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?
THE SHORE CLUB
THE SHORE CLUB
THE PALMS
THE PALMS
THE SHORE CLUB
The refined sophistication of The Palms on Grace Bay
Beach, consistently honored by travel publications
for its sense of elegance and easy atmosphere. The
savvy chic of the Shore Club, the stunning new gamechanger
on Long Bay Beach. Where whimsy rules and
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.
THE COOL SIDE OF CLASSIC
649.946.8666
thepalmstc.com
WRITE YOUR STORY HERE
649.339.8000
theshoreclubtc.com
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
YEARS IN A ROW AT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
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
YEARS IN A ROW AT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 15
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!
MARTA MORTON—WWW.HARBOURCLUBVILLAS.COM
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 17
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
MARTA MORTON—WWW.HARBOURCLUBVILLAS.COM
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 19
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 21
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.
The couple moved to Bedoya’s native Colombia for
* *
Temporary suspension PROVO NORTH 12.30pm & 1.30pm Sept 1st to Oct 31st
*
Resumes Nov 1st
DISTRIBUTOR DISTRIBUTOR FOR FOR EVINRUDE && MERCURY MERCURY
OUTBOARDS, PURSUIT WORLD CLASS CAT, CAT,
SUNDANCE AND BOSTON WHALER BOATS
Lures and Live Bait
Marine Hardware & Gear
Fishing Gear & Supplies
Marine Paints & Varnish
Marine Batteries
Sebago Docksiders
& Sperry Topsiders Shoes
BLUE
BLUE
HILLS
HILLS
ROAD
ROAD
PROVIDENCIALES
PROVIDENCIALES
TURKS
TURKS
& CAICOS
CAICOS
ISLANDS,
ISLANDS,
B.W.I.
B.W.I.
PHONE: 649-946-4411
FAX: 649-946-4945
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 23
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
www.actonacademyturksandcaicos.com
Harbour Club:Layout 1 8/17/16 10:16 AM Page 1
Harbour Club Villas
Turtle Tail Drive, Providenciales
Six one-bedroom villas.
Dive operators at our dock.
Bonefishing in the lake.
Fabulous beaches nearby.
Ideal for couples or groups.
Trip Advisor
Travellers’ Choice
Awards Winner
E: harbourclub@tciway.tc
T: 1 649 941 5748
See our website
for details.
www.HARBOURCLUBVILLAS.com
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 25
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 27
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.
Simply Septics Blue Loos
SEPTIC
TANK
Installation, cleaning and maintenance.
Call us about long or short term
portable toilet rentals.
649.231.7448
649.231.2366
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 29
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 31
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 33
green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
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
green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
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
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 35
green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
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.
FRANZISKA ELMER
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
green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
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
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 37
green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
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
green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
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
FRANZISKA ELMER
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
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 39
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 41
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 43
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
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 47
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 51
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
2018_Layout
institutionalized
1 11/14/18
fraud
10:30
or
AM
wrongdoing,
Page 1
but more that some workers and contractors sometimes
CAYS CONSTRUCTION CO LTD
A COMPLETE SERVICE.
Once you have purchased your land
...we take you all the way.
...TO THE KEYS TO YOUR NEW HOME.
We take care of the design,
the building approvals,
the construction management,
and the construction works.
Allow us to design and build your new home.
p.o.box 21, providenciales, turks & caicos is.
tel.: 9464440 cell: 2314569 email: redmond@tciway.tc
caysconstruction.com
caysconstruction@aol.com
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 53
TWATIMES_Layout 1 2/16/17 7:49 AM Page 1
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 55
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 57
The Leading Private Bank in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Where values are growing
Wealth Management • Bonds/Fixed Income
Investment Strategies • Foreign Exchange
Stocks/Equities • Precious Metals
Fixed deposits/CD’s • International Transfers
Turks & Caicos Banking Company Ltd.
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
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 59
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
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 61
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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 . . .
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 63
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 65
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 67
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 69
astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
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
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 73
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
Providenciales
Levoi Marshall
Cell: (649) 441-6737
Email: levoimarshall86@gmail.com
Web: islandautorentalstci.com
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 75
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
H
Dragon Cay Resort at Mudjin Harbour – Tel 649 344 4997 • Web www.dragoncayresort.com 325 8 • • • • • • • • •
North Caicos
H
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
H
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 • • • • • • • • • •
Providenciales
G
G
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
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 • • • • • • • • • •
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 77
where to stay
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
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 • • • • • • • •
H
H
H
G
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
make your holiday
the island way...
DEPENDABLE VEHICLE HIRE
SERVICE OFFERED:
Provo & North-Middle Caicos
Office: 946-4684
Amos: 441-2667 (after hours)
Yan: 247-6755 (after hours)
Bob: 231-0262 (after hours)
scooterbobs@gmail.com
www.scooterbobstci.com
Grace Bay Road across from Regent Street
Fun Friendly People
Appreciating Your Business!
941-8500
www.gracebaycarrentals.com
649.941.3910 649.946.4864
Call Us.
Whether it’s for the largest variety of
vehicles, or the better prices and
greater service.
www.hertztci.com www.dollarcartci.com
Open 8am to 5pm 7 days.
After hours call
Barry 332.0012 Patrice 332.8602 Sophia 331.9895
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
R e j o u v e n a n c e S p a
“Go Beyond Provo”
Find your dream property on North Caicos,
Middle Caicos, Salt Cay or Pine Cay.
Call or email us today!
Offering an array of luxurious
services both in Spa or Mobile.
Let us bring the ultimate spa experience to you
in the comfort of your villa or hotel.
Tel: +1 (649) 343 6029
deluxedayspatci@gmail.com
www.649luxedayspa.com
Call-Outs
Facial Treatments
For a Beautiful skin
on your special day
r e p a i r - r e f r e s h - r e n e w
6 4 9 - 4 3 2 - 7 5 4 6
Touch of Bliss_Layout 1 8/9/18 11:59 AM Page 1
r e j o u v e n a n c e s p a . c o m
www.ForbesRealtyTCI.com
Sara Kaufman cell: 1-649-231-4884
Ernest Forbes cell: 1-649-247-7599
info@ForbesRealtyTCI.com
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
PRIVATE TOURS TO
NORTH & MIDDLE CAICOS &
SOUTH CAICOS.
SWIM LESSONS & SWIM SAFARIS.
STAND-UP-PADDLEBOARD
RENTALS & SALES.
5 STAR TRIP ADVISOR RATING
Stop by Swim & Surf Store at
Caicos Cafe Plaza, Grace Bay.
(649) 432-5000
www.caicunaniki.com
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
Caring for your pet as though it
were our own since 1981 Email: tcvets@tciway.tc
Our cleaning solutions are made
from biodegradable materials that
aren't harmful to the environment.
Find our products throughout the
Turks & Caicos Islands.
Call 244-2526
or 241-5584
649-941-8438 and 649-241-4968
autorental@dnbautoparts.com
HOUSEHOLD AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
www.oceanbreezetci.com
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 79
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.
Times of the Islands Fall 2019 81
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
subscription form
VISIT WWW.TIMESPUB.TC TO VIEW CURRENT ISSUE ON-LINE!
TIMES
OF THE
ISLANDS
SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
One year subscription
$28 U.S. addresses/$32 non-U.S. addresses
Name____________________________________________________________________
Date ____________________
Address__________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________________________________________
State/Province____________________________________________________________
Country/Postal Code_____________________________________________________
E-mail address (not required)_____________________________________________
r New Subscription r Renewal
r U.S. Cheque/M.O. enclosed
Mail with payment to:
Times Publications Ltd., c/o Kathy Borsuk,
247 Holmes Ave., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Please allow 30 to 60 days for delivery of first issue.
82 www.timespub.tc
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
Long Bay Beachfront
MLS 1900139
THE FINEST COLLECTION
Condominium | Home & Villa | Land | New Development
649.946.4474 | info@tcsothebysrealty.com | turksandcaicosSIR.com
Venture House, Grace Bay | Resort Locations: Grace Bay Club and The Palms
Each franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.
Change language