monogamous, 

attentive and willing to bear babies. 

The Perfect Husband 

The lined seahorse Hippocampus erectus 

By Brian Heagney, B.Sc Marine Biology ~ Photo By Sabine Frank 

He dances with you every morning and he bears the kids. If this is the case you are probably married to 

a seahorse. 

Although they inhabit our normal scuba diving depths of 40 meters or less, the seahorse is a very 

uncommon sight. It’s not that these cute little critters aren’t there, it’s just that they are extremely shy 

and very cryptic, making them almost impossible for the untrained eye to spot. Their shy nature and habit 

of hiding in nooks and crannies on the reef, coupled with their highly varied colouring (ranging from dull 

brown, to black, red, blue, yellow and everything in between) doesn’t make finding them any easier. Using 

a prehensile tail, they often hold onto gorgonians, sponges or seaweed that closely matches their own 

particular hue, which helps them to blend into the surrounding environment quite effectively. They can 

be easier to find at night, out and about under the cover of darkness while hiding away from the dangers 

of the day. 

30 www.timespub.tc

Having tiny fins means the seahorse’s camouflage is 

important for a couple of reasons. As they are not the 

best swimmers, they must rely on ambush to catch their 

prey of brine shrimps and tiny crustaceans that they suck 

up through their long snout. Being discreet and blending 

in means they also avoid getting eaten by larger fish on 

the reef. This is not the type of horse that can run away 

quickly! 

The seahorse’s eyes can move independently of each 

other, allowing them to scan 360 degrees of their watery 

realm all the time. It’s hard to sneak up on a seahorse! 

Luckily their response to danger is to stay still and simply 

mimic the substrate by wafting gently from side to side 

with the motion of the ocean. This is perfect for a photographer. 

Since they don’t run away, you could photograph 

a seahorse all day long. (However, they are sensitive to 

powerful strobe lights on underwater cameras. So please 

be courteous, plan your shots carefully and try to take 

only a couple of shots in a single session with these fragile 

and beautiful creatures.) 

The lined seahorse is monogamous, partnering for 

life with the same mate, so if you find one you will normally 

find the other nearby. Each and every morning they 

perform a ritual dance reaffirming their bond with each 

other. You can tell the difference between the male and 

the female because the male has a brood pouch on his 

belly. When these two lovers mate, the female sprays her 

eggs into the male’s brood pouch where they are fertilized 

and sealed away safely. The male provides oxygen 

to the eggs in the pouch during gestation by way of an 

extensive capillary system. 

After three weeks, hundreds of baby seahorses are 

expelled from the male’s pouch. Yet of the hundreds 

born, only two can be expected to reach adulthood. The 

reef is a dangerous place for a tiny seahorse, another reason 

they are so difficult to spot. They have a lifespan of 

up to four years and once you have discovered one, you 

can normally go back to visit as they don’t move around 

much with those tiny fins. 

The lined seahorse is also a musician, for on the back 

of their head they have a special organ called a coronet. 

These star shaped organs are unique in appearance to 

each individual, like a human’s fingerprint or the pattern 

on the flukes of a humpback whale. By moving its head 

up and down, the seahorse can make a clicking noise with 

the coronet. During the ritual and mating dances, the 

seahorse pair alternate clicks until they embrace. Then 

they click in symphony, two clicks become one, and their 

loving bond is strengthened. 

Pollution, coastal development and harvesting for 

Chinese medicine or ornamental value (dried) means that 

these amazing little horse-faced fish, that instantly capture 

the imagination of any diver or snorkeler who has 

encountered them in the wild, are now considered vulnerable 

to the threat of extinction. If you see one while 

diving in the Turks & Caicos Islands, take time to cherish 

the moment. 

By continuing to support the “Beautiful by Nature” 

motto of this country and protecting our environment, 

we will hopefully have these wonderful little examples 

of marine biodiversity here for future generations. Don’t 

litter on the land, on the beach or in the sea, to keep their 

local home clean and free. a 

A native of Ireland, Brian moved to the Turks & Caicos 

with his wife Sabine in 2016 where they opened the 

Humpback Dive Shack on Grand Turk. Brian received his 

degree in Marine Biology from the Queens University of 

Belfast in 2001 and has been traveling the globe as a 

PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and underwater photographer 

since 2003. He holds an additional qualification 

in Tropical Habitat Conservation, is a certified whale and 

dolphin guide, a qualified boat captain and a self-taught 

outboard engine mechanic. 


green pages 

newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources 

head office: church folly, grand turk, tel 649 946 2801 • fax 649 946 1895 

• astwood street, south caicos, tel 649 946 3306 • fax 946 3710 

• national environmental centre, lower bight road, providenciales 

parks division, tel 649 941 5122 • fax 649 946 4793 

fisheries division, tel 649 946 4017 • fax 649 946 4793 

email environment@gov.tc or dema.tci@gmail.com • web https://www.gov.tc/decr/ 

BARBARA SHIVELY 

This image of one of TCI’s healthy stands of pillar coral shows how much we have to lose if SCTLD is not quickly controlled or eradicated. 

All is Not Lost . . . Yet 

A chance to save the coral reefs of the Turks & Caicos Islands. 

In the Summer 2019 issue of Times of the Islands, professors from the South Caicos School for Field 

Studies Center for Marine Resource Studies (SFS CMFS) talked about a new and emerging threat to the 

coral reefs of the Turks & Caicos Islands. They first noticed it in South Caicos in early 2019. Since then, 

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has made its way to the popular reefs of West Caicos and 

Providenciales at a fast-enough rate that it has caused alarm among maritime authorities and recreational 

divers alike. 

By the Staff of the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) 

and the School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resource Studies (SFS CMRS) 

32 www.timespub.tc

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources 

This disturbing image shows the rapidity with which Stony Coral Tissue Loss disease destroys coral. 

ALEX BRETT 

This disease was first discovered off the coast of 

Florida in 2014. Over the past five years it has spread 

rapidly up and down the Atlantic coast of Florida and well 

into the Florida Keys. It is a devastating disease affecting 

20 species of very slow-growing corals that are the foundation 

of many coral reef systems. In some coral species 

monitored in Florida, the disease reportedly had an 80% 

mortality rate. 

The cause of this disease is unknown, but is suspected 

to be bacterial. The troublesome thing about 

bacterial diseases is that they can be easily transferred 

from one area to another via currents, marine life and 

even by divers picking up the disease’s causative agent 

on their dive gear and spreading it by using that same 

gear on other sites where the disease has possibly not yet 

been observed. 

In late May 2019, Turks & Caicos Reef Fund volunteer 

divers observed its presence on the southern-most reefs 

of West Caicos. Within less than six weeks it had spread 

northward and is now observed at sites all along the West 

Caicos Reef. It has also spread to the reefs of the North 

West Point area of Providenciales and has now been con- 

firmed as present on dive sites on the north shore of 

Providenciales—Grace Bay. 

The rapidity of its spread and the high mortality rate 

has put the coral reefs of the Turks & Caicos Islands at 

a high risk of severe damage that could take hundreds 

of years, if ever, to repair. This is undeniable when one 

looks at what has happened in Florida due to this coral 

crisis. 

However, and this is the important part, all is not 

lost. At least not yet. The TCI is not Florida. Our waters 

are cleaner, our corals are more varied, more prevalent, 

and the general health of our reef tract pre-disease is 

significantly better than Florida’s. Yes, this is an issue 

that needs to be addressed quickly, but our water quality 

and past resilience give hope to the TCI’s reef as long as 

we can get ahead of the disease. Stony Coral Tissue Loss 

Disease was only named in the last couple of years; it 

took almost three years of Florida’s reef being affected 

before any type of intervention or rescue started. They 

waited too long. Their unfortunate loss however, has 

given us and other Caribbean countries a head-start on 

saving our own reefs. 



KAREN NEELY–NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY 

On August 1–2, 2019, a learning exchange was 

hosted by MPA Connect (an initiative of the Gulf and 

Caribbean Fisheries Institute in partnership with the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coral 

Reef Conservation Program). Representatives from 18 

countries including TCI gathered together in Key West 

to discuss the disease, what we know about it and what 

treatments have been tried and tested. Having this information 

shared by Florida’s scientists has given us a real 

advantage at possible disease control. 

Concurrently, the rapidity with which we are reacting 

here in the TCI and how early we’ve started monitoring 

and collecting data could be of potential benefit to 

the overall understanding of SCTLD and how it spreads 

through different colonies. We have species here that 

became rare or unseen in Florida long before the arrival 

of SCTLD. Researchers there are now looking to us to 

help determine when in the disease outbreak timeline 

certain corals are affected. Increased awareness and 

international communication and cooperation between 

countries in the region is perhaps the only positive this 

disease has brought, but it is one nonetheless. 

While the situation is urgent, it is not too late to save 

this incredibly important ecosystem. Corals are resilient 

if given the chance and the enabling conditions for their 

growth and survival. The key is reducing local stressors 

to support reproduction, growth, and survival. 

Researchers in Florida have experimented with several 

different interventions in an effort to stop the spread 

of SCTLD on their reefs. Over the past couple of years, 

they’ve collected results and it seems that the best 

treatment practices for dealing with SCTLD is an amoxicillin-based 

treatment through strategic, small-scale 

application. Research shows that this treatment approach 

can be 80% effective in stopping the progression of the 

disease across a coral colony. 

Unfortunately, the treatment must be administered 

on a coral-head-by-coral-head basis—it is not one that 

can be easily administered to a section of coral reef. The 

initial treatment approach was to select an infected coral 

head and treat it individually by cutting a “firebreak” 

using either a hammer and chisel or an underwater angle 

grinder (yes, they do make those) along the margin 

between diseased and healthy tissue. The amoxicillin, 

At left: The first image shows an infected coral head before treatment; 

the second shows the treatment applied and the bottom photo shows 

the disease progression stopped two months later. 

34 www.timespub.tc


Divers apply the amoxicillin-based treatment to a SCTLD-infected coral head. 

KAREN NEELY–NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY 

which has been premixed in very small doses into a 

delivery base such as shea butter and loaded into a catheter-tipped 

syringe, is then applied into the groove of the 

firebreak. If necessary, a small amount of modeling clay 

can be used to keep the treatment base in place.More 

recently, the Florida researchers have found that cutting 

the firebreak may not be necessary and simply applying 

the antibiotic treatment to the disease margin may be 

adequate. Representatives from the DECR and TCRF were 

shown how and given the opportunity to apply the treatment 

themselves during the August workshop. 

DECR, TCRF and SFS CMRS have started training team 

leaders and volunteer divers in this treatment process. 

We expect to have divers in the water monitoring and 

treating several days each week until SCTLD is controlled, 

or better yet, eliminated. But we have to act now. As more 

research is completed in Florida and elsewhere, any 

improvements in the treatment approach will be incorporated 

in the best practices used on TCI reefs. 

Because the treatment approach is on a coral-head-bycoral-head 

basis and each treatment is time consuming, 

it will be an expensive and labor-intensive fight. If we 

want to save the reefs of the Turks & Caicos Islands, we 

have little choice but to start implementing this treatment 

approach on our reefs immediately. TCRF has reached out 

to local businesses and individuals in an effort to raise 

money to supplement the TCI Government’s investment 

in this effort and to have divers on the reefs monitoring 

the spread of the disease and treating affected coral 

heads, but more funding is needed if we are to be successful 

in saving the TCI reefs. Funding is needed to pay 

for a project manager to oversee the work, boat use and 

fuel, supplies (amoxicillin, shea butter, syringes, gloves, 

etc). 

If you want to help, please go to www.tcreef.org/ 

donate to contribute to the cause! a 



HANNAH HALL 

HANNAH HALL 

FRANZISKA ELMER 

Clockwise from top: An uninfected ocean surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus/tractus) swims along a coral reef. This ocean surgeonfish displays 

a single black spot, while the next fish has progressed to multiple black spots. Finally, this last image shows a highly infected ocean 

surgeonfish swimming along the ocean floor. 


The Story of a Parasite 

Black Spot Syndrome is a bane to reef fish. 

By Hannah Hall 

Between the white sandy beaches and the colorful coral reefs, the Turks & Caicos Islands provide beauty 

above and below the water. Tourists come from all over the world to visit and enjoy spending time soaking 

up the sun. The warm, fluorescent-blue waters provide a suitable habitat for many marine species 

including fish, corals, and, unfortunately, even parasites. 

High aquatic parasite diversity near the equator makes the Caribbean a hotspot for parasite infections 

in reef fishes. Parasitism involves a relationship between two individuals, a host and a parasite. The parasite 

benefits from the host, while the host is negatively affected by the presence of the parasite. 

36 www.timespub.tc


Like most animals, parasites come in many shapes 

and sizes. Every parasite has its own unique strategies 

for improving its fitness and survival. For example, some 

species hitch a ride on the outside of their host, some are 

consumed by the host, and others can burrow inside of 

the host directly through the skin. 

The goal for all living things is to survive. Organisms 

require a specific amount of energy to maintain their 

survival, without it they would not able to reproduce, 

forage, or evade predators. Most living things, including 

humans, must actively search for food to supply them 

with enough energy to survive. Parasites, on the other 

hand, are not required to regularly seek out food. Rather, 

once they have chosen a host, the parasite can benefit 

from it directly. This allows the parasite to sit back, relax 

and focus on reproduction while their host does all of the 

work to provide them with a consistent influx of energy. 

Therefore, parasites often want their host to succeed 

because in turn, they are provided with lasting energy. 

Though often underestimated due to their general 

small size, parasites are incredibly resourceful. Certain 

parasites even have a superpower that many humans 

crave—mind control! Some parasites can alter the behavior 

of their fish host to make them swim closer to the 

surface, increasing the parasites’ chances of being spotted 

by their final host, i.e. a predatory bird. Another change in 

behavior that is seen in infected individuals is fewer stops 

at “cleaning stations,” locations on a reef where small fish 

eat parasites off of larger fish. Some infected individuals 

have also displayed increased time spent foraging in 

order to consume enough energy to maintain their survival 

while hosting an enervating parasite. 

A host changing its foraging behavior allows it to survive 

with a parasite, but it does come at a cost. Often, 

when the host individual must spend more time foraging 

to ensure it has enough energy for itself and its inhabitant, 

less energy is spent on other important activities 

such as reproduction and evading predators. If the host 

is not able to collect enough food to supply itself and the 

parasite with ample energy, the host may begin to exhibit 

“tired” behavior. This lack of energy can lead to reduced 

swimming speeds and maneuverability, further decreasing 

its ability to avoid predators or outcompete others for 

food. Thus, the parasite-host manipulation proves quite 

complex in order to ensure that both the parasite and 

host are able to survive. 

A SFS student videotapes an ocean surgeonfish for later analysis. 

Parasites that manipulate their host’s behavior are not 

uncommon in aquatic ecosystems. A trematode infects 

aquatic species such as mollusks and fish and is a very 

common example of a behavior-altering parasite. They 

often have a multi-host lifecycle in which they begin with 

an intermediate host (such as a marine snail), followed 

by a second intermediate host (reef fish), before reaching 

their final, tertiary host (predatory birds). This type of 

lifecycle gives the parasite time to grow and reproduce in 

the water before moving on to a higher energy providing 

host. 

One particular trematode parasite has been catching 

the attention of scientists throughout the Caribbean, 

Scaphanocephalus expansus. This is a small (3–5mm 

diameter) parasite that burrows into the skin of its fish 

host. Once S. expansus has burrowed within a fish, it 

leaves a distinct black spot-like marking on the skin or fin 

ray of its fish host. Due to these unique markings, infections 

of the S. expansus parasite have been referred to 

as Black Spot Syndrome (BSS). Unfortunately for the host, 

if a parasite is plentiful in a given region or ecosystem, 

several parasites can infect a single individual, leaving it 

with multiple black spots. Once burrowed, S. expansus 

generally does not relocate unless its host dies, or it is 

consumed by a terminal host. Luckily for us, S. expansus 

is not transferrable from fish to humans. 

HANNAH HALL 



HANNAH HALL 

A School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resource Studies student on South Caicos lays down transect line to assess the habitat below. 

An individual S. expansus parasite often finds an end 

to its journey in the mighty osprey (Pandion haliaetus 

ridgwayi). As the tertiary host, the osprey is the parasite’s 

final destination where it can feed off of the energy of this 

resourceful host. However, the cycle does not stop there. 

As the parasite sexually reproduces inside of an osprey, 

the infected osprey can spread the parasite’s eggs into 

the water through its waste. The waste can then lead to 

infection in an initial host, likely a snail, thereby allowing 

the parasite to re-enter the coral reef ecosystem, starting 

the seemingly never-ending cycle over again. 

Black spot syndrome has been seen in a variety of 

reef fishes, yet overwhelming, the ocean surgeonfish 

(Acanthurus bahianus/tractus) has been the most highly 

infected species. The exact reason for this is unknown, 

though it has been speculated that their high population 

numbers, high abundance in shallow water, and/or their 

tendency to stay near the ocean floor where they are more 

likely to come into contact with the free swimming form 

of the parasite could lead to their higher infection rates. 

From the parasite’s perspective, the ocean surgeonfish 

can be seen as a beneficial intermediate host due to their 

shallow depth preference, frequent foraging behaviors, 

and their light coloration that provides greater contrast 

with the black spots, which may increase avian predation. 

At the School for Field Studies Center for Marine 

Resource Studies (SFS CMRS) on South Caicos, we have 

been conducting research to further understand the 

behavioral changes that S. expansus imposes on the 

ocean surgeonfish as part of our reef monitoring program. 

Through our research, we have found that individuals 

infected with BSS forage less than uninfected individuals. 

In other words, the parasite that causes Black Spot 

Syndrome is likely manipulating the ocean surgeonfish 

to eat less frequently. Infected individuals also displayed 

fewer attempts to remove the parasite(s) from its body. 

The knowledge that these results provide us is very 

important. Ocean surgeonfish are an extremely important 

species in our reef ecosystems for controlling algae 

growth. However, the ocean surgeonfish is simply an 

example of one of the many types of fish this parasite 

can affect. Black Spot Syndrome has also been observed 

38 www.timespub.tc


in bar jacks, snapper, grouper and parrotfish. These very 

different species are extremely important for local fisherman 

and they play an important role in the health of coral 

reef ecosystems. 

Black Spot Syndrome has been prevalent in the 

Caribbean for many years, as evidenced by photographs 

showing fish with the characteristic black markings in 

1985. It is also widespread throughout the Caribbean 

islands, as it has been photographed on reefs from at 

least 14 different countries. 

Despite the long history and prevalence of this parasite, 

little is known about its full life cycle and how 

exactly it impacts its host’s behavior. For example, it is 

thought that the initial host of S. expansus is a marine 


From top: Uncharacteristic black spots can be seen on and near the 

tail of this coney grouper (Cephalopholis fulva). Black spots are visible 

on this in-transit stoplight parrotfish (Sparisoma viride). 

snail, however, the particular species of snail has yet to 

be determined. Also, despite confirming that S. expansus 

is the cause of the black spots in ocean surgeonfish in 

Bonaire, a Dutch island in the southern Caribbean, it has 

yet to be determined if the black spots found on fish in 

other Caribbean islands are, in fact, caused by S. expansus. 

In order to keep the reefs of the TCI “beautiful by 

nature” and ensure that they can provide enough catch 

for our local fishermen, it is very important to continue 

our research to answer these questions and gain a greater 

understanding of the impacts that these parasites have 

on their hosts and the coral reef ecosystem as a whole. a 


feature 

Opposite page: The extensive Ramsar Nature Reserve, which spans much of the southern coasts of North Caicos and Middle Caicos, hides 

breathtaking networks of estuaries and wetlands. Mangroves can be found across these systems, yet almost every channel is unique, with 

varying levels of salinity, tidal flow, and flora and fauna. 

Above: The mangroves we see above water are supported by prop roots underwater. They slow water circulation and trap sediment—building 

land on islands and helping to protect the coast from storm erosion. 

The Magic of Mangroves 

A trip through an amazing and valuable eco-treasure. 

By Kelly Currington ~ Photos By Agile LeVin, VisitTCI.com 

My eyes are immediately drawn to the network of red and brown “fingers” reaching upward out of the 

water as my board glides through the shallow crystal-clear water of the mangrove forest. As we slowly 

move along, we listen to our guide, Chris, talk to us about all the creatures and plants that live here. 

Every so often we stop, sit quietly and watch the tiny fish darting in and out of the roots. We see sponges 

growing on the hard substrate of the plants, tiny snails attached to almost every stem, and algae plants 

everywhere. We gain knowledge of the vital roles each of these play in this magical place. 


Traveling through the mangrove channels via kayak or paddleboard is an awe-inspiring and magical experience. 

I am fascinated as our guide explains what a mangrove 

forest is and how it functions. We listen intently as 

he talks about these special plants that grow in coastal 

saline or “brackish” water. These plants are salt-tolerant 

(halophytes) and adapted for life in relatively harsh 

coastal conditions. 

The way mangrove forests work is an amazing feat of 

nature. One of the first things we learn is why their roots 

rise up out of the water. Mangrove roots are pneumatophores, 

specialized to facilitate aeration. For at least part 

of the day, these aerial, or breathing, roots, are exposed 

to the air. This is crucial, as the mud or sediment in the 

mangrove forest is oxygen-poor, unstable and incapable 

of supporting the underground root system. Nature 

adapted by creating roots that reach up and out for the 

oxygen mangroves need to survive. 

Another amazing and noticeable magic trick of 

Mother Nature is the way she sacrifices one leaf to protect 

the “soul” of the plant. The sacrificial leaf is where the 

plant filters out salt from the roots. The leaf turns yellow 

or brown, and when it has reached its maximum salinity, 

it falls off and a new leaf takes over. The leaf that falls 

off will decompose and feed smaller creatures, therefore 

continuing the circle of life. 

Mangrove forests are one of the most important 

ecosystems on the earth, and there is something incredibly 

spiritual and magical about gliding through them. 

Their dense root systems trap sediments flowing off the 

land, which helps stabilize the coastlines and helps prevent 

erosion caused by storms and big waves, as well as 

keeping the sediment from flowing out onto the reef and 

smothering the corals and seagrass. 

Besides being a protective barrier for the islands, 

the mangroves have many other contributing benefits to 

a healthy eco-system. One of those benefits is that the 

mangrove forest serves as a nursery and safe haven for 

many species. Juvenile reef and lemon sharks stay in the 

safety of the mangroves for about two years, where they 

are safe from predators in the shallow water and dense 

root system. The juvenile sharks (pups) use this time to 

grow and practice hunting little fish, learning the skills 

they will need to survive out on the reef. Juvenile sea turtles 

not only use this safe haven to grow and hide from 

predators—there is a rich source of vegetation for them 

in the mangroves, increasing their survival odds. 

While we move through the forest, the sound of birds 

chirping and leaves rustling is a calm and peaceful sound. 

The gentle movement of the water flowing under us is 

42 www.timespub.tc

Top: This isolated red mangrove bush is located in Stakes Bank near South Caicos, and serves one of the few frigatebird rookeries remaining 

in the Turks & Caicos. 

Bottom: A flamboyance of Caribbean flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) take flight near Vine Point in the Ramsar Nature Reserve on the south 

coast of Middle Caicos. 


This startlingly spectacular image is actually an ecological disaster. It was taken in 2018 when the estuary between McCartney Cay and Hog 

Cay, which is one of the longest mangrove channels in the country, was completely closed off with sargassum. That location is typically one 

of the most scenic areas in the TCI, and the water is usually turquoise.

This peaceful evening scene takes place at the Northwest Point Pond Nature Reserve on Providenciales, one of TCI’s true treasures. 

mesmerizing, washes away outside thoughts and brings 

you to a mental place of clarity. You can almost feel the 

intellectual connection between the plants and creatures 

here. It’s very difficult to explain in words—it’s something 

you have to experience. It allows you to connect 

with nature in a very raw way, and to connect to your own 

inner peace without the clutter and white noise of everyday 

life. It is an opportunity to unplug manmade sounds 

and hear nature’s voice. 

The water rises and falls up to three feet here in these 

mangroves of Providenciales, and as it changes, so does 

the activity level. When the tide is high and the channel is 

at its deepest, we see sea turtles swimming in the middle 

and watch juvenile reef and lemon sharks swimming out 

in the open and circling our boards, chasing little fish. 

These pups are about two feet in length and can move 

astonishingly fast. When the tide starts to recede, the 

creatures use this as a sign to return to the shade of the 

roots until the next rise, as the tropical sun is extreme 

and harsh on the shallow, unshaded water. 

The mangroves appear to have an intelligence all 

their own. The plants never grow in the channel, yet keep 

the perimeter thick and lush, as if the plants somehow 

speak to one another to know the water must flow in and 

out to keep the delicate ecosystem intact. 

It is no secret that one of the most adverse and 

destructive effects of climate change today is coral 

bleaching. It is happening in all the world’s oceans and is 

predicted to worsen as more carbon is absorbed by the 

sea. Here’s something that may not be so well known: 

Mangrove plants have the capability to clean the air we 

breathe by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide up to 

ten times more than a comparably sized terrestrial forest. 

This is crucial in the continuous battle against climate 

change and these special forests are key in saving the 

oceans. With coral reefs being the foundation of marine 

life, the very real possibility of their death is disastrous 

for the planet. The reduction of carbon in the water 

means the reduction of coral bleaching. This is vital! 

Another way mangrove forests could be key in saving 

the reefs is by providing shelter for coral species at 

risk of extinction from bleaching. Baby corals grow within 

the mangrove roots, and once mature enough, can be 

transplanted to the reef, aiding natural growth and reproduction. 

What I learned from my adventure in this forest is 

46 www.timespub.tc

how crucial mangroves are, not only for keeping coastlines 

safe from storms and surge, but in their role in 

protecting so many species of life that rely on them for 

safety and nourishment. I also learned how important it 

is to educate people on these amazing ecosystems and 

their role in the “big picture” of all life. Mangroves must 

be protected—once they are gone, they cannot simply 

be replanted. Because they actually hold the coastline 

in place and give it its shape, once gone the land will 

erode, giving way to tide and current, which will change 

the coastline permanently. 

As my time in the magical forest of mangroves came 

to an end, I left feeling privileged to have experienced it 

and to have heard the message in its voice. I will visit this 

amazing ecosystem again, not only to continue learning 

all I can about life here, but also to allow myself to unplug 

again and soak up the peace that one can only experience 

in the quiet of nature. 

At the end of the day, Kite Provo delivered far and 

above my expectations on this adventure. I was filled 

with so much educational information, generating just 

as many questions for my next jaunt in the mangroves. 

Please remember that when visiting this special place to 

respect the creatures and plants, and to keep your feet off 

the bottom. Try to minimize the impact of your presence 

there and, as always, take only pictures and memories as 

your souvenirs. Protect . . . Conserve . . . Preserve. a 

The longest established legal practice 

in the Turks & Caicos Islands 

Real Estate Investments 

& Property Development 

Immigration, Residency 

& Business Licensing 

Company & Commercial Law 

Trusts & Estate Planning 

Banking & Insurance 

1 Caribbean Place, P.O. Box 97 

Leeward Highway, Providenciales 

Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI 

Ph: 649 946 4344 • Fax: 649 946 4564 

E-Mail: dempsey@tciway.tc 

Cockburn House, P.O. Box 70 

Market Street, Grand Turk 

Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI 

Ph: 649 946 2245 • Fax: 649 946 2758 

E-Mail: ffdlawco@tciway.tc 


The Northwest Point Pond Nature Reserve is a remote inland pond system on Providenciales, and is home to the most impressive red mangrove 

forests on the island. The interior pond of this nature reserve is tidal, with underwater cave systems.

COURTESY TURKS & CAICOS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

usiness 

Opposite page: Bruce Willis’s 7.37 acre beachfront property on Parrot Cay was recently sold for $27 million, just short of becoming the island’s 

most expensive piece of real estate, according to listing agent Nina Siegenthaler of Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty. There is a 

five-bedroom main house, a yoga pavilion and two guest casitas. 

Above: As Bruce Willis’s agent for seven years, John Galleymore was able to utilize local contractors and suppliers in order to control the 

escalating maintenance program. 

COURTESY TURKS & CAICOS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 

Don’t Worry, I’ve Got This! 

Protecting the interests of owners and investors. 

By John Galleymore 

ISLAND LIVING . . . It’s a common misconception that life in the Islands is a stress-free routine of lounging 

in hammocks, drinking rum cocktails and watching sunsets. Yes, while that may happen some of the time, 

for the majority of us in order to play hard, we have to work hard. 


COURTESY TURKS & CAICOS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 

Parrot Cay serves as a get-away place to many celebrities, including Donna Karan, Bruce Willis, Keith Richards and other lesser-known but 

equally successful people. 

Island living for a resident expatriate like me and my 

wife Sally has its challenges, but we deal with them and 

embrace the Caribbean way of life, its culture and the 

wonderful people that live here. We can tell tales of quirky 

“island” situations that we’ve all had to deal with, mostly 

with a smile and a dose of patience and understanding! 

For the most part, folks visiting the Turks & Caicos 

Islands are on vacation and the gracious staff of resorts, 

restaurants and spas, along with transportation and tour 

operators, cater for their every need. A fair share of those 

visitors choose to invest here, most often in a vacation 

property. For those “newbies,” the Islands take on a 

whole different persona when they enter the realms of 

real estate and property development. Dealing with architects, 

contractors, tradesmen, government permits and 

the like is far removed from what they may be used to 

“back home” and it’s easy to get stuck along the way. And 

here, becoming unstuck can end up costing big bucks! 

I originally arrived in the Turks & Caicos Islands in 

2006 to work on a huge hotel development on West 

Caicos. In spite of having spent many years in UK construction, 

I still had a very steep learning curve of how 

things were done in the Islands. Luckily, I was working 

with Projetech Ltd., one of the longest-standing and most 

John Galleymore (far right) had the opportunity to talk with former US 

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle during a recent project 

in the British Virgin Islands. 

reputable building companies on Providenciales, so the 

issue of quality was never a problem. 

Sometime after this experience, I ended up on Parrot 

Cay—home to many celebrities—and found myself in the 

villas of Donna Karan, Bruce Willis and Keith Richards, as 

52 www.timespub.tc

well as other lesser-known but equally successful people. 

It was during this time that my personal ethos of treating 

everyone equally really came to light. I was asked in passing 

by a wealthy owner what my thoughts were on some 

expensive outdoor woodwork that was being installed, 

after all, he commented, “It’s costing me half a million 

dollars.” I politely pointed out that if the contractor had 

used stainless steel screws, there’s a good chance he 

john redmond associates ltd. 

architects & designers 

construction consultants 

project management 

would not have to take it all up and re-do it in five years! 

To say he was shocked was an understatement, and the 

fault was soon remedied at the contractor’s expense, who 

had actually quoted for stainless steel screws but opted 

to save thousands of dollars by using regular. 

Over the years, I have picked up on a fairly common 

theme. 

Cays Winter 

Not 

Times 

one of 

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or 

AM 

wrongdoing, 

Page 1 

but more that some workers and contractors sometimes 

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Serving international & domestic clients in real estate, property development, 

mortgages, corporate & commercial matters, immigration, & more. 

TEL 649.946.4261 TMW@TMWLAW.TC WWW.TWAMARCELINWOLF.COM 

Hugh final_Layout 1 5/29/17 1:15 PM Page 1 

P 

E 

R 

S 

HUGH G. O’NEILL 

& 

ATTORNEYSN 

AT 

L AW 

P.O. Box 267 

Hibernian House 

1136 Leeward Highway 

Providenciales 

Turks and Caicos Islands 

B.W.I. 

Tel 649-946-4514 

Fax 649-946-4955 

Email hugh.oneill@hgoneillco.tc 

C 

CO. O 

N 

F 

I 

D 

E 

N 

T 

I 

A 

L 

cut corners and occasionally “overlook” some cost-critical 

items. For the unwary investor, this can cost hugely. 

Fortunately, the majority of TCI’s established quantity 

surveyors, architects and building managers, including 

those whose ads you see in this magazine, work to protect 

their clients from maintenance problems caused by 

the harsh Caribbean environment. 

I have found myself assisting new owners and developers 

all over the Caribbean, South America, UK and USA. 

As an experienced project manager drawing on 35 years 

of construction experience, I can view a project not just 

from a contractor’s viewpoint, but also from the owner’s. 

This is especially critical if the owner has little or no 

construction experience, is not on island, or commonly, 

both. It’s imperative they have someone whose sole focus 

is protecting their investment. 

Bruce Willis has a fabulous private estate on Parrot 

Cay that was just recently sold for an astonishing $27 

million. When I was lucky enough to meet him, I actually 

offended him by being critical of his property. However, 

once he realized all the items I highlighted were actually 

issues he had been reliant on (and paying) others to fix 

for years, he realized that I was not a “Yes man” and that 

I’d tell it to him straight—good or bad. He looked me in 

the eye and said, “I need someone to have my back!” I 

replied, “I got this . . .” 

I viewed his property as I do any other, regardless 

of size or who owns it—I treat it as my property. If there 

is work being done or an expenditure to cover, I always 

think, “Would I accept this on my house? Would I pay this 

much for this item if it were my money?” 

I normally start by arranging a full survey of the property 

and highlight where costs can be saved and what 

work needs to be done. Home-running costs—utilities, 

staff, maintenance—can be quite high, often excessive. 

Over time, with the use of some great workers, local suppliers 

and successful TCI vendors, we reduced the annual 

expenditure on the Willis estate from close to a million 

dollars to around $300,000. 

You don’t have to be a celebrity to live in the beautiful 

Turks & Caicos Islands, and many people own modest 

homes and villas. It’s a very common practice to own a 

second vacation home and rent it out to offset the running 

costs. This can be very lucrative if handled in the 

correct way. 

When starting out on a potential rental-income property 

investment or vacation home, there are a number of 

key factors to consider: 

54 www.timespub.tc

1. The property location; 

2. The property’s condition and works needed; 

3. Choosing contractors, architects and suppliers; 

4. Deciding who will manage the property; and 

5. Choosing a property manager. 

Location 

As with any property purchase, this is paramount and 

even more so for an island rental. Over the years, focus 

has shifted from the “key” areas of Leeward and Grace 

Bay out to Long Bay, Turtle Tail and Chalk Sound. Good 

island knowledge is invaluable when advising on location 

or predicting the next upcoming “hot spot.” 

Property condition 

A glance through the bi-annual Turks & Caicos Real Estate 

Association’s magazine Turks & Caicos Islands Real 

Estate or the corresponding MLS system at www.tcrea. 

com shows that a tremendous number of properties on 

island are for sale, and that is quite normal. Homes are 

often finished to a very high standard and many are listed 

almost immediately. 

If you wish to buy a turn-key property, there is a 

vast array available. However, some investors may wish 

to either buy a fixer-upper or break ground and build a 

bespoke property. Buying a run-down or even half-finished 

building may seem daunting, but with the right 

guidance and crew onboard, it will soon be transformed 

into your dream home in paradise. 

JOHN GALLEYMORE 

Choosing the professionals 

Whatever condition the property you choose, at some 

point you may need to employ the services of a professional 

contractor, engineer or architect—and possibly 

all three! The larger, long-established contractors tend 

to have more in-house protocols for quality assurance, 

scheduling, payment schedules and progress reporting. 

Recent years have seen the emergence of competent and 

professional independent contractors, who are able to 

produce extremely high-end work, often without the overheads 

of a larger company. That said, the type of project 

you are undertaking will determine the contractor and 

this decision should be taken carefully. 

Engineers and architects will often already be 

involved in larger projects such as house builds and large 

renovations. You should determine if acting as a client’s 

representative is within their designated scope of works. 

They can be an excellent resource for any homeowner. 

The donkeys that roam across Salt Cay are descendants of the animals 

that worked during the salt producing days. 

This collection of home disasters seen by the author shows the importance 

of preventative maintenance and using property managers with 

experience and know-how. 


Property management 

Once the house is completed, the furnishings are in, and 

the pool is cleaned, it may be time to think about heading 

home to North America or Europe. That’s when you 

need to decide who is going to look after your new piece 

of paradise. 

Firstly, a decision is made whether to rent it for an 

income or keep it secure as a visiting vacation home for 

you and family. Renting brings many benefits—income 

to offset expenditure being the main focus. However, it 

can also bring headaches—legislation that needs to be 

adhered to, such as standards for renting (fire and pool 

regulations included); taxes and service charges that 

need to be billed and paid to government; regular maintenance; 

guest issues and complaints—soon it can all seem 

too much. 

Even just having a home locked up until you return 

can bring its own set of issues—who will check it regularly 

for leaks, bugs or storm damage? Sometimes, even 

a simple fix has a way of becoming very complicated too! 

A reliable and professional property manager will 

take all this stress away from you—but for a fee, of 

course. How your home is managed will determine how 

much you pay. You will need to decide on such things 

as bookings, payments, and who will manage those. The 

taxes and charges collected from guests must be paid 

regularly to the TCI Government or fines can be incurred. 

Cleaning, maintenance, grocery stocking and meet-andgreet 

are amongst a long list of tasks needed to run a 

successful property. 

For these services, managers will charge up to 20%, 

although 15% is more normal. This can end up being a 

large chunk of income that you will need to account for 

to run your property. If the home is secured and vacant, 

a set monthly fee should be agreed on in return for a 

regular duty. Some owners choose to offset expenses by 

taking care of such things as online booking themselves. 

This can save money, but your time value needs to be 

weighed up against the savings made. 

Choosing a manager/caretaker 

What to look for in a reliable manager? For me, the most 

important attributes are commitment and attitude—a 

manager who is 100% focused on your property. A reliable 

manager should be sending weekly updates on the 

property, as well as looking ahead for any maintenance 

issues. There is an old saying about “putting out fires” 

and this is often the case (thankfully, not literally) with 

many property managers. They will REACT to an issue 

(blocked drain, faulty A/C) and not be PROACTIVE in preventative 

actions. 

They should also be aware of property expenditure 

and spend your money as if it was their own. Quite often I 

am told by owners that a repair part, service or goods has 

been purchased with no regard to its cost or research into 

cheaper alternatives. I once had someone buy a replacement 

part for a septic tank costing $1,700 that could 

have been bought online for $120 had they just carried 

out some basic research. 

To summarize, a professional manager will: 

• Send a weekly update as to the house, its condition 

and any issues. 

• Instigate a full PPM (Pre-planned Maintenance Program) 

to ensure potential issuse are caught early. 

• Obtain tenders and price comparisons for goods, services 

and materials needed. 

• Visit the house regularly, in person, whether occupied 

or not, to check for issues. 

• Warn you of advancing storms and protect/secure the 

house as needed. 

• Visit the home within 24 hours of any major storm to 

report back on its condition. 

Owning a piece of paradise is a dream that is available 

to you if you set your heart to it! With some good 

research and dedication, you will be able to surround 

yourself with a great team who will love your home as 

much as you do! a 

John Galleymore operates a successful homeowners/ concierge 

service in the TCI. He consults, advises and acts 

as an owner’s representative on properties worldwide. 

To contact him for advice, call (649) 232 7083 or email 

compasstci@gmail.com. 

John Galleymore makes the rounds of a private estate. 

56 www.timespub.tc

South Bank launches The Boathouses 

In the Spring 2019 issue of Times 

of the Islands, we introduced you to 

the intriguing new residential resort 

community of South Bank. Located on 

Providenciales’ ruggedly beautiful south 

shore at Long Bay, it is the latest idyllic 

retreat by Windward Development, 

specialists in creating unique waterfront 

properties. Debuting this fall are The 

Boathouses at South Bank, the first of 

their kind on the Islands. 

The South Bank property, spanning 

31 acres east of Caicos Marina, with 230 

feet of beachfront along Long Bay Beach 

and 2,000 feet of picturesque ironshore, 

beckons with a siren song to water lovers. 

I took a bike ride along the road lining the property 

one afternoon this summer, and couldn’t tear my eyes 

from the vast expanse of gleaming deep blue sea that 

lapped at the shore. If I had access to a boat, kayak 

or paddle board, I would have been skimming those 

luscious waters. 

I suspect that’s why South Bank is adding The 

Boathouses to the two already introduced neighborhoods: 

The Lagoon, an intimate community of twelve 

villas surrounding a swimming beach lagoon, and The 

Ocean Estate, a collection of eight contemporary beach 

and oceanfront homes. Abundant in space and light, 

the 38 Boathouses are in the The Launch neighborhood 

on the marina waterfront, each with a private dock 

directly on the back terrace—a TCI first. Designed as 

a modern Caribbean streetscape surrounding a central 

pool and relaxation area, The Boathouses offer the 

perfect balance of community, views and space, with 

prices starting at $795,000. 

The one-bedroom Boathouse covers 1,918 square 

feet of interior and exterior living space on two levels. 

The living and dining areas are on either side of a 

contemporary kitchen on the ground floor, with an outdoor 

dining terrace seemingly floating above the water. 

There is also a lower terrace for easy boat and water 

access. The second level holds an oversized master 

suite with large walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. 

The efficient two-bedroom Boathouse offers 2,077 

square feet of living space on its two levels, with the 

second bedroom on the upper floor and including 

ensuite bathrooms, spacious closets and a terrace. It 

The contemporary styled Boathouses in South Bank’s Launch neighborhood are 

available with optional rooftop terraces with expansive water views. 

represents outstanding value. 

The three-bedroom Boathouse measures a generous 

2,839 square feet over three levels. The master 

bedroom expands across the entire third floor and 

offers panoramic water views. 

Ownership includes use of the community area 

with pool (equally suited for sun worshippers and keen 

swimmers), and a spacious lounging patio with hammocks, 

BBQs, changing rooms and bathrooms. 

Blee Halligan are the architects bringing South 

Bank to life. According to Greg Blee, “We designed 

The Boathouses to create a welcoming, peaceful 

atmosphere where everything is at hand. These 

contemporary townhouses surround a central entertainment 

area, designed as an extension of the villas 

to create a cohesiveness in design and materiality. 

Some homes have the option for a roof terrace, while 

all boast an outdoor dining deck suspended over the 

water and stunning views over Juba Sound, the marina, 

mangroves and Caicos Bank beyond.” 

South Bank, managed by renowned Grace Bay 

Resorts, is anchored by a full-service marina and at full 

build-out, amenities will include a fitness center and 

spa, tennis court, clubhouse with pool, bar and restaurant, 

café, lagoon peninsula with lounging cabanas, 

non-motorized watersports and Long Bay Beach access. 

Water taxi and boat concierge services ensure living or 

staying at South Bank is effortless for boat owners. a 

For more information, see South Bank’s ad on page 7 

or visit livesouthbank.com. 


The Leading Private Bank in the Turks and Caicos Islands 

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Wealth Management • Bonds/Fixed Income 

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Stocks/Equities • Precious Metals 

Fixed deposits/CD’s • International Transfers 

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The Regent Village, Unit H102, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales 

Tel: +649 941 4994 

Email: services@tcbc.tc • www.tcbc.tc 

Regulated by the Financial Services Commission, Turks & Caicos Islands

astrolabe 

newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum 

front street, p.o. box 188, grand turk, turks & caicos islands, bwi 

tel 649 946 2160 • fax 649 946 2160 • email info@tcmuseum.org • web www.tcmuseum.org 

Jill Beckingham, wife of former TCI Governor HE Peter Beckingham, 

painted this scene of the National Museum’s original site in Guinep 

House on Grand Turk. 

A National Museum System 

TURKS & CAICOS NATIONAL MUSEUM COLLECTION 

There has been a lot of debate recently on social media platforms over the expansion of the National 

Museum into Providenciales, with a strong voice that it should only be in Grand Turk. We have dedicated 

a lot of space in the Astrolabe to this discussion. In the Winter 2017/18 issue, Dr. Donald Keith discussed 

why it is important for the Museum to move to Providenciales; in the Spring 2019 edition, Vanessa 

Pateman explained why national museums and archives are important. 

In TCI, the National Museum must look to serve the population of multiple islands. In order to serve 

the largest number of Belongers, we must expand our operations to where the bulk of those people 

are located. In fact, we should think of the Museum as not a single location or building, but a system 

designed to serve multiple people and locations. 

The role of the National Museum is to serve as a repository of the TCI’s collective past. Our mission 

involves recording, interpreting, preserving and celebrating the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands 

and its people. The Museum has hosted multiple events in both Grand Turk and Providenciales and we 

have many more upcoming. In this edition of Astrolabe, you will read the first of several articles on the 

TCI during the World Wars. Additionally, we share our plans for the development of new exhibitions on 

Grand Turk. a 

Michael P. Pateman, Ph.D., Director, Turks & Caicos National Museum 


astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum 

REVELL 

This image depicts the type of German submarine (U-154) that stalked the area around the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos during World War II. 

TCI in WWI & WWII 

Survivors of U-Boat strikes on Stifinder (1918) and Vineland (1942). 

By Capt. Eric Wiberg ~ Images Courtesy Eric Wiberg 

Recently, the topic of German and Italian submarine depredations in the Turks & Caicos Islands, Bahamas, 

Caribbean and US has risen to the surface more often. This includes knowledge of the discovery of the 

arrival of German naval ship SMS Karlsruhe’s jolly boat in Hope Town, Abaco in 1914. However, few may 

know the extent of German submarine attacks in and near the Turks & Caicos in both world wars. 

60 www.timespub.tc


In World War I (WWI) from 1914 to 1918, 116 

US-flagged ships and sailing vessels were sunk near the 

Americas out of 174 US vessels. In World War II (WWII), 

the US lost 470 ships in the Americas out of 1,554 total 

(ussmm.org). Furthermore, in WWII, 5,000 Allied died in 

US waters—twice the death rate of Pearl Harbour and a 

third more than the 9/11 attacks. 

In WWI, not only was there a fear that German surface 

raiders might return to the Bahamas, but concerns 

that German submarines might attack were very real as 

well. This was underscored by the arrival of Norwegian 

merchant sailors after three weeks on the inhospitable 

sea at TCI. The Stifinder was a steel sailing ship on a voyage 

from New York to Freemantle, Australia with drums 

of petroleum when it was intercepted and sunk roughly 

800 miles southeast of Bermuda on October 13, 1918 by 

U-152 under Adolf Franz. 

Whilst ten crew made it to New Jersey, the other boat 

with Captain Gustave Bjorckman and seven sailors spent 

23 days covering 1,000 miles in harsh conditions, landing 

at Grand Turk, on November 5. The skipper recounted 

how they were overturned and for the last eight days had 

no equipment; that they were guided over the reefs at the 

base of a lighthouse during an almost biblical calm, and 

that on making shore clad in half a pair of trousers and a 

vest, he fell over four times. This brought the war literally 

to TCI Islanders’ doorstep. 

WWII German commander Walther Kölle’s submarine, 

the U-154, was to return to the area around the 

Bahamas and Turks & Caicos four times. The Canadian 

dry-bulk ship Vineland was the only Canadian vessel 

sunk in the region during the conflict. Launched in 1919 

by the American International Shipbuilding Company of 

Hog Island, Pennsylvania, she performed at least one 

“immigrant” voyage. In 1928, Izaak Walton Killam (an 

understudy of Lord Beaverbrook, or Max Aitken, who 

went on to own Gun Point, an estate facing Spanish Wells 

in North Eleuthera) founded the Mersey Paper Company. 

That firm purchased the Sapinero in March of 1940 and 

renamed her the Vineland. 

Captain Ralph A. Williams of Nova Scotia was placed 

in charge of a total complement of 37 men, including 

three Royal Canadian Naval Reserve gunners to man a 

two-inch gun on an aft platform. His brother Charlie commanded 

another of the company’s ships. The Canadian 

Shipping Board’s Department of Transport called the 

From top: The Norwegian barque Stifinder is under sail with casual 

German submariners in the foreground, prior to the ship being sunk 

by charges in the North Atlantic. The next image shows the Stifinder 

sinking. Her men rowed and sailed over 1,000 nautical miles to the 

Turks & Caicos Islands. 

ship to service carrying bauxite from the Virgin Islands 

to Portland, Maine. The Vineland was a steam-propelled 

cargo ship which could carry 7,800 tons of cargo. Her 

gross registered tonnage was 5,587, its length overall 

was 401 feet, her beam was 54 feet, and draft 24.5 feet. 

Her registered speed was 12 knots via a quadruple-expansion 

engine. 

On April 10, 1942 the Vineland left Portland in ballast, 

bound for St. Thomas to load bauxite. The ship hugged 

the American coast on the voyage down, not setting off 

for the open ocean until after it had passed Hatteras. 

On the way through the “torpedo junction” the crew 

observed, “around Diamond Shoals off the Carolinas, you 

could see where the submarines had chased ships right 

up onto the shoals, and they were sinking. They were 

afire, there were a lot of bodies around. We seen bodies 

pretty near every day.” 

At 2:03 PM local time on April 20, 1942, while in a 

position roughly 90 miles north of Mayaguana and North 



Caicos islands, Kölle fired two G7a-type torpedoes at the 

ship. None of the lookouts spotted the submarine, its 

periscope, or torpedoes at first, since the U-boat attacked 

from the direction of the strong mid-day sun. The weather 

was fine, with only a gentle swell. The first torpedo struck 

aft and a second missile porpoised to the surface and 

missed astern. Ralph Kelly, who was serving as a mess 

boy and leaning over the rail at the time, saw the torpedo 

hit. “It hit between the gun crew and myself, right back 

by number four hatch. I was about fifty feet from where 

it hit . . . While we were gettin’ ready to put the lifeboats 

over the side, we seen the second torpedo go by us.” 

The damage from the first torpedo was significant 

enough that the aerials were brought down and there was 

no time for the radio operator to rig an emergency aerial 

and call for help. Nor could the gun be brought to bear. 

Kelly was in a lifeboat with the Chief Cook. Because the 

oil from the galley stove spilled into the lifeboat, soaking 

everyone in it, a number of the crew leapt into the water. 

One of them was Oiler J. Lawrence Hanson. “This other 

young fella jumped out. What happened to him, they 

think either the gang plank or the funnel from the ship hit 

him.” Kelly and the cook then went around collecting men 

in the lifeboat. Two boats got away from the ship with 

everyone except the young Hanson, who was drowned. 

After the surviving crew had scrambled off the ship, Kölle 

fired a coup-de-grace which hit amidships and broke the 

stern section completely at 2:20 PM. After U-154’s crew 

sent five rounds of deck artillery into her waterline at the 

bow, the Vineland sank quickly. 

Kelly wryly notes that the sinking occurred on Hitler’s 

birthday, but he described the aggressors as “reasonably 

good, didn’t bother us. He [Kölle] just went in and out 

of the lifeboats like that, takin’ pictures of us.” Captain 

Williams was so wary of being taken captive by the 

Germans that he threw his braided Captain’s cap away, 

lest he be recognized as the Master. Kelly continued: “The 

Germans gave us cigarettes, asked the captain where he 

was goin’ to and what he was going to carry, if we needed 

medical aid, and told us the nearest course to land. One 

course was ninety miles and the other was a thousand, so 

you could take your pick . . .” U-154 left the men heading 

east on the surface. 

Left on the open ocean with no ship and no sub, the 

men started to row and sail southwards, toward the TCI, 

though Mayaguana and Acklins Island were roughly equi- 

Captain Ralph Williams was Master of the Vineland, about which he 

was fond of saying was a “V” for “Victory.” 

distant and further downwind. On the evening of about 

the third day the survivors sighted what they assumed 

was an Allied passenger ship on its way to rescue them. 

However, whether the ship sighted the survivors or 

not, it turned away and steamed over the horizon. As 

a result, the Vineland survivors were convinced that it 

was a German supply ship and that they had been spared 

captivity. For the remaining three or so days of their fiveday 

voyage the winds were light and the men made little 

progress, though the islands were tantalizingly close. 

Kelly described those days as “just driftin’ around” and 

said it might have been a week. 

For at least one of the crew, the lifeboat voyage was 

traumatic. According to the family which tended to him 

on Grand Turk, “the man was badly injured having gone 

overboard to repair an awning. Something came up from 

the depths and bit his foot so badly that he stayed at the 

hospital on Grand Turk while the others returned to duty.” 

Several locals reported that there was a teenager about 

the Vineland, which they confused for being a British ship 

(of course they never saw the ship). “One young crew 

member, who seemed to be just a boy, really, was a nervous 

wreck, having been torpedoed three times.” 

62 www.timespub.tc


This chart depicts the path of sunken Vineland and its survivors. 

On April 23, the three lifeboats which had managed 

to stay together were discovered by the British sloop 

Emily Conway, which was built in 1940 and owned by 

James M. Clarke of Blue Hills, Caicos Island. According 

to the Turks & Caicos Islands Annual Colonial Report, 

“The S.S. Vineland was torpedoed, but her crew of 35 

was picked up by a Caicos sloop.” The fishermen towed 

the lifeboats to Chalk Sound, Providenciales. The men 

had suffered from sunburn, as well as dehydration, but 

were otherwise fit. None of them required hospitalization. 

Apparently two of the boats landed on one side of 

the town of Providenciales, and the third on another. 

According to one survivor, “On the first little island, the 

lifeboats were on different sides, so I don’t know what 

happened with the other two. Where we were there was 

one old man and one boy and no supplies. But the old 

man did give us some banti roosters to kill and eat.” 

Kelly writes, “Fishermen picked us up . . . in the Turks 

Island. That night we got ashore, they scrubbed us and 

scrubbed us, trying to get the oil out . . . For some reason 

or other they wouldn’t let us stay there.” This is likely 

because the community would have been hard-pressed to 

adequately provide for 36 hungry men. Captain Williams 

states that the Emily Conway (he named her the Emily F. 

Back in Halifax, Canada, a reunion was held for Vineland survivors. 

Convey), took them to Grand Turk on April 24. Kelly continues, 

“ . . . this fishin’ boat took us from there to Grand 

Turk and that’s where we stayed for a couple of weeks. 

They gave us clothes that they didn’t think they’d need at 

that time. They sold us all their cigarettes they could possibly 

spare because they were on rations too, you might 

as well say, ‘cause a ship only come around about every 

six or eight weeks’.” a 

To be continued . . . 



This is Vineland survivor Erlin Conrad in his later life. 

Nautical author and historian Eric Wiberg is the 

author of a dozen books on maritime history, particularly 

in the Bahamas where he grew up, has published over 

100 articles and spoken in multiple mediums at least 50 

times. His research is kept in the national collections of 

three nations and a maritime college, and Vanity Fair has 

featured him. 

Wiberg has operated over 100 yachts, many of them 

as captain. A licensed Master since 1995, he is qualified 

as a maritime lawyer, with a Master’s in Marine Affairs, 

a year at Oxford, and a certificate in screenwriting. He 

commercially operated nine tankers from Singapore for 

three years, and worked briefly for two salvage firms. 

Other jobs have included executive head-hunting, shipping 

newspaper salesman, and marketer of a tug-boat 

fleet. A citizen of US and Sweden, he lives in Boston near 

his son Felix. He can be contacted at: eric@ericwiberg. 

com. 

Join the Museum 

Become a Member of the 

Turks & Caicos National 

Museum and receive a 

year’s subscription to Times of the Islands (which 

includes Astrolabe), free admission to the Museum 

and other benefits. 

Senior (62+) $35 • Individual $50 

Family/Friend $100 • Sponsor $250 

Contributor $500 • Partner $750 

We have several options for joining: 

• Visit the Museum at our Providenciales location at 

The Village at Grace Bay or our Grand Turk location 

in Guinep House on Front Street. 

• Visit our website at 

www.tcmuseum.org/membership-support/. 

• Send US checks to: Dr. Toni L. Carrell, Friends of 

the Turks & Caicos National Museum, 39 Condesa 

Road, Santa Fe, NM 87508 

*For U.S. residents, support of the Museum may be tax-deductible 

if you join via Friends of the Turks & Caicos National 

Museum, our affiliated institution and registered 501 (c) (3). 

64 www.timespub.tc


Many Museum visitors have an interest in and questions about the salt industry. A new exhibit is planned to focus on that period of history. 

One is Silver, the Other Gold 

Plans are to build a new Museum while enhancing the original. 

By Lisa Turnbow-Talbot ~ Images Courtesy Turks & Caicos National Museum Foundation 

There has been a great deal of attention recently regarding the fundraising for a new building to house 

the National Museum in Providenciales. It is important to clarify that this is an extension of the Museum 

on Grand Turk and not a replacement. Grand Turk is the site of the original National Museum and will 

continue to thrive with continued funding and participation of the community and supporters. Museums 

are a part of a system of historic preservation, so we would like our supporters to understand that while 

a new building is in the works for Providenciales, it is an extension of the facility on Grand Turk, as is any 

part of the National Museum—a system. 



This photo shows US Vice President Lyndon Johnson shaking hands with astronaut John Glenn at the Grand Turk Airport on February 23, 1962. 

Programs and events at the National Museum’s 

Grand Turk location have been revitalized over the last 

few years to increase community involvement. The feature 

event of the year was July’s cook-off competition, 

“Grub, Grill and Good Times.” The annual Museum Day 

will be held on November 2, 2019. We continue to offer 

a monthly Children’s Club, movie night and Evening with 

the Experts. All of these programs are purposed to raise 

funds for the Grand Turk museum and increase community 

involvement and awareness. 

Starting in September 2019 and continuing into 2020, 

we will begin implementing upgrades to existing exhibits 

and adding new ones on Grand Turk. This will enhance 

the museum’s focus on the history of the Islands. 

The Lucayan Room, which includes invaluable artifacts 

from that time period, will be moved downstairs. The 

Native American people that were the original inhabitants 

are a significant part of Turks & Caicos Islands history 

and we want the area to be more accessible to visitors. 

The duho, paddle and other artifacts will have new display 

cases, with additional information on the Lucayans’ 

lifestyle from new studies will be included. 

A new Salt Industry exhibit will also be added downstairs. 

The museum has many old photos from the Salt 

Industry era and we find that our visitors—both locals 

and tourists—have an interest and many questions. This 

exhibit will focus on the families that were a part of the 

industry, with information about the slavery period and 

how the abolishment of slavery changed the industry and 

those who continued to work in the salt ponds. We are 

also developing educational material to enhance all learning 

experiences. 

The John Glenn exhibit will also be moved downstairs 

and expanded to have a child-friendly space and solar 

system learning center. The importance that Grand Turk 

played in this historical event will be highlighted. 

Moving these exhibits will allow us to have a space for 

the new People of the Islands exhibit. This presentation 

will include a kiosk where visitors can select a specific 

topic and will be educated with storytelling by those 

involved, including pictures, articles and information. The 

subjects will include: Boat Building, Salt Industry, Island 

Music, Everyday Life, Food of the Islands, Navy Base and 

more. 

66 www.timespub.tc


Programs and events at 

the Museum’s Grand Turk location 

have been revitalized over 

the last few years to increase 

community involvement. The 

feature event of the year was 

July’s cook-off competition, 

“Grub, Grill and Good Times.” 

The annual Museum Day will 

be held on November 2, 2019. 

We continue to offer a monthly 

Children’s Club, movie night 

and Evening with the Experts. 

All of these programs are 

purposed to raise funds for 

the Grand Turk museum and 

increase community involvement 

and awareness. 

Starting in September 

2019, we will begin implementing upgrades to existing 

exhibits and adding new ones on Grand Turk. This will 

enhance the Museum’s focus on the history of the Islands. 

The Lucayan Room, which includes invaluable artifacts 

from that time period, will be moved downstairs. The 

Native American people that were the original inhabitants 

are a significant part of Turks & Caicos Islands history 

and we want the area to be more accessible to visitors. 

The duho, paddle and other artifacts will have new display 

cases, with additional information on the Lucayans’ 

lifestyle from new studies included. 

A new Salt Industry exhibit will also be added downstairs. 

The museum has many old photos from the salt 

industry era and we find that our visitors—both locals 

and tourists—have an interest and many questions. This 

exhibit will focus on the families that were a part of the 

industry, with information about the slavery period and 

how the abolishment of slavery changed the industry and 

those who continued to work in the salt ponds. We are 

also developing educational material to enhance all learning 

experiences. 

The John Glenn exhibit will be moved downstairs and 

expanded to have a child-friendly space and solar system 

learning center. The importance that Grand Turk played 

in this historical event will be highlighted. 

Moving these exhibits will allow us to have a space 

This 1979 photograph shows JAGS McCartney (center) with a group including the pilot after the 

inaugural flight of Air Florida at the Grand Turk International Airport. He is one of many TCI leaders 

to be featured in the Museum’s new History of Governance exhibit. 

for the new People of the Islands exhibit. This presentation 

will include a kiosk where visitors can select a topic 

and be educated with storytelling by those involved, 

including pictures, articles and information. The subjects 

will include: Boat Building, Salt Industry, Island Music, 

Everyday Life, Food of the Islands, Navy Base and more. 

We will be adding a History of Governance exhibit that 

will focus on TCI’s modern self-governance, specifically 

the Chief Ministers and Premiers from 1976 to present. 

This room will include pictures and brief biographies of 

TCI leaders. It will also include information about historical 

moments and changes in government. An education 

supplement will also be developed for this exhibit. 

The Molasses Reef Wreck exhibits will be revitalized. 

They will remain in the main salon of the ground floor. 

The goal is to update the Museum to improve and 

enhance the overall visitor experience and increase the 

opportunities and ways that everyone can explore and 

learn. Increased use of technology will benefit all age 

groups. Interactive exhibits make the learning experience 

more personable and memorable. 

It is critical to mention that the Museum is a nonprofit 

organization and not directly supported or a part 

of government. This is a common misconception. There 

will not be a National Museum on either island without the 

valuable financial assistance of our loyal supporters. We 

are building a new museum but keeping the old, for “One 

is silver and the other gold.” a 



Museum Matters 

Fundraising gala 

In the presence of Hon. Premier Sharlene Cartwright- 

Robinson, Hon. Derek Taylor and Hon. Mike Eman, 

former prime minister of Aruba, the Turks & Caicos 

Islands National Museum Foundation (TCNMF) held its 

sold-out gala. The inaugural event took place at the 

beautiful Shore Club, sponsored by Stan Hartling and 

The Hartling Group. Its purpose was to launch the fundraising 

campaign for the new National Museum facility 

on Providenciales under the theme, “Building for the 

Future, to Protect the Past.” 

A specially-created TCI cultural show entertained gala guests. 

awards for their 27 years of volunteering on the Board 

of Directors and were presented with plaques made 

from the last three pieces of oak left over from the 

Museum’s Grandfather Clock and executive pens made 

of hurricane-damaged trees from the museum garden. 

We say “Thank You” to our many sponsors: The 

Hartling Group (The Shore Club, The Palms and 

The Sands), Ron Shaw, Karen Whitt, Martin Davies, 

Graceway IGA, Jackson Family Wines, TCI’s Ministry of 

Tourism, Gilley’s Enterprises, Turks & Caicos Banking 

Company, Turks & Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association, 

Ritz-Carlton, Amanyara, Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos 

Collection, Grace Bay Resorts, Grace Bay Foundation, 

The Shore Club was the venue for the Museum’s fund-raising gala. 

The gala was a resounding success and raised over 

$200,000! Funds came from ticket sales, event sponsorship, 

advertising, a silent auction, sale of engraved 

pavers and donations. This included a generous 

$100,000 from Martin and Donna Seim (son of the 

Museum’s original founder and board director, respectively) 

to name the main gallery in honor of the late Nils 

and Grethe Seim. 

During dinner, TCI cultural legend David Bowen and 

friends stunned the audience with a unique cultural 

show put together for the gala. It included dancing, 

singing and storytelling about family, fishing, bush 

medicine and times past, enhanced by the beautiful 

voice of TCI songbird Barbara Johnson. 

TCNMF Board Members Hon. Derek Taylor, Dr. Don 

Keith and Thomas Saunders all received long-service 

Hon. Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson presents a plaque to 

Hon. Derek Taylor for his long service to the Museum. 

Beaches Turks & Caicos, Wymara, Ocean Club, Fortis 

TCI, Turk’s Head Brewery, Price Waterhouse Coopers, 

Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s, Clearwater Capital, ERA 

68 www.timespub.tc


Coralie Properties, The Agency, Intercaribbean Airways, 

Olympic Construction Ltd., Projectech, Spa Tropique, 

High Point Resort Orlando, Grace Bay Car Rentals and 

Grace Bay Paint and Supply. Additionally, we appreciate 

the TCNMF team of professionals and volunteers, 

with special mention to Vanessa Pateman for her design 

work on the commemorative booklet and banners, and 

the Krieble Foundation for their incredible support 

spanning over a decade. a 

Photos By Sean Brady 

Back in the day 

The third annual Museum Day event, “Back in the Day,” 

was successfully held on June 21, 2019. Attendees 

stepped into the Caicos Heritage Homestead and were 

transported to the last century. They had the opportunity 

to observe, learn about and participate in many 

aspects of the traditional lifestyle typical to the early/ 

mid-1900s. 

Young participants learn how to make music with the ripsaw from 

TCI legend Zeus Butterfield. 

Handfield, Brenda Clare, Bill Clare, Cheryl Foreman, 

Pastor Goldston Williams, James (JJ) Parker, Dwight 

Myrie, Almartha Thomas, Lindsay Butterfield (Zeus), 

Alfred Robinson and Vaughn Hinds, Arthur Dean, 

Jahvian Braithwaite, Rachael Harvey, Abiola Streete, 

Shirley Atkins, Leeward Methodist Church Women’s 

Fellowship, Clement Howell Tourism Club, Enid Capron 

Primary School Rip Saw Band a 

Photos By Preston Dickenson 

Daphne Forbes demonstrates the traditional art of straw-weaving 

for the Back in the Day event. 

We say “thank you” to our sponsors: Department of 

Culture, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, Turks & Caicos 

National Trust, TC Marina, Turks Head Brewery, T&C 

Refreshments, Graceway IGA, CBMS Ltd., Island Bargains, 

International Waste Water Treatment Technologies Ltd., 

Friends of the Arts, Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police 

Force Grace Bay Branch, Provo Water Company Ltd. 

Thanks also to the Back in the Day team and volunteers: 

Emily Malcolm, Daphne Forbes, June Hawkins, 

Jane (Oleta) Missick and Alveria Duncombe, Bathel 

Memories of summer camp 2019 

There were many first-time experiences for our campers 

at the Museum’s 2019 Living History Summer Camp in 

The Village at Grace Bay, Providenciales. The making of 

ice cream using a hand-cranked ice cream maker with 

Mr. Simmons was a delicious memory. Another was the 

hydroponics farm; campers were fascinated with the 

concept and had many questions for Mr. Harrison. The 

visit to the desalination plant at Beaches Resort was 

another first, giving campers an even greater appreciation 

for water, our scare but vital resource. 

However, corn, with its origins attributed to the 

indigenous people of this region of the world, was the 

big story of the week. Each camper planted their own 

corn seeds and took them home to nurture into plants. 

They learned how to grind corn to make grits, roast 

corn on the fire and of course, pop it. Learning traditional 

dance steps from Mr. Bowen that culminated in 

a dance party was loads of fun, as was learning and 

playing the game of cricket with Coach Daryl. We did 

make time to enjoy a picnic on Little Water Cay and 

learn about the iguanas and mangroves. 



Liv’s Kitchen (Olivia Smith) took home the bragging 

rights of having the best barbeque chicken and best 

conch fritters on Grand Turk. The event was brought 

home with the soulful music of the Island Vibes Band. 

We say special thank you to all of our sponsors: 

TCI Government, specifically the Ministry of Tourism, 

Blue Water Divers, Bohio Drift Villa, Exclusive Escapes, 

Grand Turk Divers, Humpback Dive Shack, Jack Shack, 

Margaritaville, Morris Cottingham, Oasis Divers, Osprey 

Gardening Day was a big success at the Museum’s Living History 

Summer Camp. 

We say thank you to our sponsors and all who made 

this year’s camp the success that it was: Turks & Caicos 

Banking Company, Donna Seim, Mario Smith and the 

Department of Agriculture, Turks & Caicos National 

Trust, Turks & Caicos Cricket Association, Beaches 

Resort, Sunshine Nursery, David Bowen, Ian Harrison, 

Dekkel Simmons, Blovena Greene, Lloyd Stubbs, Ron 

Higgs, Tatiana Stubbs, Witlene Williams, Guilmese 

Gustave and Thania Phanord. 

Photos By Candianne Williams 

Grub, grill and good-times 

The first annual “Grub, Grill and Good-Times” cooking 

contest event was held on Grand Turk on July 20, 2019. 

It was a huge success, as Front Street was transformed 

into a barbeque/jerk chicken and conch fritter competitive 

cook-off venue. 

There was fun to be had whether or not you were involved in the 

cooking contest. 

Hotel, Salt Raker, Turks Head Brewery, and the Sand 

Bar. Thank you to the TCNM team on Grand Turk for 

their hard work and dedication towards making this 

event a success. a 

Photos By Vanessa Pateman 

Stories By Michael Pateman and Candianne Williams 

Island Vibes Band entertained the crowd at the “Grub, Grill and 

Good-Times” cooking contest event. 

70 www.timespub.tc

about the Islands 

Map provided courtesy Wavey Line Publishing. Their navigation charts and decorative and historic maps of the Turks & Caicos Islands, the 

Bahamas, and Hispaniola are available in shops throughout the Islands. Visit www.amnautical.com. 

Where we are 

The Turks & Caicos Islands lie some 575 miles southeast 

of Miami — approximately 1 1/2 hours flying time — 

with the Bahamas about 30 miles to the northwest and 

the Dominican Republic some 100 miles to the southeast. 

The country consists of two island groups separated 

by the 22-mile wide Columbus Passage. To the west are 

the Caicos Islands: West Caicos, Providenciales, North 

Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. To 

the east are the Turks Islands: Grand Turk and Salt Cay. 

The Turks & Caicos total 166 square miles of land 

area on eight islands and 40 small cays. The country’s 

population is approximately 36,500. 

Getting here 

There are international airports on Grand Turk, 

Providenciales, and South Caicos, with domestic airports 

on all of the islands except East Caicos. 

At this time, all of the major international carriers 

arrive and depart from Providenciales International 

Airport. American Airlines flies from Miami, Charlotte, 

Chicago, Dallas, New York/JFK and Philadelphia. JetBlue 

Airways offers service from Fort Lauderdale, Boston 

and New York/JFK. Southwest Airlines travels to Fort 

Lauderdale. Delta Airlines flies from Atlanta and New 

York/JFK. United Airlines travels from Chicago and 

Newark. WestJet travels from Toronto. Air Canada offer 

flights from Toronto. British Airways travels from London/ 

Gatwick via Antigua. 

72 www.timespub.tc

Bahamasair and InterCaribbean Airways fly to Nassau, 

Bahamas. Flights to: Antigua; Dominica; Cap Haitien 

and Port Au Prince, Haiti; Kingston and Montego Bay, 

Jamaica; Miami, Florida; Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo, 

Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Lucia; St. 

Maarten; Santiago, Cuba; and Tortola are available on 

InterCaribbean Airways, while Caicos Express travels to 

Cap Haitien daily. (Schedules are current as of August 

2019 and subject to change.) 

Inter-island service is provided by InterCaribbean 

Airways, Caicos Express Airways and Global Airways. Sea 

and air freight services operate from Florida. 

Language 

English. 

Time zone 

Eastern Standard Time (EST)/Daylight Savings Time 

observed. 

Currency 

The United States dollar. The Treasury also issues a Turks 

& Caicos crown and quarter. Travellers cheques in U.S. 

dollars are widely accepted and other currency can be 

changed at local banks. American Express, VISA, and 

MasterCard are welcomed at many locations. 

Climate 

The average year-round temperature is 83ºF (28ºC). The 

hottest months are September and October, when the 

temperature can reach 90 to 95ºF (33 to 35ºC). However, 

the consistent easterly trade winds temper the heat and 

keep life comfortable. 

Casual resort and leisure wear is accepted attire for 

daytime; light sweaters or jackets may be necessary on 

some breezy evenings. It’s wise to wear protective clothing 

and a sunhat and use waterproof sunscreen when out 

in the tropical sun. 

Entry requirements 

Passport. A valid onward or return ticket is also required. 

Customs formalities 

Visitors may bring in duty free for their own use one carton 

of cigarettes or cigars, one bottle of liquor or wine, 

and some perfume. The importation of all firearms including 

those charged with compressed air without prior 

approval in writing from the Commissioner of Police is 

strictly forbidden. Spear guns, Hawaiian slings, controlled 


drugs, and pornography are also illegal. 

Returning residents may bring in $400 worth of 

merchandise per person duty free. A duty of 10% to 

60% is charged on most imported goods along with a 

7% customs processing fee and forms a major source of 

government revenue. 

Transportation 

A valid driver’s license from home is suitable when renting 

vehicles. A government tax of 12% is levied on all 

rental contracts. (Insurance is extra.) Driving is on the 

left-hand side of the road, with traffic flow controlled by 

round-abouts at major junctions. Please don’t drink and 

drive! Taxis are abundant throughout the Islands and 

many resorts offer shuttle service between popular visitor 

areas. Scooter, motorcycle, and bicycle rentals are 

also available. 

Telecommunications 

FLOW Ltd. provides land lines and superfast broadband 

Internet service. Mobile service is on a LTE 4G network, 

including pre- and post-paid cellular phones. Most resorts 

and some stores and restaurants offer wireless Internet 

connection. Digicel operates mobile networks, with 

a full suite of LTE 4G service. FLOW is the local carrier 

for CDMA roaming on US networks such as Verizon and 

Sprint. North American visitors with GSM cellular handsets 

and wireless accounts with AT&T or Cingular can 

arrange international roaming. 

Electricity 

FortisTCI supplies electricity at a frequency of 60HZ, 

and either single phase or three phase at one of three 

standard voltages for residential or commercial service. 

FortisTCI continues to invest in a robust and resilient grid 

to ensure the highest level of reliability to customers. The 

company is integrating renewable energy into its grid and 

provides options for customers to participate in two solar 

energy programs. 

Departure tax 

US $60. It is typically included in the price of your airline 

ticket. 

Courier service 

Delivery service is provided by FedEx, with offices on 

Providenciales and Grand Turk, and DHL. UPS service is 

limited to incoming delivery. 

Postal service 

The Post Office and Philatelic Bureau in Providenciales is 

located downtown on Airport Road. In Grand Turk, the 

Post Office and Philatelic Bureau are on Church Folly. The 

Islands are known for their varied and colorful stamp 

issues. 

Media 

Multi-channel satellite television is received from the U.S. 

and Canada and transmitted via cable or over the air. 

Local station WIV-TV broadcasts on Channel 4 and Island 

EyeTV on Channel 5. People’s Television offers 75 digitally 

transmitted television stations, along with local news 

and talk shows on Channel 8. There are also a number of 

local radio stations, magazines, and newspapers. 

Medical services 

There are no endemic tropical diseases in TCI. There are 

large, modern hospitals on Grand Turk and Providenciales. 

Both hospitals offer a full range of services including: 

24/7 emergency room, operating theaters, diagnostic 

74 www.timespub.tc

Brew ad May 2017_Layout 1 5/11/17 10:51 AM Page 1 

imaging, maternity suites, dialysis suites, blood bank, 

physiotherapy, and dentistry. 

In addition, several general practitioners operate in 

the country, and there is a recompression chamber, along 

with a number of private pharmacies. 

Immigration 

A resident’s permit is required to live in the Islands. A 

work permit and business license are also required to 

work and/or establish a business. These are generally 

granted to those offering skills, experience, and qualifications 

not widely available on the Islands. Priority is given 

to enterprises that will provide employment and training 

for T&C Islanders. 

Government/Legal system 

TCI is a British Crown colony. There is a Queen-appointed 

Governor, HE Nigel John Dakin. He presides over an executive 

council formed by the elected local government. 

Lady Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson is the country’s first 

woman premier, leading a majority People’s Democratic 

Movement (PDM) House of Assembly. 

The legal system is based upon 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. 

Turk’s Head Brewery 

Brewery Tours Monday-Friday 

11AM, 1PM, 3PM 

$15/pp 

Enjoy a complimentary selection of local craft beer 

after your tour! 

Email tours@turksheadbeer.com 

Call 649.941.3637 x 1005 to book 

www.turksheadbrewery.tc 

52 Universal Dr. 

Providenciales, TCI 

TOUR TASTE SHOP 

Island Auto_Layout 1 12/12/17 12:49 PM Page 1 

ISLAND AUTO RENTALS 

For Quality & Reliable Service 

& Competitive Prices 

The Cruise Center, Grand Turk 

Neville Adams 

Tel: (649) 946-2042 

Cell: (649) 232-0933 or (649) 231-4214 

Email: nevilleadams@hotmail.com 


Levoi Marshall 

Cell: (649) 441-6737 

Email: levoimarshall86@gmail.com 

Web: islandautorentalstci.com 


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 to be submitted at the port of entry to obtain 

clearance from the TCI Department of Agriculture, Animal 

Health Services. 

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. 

www.islandergingerbeer.com 

All Natural & 

Gluten Free 

Made with family recipes that date back 

centuries, Islander, the original Turks and 

Caicos alcoholic ginger beer, is available on 

Providenciales at the Graceway Gourmet and 

the IGA, as well as local bars and restaurants. 

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 

and bases. The National Song is “This Land of Ours” by 

the late Rev. E.C. Howell, PhD. Peas and Hominy (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. 

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, kiteboarding, stand up paddleboarding, and 

beachcombing. Pristine reefs, abundant marine life, and 

excellent visibility make TCI a world-class diving destination. 

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 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. There is an excellent national museum on 

Grand Turk, with an auxillary branch on Providenciales. 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 is 

a casino on Providenciales, along with many electronic 

gaming parlours. Stargazing is extraordinary! 

Shoppers will find Caribbean paintings, T-shirts, 

sports and beachwear, and locally made handicrafts, 

including straw work and conch crafts. Duty free outlets 

sell liquor, jewellery, watches, perfume, leather goods, 

crystal, china, cameras, electronics, brand-name clothing 

and accessories, along with Cuban cigars. a 

76 www.timespub.tc

where to stay 

Grand Turk 

range of daily rates 

US$ (subject to change) 

number of units 

major credit cards 

restaurant 

bar 

air conditioning 

phone in unit 

television in unit 

kitchen in unit 

laundry service 

pool 

on the beach 

H 

The Arches of Grand Turk – Tel 649 946 2941 190–210 4 • • • • • • • 

Bohio Dive Resort – Tel 649 231 3572/800 494 4301 • Web www.bohioresort.com 170–230 16 • • • • • • • • 

Crabtree Apartments – Tel 978 270 1698 • Web www.GrandTurkVacationRental.com 210–250 3 • • • • • • 

Manta House – Tel 649 946 1111 • Web www.grandturk-mantahouse.com 110–130 5 • • • • • • • 

Osprey Beach Hotel – Tel 649 946 2666 • Web www.ospreybeachhotel.com 90–225 37 • • • • • • • • • • 

Pelican House – Tel 649 246 6797 • Web www.pelicanhousegrandturk.com 110-130 3 • • • • • 

Salt Raker Inn – Tel 649 946 2260 • Web www.saltrakerinn.com 55–140 13 • • • • • • • 

Solomon Porches Guesthouse – Tel 649 946 2776/241 2937 • Fax 649 946 1984 75–100 3 • • 

Middle Caicos 

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Dragon Cay Resort at Mudjin Harbour – Tel 649 344 4997 • Web www.dragoncayresort.com 325 8 • • • • • • • • • 

North Caicos 

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Bottle Creek Lodge – Tel 649 946 7080 • Web www.bottlecreeklodge.com 155–240 3 • • 

Caicos Beach Condominiums – Tel 649 241 4778/786 338 9264 • Web www.caicosbeachcondos.com 159–299 8 • • • • • • • • 

Cedar Palms Suites – Tel 649 946 7113/649 244 4186 • Web www.oceanbeach.tc 250–300 3 • • • • • • • • • 

Flamingo’s Nest – Tel 649 946 7113/649 244 4186 • Web www.oceanbeach.tc 175–340 2 • • • • • • • • 

Hollywood Beach Suites - Tel 800 551 2256/649 231 1020 • Web www.hollywoodbeachsuites.com 200–235 4 • • • • • • 

JoAnne’s Bed & Breakfast - Tel 649 946 7301 • Web www.turksandcaicos.tc/joannesbnb 80–120 4 • • • • 

Palmetto Villa – Tel 649 946 7113/649 244 4186 • Web www.oceanbeach.tc 225–250 1 • • • • • • • • 

Pelican Beach Hotel - Tel 649 946 7112 • Web www.pelicanbeach.tc 125–165 14 • • • • • • • • 

Pine Cay 

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The Meridian Club - Tel 649 946 7758/888 286 7993 • Web www.meridianclub.com 800–1300 13 • • • • • • • 

Parrot Cay 

H 

COMO Parrot Cay Resort - Tel 649 946 7788/855 PARROTCAY • www.comohotels.com/parrotcay 550–2850 65 • • • • • • • • • • 


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Airport Inn – Tel 649 941 3514 • Web www.airportinntci.com. 140 18 • • • • • • • 

Alexandra Resort – Tel 800 284 0699/649 946 5807 • Web www.alexandraresort.com 280–420 99 • • • • • • • • • 

The Atrium Resort – Tel 888 592 7885/649 333 0101 • Web www.theatriumresorttci.com 159–410 30 • • • • • • • • 

Amanyara – Tel 866 941 8133/649 941 8133 • Web www.aman.com 1000–2100 73 • • • • • • • • 

Aquamarine Beach Houses – Tel 649 231 4535/905 556 0278 • www.aquamarinebeachhouses.com 200–850 24 • • • • • • • • 

Beaches Resort Villages & Spa – Tel 888-BEACHES/649 946 8000 • Web www.beaches.com 325–390AI 758 • • • • • • • • • 

Beach House Turks & Caicos – Tel 649 946 5800/855 946 5800 • Web www.beachchousetci.com 532–638 21 • • • • • • • • • • 

BE Beach Enclave – Tel 649 946 5619 • Web www.beachenclave.com see web 24 • • • • • • • • 

Blue Haven Resort & Marina – Tel 855 832 7667/649 946 9900 • Web www.bluehaventci.com 250–650 51 • • • • • • • • • • 

Caribbean Paradise Inn – Tel 649 946 5020 • Web www.caribbeanparadiseinn.com 162–225 17 • • • • • • • • 

Club Med Turkoise – Tel 800 258 2633/649 946 5500 • Web www.clubmed.com 120–225 290 • • • • • • • • • 

Coral Gardens on Grace Bay – Tel 649 941 5497/800 787 9115 • Web www.coralgardensongracebay.com 199-449 32 • • • • • • • • • • 

Grace Bay Club - Tel 800 946 5757/649 946 5050 • Web www.gracebayclub.com 650–1750 75 • • • • • • • • • • 

Grace Bay Suites – Tel 649 941 7447 • Web www.GraceBaySuites.com 99–195 24 • • • • • • • • 

Harbour Club Villas – Tel 649 941 5748/305 434 8568 • Web www.harbourclubvillas.com 210–240 6 • • • • • 

The Inn at Grace Bay – Tel 649 432 8633 • Web www.innatgracebay.com 179–379 48 • • • • • • • 

Kokomo Botanical Gardens - Tel 649 941 3121• Web www.aliveandwellresorts.com 169–299 16 • • • • • 

Le Vele - Tel 649 941 8800/888 272 4406 • Web www.leveleresort.com 303–630 22 • • • • • • • • 

La Vista Azul – Tel 649 946 8522/866 519 9618 • Web www.lvaresort.com 215–375 78 • • • • • • • 

The Lodgings – Tel 649 941 8107/242 6722 • Web www.hotelturksandcaicos.com 175–255 15 • • • • • • 

Neptune Villas – Tel 649 331 4328 • Web www.neptunevillastci.com 150–400 10 • • • • • • • • • 

Northwest Point Resort • Tel 649 941 5133 • Web www.northwestpointresort.com 196–550 49 • • • • • • • • • • 

Ocean Club Resorts - Tel 800 457 8787/649 946 5880 • Web www.oceanclubresorts.com 180–690 191 • • • • • • • • • • 

The Palms Turks & Caicos – Tel 649 946 8666/866 877 7256 • Web thepalmstc.com 595–1700 72 • • • • • • • • • • 


where to stay 

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Providenciales (continued) 

Pelican Nest Villa – Tel 649 342 5731 • Web www.pelicannest.tc 429–857 2 • • • • • • 

Point Grace – Tel 649 946 5096/888 209 5582 • Web www.pointgrace.com 424–1515 27 • • • • • • • • • • 

Ports of Call Resort – Tel 888 678 3483/649 946 8888 • Web www.portsofcallresort.com 135–210 99 • • • • • • • 

Queen Angel Resort – Tel 649 941 8771 • Web www.queenangelresort.com 150–575 56 • • • • • • • • • 

Reef Residences at Grace Bay – Tel 800 532 8536 • Web www.reefresidence.com 275-385 24 • • • • • • • 

The Regent Grand – Tel 877 288 3206/649 941 7770 • Web www.theregentgrand.com 495–1100 50 • • • • • • • • • 

Royal West Indies Resort – Tel 800 332 4203/649 946 5004 • Web www.royalwestindies.com 180–695 92 • • • • • • • • • • 

The Sands at Grace Bay – Tel 877 777 2637/649 946 5199 • Web www.thesandsresort.com 175–675 116 • • • • • • • • • • 

Seven Stars Resort – Tel 866 570 7777/649 333 7777 – Web www.sevenstarsgracebay.com 365–2400 165 • • • • • • • • • • 

The Shore Club – Tel 649 339 8000 – Web www.theshoreclubtc.com 465–4650 148 • • • • • • • • • • 

Sibonné Beach Hotel – Tel 888 570 2861/649 946 5547 • Web www.sibonne.com 110–375 29 • • • • • • • • 

The Somerset on Grace Bay – Tel 649 339 5900/888 386 8770 • Web www.thesomerset.com 350–1300 53 • • • • • • • • • • 

The Tuscany – Tel 866 359 6466/649 941 4667 • Web www.thetuscanyresort.com 975–1300 30 • • • • • • • • 

The Venetian – Tel 877 277 4793/649 941 3512 • Web www.thevenetiangracebay.com 695–1175 27 • • • • • • • • 

Villa del Mar – Tel 877 345 4890/649 941 5160 • Web www.yourvilladelmar.com 190–440 42 • • • • • • • 

Villa Mani – Tel 649 431 4444 • Web www.villamanitci.com 6500–9500 8 • • • • • • • 

Villa Renaissance – Tel 649 941 5160/877 345 4890 • www.villarenaissanceturksandcaicos.com 295–650 36 • • • • • • • • • 

The Villas at Blue Mountain – Tel 649 941 4255/866 883 5931 • www.villasatbluemountain.com 1200–2500 3 • • • • • • • • 

West Bay Club – Tel 855 749 5750/649 946 8550 • Web www.thewestbayclub.com 235–1163 46 • • • • • • • • • • 

Windsong Resort – Tel 649 333 7700/800 WINDSONG • Web www.windsongresort.com 275–925 50 • • • • • • • • • 

Wymara Resort & Villas – Tel 888 844 5986 • Web www.wymararesortandvillas.com 315–720 91 • • • • • • • • • • 

range of daily rates 

US$ (subject to change) 

number of units 

major credit cards 

restaurant 

bar 

air conditioning 

phone in unit 

television in unit 

kitchen in unit 

laundry service 

pool 

on the beach 

Salt Cay 

Castaway – Salt Cay – Tel 772 713 9502 • Web www.castawayonsaltcay.com 175–265 4 • • • • • 

Genesis Beach House – Tel 561 502 0901 • Web www.Genesisbeachhouse.com 1000–1200W 4 • • • • • 

Pirate’s Hideaway B & B – Tel 800 289 5056/649 946 6909 • Web www.saltcay.tc 165–175 4 • • • • • • • 

Salt Cay Beach House – Tel 772 713 9502 • Web www.saltcaybeachhouse.blogspot.com 799W 1 • • • • • • 

Trade Winds Guest Suites – Tel 649 232 1009 • Web www.tradewinds.tc 925–1325W 5 • • • • • 

Twilight Zone Cottage – Tel 772 713 9502 • Web www.twilightzonecottage.blogspot.com 499W 1 • • • • 

The Villas of Salt Cay – Tel 772 713 9502 • Web www.villasofsaltcay.com 150–475 5 • • • • • • • • 

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South Caicos 

East Bay Resort – Tel 844 260 8328/649 232 6444 • Web eastbayresort.com 198–1775 86 • • • • • • • • • • 

Sailrock South Caicos – Tel 855 335 72513/649 941 2121 • Web sailrockliving.com 600–800 6 • • • • • • • • • 

South Caicos Ocean & Beach Resort – Tel 877 774 5486/649 946 3219 

Web southcaicos.oceanandbeachresort.com 120–275 24 • • • • • 

Hotel & Tourism Association Member 

Green Globe Certified 

Rates (listed for doubles) do not include Government Accommodation Tax and Service Charge 

classified ads 

SCOOTER BOBS_Layout 1 8/8/18 10:57 AM Page GBC2017_Layout 1 2/16/17 9:10 AM Page 1 

HertzDollar_Layout 1 2/16/17 12:37 PM Page 1 

We’re here to 

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DEPENDABLE VEHICLE HIRE 

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78 www.timespub.tc

classified ads 

Forbes Classified changes due_Layout 1 8/9/18 Deluxe 11:51 A Day Spa_Layout 1 5/28/19 12:43 PM Page 

FORBES REALTY TCI 

Caicu Naniki_Caicu Naniki classified 8/9/18 12:05 PM Page 1 

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Touch of Bliss_Layout 1 8/9/18 11:59 AM Page 1 

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Sara Kaufman cell: 1-649-231-4884 

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Community Fellowship Centre 

A Life-Changing Experience 

Sunday Divine Worship 9 AM 

Visitors Welcome! 

Tel: 649.941.3484 • Web: cfctci.com 

Phone: 649-242-3439 or 649-346-7344 

Email: touchofbliss@rocketmail.com 

Newly located at Caribbean Place 

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Project1_Layout 1 11/27/18 10:34 PM Page 1 

R & K 

AUTO 

D&Bswift_Layout 1 5/8/18 7:24 AM Page 1 

FOR ALL YOUR 

RELIABLE AND 

AFFORDABLE 

RENTAL NEEDS 

JOHN GALLEYMORE 

Project Management 

Estate Management 

Homeowner Representation 

Concierge 

______ 

compasstci@gmail.com 

1 (649) 232 7083 

COMPASS Ltd 

Home Owner Services & Project Management 

Diagnostic Services • Wheel Alignment 

Balancing • Tune Ups 

T&C Veterinary_Layout 1 8/9/18 2:02 PM Page 1 

Exhaust Repairs • A/C Repairs 

Radiator Pressure Testing 

Ralph Carmichael, Partner 

649 242 0063 • 432 2374 

Turks & Caicos Veterinary 

NEW Hours/Days 

Clinic Hours 

Monday thru Saturday 

9:00am - 12 noon 

Vet on duty Mon, Wed, Thur, Sat. 

Ocean 24 Breezy Breeze_Layout Ridge (649) 946 4353 1 4/8/19 10:34 AM Page 1 

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dining out – providenciales 

Amanyara — Amanyara Resort. Tel: 941-8133. Light gourmet 

cuisine with menu changing daily. Open 6 to 10 PM. 

Angela’s Top O’ The Cove Deli — Suzie Turn, by NAPA. 

Tel: 946-4694. New York-style delicatessen. Eat-in, carry-out, 

catering. Open daily 7 AM to 5 PM; Sunday 7 AM to 2 PM. 

Asú on the Beach — Alexandra Resort. Tel: 941-8888. Casual 

Caribbean and popular international fare. Open daily for 7:30 

AM to 10:30 PM. Service indoors, poolside, and at beach. 

Baci Ristorante — Harbour Towne, Turtle Cove. Tel: 941-3044. 

Waterfront Italian dining. Brick oven pizza. Popular bar. Open 

for lunch Monday to Friday 12 to 2 PM and dinner nightly from 

6 to 10 PM. Closed Sunday. 

Bay Bistro — Sibonné Beach Hotel. Tel: 946-5396. Oceanfront 

dining featuring creative international cuisine. Open daily 

7 AM to 10 PM. Weekend brunch. Catering and special events. 

Beaches Resort & Spa — The Bight. Tel: 946-8000. 

All-inclusive resort. A variety of restaurants and bars on premises. 

Non-guests can purchase a pass. 

Bella Luna Ristorante — Glass House, Grace Bay Road. Tel: 

946-5214. Fine Italian dining. Indoor or terrace seating above 

tropical garden. Open daily from 5:30 PM. Closed Sunday. Lunch 

and pizza in the garden. Private catering available. 

Big Al’s Island Grill — Salt Mills Plaza. Tel: 941-3797. Wide 

selection of burgers, steaks, salads, and wraps in a diner-like 

setting. Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. 

Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl — Five Cays. Tel: 941-3863. Fresh 

local conch and seafood by the beach. Rum, buckets of beer, 

live local bands. Open daily from 11 AM to late. 

Cabana Beach Bar & Grill — Ocean Club. Tel: 946-5880. 

Casual island fare, burgers, salads, snacks. Open daily from 

8 AM to 10 PM. Tropical cocktails with a view of the sea. 

Caicos Bakery — Caicos Café Plaza. Authentic French boulangerie. 

Fresh-baked breads, rolls, croissants, muffins, quiche, 

pastries, cakes. Open 7 AM to 4:30 PM daily except Sunday. 

Caicos Café — Caicos Café Plaza. Tel: 946-5278. 

Mediterranean specialties, grilled local seafood. Fine wines, dining 

on the deck. Open 6 PM to 10 PM Monday to Saturday. 

Chicken Chicken — Times Square, downtown Provo. Fast food, 

fried chicken, native fare. 

Chinson’s Grill Shack — Leeward Highway. Tel: 941-3533. 

The Islands’ best jerk and barbecue, Jamaican pastries. Open 

daily 8 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Midnight. 

Club Med — Grace Bay Road. Tel: 946-5500. All-inclusive 

resort. Buffet-style dining; live show and disco in the evenings. 

Non-guests can purchase a daily pass. 

Coco Bistro — Grace Bay Road. Tel: 946-5369. Continental 

Caribbean cuisine by Chef Stuart Gray under a canopy of palms. 

Serving dinner from 5:30 PM daily. Look for the Cocovan airstream 

lounge with garden seating or take-away. 

Coconut Grove Restaurant & Lounge — Olympic Plaza, 

Downtown. Tel: 247-5610. Casual native fare. Cracked conch, 

conch fritters, fried fish. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM. 

Coyaba Restaurant — Bonaventure Crescent. Tel: 946-5186. 

Contemporary Caribbean gourmet cuisine in a private tropical 

garden setting. Extensive wine list. Dinner nightly from 6 to 10 

PM. Closed Tuesday. Reservations recommended. 

Crackpot Kitchen — Ports of Call. Tel: 2313336. Experience 

the best of authentic Turks & Caicos and Caribbean cuisines 

with local celebrity Chef Nik. Open daily 5 to 10 PM except 

Thursday; Happy Hour 5 to 7 PM. 

Da Conch Shack — Blue Hills. Tel: 946-8877. Island-fresh seafood 

from the ocean to your plate. Covered beachfront dining 

for lunch and dinner daily from 11 AM. 

Danny Buoy’s — Grace Bay Road. Tel: 946-5921. Traditional 

American pub fare; imported draught beers. Open for lunch and 

dinner daily from 11 AM. Happy Hour specials. Large screen TVs 

for sporting events. Karaoke. 

The Deck — Seven Stars Resort. Tel: 333-7777. All day dining 

and cocktails by the water’s edge. Open daily 11 AM to 11 PM. 

Live music Friday nights. 

Drift — West Bay Club. Tel: 946-8550. Open-air beachfront dining. 

Creatively used local ingredients. Full bar. Open daily 7:30 

AM to 9:30 PM. 

Dune — Windsong Resort. Tel: 333-7700. Private beachfront 

dining with limited availability. Fresh fare prepared to perfection. 

Open daily. 

El Catador Tapas & Bar — Regent Village. Tel: 244-1134. 

Authentic Spanish tapas with a wide mix of cold and hot plates 

meant for sharing. Fun and lively atmosphere. Open daily from 

5 PM. 

Element — LeVele Plaza. Tel: 348-6424. Contemporary, creative 

cuisine in an elegant setting. Open for dinner Friday to 

Wednesday 6:30 to 10:30 PM. 

Fairways Bar & Grill — Provo Golf Club. Tel: 946-5833. Dine 

overlooking the “greens.” Open for breakfast and lunch from 7 

AM to 4 PM daily; Friday, Saturday and Sunday open until 8 PM. 

Great Sunday brunch 9 AM to 3 PM. 

Fire & Ice — Blue Haven Resort & Marina. Tel: 946-9900. 

Drinks at the Ice Bar, dessert by the fire pits. South Americanmeets-Caribbean 

flavors and spices. Open daily 5:30 to 9:30 

PM. Closed Wednesday. 

Fresh Bakery & Bistro — Atrium Resort. Tel: 345-4745. 

Healthy European salads, soups, sandwiches, bakery, pies and 

cakes. Gelato. Open daily 7 AM to 6 PM, closed Sunday. 

Fresh Catch — Salt Mills Plaza. Tel: 243-3167. Authentic native 

cuisine, from seafood to souse. All-you-can-eat seafood buffet 

on Wednesday. Open daily 8 AM to 10 PM. Closed Sunday. 

Carry-out available. 

Giggles Ice Cream & Candy Parlour — Ports of Call & 

Williams Storage. Tel: 941-7370. Cones, sundaes, shakes, 

smoothies, “Gigglers,” ice cream pies and cakes. Pick ‘n’ mix 

candies. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM. 

Gilley’s Sky Lounge & Bar — At the airport. Tel: 946-4472. 

Burgers, sandwiches, local food. Open daily 6 AM to 9 PM. 

Grace’s Cottage — Point Grace Resort. Tel: 946-5096. Refined 

new menu in the style of a tastefully sophisticated French bistro. 

Serving dinner from 6 to 10 PM nightly. 

The Grill — Grace Bay Club. Tel: 946-5050. Al fresco bistro. 

Italian-inspired menu and gourmet pizza. Fun cocktails. Open 

daily for 7 AM to 9:30 PM. 

Hemingways on the Beach — The Sands at Grace Bay. Tel: 

941-8408. Casual beachfront bar and restaurant. Fresh fish, 

pasta, sandwiches, salads and tropical drinks by the pool. 

Oceanfront deck for great sunsets! Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily. 

Hole in the Wall Restaurant & Bar — Williams Plaza, Old 

Airport Road. Tel: 941-4136. Authentic Jamaican/Island cuisine 

80 www.timespub.tc

where the locals go. Full bar. A/C dining or outdoors on the 

deck. Open daily 7 AM to 9 PM. Pick-up/delivery available. 

Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar — Grace Bay Club. Tel: 946- 

5050. Elegant beachfront dining featuring sea-to-table fare. 

Dinner served nightly 6:30 to 9:30 PM. Reservations required. 

Island Raw — Le Petite Plaza. Tel: 346-5371. Vegan lifestyle 

kitchen, offering fresh, organic, raw, vegan, gourmet. Open 

Friday, Noon to 2 PM. 

Island Conch Bar & Grill — Bight Cultural Market. Tel: 946- 

8389. Caribbean and local cuisine. Open daily 11 AM to 9 PM. 

Island Scoop — Grace Bay Plaza. Tel: 242-8511/243-5051. 

21 flavors of ice cream made locally. Cones, smoothies, blizzards 

and shakes. Open daily, 11 AM to 10 PM. 

The Java Bar — Graceway Gourmet. Tel: 941-5000. Gourmet 

café serving fresh baked desserts, sandwiches and coffee 

delights. Open 7 AM to 8 PM daily. 

Jack’s Fountain — Across from Casablanca Casino. Tel: 946- 

5225. Seafood, steak, unique specialty items in a lively, relaxed 

“beach bar” atmosphere. Open daily except Monday 11:30 AM 

to 10 PM. 

Jimmy’s Dive Bar & Grill — Central Square, Leeward Highway. 

Tel: 941-8925. Take-out lunch specials; daily drink and dinner 

specials. Wings, sliders, salads, pasta, burgers, seafood. Open 

daily Noon to 2 AM. 

Kalooki’s Grace Bay — Le Vele Plaza. Tel: 941-8388. The perfect 

mix of sweet and spicy Caribbean flavors. New location in 

Grace Bay. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM. Closed Thursday. 

Kitchen 218 — Beach House, Lower Bight Road. Tel: 946-5800. 

Caribbean cuisine with hints of French and Asian fusion and the 

chef’s passion for fresh ingredients. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily. 

The Landing Bar & Kitchen — Grace Bay Road across from 

Regent Village. Tel: 341-5856. Unique nautical setting for dinner 

under the stars. Cocktails, fire pit. Open daily except Tuesday 

5:30 to 10 PM. 

Las Brisas — Neptune Villas, Chalk Sound. Tel: 946-5306. 

Mediterranean/Caribbean cuisine with tapas, wine and full bar. 

Terrace and gazebo dining overlooking Chalk Sound. Open daily 

8 AM to 10 PM. Take-out available; private parties. 

Le Bouchon du Village — Regent Village. Tel: 946-5234. A 

taste of Paris. Sidewalk café with sandwiches, salads, tartines, 

tapas, dinner specials, wine, cheese, dessert, coffees. Open 

daily 11 AM to 10 PM. Closed Sunday. 

Le Comptoir Francais — Regent Village. Tel: 946-5234. 

French deli, bakery, wine shop. Open daily. 

Lemon 2 Go Coffee — Ventura House. Tel: 941-4069. 

Gourmet coffeehouse. Sandwiches, muffins, cookies, croissants, 

yogurt, salads. Open Monday to Saturday 7:30 AM to 7 PM, 

Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM. 

Lupo — Regent Village. Tel: 431-5876. Authentic Italian “comfort 

food.” Regional wine list. Dine in or take out ready-made 

gourmet meals. Open daily for dinner 5 to 10 PM. 

Magnolia Restaurant & Wine Bar — Miramar Resort. Tel: 

941-5108. International cuisine with island flavors, north shore 

views. Open for dinner from 6 to 9:30 PM except Monday. 

Mango Reef — Turtle Cove. Tel: 946-8200. Fresh local flavors 

and seafood, homemade desserts. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM. 

Set price dinner on weekdays. Waterside deck, indoor or patio 

dining. Tie-up to dock at Turtle Cove Marina. 

Market Café — Blue Haven Resort. Tel: 946-9900. Gourmet 

coffees, teas, frozen drinks; fresh breads and pastries; grab ‘n’ 

go salads, sandwiches, smoothies. Open daily 7 AM to 8 PM. 

Mother’s Pizza — Downtown Times Square. Tel: 941-4142. 

Best pizza in the Turks & Caicos, available by the slice or the 

island’s biggest “large.” Open daily 11 AM to 9 PM; to 10 PM on 

Friday and Saturday; Noon to 8 PM on Sunday. 

Mr. Groupers — Lower Bight and Sunset Ridge Hotel (near airport). 

Tel: 242-6780. Serving fresh local seafood straight from 

the sea. Open daily 10 AM to 10:30 PM, Sunday 3 to 11 PM. 

Opus Wine • Bar • Grill — Ocean Club Plaza. Tel: 946-5885. 

International menu with Caribbean flair. Fresh seafood. Serving 

dinner nightly 6 to 10 PM. Closed Monday. Indoor/outdoor dining. 

Conference facility, events, catering. 

Outback Steakhouse TCI — Regent Village. Unbeatable 

steak cuts complemented by chicken, ribs, seafood, and pasta. 

Generous portions, moderately priced, casual atmosphere. Open 

daily 11 AM to 10 PM. 

Parallel23 — The Palms Turks & Caicos. Tel: 946-8666. Pantropical 

cuisine in a setting of casual elegance. Boutique wine 

list. Al fresco or private dining room available. Open daily 6 to 

Midnight. 

The Patty Place — Behind Shining Stars; Le Petit Place, Blue 

Hills. Tel: 246-9000. Authentic Jamaican patties and loaves. 18 

flavors of Devon House ice cream. Open daily 9:30 AM to 10 PM. 

Pavilion — The Somerset. Tel: 339-5900. Chef Brad offers a 

global palate, interpreted locally. Seafood raw bar. Open daily 

for breakfast, lunch, dinner; Sunday Prime Rib special. 

Pelican Bay Restaurant & Bar — Royal West Indies Resort. 

Tel: 941-2365. Poolside restaurant and bar with Caribbean, 

French and Asian fare. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily from 7:30 

AM to 10 PM. Special events each week. 

Pepper Town Café — Digicel Cinema, #4. Tel: 246-9237. 

Native and Caribbean Dishes. Open daily except Sunday 11:30 

AM to 7 PM. Island breakfast on Saturday at 7 AM. 

Pizza Pizza — Grace Bay Plaza/Cinema Plaza. Tel: 941- 

8010/941-3577. New York style specialty pizzas. Open daily 

11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, weekends until 10 PM. Free delivery. 

Provence — Le Vele Plaza. Tel: 946-4124. Traditional French 

artisan-style cuisine. Fresh pasta, gelato, cheeses, charcuterie, 

pastries, desserts. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Retreat Kitchen Vegetarian Café & Juice Bar — Ports of 

Call. Tel: 432-2485. Fresh, organic, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free 

fare. Fresh juices, daily lunch specials. Open for lunch 

Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Delivery available. 

Rickie’s Flamingo Café — Between Ocean Club and Club Med. 

Tel: 244-3231. Local fare and atmosphere right on the beach. 

Best grouper sandwich and rum punch! Don’t miss Curry Fridays 

and Beach BBQ Saturdays. 

Salt Bar & Grill — Blue Haven Resort & Marina. Tel: 946-9900. 

Outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Sandwiches, burgers, 

salads, classic bar favorites. Open daily 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM. 

Seven — Seven Stars Resort. Tel: 339-7777. Elevated contemporary 

cuisine fused with TCI tradition. Open Monday to Saturday, 

5:30 to 9:30 PM. 

72ºWest — The Palms Turks & Caicos. Tel: 946-8666. 

Beachside dining with a family-friendly, Caribbean-inspired 

menu. Serving lunch daily; dinner seasonally. 

Sharkbite Bar & Grill — Admiral’s Club at Turtle Cove. Tel: 

941-5090. Varied menu; casual dining. Sports bar/slots. Open 

daily from 11 AM to 2 AM. 

Shay Café — Le Vele Plaza. Tel: 331-6349. Offering organic 

coffees, teas, sandwiches, salads, soup, pastries, gelato, sorbetto, 

smoothies, beer and wine. Open daily 7 AM to 7 PM. 


Simone’s Bar & Grill — La Vista Azul. Tel: 331-3031. Serving 

fresh seafood and local cuisine. Open daily 11 AM to 11 PM; 

weekends 7 AM to 11 PM. Popular bar! 

Skull Rock Cantina — Ports of Call. Tel: 941-4173. The place 

for Tex-Mex; daily drink specials. Open daily, 8 AM to Midnight. 

Solana! Restaurant — Ocean Club West. Tel: 946-5254. 

Oceanfront dining from sushi to burgers. Teppanyaki and Sushi 

Bar, engage with the chefs. Open daily 7:30 AM to 10 PM. 

Somewhere Café & Lounge — Coral Gardens Resort. Tel: 

941-8260. Casual dining with Tex-Mex flair right on the beach. 

Cocktails, beers, specialty drinks. Open early to late daily. 

Stelle — Gansevoort Turks + Caicos. Tel: 232-4444. Modern 

Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh fish and seafood. Open 6 

to 10 PM daily, until 2 AM on Friday with DJ. 

Sui-Ren — The Shore Club. Tel: 339-8000. Inspired flavors of 

Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine with fresh seafood and organic 

produce in a unique setting. Open daily. Reservations required. 

Thai Orchid — The Regent Village. Tel: 946-4491. Authentic 

Thai cuisine; over 60 choices! Dine in or carry out. Open for 

lunch and dinner daily. 

Three Brothers Restaurant — Town Center Mall, Downtown. 

Tel: 232-4736. Seafood and native cuisine. Tuesday night buffet 

dinner. Catering services. Open daily, 7 AM to 10 PM. 

Turkberry Frozen Yogurt — The Saltmills. Tel: 431-2233. 

Frozen yogurt in a variety of flavors, with a large selection of 

toppings. Custom donut bar. Open 11 AM to 11 PM daily. 

Turks Kebab — At Craft Market on Sand Castle Drive. Tel: 431- 

9964. Turkish and Mediterranean fare. Salads, falafel, gyros, 

kebabs, hummus. Open for lunch and dinner. 

Via Veneto — Ports of Call. Tel: 941-2372. Authentic Italian 

dining in a stylish indoor/outdoor venue. Open from 5:30 PM to 

late. Closed Thursday. Saturday is Pizza Night! 

The Vix Asian Bistro & Grill — Regent Village. Tel: 941-4144. 

Contemporary Asian menu with a wok station, dim sum, vegan 

specialties and keto dishes. Open daily Noon to 3 PM; 5:30 to 

10 PM. Delivery to select locations. Catering menus. 

Yoshi’s Sushi & Grill — The Saltmills. Tel: 941-3374/431- 

0012. Sushi bar menu plus Japanese cuisine. Open daily Noon 

to 3 PM; 6 to 10 PM. Closed Sunday. Dine indoors or out. Carry 

out available. 

Zest! — Gansevoort Turks + Caicos. Tel: 232-4444. Lunch and 

dinner beachfront. Taste of the Caribbean and Americas. Open 

daily Noon to 5 PM; 6 to 9 PM. Fisherman’s night Wednesday. a 

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PROUDLY SERVING THE ENERGY NEEDS OF THE 

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS 

Our Executive Team 

At FortisTCI, we are committed to 

providing safe, reliable energy to 

fuel the growth of our islands and 

meet the needs of our customers. 

Eddinton Powell 

President & CEO 

Ruth Forbes 

Senior Vice President of 

Corporate Services & CFO 

Devon Cox 

Senior Vice President of 

Operations 

And, as the energy landscape 

changes, FortisTCI will be here, 

delivering even more energy 

solutions and building a sustainable 

energy future for the Turks and 

Caicos Islands. 

Nigel Hosein 

VP of Energy Production & 

Project Management 

Rachell Roullet 

VP of Technology, Innovation 

& Strategic Planning 

Allan Robinson 

VP of Grand Turk & Sister 

Island Operations 

www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 |

For Those Who Seek An Exceptional Lifestyle 

Aramesh On The Beach 

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MLS 1900139 

THE FINEST COLLECTION 

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Venture House, Grace Bay | Resort Locations: Grace Bay Club and The Palms 

Each franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Times of the Islands Fall 2019

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