Times of the Islands Fall 2021

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
Grand Turk is also the home to the $40 million cruise
port, constructed in 2006. This facility is erected on 13
acres of land and includes a 3,000-foot pier, welcome
center, recreational center including a swimming pool,
1,000 feet of beachfront, cabanas and shops and the
largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean. In 2019, Grand
Turk captured the accolade for the Best Caribbean Beach
Port by Porthole Magazine.
Grand Turk is usually described as a “floating
museum” and rightly so. It is the home to the lighthouse
which was constructed in 1852 as an important landmark
to guide sailing ships. In addition, there is the old
prison, the militia building, Victoria Public Library, post
office, Odd Fellows Building and the St. Thomas Anglican
Church. Built in 1823, it was the first church constructed
on the island, followed by its sister church, St. Mary’s
Anglican Church, built in 1899.
Grand Turk was also home to several plantations,
including Hawkes Nest Plantation which was developed in
the 1900s to produce sisal, and Eve’s Family Plantation,
used to produce cotton. Grand Turk is where the Junkanoo
Club was founded, a social organization that was transformational
and progressive in its actions. This group
was instrumental in bringing about a new sense of consciousness
in the 1970s which facilitated the ushering in
of constitutional changes with wide implications for the
TCI. The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), one of
the country’s major political parties, eventually emerged
from this group of social advocates.
To the present-day visitor, the National Museum on
Grand Turk provides a wealth of fascinating displays
including a historical Lucayan carved wood duho (ceremonial
chair) and artifacts from the Molasses Reef Wreck
which is believed to be the oldest European shipwreck
excavated in the Western Hemisphere. The island is also
known for excellent scuba diving and offshore snorkeling
with pristine and sheer wall sites defining the underwater
experience. This wall has attracted many divers, as
in certain places it can drop from 30 feet to well over
7,000 feet. Along the Cockburn Town waterfront are
many beautiful beaches, small hotels and resorts. The
west side of Grand Turk is home to Governor’s Beach,
Pillory Beach, English Point Beach, Cockburn Town Beach
and White Sands Beach.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly halted
most of the tourism activity on the island. As the main
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grand Turk Cruise Port was one
of the most popular stops in the Caribbean.
contributor of visitors, at press time the Carnival Cruise
Lines have continued to cease operations. It is believed
that once cruise ships again call on Grand Turk, it will
regain its glory as being one of the leading tourism destinations
in the TCI. a
SHUTTERSTOCK
74 www.timespub.tc