Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25

TIMES
OF THE
SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS WINTER 2024/25 NO. 149
ISLANDS
THOSE SWEET SOUNDS
TCI music and musicians
RETURN TO EAST CAICOS
A place of hope and healing
BRINGING DIGNITY TO AGING
Charity attends to the elderly

Spectacular. Stunning. Sublime.
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And, not least, the sophisticated cuisine inspired by flavors from the
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It’s what adventure tastes like.
The Cool Side of Classic with a Splash of Surprise
Elevated Mexican Cuisine 6:00 -10:00pm
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contents
Departments
6 From the Editor
19 Getting to Know
Michael Tibbetts
Salterra’s Visionary Leader
By Davidson E. Louis
23 Must-Read
The Jamaican Bobsled Captain
By Ben Stubenberg
24 Giving Back
Bringing Dignity to Aging
Dignity Foundation TCI
By Jody Rathgeb ~ Photos By Tom Rathgeb
30 Creature Feature
A Fearless Powerhouse
The damselfish
Story & Photos By Kelly Currington
36 Poetry
Sonnet for the Turks & Caicos Islands
By Marguerite C. Anderson
77 About the Islands/TCI Map
81 Subscription Form
82 Classified Ads
Features
51 Those Sweet Sounds
TCI’s Music & Musicians
By Abigail & Alejandra Parnell
60 Exploring East Caicos
A Journey of Hope and Healing
Story & Photos By Oshin Whyte
TIMES
OF THE
ISLANDS
SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS WINTER 2024/25 NO. 149
On the Cover
This spectacular shot was captured by Seth Willingham,
also known as @waterproject on Instagram. He’s been
a professional photographer for 15 years, traveling the
world capturing images of nature from beautiful destinations.
He says, “From the moment I first saw Turks &
Caicos from the airplane window I knew this place was
going to be different. On our first night at Grace Bay, we
were blessed with a glorious sunset and the colors of the
sky and water were truly mind blowing. There is no place
quite like Grace Bay and it makes sense that this place is
regularly voted the best beach on Earth!”
Green Pages
37 Creatures from the Black Lagoon
Story & Photos By Eric S. Cole
42 FisherFolkFirst
Story & Photos By Marta Calosso &
John Claydon
46 Words and Color
By Teresa Tomassoni, Amy Avenant,
& Katharine Hart
60
Astrolabe
66 Floating History
By Jeff Dodge
72 Run Aground
Shipwrecks of the Turks Islands (1805–1806)
By James Jenney
OSHIN WHYTE
4 www.timespub.tc

Crafted for
the fl ow of life.
Formed within
the fl ow of nature.
A bold architectural statement, focused on the horizon and soaring above the Caicos
Bank, famed Turks & Caicos ocean views are captured through refi ned architectural
framing. Design, drawn from nature, and crafted with clear intent for its place.
Designed by Ström Architects, this private yet connected community comprises fi ve
4,014 sqft villas, and a singular, larger 6,579 sqft showpiece. Linked to South Bank
by water taxi, Nivå harmoniously blends the serenity of Turtle Tail with the vibrant allure
of the nearby resort and marina community.
Six 4-7 bedroom Villas
in Turtle Tail from $5.65m
Register your interest today at: www.niva6.com
For more information contact Windward
at 649.241.9212 or email: contact@windward.tc
Membership at:
Real Estate Sales by:
Managed by: Designed by: Developed by:

from the editor
MARTA MORTON—WWW.HARBOURCLUBVILLAS.COM
The aloe plant is well-known for its healing qualities for humans,
although this tiny Bahama woodstar hummingbird is likely seeking
nectar.
The Healing Balm
Many people who live in the Turks & Caicos Islands are grieving the loss of a friend or family member this year, either
through gun violence, illness, or old age. “Paradise” doesn’t spare tragedy or the troubles of the world. It’s likely
that many visitors are also in mourning or suffering from anxiety and stress from a hectic lifestyle. But Oshin Whyte
said it perfectly in her article about a trip to East Caicos, “We were reminded that nature, in all its resilience, not only
recovers but nurtures, healing its own wounds and those of anyone who seeks solace within it.”
I and my brother and sister have experienced the loss of our three “Oaks”—ninety-year-old father, uncle, and
mother—within the last 2 1/2 years. In spite of the deaths expected from old age, it’s been especially hard for me
because I focused on them much of my love and care over the last decade and, in turn, counted on their unconditional
love and wisdom. They brought me much joy.
Spending time in nature’s majesty, harmony, beauty, and peace is the best healing balm. Away from screens and
social media, and all the cacophony swirling around us from politics, world crises, weather events, and too much
information, things can fall into perspective. Fortunately, the Turks & Caicos Islands are not short of natural beauty.
Here, the ocean shimmers like a charm, the beaches are vast, uncrowded, and clean, and, especially on the Family
Islands, the rhythm of life is slow, easy, and down to earth.
You’ll find the themes of healing, resilience, the wonders of the natural world, and community service throughout
this issue. Let it be a balm, as it always is for me.
Kathy Borsuk, Editor
timespub@tciway.tc • (649) 431-4788
6 www.timespub.tc

Arc
By Piero Lissoni
Elevated
Beachfront Living
NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Arc Sky Villas, designed by world-renowned architect Piero Lissoni, offer a new way of
life at South Bank, a groundbreaking managed residential resort and marina destination.
Inspired by place, indoor and outdoor spaces are seamless with immense Air Gardens
creating an organic, living structure where sky, sea, nature and space are their signature.
Developed by Windward: www.windward.tc
Managed by:
2-5 bedroom Sky Villas
from $3.2m
Register your interest today
at: www.livesouthbank.com
For more information contact
Nina Siegenthaler at 649.231.0707
Joe Zahm at 649.231.6188
or email:nina@tcsothebysrealty.com
@southbankresort
@livesouthbank
The Lissoni® trademark is owned by Piero Lissoni and any
use of such mark by South Bank and Arc is under license.

YOUR CARIBBEAN
PLAYGROUND
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AND JOYOUS LAUGHTER. FEEL THE SOFT SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES AND PICK SEA SHELLS ALONG
THE SHORE. BEACHES ® TURKS & CAICOS IS WHERE UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY MEMORIES ARE MADE.
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OR CALL YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR
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the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts. 8505/0224

Exclusively available within
The Turks & Caicos Islands
@turkstequila

ROBERT
GREENWOOD
“ C o m b i n i n g G l o b a l K n o w l e d g e w i t h L o c a l E x p e r t i s e ”
Robert Greenwood exemplifies excellence in the
Luxury Real Estate sector as a Director and Partner at
Christie’s International Real Estate, Turks and Caicos.
His distinguished career not only highlights his
personal achievements but also underscores his pivotal
role in shaping the local real estate market. As a
respected Broker and member of Christie’s Masters
Circle, Robert is celebrated for his unparalleled local
expertise and profound sector knowledge. His
leadership, including his tenure as President of the
Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association, has been
instrumental in driving the growth and prosperity of
the region’s real estate landscape.
Robert’s dedication extends beyond his professional
endeavors; he is a passionate advocate for the Turks
and Caicos Islands. By seamlessly blending local and
international insights with integrity and genuine care
for the community, he ensures his clients receive
exceptional service. His contributions have elevated
both his professional standing and the recognition of
Turks and Caicos as a premier destination for luxury
real estate. As he continues to source and develop
remarkable properties, Robert remains an integral
figure in shaping the region’s luxury real estate
narrative.
Unlocking the door to your dream home.
Robert Greenwood
www.TheTurksandCaicos.com
Robert@TciBrokers.com
+1 (649) 432-7653
O n e S e a s o n P l a z a , S u i t e 7
T K C A 1 Z Z , T u r k s & C a i c o s I s l a n d s

UNDERSTATED LUXURY AT
THE WATER’S EDGE
THE LOREN AT TURTLE COVE
TURTLE COVE, PROVIDENCIALES
EXCLUSIVELY PRESENTED BY CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE | TURKS & CAICOS
The Loren at Turtle Cove invites discerning residents and their guests to enjoy the ultimate in-island luxury living, poised at the
water’s edge. Our light-filled modern spaces, stunning panoramic ocean views, exclusive amenities, and impeccable service
offer life in perfect harmony with the sublime surroundings—uncomplicated, simple, yet remarkable. And all in a place where
the lines between water and land, indoor and outdoor, blend seamlessly, elegantly, and naturally. The clean lines of our modern
architecture, highlighted by wood, natural stone, and lush native greenery, reflect, and accentuate the natural beauty that
surrounds it—from the foliage encompassing the property to the white sand shore to the very contours of the land. The resort
seamlessly blends luxurious accommodations, pool decks, the beach, and the ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views
of violet-pink sunsets to the west and the private marina and dunes of Grace Bay to the east.
UNIT # DETAILS SQ. FOOTAGE PRICE MLS
PH-2 5 Bedroom / 5 Bath / Half Bath 10,425 $13,522,500 2400219
4B 4 th Floor – 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath / Half Bath 1,600 $1,540,000 2400622
4H 4 th Floor – 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath / Half Bath 2,353 $3,021,810 2400681
3A 3 rd Floor – 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath / Half Bath 1,600 $1,650,000 2400619
3I 3 rd Floor – 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath / Half Bath 2,353 $2,395,470 2400618
2E 2 nd Floor – 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath / Half Bath 2,382 $2,833,820 2400620
FOR OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT
Robert Greenwood | +1 649 432 7653
EMAIL: sales@thelorentci.com
Member of
Prices Subject to Change

a modern
private bank
Key Benefits of Banking
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Banking Company
Our institution is a private bank
handled in the traditional Swiss way,
focused on efficient and convenient
customer service.
The Bank manages portfolios with a wide
spectrum of products including but not
limited to the following services:
• Investment Strategies
• Wealth Management
• Fixed Deposits / CD’s
• Stocks / Equities
• Bonds / Fixed Income
• Foreign exchange
• Precious Metals
• International Transfers
• Mortgages / Construction loans
• Local transactions incl. bill payments
TURKS & CAICOS
BANKING COMPANY
+1 (649) 941.4994 • services@tcbc.tc
Mon – Thurs: 8:30am – 4:30pm • Fri: 8:30am – 4pm
www.turksandcaicos-banking.com

Turks & Caicos Property
Villa Penn Sawyer, Leeward Beachfront
Villa Penn Sawyer is a stately 6-bedroom 10,200
sq. ft., mansion located on a 2.44 acre site
boasting a myriad of magnificent interior and
exterior amenities along with two guest homes,
large private dock, beach area and direct access
to the ocean.
Sunrise Villa, Leeward Beachfront
Sunrise Villa is a stunning two-storey 5-bedroom
beachfront residence offering nearly 9,000 sq. ft.
of luxury indoor/outdoor living space. Located
on Emerald Point, one of the most prestigious
developments in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Alainn Villa, Chalk Sound Waterfront
Alainn Villa is an exquisite 4-bedroom waterfront
villa offering seclusion, breathtaking views and
room for further development on the large
.90 acre lot. Meticulously cared for as a private
residence and would make an excellent shortterm
rental villa.
The Pinnacle 105, Grace Bay Beachfront
The Pinnacle on Grace Bay, is undoubtedly one
of the most elegant beachfront properties in
the Turks and Caicos Islands. This exceptional
3-bedroom luxury condominium offers
stunning Grace Bay Beach serving as your
personal front yard.
Jasper on the Ocean, Chalk Sound Oceanfront
If you’re seeking a luxury Hamptons-style
property, look no further than the magnificent
Jasper oceanfront residence. This spacious
3-bedroom 2,830 sq. ft. home epitomizes
timeless elegance and offers an unparalleled
living experience.
Three Cays Villa, Turtle Tail Oceanfront
This exquisite 4-bedroom Turtle Tail oceanfront
villa presents an unparalleled opportunity to
indulge in the epitome of Caribbean luxury
living. Three Cays Villa provides a seamless
fusion of opulence, comfort, and breathtaking
natural beauty.
Bernadette Hunt
Owner/Broker
Turks & Caicos Property
+1 (649) 231 4029 or +1 (649) 941 3361
Bernadette@TurksAndCaicosProperty.com
Bernadette has lived in the Turks and Caicos
Islands for over 27 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 making
her the top selling agent in the Turks and
Caicos Islands (by volume) for more than
twenty years. An exceptional achievement
in a very competitive industry. In addition,
Bernadette has an impressive listing history
and is delighted to work with buyers and
sellers of homes, condos, commercial real
estate, and vacant undeveloped sites.
Bernadette’s reputation and success
have 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 several properties means she
is well-placed to advise her customers and
developers on what to anticipate in the
purchasing and construction process. Her
expertise and track record make her a
trusted professional in the local real estate
market.
Please contact Bernadette for pricing and
to learn more about the properties listed
for sale in this advertisement.

TIMES
OF THE
ISLANDS
MANAGING EDITOR
Kathy Borsuk
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Claire Parrish
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Marguerite C. Anderson, Amy Avenant, Kathy Borsuk, Marta
Calosso, John Claydon, Eric S. Cole, Kelly Currington, Jeff
Dodge, Katharine Hart, James Jenney, Davidson E. Louis,
Abigail and Alejandra Parnell, Jody Rathgeb,
Ben Stubenberg, Lisa Talbot, Teresa Tomassoni,
Oshin Whyte.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Attimi Photography, Regdrick Beckford,
Brilliant Photography, Penrhyn Brooks—Pennylaine
Photography, Marta Calosso, John Claydon, Eric S. Cole,
Kelly Currington, John Galleymore, Google Earth,
Katharine Hart—Deep Blue Charters, Marta Morton, Tom
Rathgeb, James Roy—Paradise Photography,
Ben Stubenberg, Lisa Talbot, Tate Britain, Charlie Todd—
Ocean Eyes Media, Teresa Tomassoni,
Peter Wagner, Oshin Whyte, Seth Willingham.
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Wavey Line Publishing.
PRINTING
PF Solutions, Miami, FL
Times of the Islands ISSN 1017-6853 is
published quarterly by Times Publications Ltd.
Copyright © 2025 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.
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Submissions We welcome submission of articles or photography, but
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event shall any writer or photographer subject this magazine to any
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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,
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI
Tel 649 431 4788
E-mail timespub@tciway.tc
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Advertising timespublicationsads@gmail.com
18 www.timespub.tc

getting to know
Michael Tibbetts’ leadership ensures that
Salterra becomes a promise to honor the
past while paving the way for a sustainable
and prosperous future for South Caicos
and its people.
Breathing New Life into
South Caicos
Salterra’s visionary leader is a trailblazer in sustainable development.
By Davidson E. Louis ~ Photos By Peter Wagner
Michael Tibbetts, an eighth-generation Caymanian, is not only a steward of island heritage but also a
trailblazer in sustainable development. From his early roots in the Cayman Islands to his groundbreaking
work in South Caicos, Michael’s story is one of passion, resilience, and an unrelenting commitment to
creating a brighter future for island communities. Now at the helm of Salterra, an eagerly anticipated
Marriott Luxury Collection Resort, he is combining historical reverence with forward-thinking innovation
to reshape the narrative of South Caicos.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 19

A legacy of resilience
Michael, born in the United States, spent a significant
part of his childhood and formative years in the Cayman
Islands. He began his career as a physician studying
molecular biology at Princeton University, graduating
from Harvard Medical School and eventually completing
an ophthalmology residency. However, his deep connection
to his Caymanian roots remained unwavering. Every
visit home strengthened his sense of belonging and
pride in a heritage that traces back to the late 1700s. His
family’s enduring legacy on the islands is a tapestry of
resilience and resourcefulness. From physician to developer,
Michael embodies the perseverance instilled by his
family’s remarkable history.
A pivotal figure in Michael’s understanding of this
legacy was his grandfather, a man who turned a modest
$17 into one of the Southeast United States’ largest
building materials companies, later sold to Home Depot.
Before that, Michael’s great-grandfather exemplified grit
and adaptability, transitioning from shipbuilding to shopkeeping
after losing an arm in a tragic accident. These
stories became the foundation of Michael’s values, instilling
a profound respect for history and a drive to build
something meaningful.
“Understanding where you come from is invaluable,”
Michael reflects—a guiding principle that shapes his
approach to development and sustainability. Such lessons
continue to influence his vision for Salterra.
Discovery of South Caicos
Michael’s journey to South Caicos began serendipitously
in January 2020, when he first visited the island
to explore East Bay Resort. Initially unfamiliar with South
Caicos, he was immediately captivated by its untouched
beauty, rich history, and cultural parallels to his native
Cayman Islands. What some might see as a remote island
with challenges, Michael saw as a canvas for revitalization—a
chance to blend preservation and progress.
Historically a bustling hub for salt production, South
Caicos faced economic decline with the fall of the salt
trade. However, Michael views these struggles not as
deterrents but as opportunities to breathe new life into
the island. His vision for Salterra is to catalyze economic
growth while safeguarding the island’s environment and
cultural identity.
A new chapter for the “Big South”
Under Michael’s leadership, Salterra is designed to be
more than just a luxury destination. It represents a new
chapter for South Caicos—a model of sustainable tourism
that aligns with the island’s unique character and potential.
As we walked and explored the project together,
Michael’s passion and vision became palpable. Each
space we visited seemed to spark a new level of excitement,
his eyes lighting up as he described the thoughtful
details that make Salterra a one-of-a-kind destination.
This is more than a resort to him—it’s a carefully curated
experience designed to engage the senses and tell a story
at every turn.
Carefully arranged on the floor of the soon-to-be
Regatta Restaurant, the deep-ocean-blue tiles glisten like
the serene, endless waters embracing South Caicos. The
South Caicos’ untouched beauty and rich history is seen by Michael Tibbetts as a canvas for revitalization.
20 www.timespub.tc

Each space is rich in the thoughtul details that make Salterra a one-of-a-kind destination. This is more than a resort to Michael Tibbetts—it’s
a carefully curated experience designed to engage the senses and tell a story at every turn.
completed restaurant will create a serene yet invigorating
atmosphere that invites guests to savor not only their
meals but also the beauty of their surroundings. The
restaurant and menu are indeed a nod to the island’s
coastal charm and vibrant marine life.
Stepping into the Cobo Bar and Grill, Michael spoke
with pride about the carefully curated furniture, each
piece thoughtfully chosen to embody comfort and style,
enhancing the space’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Guests can look forward to Latin-inspired cuisine, handcrafted
cocktails, and stunning views. The bar, crafted
from natural materials, creates an inviting space where
visitors can gather, unwind, and immerse themselves in
the relaxed energy of the island.
Then there’s Brine, the salt-themed restaurant, a concept
that pays homage to South Caicos’ history as a major
world salt producer. The space features design elements
that evoke the texture and palette of salt flats, seamlessly
blending history and modern sophistication. Guests are
encouraged to experience culinary innovation while connecting
to the island’s roots.
Michael’s approach to design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s
about creating spaces that evoke emotion and
foster connection. Each restaurant, bar, and gathering
area is a testament to his commitment to curating adventures
of the senses through flavors, textures, and stories
that celebrate the island’s unique identity. His passion
shines through in every detail, transforming Salterra into
not just a resort, but an immersive celebration of South
Caicos.
Continuing our tour across the construction site, we
eventually arrived at my favorite part of the project: the
Spa and Wellness Retreat. This interconnected series of
buildings will become a sanctuary where guests can rejuvenate
mind, body, and spirit in a setting designed for
ultimate relaxation.
The retreat will feature an aqua-thermal circuit, a
revitalizing experience that combines therapeutic water
treatments to promote healing and balance. Guests can
also indulge in couples massages and a variety of bespoke
treatments tailored to their needs, blending modern wellness
practices with tranquil island influences. Nestled in
a secluded corner of the resort, the space already exudes
an air of quiet and serenity.
Thanks to efforts by Michael Tibbett and Saltera in
recruiting the airline and putting up a deposit, starting
February 15, 2025, American Airlines will operate
two flights per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays
from Miami (MIA) to South Caicos Airport (XSC). All
flights to XSC will operate on Embraer 175 aircraft
with room for 76 passengers, including 12 first class
seats. Customers from across North America will now
have faster and more convenient access to this idyllic
island and the new Salterra resort via bookable flights
through Philadelphia, Dallas, and Charlotte. a
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 21

Salterra’s design integrates seamlessly with the
island’s natural environment, inviting guests to immerse
themselves in its untouched beauty. But that is not all.
From exploring and restoring pristine coral reefs to participating
in marine conservation efforts, Salterra offers
experiences that educate and inspire. Initiatives like
“Snorkel for a Cause,” where proceeds fund local marine
preservation, highlight the resort’s commitment to community
impact.
A holistic approach
Michael’s approach to development is strikingly holistic.
He views Salterra not as an isolated project but as a cornerstone
for South Caicos’ broader growth. Partnerships
with organizations like the School for Field Studies support
marine biology research, while initiatives to train
local fishermen as tour guides and scuba instructors
empower the community.
His vision extends beyond Salterra to include a South
Caicos community where eco-tourism and environmental
stewardship will thrive. He hopes Salterra will inspire
like-minded developments that collectively foster a
self-sustaining economy benefiting both residents of
South Caicos and visitors alike.
From his Caymanian roots to his transformative work
in South Caicos, Michael Tibbetts exemplifies the power
of blending historical awareness with innovative thinking.
Salterra is not just a resort—it is a symbol of hope, progress,
and a commitment to a flourishing future.
“What does success look like to you?” I asked him.
For Michael, success isn’t defined by accolades but by
meaningful progress in South Caicos—economically,
environmentally, and socially. “I want to do something my
kids are proud of,” he reflects. “And I want South Caicos
to thrive in every sense.”
In fact, Michael’s two young daughters, Caroline and
Lydia, are becoming engaged in the project, with an
innate understanding of its significance. Lydia, an inquisitive
and passionate nine-year-old, knows Salterra inside
and out, from the carefully selected font that defines its
brand to the family activities she helps curate, ensuring
the resort offers connection and joy for all ages.
Under Michael’s leadership Salterra is far more than a
business venture. It’s a legacy—a commitment to honoring
the island’s rich history while building a sustainable
and prosperous future for its people. Through Salterra,
Michael Tibbetts is breathing new life into South Caicos,
proving that a visionary leader can create meaningful
change, one inspired step at a time. a
22 www.timespub.tc

must-read
The Jamaican Bobsled Captain
Times of the Islands is delighted to announce that one
of our feature writers, Ben Stubenberg, has just published
an exciting new book—The Jamaican Bobsled
Captain: Dudley “Tal” Stokes and the untold story
of struggle, suffering and redemption behind Cool
Runnings.
It is based on an article Ben wrote for the Times of
the Islands Summer 2022 issue, “TCI Bobsledder.” See:
https://www.timespub.tc/2022/06/tci-bobsledder/.
The book centers on Tal’s improbable journey
from humble origins as the son of missionaries on
Grand Turk to world-class bobsledder. Yes, the captain
of the original Jamaican bobsled team that crashed violently
at the 1988 Winter Olympics and became the
inspiration for the hit Disney movie “Cool Runnings”
was born here in TCI!
Unlike the largely fictional film about the lovable
underdog team we could all cheer for, the true story
about the real Jamaican bobsledders reveals a far more
compelling tale about a come-back against all odds.
Ben’s sports biography unveils Tal’s astonishing
perseverance in the face of failure,
chronic lack of money, and deep, nagging
doubts. Redemption finally came at the
1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer when
Tal and his teammates took on the highly
experienced European and North American
stars and claimed their place among bobsledding’s
elite.
In recounting that incredible journey,
Ben weaves in fascinating profiles of the
eccentric and determined characters who
helped launch the team on its improbable
quest. The Jamaican Bobsled Captain is a
riveting read that Times of the Islands can
highly recommend.
Editor’s note: I’ve always found that truelife
stories are more fascinating than fiction, and The Jamaican Bobsled Captain is no exception. Besides
weaving together a plethora of details about the “real” story of Tal Stokes and the unlikely Jamaican bobsled
team, Ben Stubenberg salts the story with a wealth of Caribbean lore and social commentary, amassed through
decades of research. Be prepared for lots of “hobbin’ and bobbin’” as the story hurtles through its own twists
and turns. a
The book is available on Amazon and other platforms and at Unicorn Bookstore on Providenciales. More about
the book can be found on Ben’s website benstubenberg.com.
Both Tal Stokes (left) and author Ben Stubenberg are Providenciales residents.
Ben has been contributing articles to Times of the Islands since 2016.
ATTIMI PHOTOGRAPHY
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 23

giving back
Opposite page: Jack Wieland takes the blood pressure of Anarean Missick, 91, of Kew, North Caicos. During the visit he also checked her
blood sugar and talked with her about health issues.
Above: Mrs. Maud Handfield (left) and Mrs. Pauline Williams are both clients of the Dignity Foundation and volunteers for it. They accompany
Jack Wieland on visits, offering social therapy to others as they enjoy getting out for a bit.
Bringing Dignity to Aging
Charity on North and Middle attends to the needs of the elderly.
By Jody Rathgeb ~ Photos By Tom Rathgeb
On the surface, sitting on the porch and watching the world go by seems a fitting way to rest after a life
of hard work, or to give oneself time to heal after an accident or diagnosis of illness. But appearances
can hide real problems. Is that porch-sitter isolated and lonely? Is she mobile enough to go inside and
prepare some food if she’s hungry? Has he taken his medications, or did he forget or get it wrong? Has
anyone checked on this person lately?
Dealing with those questions and providing what one needs to live well as we age is the aim of the
Dignity Foundation TCI, a registered charity on North and Middle Caicos which provides for the physical,
spiritual, and emotional needs of the vulnerable elderly and those who need special care.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 25

Untired retiree
The foundation began with a retiree who was still connected
with the concerns of his former work. Jack Wieland
of Bottle Creek, North Caicos had retired as a general
medical practitioner in 2019, but couldn’t help but notice
the numbers of elderly people around him who seemed
to need a little extra in the way of care. Following his
interest in palliative care, he began getting to know these
neighbors and learning about the needs around him. He
began personally visiting local seniors and finding out
about their needs, then making the connections to help:
a medication organizer here, a medical bed there, some
transportation to the clinic; and sometimes just a social
or pastoral visit.
Among the connections was Galmo “Gilley” Williams,
son of a Bottle Creek neighbor known as “the bread
lady”—Mrs. Pauline Williams. Gilley and his wife, Althea,
are widely known in the Islands for their philanthropic
activities, so for them it was an easy leap to form a nonprofit
organization to help this effort toward bringing
dignity to aging.
The Dignity Foundation supplements but does not interfere with the
government health service. Dr. Jomo Laiblow (left) says he appreciates
the extra monitoring of patients offered by Jack Wieland’s visits.
The Dignity Foundation was registered in late 2023,
drawing on the needs of the community and the strengths
of its founding directors. Co-chairs are the Williamses.
Others are Alvin Hegner, vice-chair (business); Rosemary
Jolly, treasurer; Merrica Handfield, volunteer liaison
(restaurateur); Jack Wieland, secretary; Evan Williams,
pastoral care (pastor of Mt. Moriah church on Middle
Caicos); Curalena Phillips, carer educator (retired nurse);
and Treco Williams (marketing and IT).
Mrs. Mary Gibson understands the value of social interaction and
takes advantage of Dignity Foundation outings.
Dignity in action
“Dr. Jack’s” initial visits in the community have coalesced
into a regular visiting schedule of Tuesday, Wednesday,
and Thursday every week. Some of his first clients have
become volunteers as well, going along on the visits to
greet old friends and socialize with their peer group.
A recent visit to Kew, for example, was a merry traveling
“party” that included Bottle Creek seniors Mrs. Mary
Gibson, Mrs. Maud Handfield, and Mrs. Pauline Williams.
The Dignity Foundation has also organized social
events for the seniors of North and Middle Caicos, providing
transportation and refreshments for gatherings at
26 www.timespub.tc

Some of the directors shown at the launch of the Dignity Foundation on February 24, 2024 at the Ocean Breeze Resort are (from left): Jack
Wieland, Pastor Evan Williams, Merrica Handfield, Galmo Williams, Treco Williams, and Rosemary Jolly.
Horse Stable Beach and Bambarra Beach, and holding a
High Tea Party at My Dees Restaurant on North to celebrate
the King’s Birthday and allow residents to meet
with the TCI Governor, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-
Selvaratnam.
The in-home visits, however, are the central feature
of Dignity, helping to relieve loneliness and checking on
health issues. The visits are also where the organization’s
most pressing needs lie. Wieland says he currently sees
about 80 clients, and while that does not mean that all
are visited weekly, it’s still a large responsibility. Other
volunteers are needed.
Volunteers would not only help with social visitations
but also provide transportation when necessary and
work the logistics of providing any medical equipment
needed. “Our focus at the moment is visitations,” says Dr.
Wieland, expanding on the importance of providing social
contact for those who are often isolated and homebound,
without nearby relatives or English-speaking caregivers.
Volunteers need not have a medical background; simple
things like taking blood pressure and checking blood
sugar are easily done, and Dignity has a good referral
relationship with local doctors.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 27

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Future needs
“We need coordination and education and involvement,”
Dr. Wieland says, looking to the future. Starting such an
organization is a bit like juggling, keeping those three
“balls” in the air.
The plan of the Dignity Foundation is to turn what is
now a juggling act into a polished performance to bring
dignity to aging and end-of-life needs. To that end, the
organization will move toward obtaining an operational
center to be used for daytime socialization, respite and
education for caregivers, and a medical “library” of equipment
such as wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive
devices that can be borrowed when needed.
Dignity’s beginnings have focused on fighting social
isolation, but there is so much more to be done, Dr.
Wieland acknowledges. Hospice services, a dedicated
transport vehicle, medical advocacy, and improving communication
with family members who may live off-island
are all among the ambitions of an organization that looks
beneath the surface of aging in place. a
For more information on the Dignity Foundation TCI, visit
its website, dftci.org, or contact Jack Wieland at jack@
dftci.org or (649) 332-6002.
You can help
Dignity Foundation TCI is designed to run on volunteer
work, and there is currently no staff. Everyone
involved, from its board of directors to those making
visits to the elderly, is a volunteer . . . and more are
needed.
While monetary and in-kind gifts are much appreciated,
the real work of the organization resides in
people helping people. You can become one of those
people, no matter what your area or level of expertise.
To become a volunteer with the Dignity
Foundation, contact Jack Wieland by email or phone:
jack@dftci.org, (649) 332-6002. a
28 www.timespub.tc

creature feature
Opposite page and above: The Sergeant major is a species of damselfish, exhibiting the same fearless personality. The fiesty fish above is
displaying its brilliant defensive colors.
A Fearless Powerhouse
Getting to know the damselfish.
Story & Photos By Kelly Currington
Peering out the window on approach to the Turks & Caicos Islands you are greeted by the most brilliant
turquoise water anywhere. This sight is mesmerizing on its own, but what lies beneath the initial beauty
is even more alluring, an alien world of beautiful, exciting, and weird creatures.
When you slip below the surface of that exquisite turquoise sea on a dive, you never know what you
will encounter because every dive is different. You can dive the same site every day and it will offer up
different treasures each time. Part of the fun is looking for common and uncommon creatures and watching
their behavior and personalities. Each species has unique traits, and individuals within that species
have a specific personality.
There is a species that you will see on most every reef dive who has such a fierce nature it might startle
you at first. They are not afraid of larger creatures, including sharks, barracuda, and divers! But this little
creature can do you no harm, other than accelerating your heart rate for a split second. Who is this little
spitfire? Let me introduce you to the damselfish.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 31

Damselfish are small, oval-shaped fish that inhabit
reefs in the Caribbean, as well as South Florida and the
Bahamas. They are interesting little creatures with BIG
personalities! There are over 388 described species of
damselfish. They vary in size, color, habitat, and ecologies.
A few examples of damselfish are Sargent Majors,
Yellowtail Damselfish, Blue Chromis, Dusky Damselfish,
and to my surprise, Anemonefish (not found in the
Caribbean). As with most fish, the juveniles have completely
different coloring than the adults they grow into.
Male damselfish are amazing partners. They are the
ones who prepare the nests for a female to lay her eggs.
The males try to attract females by rising and then quickly
swimming back down; this is called a “signal jump.”
Besides the visual display, this courtship ritual also produces
a pulsed sound, which females are attracted to. She
will choose mates based on the vigor of the signal jump,
indicating a strong and healthy male.
During spawning season, the females will visit male
territories to lay their eggs. Depending on the distance
between territories, she may spawn her entire clutch in
one visit if the distance is far, or she may visit numerous
times, depositing smaller clutches if it is close. Each time
she visits a male territory, she may choose a different
male based on their courtship display. (She’s a little promiscuous
in her pursuit of continuing the species!)
Once a female picks her male, at dawn she will lay her
tiny, sticky little eggs in a single layer, forming one solid
patch in the nest the male has prepared. Then he fertilizes
them. The number of eggs can range from around
200 to over 2,000, so he is a busy boy! Then he will guard
the nest and aerate the eggs, protecting them from predators
and other male damselfish until they hatch in three
or four days.
Once the eggs hatch, the larvae drift into the pelagic
environment for 24 to 40 days before they settle on the
reef, where they become sedentary. This means they
This is a close-up of the jewel-like damselfish eggs, which can range
from 200 to over 2,000 in a single patch in the nest.
spend their entire life defending a small feeding territory
where they tend their algae, continuously clearing
unwanted objects and algae that isn’t to their taste.
These little powerhouses are diligent in their duties and
will run off any perceived threat to keep them away from
their babies and their algae gardens. Growing and cultivating
algae provides them with a constant supply of
sustenance, but they also consume benthic invertebrates
and plankton as well.
Most species of damselfish grow to 4 to 5 inches in
length (12.5 cm) as adults. But they have no idea how
small they are, kind of like a chihuahua. It is fairly easy
to identify them when you are diving on a reef because
suddenly you will see this small fish swim straight at your
mask or your hands in a rapid propulsion, then return to
their sponge or coral head. They will repeat this defensive
move until they feel like the threat has admitted defeat.
They have been known to nibble on a diver’s wetsuit or
This male damselfish is guarding the nest and aerating the eggs until they hatch in three to four days.
32 www.timespub.tc

Moonbeam was a fiesty Longfin damselfish who charged at, nipped, and bumped the author’s mask in the first weeks of their budding
friendship.
rash guard in the midst of this charge. Once a diver gets
over the shock of being charged by this little dynamo,
who has no fear of another creature that is so much
bigger than they are, they will see the beauty and personality
of this tiny warrior. Damselfish have to be fearless
because their natural predators are groupers, snappers,
and other large bony fish, including lionfish which are
invasive to the Caribbean.
I usually lay out a lot of specific physical details about
the creatures I write about, but with this little fish, I think
their personality is their most beautiful, and misunderstood,
attribute. I would like to introduce you to a very
special Longfin damselfish I met a few years ago—a sassy,
spunky, beautiful girl. I was on a dive, looking down into
a sponge when I felt a tiny pinch on my hand and a bump
against my mask. Startled me to say the least. I had no
idea and didn’t see anything at first, then it happened
again. This little dark fish swam straight at me, bump-
ing my mask again and then quickly returning to the
sponge.
I had heard of this fish from fellow divers who called
damselfish “Satan” because of their ability to run divers
off. I went back the next week and was surprised to be
greeted by the same unwelcoming attitude at the exact
sponge. I had an idea!
I wondered if this fish could recognize me from week
to week. Could I build trust with her? I decided to always
wear the same rash guard and leggings to dive that site
and to talk (through my regulator) to her. It took weeks
for the experiment to start showing signs of success, but
when it did it was eye-opening. Each time I dived there,
I would try to film her and she would charge my camera
dome repeatedly. I decided to extend my hand and talk
to her calmly. At first, she would nip my hand and retreat,
then charge again and nip. Instead of pulling my hand
away, I would leave it there in an attempt to show her that
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 33

I was not a threat, trying to build trust. I began to notice This went on for about a year and a half until one day I
that her nips became less and less intense as the weeks approached her home and called her name . . . and nothing.
A lump formed in my throat, and I called her name
rolled by.
I started to see her personality and spirit emerge, so again as I hovered over her sponge . . . still nothing. I
I decided to name her MoonBeam, because she had such moved from sponge to sponge calling her and looking for
a bright light about her, the same way moonlight reflects that familiar greeting, to no avail. I must have spent the
off the ocean at night. I looked forward to this dive to see better part of 40 minutes circling the structure searching
if I had made any progress with her; plus, I really enjoyed for MoonBeam. Maybe she moved to a different sponge .
watching her.
. . maybe she had been scared away by something—I had
Each week as I approached the structure, I would start to find her.
calling MoonBeam’s name to see if she would come out When I was forced to surface, my mask was filled with
before I got to her sponge. It took a while, but eventually tears of sorrow and my heart physically ached. What
she would be hovering over it as I reached her. I would had happened to MoonBeam? Why was she not there? I
extend my hand for the initial nip before attempting to couldn’t bear to think about that; my heart was broken.
video her, which she never approved of and would always For the next couple of weeks, I would not dive that site
charge my camera. I believe she could see her reflection because I felt too much sadness and there was a part of
in my dome and considered the “other” fish a threat. me that was empty.
One day something magical happened. As I approached I was forced to dive the site again for work and I
her home saying her name, I could see her above her dreaded my approach to the structure where MoonBeam
sponge, which made me smile. I did my usual gesture of had brought me so much joy. I avoided her area for most
extending my hand, but instead of nipping me, she just of the dive, but then I had an overwhelming feeling that
bumped my hand. It was huge to me! Over the next couple
of weeks, the same routine happened every time I saw headed towards her sponge. It looked strangely worn
I needed to go say good-bye to her home. I hesitantly
MoonBeam until one day she did something I had never and unhealthy, which reminded me that she was no
seen before. When I extended my hand, she swam inside longer there to tend to it, and I quietly asked out loud,
my hand, fanned my palm with her tail, and then “kissed” “MoonBeam, where are you?” My eyes filled with tears
the inside of my hand by touching her lips to it gently. again.
She swam circles around my hand and then swam back As I turned to leave, I felt a bump against my hand
into my palm. My mask filled with happy and amazed and it startled me. I turned to see a damselfish with ragged
fins. I reached my hand towards him/her, expecting
tears.
Others were skeptical and said this was all in my head, the reaction I had received from every damselfish besides
so I just smiled and invited
them to witness it with
their own eyes. Every time
I would take a diver to see
MoonBeam, she now welcomed
me by swimming
into my hand and kissing
it before swimming circles
around it and returning.
When they would extend
their hand, they would get
nipped in total rejection. I
must admit I giggled a little
and it made me believe
even more that she recognized
my presence and
trusted that I would not
harm her.
Here, Moonbeam tends to the algae growing on the sponge that was her well-guarded territory.
34 www.timespub.tc

The return of Moonbeam to her territory after a two week absence, although a bit tattered, brought the author great joy.
MoonBeam. To my surprise, this tired-looking beauty
swam into my hand and fanned my palm. I squealed with
happiness, it was MoonBeam! I couldn’t believe that she
had been gone for two weeks and was back because damselfish
don’t typically leave their small territory. But it
was her. it looked like she had been through something
traumatic. It could have been an attempted attack from a
predator, a storm surge, or a fight with another damselfish—there
was no way for me to know,. But I did know
that she was back and that she recognized me. Whatever
had caused her trauma, it did not waiver her trust in me.
She gradually healed and I continued to visit her every
week for the next year until I had to move back to the
States.
I went back two years later and she was not there.
Because damselfish can live anywhere from 5 to 20 years
depending on the species, I choose to believe that she
is out there living her best life guarding a new sponge.
I hovered over “our” spot on the Thunder Dome and
remembered all the amazing encounters I had been lucky
enough to share with this special little creature. I will
carry her in my heart for the rest of my life.
When you enter the sea, slow down and truly “see”
each living creature as a soul with feelings, intelligence,
and personality. No matter how big or small, each deserve
our respect and protection. Our very existence depends
on healthy oceans, and healthy oceans need balanced
ecosystems. We must protect that balance. a
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 35

poetry
Sonnet For the Turks & Caicos Islands
By Marguerite C. Anderson
Photo by Charlie Todd–Ocean Eyes Media
Upon the shores where turquoise waters gleam,
the Turks & Caicos Islands spread their grace.
Where sunlit waves embrace the ocean’s dream,
and azure hues paint beauty’s gentle face.
Soft sands of Grace Bay stretch in pure delight,
with whispers of the breeze and shells that sing.
The coral reefs below, a vibrant sight,
where marine life dances in an ocean spring.
The salt ponds blush with flamingos’ vibrant hues,
their elegant display a wondrous show.
And Conch Farm’s treasures, in their calm repose,
reflect the Island’s spirit’s gentle flow.
In this serene paradise where dreams alight,
the Turks & Caicos Islands shine like a jewel in light.
36 www.timespub.tc

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/
These “naked sea cucumbers” are inhabiting an algal garden in a salt pond.
Creatures from the
Black Lagoon
Part 1: The Medusa Worm (Synaptula hydriformis)
Story & Photos By Eric S. Cole, Biology Department, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota
Trigger warning: this creature’s habits are so foreign, they may offend the senses.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 37

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
One of the most marvelous life-forms I’ve encountered
in both The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos islands is
a tiny sea cucumber named Synaptula hydriformis. Barely
three inches long and resembling a worm, Synaptula
is related to the more familiar starfish and sea urchins
encountered in near-shore environments. Unlike its echinoderm
relatives (Echino-derm = spiny skin), Synaptula
has given up the bony plates that characterize its relatives
in favor of a truly flexible, worm-like existence.
A ring of sticky tentacles (as many as 12 in adults)
encircles the mouth, tentacles that multi-task for locomotion
and feeding. A tentacle reaches out and adheres
to the substrate (mud or vegetation), attaches, and pulls
the animal forward. A second tentacle reaches further,
then a third, and a fourth. As the fourth tentacle begins
its pull, the first detaches, bringing with it a “handful”
of local sediment. The cucumber’s circular mouth gapes
wide, and the animal reaches a sediment-laden arm down
its throat. The mouth constricts like a sphincter, and as
the arm is pulled back, sediments are wiped clean from
its sticky surface to be ingested. “Feed-walking” is the
awkward term I might suggest.
Oddly, these tiny sea cucumbers are relatives of a
giant (two meter long) snake-sea-cucumber that one may
encounter over the reef on a night dive. For an impressive
video of one of these monsters “feed-walking,”
see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRq_5zm_
zK4&ab_channel=NationalGeographic.
A brief history
Synaptula has a fascinating history in the Caribbean
islands. It was first discovered by Charles Alexandre
Lesueur who deserves to be remembered for his extraordinary
gifts as a natural history illustrator. In 1800, and
at the age of 21, Lesueur joined a four-year expedition to
explore “New Holland” (Australia) for Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Baudin expedition boasted nine naturalists, charged
with documenting the wildlife along the coast of Australia
(Bonaparte’s wife Josephine is said to have been fascinated
with the Australian continent). Lesueur was hired as
an assistant gunner! With no formal artistic training, his
amateur illustrations rapidly earned him a place as illustrator
for Nicolas Baudin’s travel journals (1800–1804).
Lesueur’s elevation to this position was secured as the
other nine formally hired naturalists of the expedition
died or deserted en route. (It was a rough journey.)
I may be forgiven for finding his illustrations to
rival, or even surpass those of John James Audubon.
After Napoleon’s abdication (1815) Lesueur cast about
for employment, finding a partner in William MaClure, a
Scottsman who became the first American geologist to survey
all of the southerneastern U.S. On a subsequent journey
These drawings depict the 19th century naturalist Charles Alexandre LeSueur and his artwork.
38 www.timespub.tc

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
through the Caribbean (1815–1816), Lesueur collected the
first specimen of Synaptula from the island of Guadeloupe
(he would describe it in an 1824 publication). Sixty years
later (1886), America launched the USS Albatross, the first
research vessel designed specifically for marine science
exploration. The Albatross set off to collect data from The
Bahamas. While perusing San Salvador Island (formerly
known as Watling’s Island), the USS Albatross obtained a
second specimen of this sea cucumber from a mangrove
on the northern shores. It was stored in the Smithsonian
Museum for years and later identified as Synaptula hydri-
The U.S.S. Albatross was powered by a hybrid of wind and steam.
formis (Lesueur 1824) when Hubert Clark examined it in
the 1900s.The Smithsonian obtained a more recent sample
from The Bahamas in 1996.
In 2022, my research team and I, accompanied by
TCI’s John Galleymore and assisted by one of the excellent
boats from the Big Blue Collective (Mark Parrish),
were able to visit Lake Catherine, a saltwater pond on
These images show the 1890s railroad causeway bisecting Lake
Catherine on West Caicos.
Upper images: Google Earth. Lower image: Drone shot from John
Galleymore showing the massive maw of an underwater conduit.
See also: https://www.visittci.com/west-caicos/ynkee-town
West Caicos. Lake Catherine is most notable for the
Flamingo colonies that frequent its shores, and several
enormous “conduits”: underwater caverns that connect
Lake Catherine to the sea, and whose marine connection
produces a “boiling water” effect as the incoming tide
roils the surface above them.
Rich algal-gardens colonize the causeway and provide refuge for a diverse marine biota.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 39

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
www.researchgate.net/figure/A-straight-line-does-not-mean-that-nochange-has-occurred-This-tree-provides-a-simple_fig3_213771485
In the 1890s, sisal was the principal product of West
Caicos. This short-lived enterprise involved construction
of a railroad causeway that bisected the lake, and remains
to this day. Coincidentally, construction of the causeway
created an experiment in habitat manipulation. On the
one hand, it separates the part of the lake fed by two
enormous conduits. The north half has a loose, carbonate
sediment, and modest biodiversity. The south half, fed
by tidally-active conduits, supports a rich sea-grass bed,
with again, only modest biodiversity. Curiously, the steep
banks of the causeway have created an artificial reef in
the middle of Lake Catherine that is rich in marine life! It
was here that we found Synaptula, tangled amongst the
luxuriant green and red algae beds.
An extraordinary life history,
a magnificent “colonization” machine
By now the reader might be excused for wondering why
this unarguably unattractive creature has captured the
author’s attention (feed-walking notwithstanding). The
fascination has to do with the creature’s reproductive life
history. (Alert: candid description of a thoroughly atypical
sex-life follows.) First, Synaptula is a rare example of a
creature that undergoes self-fertilization. Each individual
is in possession of a gonad that simultaneously produces
both eggs and sperm and releases them into the animal’s
own body cavity where fertilization occurs. This produces
embryos that are sloshing about in the fluids that bathe
the sea cucumber’s organs.
This is a mature Synaptula, note the tentacles on the right.
Second, development is fast and direct! Most sea
cucumbers release gametes (eggs and sperm) to the
ocean waters where fertilization occurs, and development
produces a swimming larvae that later metamorphosis
into a juvenile “cuke.” Synaptula embryos skip the
planktonic larvae and develop directly into a tiny cuke,
complete with a ring of tentacles and a complete gut, and
all within about 24 hours of fertilization.
Third, baby cukes “feed-walk” around the mother’s/
father’s insides (pronouns get difficult), slurping down
whatever loose tissue and organic material they encounter.
This process is referred to as “matrophagy.” It does
not seem to harm the parent, (perhaps even cleansing
their body wall) and we have found as many as 40
juveniles charging about the innards of a single, threeinch
long parental cuke. By manipulating the light/dark
regimen we were able to synchronize a round of self-fertilization,
and by exposing the adult to a cold-shock we
could induce “live birth.” This let us photograph the entire
embryonic life of these natural curiosities.
At left: This phylogenetic tree highlights the fact that echinoderms are some of our closest relatives among the invertebrate animals.
At right: A rare translucent Synaptula allows us to observe juveniles “feed-walking” about her insides.
40 www.timespub.tc

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
At left and middle: You can see juvenile “cukes” inside their mother’s body, and their mother giving birth (at right).
This cross section through a mature Synaptula gonad shows both eggs (red arrows) and sperm (blue arrows).
An ingenious colonizing lifestyle
As a final note, it is notable that these creatures are
extraordinarily “sticky.’ We first discovered them clinging
to our dive booties after a pond-swim. Peeling them off
we initially reacted to them as a nuisance. A wading bird
would undoubtedly collect these sticky rascals on their
feet and distribute them to every marine body of water
they visited. Remarkably, as super-colonists, Synaptula
need not arrive as a male and female pair to establish a
colony. A single, virgin cuke will rapidly begin churning
out baby cukes through self-fertilization/fast-development/matrophagy
and live birth within days of arrival in
a suitable habitat.
A cautionary tale
The salt ponds of the Turks & Caicos (sometimes referred
to as “anchialine ponds”) are special. The caverns that
feed them are home to some of the world’s strangest
and most facinating animals, and the ponds themselves
(the “black lagoons”) are refuges for marine organisms
that can escape the predation and competion of the open
sea, and serve as micro-laboratories of fast evolution.
The author is grateful to the Turks & Caicos for extending
protection over these rare and extraordinary habitats
and exploring ways to identify and further secure these
national treasures. a
Professor Cole teaches and conducts research with undergraduates
at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
He is part of a small team of researchers who propose to
conduct a biodiversity survey to deepen understanding of
the natural history of the interior of East Caicos.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 41

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
Senior Fisheries Officer Paul Dickenson, who provided invaluable input and assistance throughout the project, illustrates the benefit of having
images to explain the regulations, at the office of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management, Providenciales.
FisherFolkFirst
Developing ocean stewardship and sustainable livelihoods for fisherfolk.
Story & Photos By Marta Calosso & John Claydon, Founders & Directors, FisherFolkFirst
The Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) is the most important fishery in the Turks & Caicos Islands
(TCI). It also has the potential to be one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world. Almost all lobsters
are caught by a small number of free-diving fishers using a low intensity technique—”hooking” each
lobster by hand. Although TCI’s fishers can dive to impressive depths, lobsters in deeper water are left
untouched. And, unlike many other fishers elsewhere, they can fish without generating any unwanted
bycatch, without leaving any plastic waste, and without damaging the habitats where they fish. TCI’s
free-diving fishers also catch fish with Hawaiian slings and collect queen conch by hand from the seafloor.
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green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
While the fleet and fishing methods have remained
largely unchanged for over 50 years, fishing regulations
have evolved constantly over this period. They now
include a combination of size limits, closed seasons, quotas,
bans, gear restrictions, and licencing requirements
that address over 20 different species, many of which are
of conservation concern, and include almost 30 separate
areas closed to fishing.
These laws are designed to support sustainable
livelihoods, but despite their increasing complexity, the
only reference for fishers has been the legislation itself—
which is currently over 120 pages. There has never been
an easily accessible summary document, and little or no
information has been provided to explain the ecological
reasons behind the rules. These issues are exacerbated
for the large component of non-English speaking fisherfolk
from Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and for those
who struggle with literacy. As a consequence, fisherfolk
do not fully understand the regulations. Therefore, they
are less inclined to support restrictions to their fishing,
compliance is compromised, and small-scale fishers are
less able to engage in decision-making processes.
FisherFolkFirst, a nonprofit organisation registered
in the Turks & Caicos, sought to address this
problem by working with the TCI fishing community
and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Management (DFMRM) to identify the most appropriate
way to convey information about the fishing regulations.
The goal was to reach all fisherfolk, including non-English
speakers, and to cover a wide range of educational backgrounds
and levels of literacy.
FisherFolkFirst employed a co-design approach that
engaged fishers, fish workers, seafood processors, and
fisheries officers in almost all steps of the process, from
planning to implementation. In fact, the original idea
for the project arose from a conversation with a former
commercial fisher who currently works for the DFMRM.
He stressed the importance of explaining the ecological
reasons behind the fishing regulations, “not just telling
fishermen what they are not allowed to do.”
Together, they developed a combination of materials
tailor-made for fisherfolk. These include: hundreds of
three-fold brochures that were distributed throughout the
Islands; portable pull-up banners that were put on display
at every DFMRM office and are also available to transport
to consultation meetings, school visits, and other
From top: John Claydon, FisherFolkFirst, shows the fishing regulations
poster to fish workers at Provo Seafood processing plant, Five
Cays, Providenciales.
Marta Calosso, FisherFolkFirst, and legendary fisher Derek “Cockie”
Astwood display the regulations poster at the Fish Market in Grand
Turk.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 43

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
From top: Fishing business owners Lucy Frith and Fritz Sejour help John Claydon,
FisherFolkFirst, with translation into Haitian Creole at a local restaurant in Providenciales.
Daniel Dummond, employee of Provo Seafood processing plant, displays the regulations brochure
with Marta Calosso, FisherFolkFirst.
At left: This QR code links to the TCI fishing
regulations website developed by
FisherFolkFirst.
www.fisherfolkfirst.org/
tci-fishing-regulations
outreach activities carried out by the
DFMRM; and weatherproof posters
that were placed at strategic landing
sites and other places frequented by
the fishing community. A l l
materials were created in English,
Spanish, and Haitian Creole which
are the major languages spoken by
fishers in the TCI. The materials rely
heavily on images to cater to those
struggling with literacy and everything
was made as visually engaging
as possible. They also have a QR code
linking to a cellphone-friendly website
that was developed as part of the
project. The website shows the fishing
regulations in more detail and can
be updated to reflect any changes to
the rules. Everything is in three languages
and the website is designed
to be navigable and intuitive for those
who struggle with literacy.
FisherFolkFirst also produced a
12-minute video, primarily targeting
commercial fishers, with versions
narrated in English, Spanish, and
Creole. By emphasizing species’
ecology, the video explains how
the regulations work, why they are
there, and how they benefit fishers’
livelihoods. In addition to being a
resource for fisherfolk, the video will
be used by the DFMRM for training
and is available on YouTube and on
the FisherFolkFirst website.
The video was made with fishers,
for fishers and would not have
been possible without their invaluable
assistance. Everyone in the
video is a commercial fisher; they
played a major role in deciding what
footage would be most suitable for
an audience of fellow fishers; three
different women with ties to the fishing
community narrated the video;
and fisherfolk helped to translate the
44 www.timespub.tc

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
script into Spanish and Creole, which
really helped to make the message
more accessible to the Dominican
and Haitian communities.
The co-design approach
employed during the project brought
many value-added benefits. It
improved the project’s outcomes by
tapping into local knowledge and
expertise; it empowered the fishing
community by recognising the value
of their perspectives and concerns; it
built collaborations and partnerships;
it bridged the gap between fisherfolk
and government; and, finally, it
enhanced the project’s enduring legacy
and impact.
Overall, the project was incredibly
well-received by fisherfolk and
by the TCI public in general, with
broader interest expressed by the
tourism industry, teachers, and politicians,
among others. Although this
project is all about fishing regulations,
getting fishers to comply with
the rules was not the main goal. The
real purpose was to empower fisherfolk
of all genders and nationalities,
to develop “Ocean Literacy” (a better
understanding of our influence
on the ocean and the ocean’s influence
on us) among fisherfolk, and
to foster stewardship of their marine
resources. These are all important
steps to building sustainable livelihoods
for fishing communities. a
FisherFolkFirst is a nonprofit organization
registered in the TCI and
strives for environmentally, economically,
and socially sustainable
small-scale fisheries where fisherfolk
are empowered, coastal and marine
environments are healthy, and where
fisherfolk have secure prosperous
futures. FisherFolkFirst’s project
From top: Haitian fish workers Wisena Dorvilus, Rose Marie Vilus, and Alberte Bien-Aimè
are delighted to see the regulations poster also written in Creole with Marta Calosso,
FisherFolkFirst, at Caicos Fisheries Ltd. processing plant, South Caicos.
A fish worker who helped with translation into Creole reads the finalized brochure at Provo
Seafood processing plant, Five Cays, Providenciales.
“Developing biodiversity stewardship among TCI fishers through outreach
and education” was funded by the UK Government’s Darwin Plus Local grant
scheme and through the support of local businesses in the TCI. The fishing
regulations website and video can be viewed at www.fisherfolkfirst.org/
tci-fishing-regulations or by using the QR code in the article.
To learn more about FisherFolkFirst visit www.fisherfolkfirst.org or
email Marta Calosso at marta.calosso@fisherfolkfirst.org.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 45

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
THERESA TOMASSONI
A group of eco-journalism camp participants painted this collaborative work and integrated recycled materials they collected during a
beach cleanup.
Words and Color
Keeping Turks & Caicos “Beautiful By Nature” through storytelling and art.
By Teresa Tomassoni, Amy Avenant and Katharine Hart
Art and storytelling are powerful tools our ancestors have used from the beginning of time to preserve
cultural heritage, pass on generations of wisdom about nature and advocate for her protection. They
are tools that help us humans transcend cultural, economic and political barriers and come together to
remember our shared relationship with nature and imagine our collective future.
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green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
Recognizing the power of these tools, the Department
of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) recently partnered
with Grand Turk-based marine biologist Katharine
Hart and a group called Visions4Nature, founded by
journalist Teresa Tomassoni and artist Hernan Jurado
Quintero, to launch the Turks & Caicos Islands’ first art
and storytelling for conservation project. With the support
of Andaz Turks & Caicos, which sponsored the project,
the group facilitated a series of activities this summer
including a week-long eco-journalism bootcamp for youth
held at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. Artist Hernan
Jurado Quintero produced a large-scale mural titled
“Octopus Garden” which pays tribute to the island’s coral
reefs and Indigenous Lucayan and Taino ancestors. The
mural was unveiled this September and recognized by
TCI Minister of Tourism Honourable Josephine Connolly
during the Bight Park Beach Day.
REGDRICK BECKFORD
Fostering the next generation of
environmental journalists and advocates
Fifteen students from Providenciales and North Caicos,
as well as other island nations including Haiti, St. Lucia,
and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, participated in the
week-long eco-journalism camp, some as young as eleven
years old. On the first day, Teresa Tomassoni explained,
“To be a journalist, you have to be curious, open minded,
honest and resilient.” This week, she told the group, they
would learn how to interview scientists, advocates, and
local business owners. They would learn how to conduct
research on coral disease, climate change, and sea turtle
biology. They would observe first-hand how rising global
temperatures are affecting the coral reefs which surround
the Turks & Caicos Islands by snorkeling—maybe for
the first time in their lives. They would cruise through
the Princess Alexandra National Park with DECR’s beach
patrol officers and find out what it’s like to manage a
marine protected area. And finally, they would write factual
stories about their experiences to share with the
public.
It was a hefty load for one week, but doable. But first,
they would have to interview each other about their personal
relationship with the natural environment. It was
important to get to know one another, Teresa said. They
would be colleagues this week, and perhaps in the future.
Over the next few days, the students spent little time
From top: Environmental journalist Teresa Tomassoni encourages
student journalists to take notes on the sea turtle tagging process
led by marine biologist Katharine Hart and Amy Avenant from the
DECR. Student journalists interview Alizee Zimmermann, executive
director of the TC Reef Fund, at the organization’s coral lab at South
Bank Marina.
in the classroom. They trekked along the rocky flats lining
Smith’s Reef under the blazing sun, armed with spiral
notebooks and pens until they spotted marine biologist
and sea turtle expert Katharine Hart swimming towards
shore on her back holding a flapping green sea turtle
against her chest. Katharine was granted explicit permission
from the DECR to catch and tag a turtle, she told
the group. As she set the turtle down on the beach, she
explained how tagging sea turtles was a key conservation
strategy. It helps scientists track sea turtle populations
and their distributions and better understand the species’
use of habitat including Turks & Caicos’ lush seagrass
beds just offshore.
With each day, the students learned how to juggle
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 47

green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
REGDRICK BECKFORD
Eco-journalism students with camp leaders spent time oceanside at The Bight Park in Providenciales.
asking questions, making eye contact, taking in their
surroundings, and writing vigorous detailed notes.
“Sometimes it is just really hard to take notes and listen
to people. It got easier as I interviewed more people and
learned to write the important key points. I felt like an
actual journalist,” wrote an eleven-year-old participant in
her final reflection of the camp.
Some of the students became fascinated with animals
they had thought little of previously: corals. While visiting
the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund lab at South Bank Marina,
they heard from the organizations’ executive director,
Alizee Zimmerman, about the plight these animals are
facing as a mysterious disease called Stony Coral Tissue
Loss Disease threatens their survival. To save some of
the most vulnerable species, Zimmerman explained, the
lab housed dozens of coral colonies in open water tanks.
Someday, she told the group, these corals would be used
to breed climate and disease resilient corals to be put
back in the ocean to help rebuild the reefs of the future.
“When I realize that a dangerous and frightening disease
is ravaging these beautiful corals in our oceans, I feel
a deep sadness in my chest and an urge to inform and
spread awareness of this silent but deadly disease,” wrote
a fifteen-year-old participant.
But the group was not only inspired to write about
their ocean reporting adventures. Some of the reporters
were particularly excited by their tour of Sunshine Nursery
with Marius Giese who demonstrated how he built his
own solar power batteries and how he is propagating
breadfruit. “Giese brings us over to a small greenhouse,
and reveals a new process in which he is undertaking with
his plants called ‘air layering’. Air layering is a method
of propagation that induces roots to form on a plant
stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. As an
example, he shows us a breadfruit in the process of air
layering. Part of the plant is wounded, leaving the bare
middle of the stem. Then, damp soil is packed onto the
wounded area and wrapped in foil, tricking the plant into
thinking that the bare wound is the ground. Roots will
eventually form and the upper half of the plant will be cut
to grow into its own tree. This procedure fascinates me:
the world of gardening truly has no limits to its creativity
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green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources
This is the “Octopus Garden” mural at The Bight Park painted by artist
Hernan Jurado Quintero.
and imagination!” wrote another fifteen-year-old participant.
For some of the young reporters, the thrill of a speed
boat ride with DECR’s beach patrol officers was the highlight
of their week, topped off by seeing endemic iguanas
roam freely on Little Water Cay.
By the end of the week, every young journalist wrote
at least one article based on their first hand observations,
research, and diligent fact checking. “Everything you say
in journalism has to be backed up by evidence. It has to
be truthful, and you have to be honest to your readers.
To find all the information possible you need to dig, take
notes, edit, and put things over in a way that is exciting
and understandable for the public,” wrote one twelveyear-old
participant in her final reflection on camp.
Witnessing these young reporters grow in their
confidence to speak with strangers, engage in new experiences
and write about environmental issues was a
great privilege. Collectively, we are beginning to discuss
how we can continue this initiative and expand to other
islands. Inspiring the next generation to engage with conservation
and sustainability by fostering environmental
stewardship through novel programs like this eco-journalism
bootcamp is critical to TCI’s future. a
“Octopus Garden”: A mural to remember
Through art, Hernan Jurado Quintero aims to inspire
each of us to celebrate, explore, and protect the
beautifully diverse natural ecosystems that we are a
part of. This piece in particular is a tribute to Turks
& Caicos’ coral reefs and the hundreds of interconnected
species which depend on them for food and
habitat. It is also a tribute to those who came before
us, including the Indigenous Taino and Lucayan people,
who carved their art into rocks and other objects
throughout the Caribbean. Look closely at the mural
to spot painted images of some of their symbols and
artifacts. May they serve as a reminder for all of us to
reflect on the marks and memories we would like to
leave behind on our Islands for future generations.
“This breathtaking mural is a unique way to
engage with people from all walks of life and inspire
them to think about the ecosystems that are thriving
on the other side of the sand dunes. Watching
community members of all ages and backgrounds
connect with this painting shows the power of art to
bring people together and look at conservation from
a different perspective,” said Katharine Hart, founder
of The Marine Environmental Institute of the Turks &
Caicos Islands. a
THERESA TOMASSONI
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 49

TOM RATHGEB
50 www.timespub.tc

feature
Opposite page: Lovey Forbes is one of TCI’s most celebrated musicians, blending ripsaw music with reggae, calypso, and gospel to create his
own brand of “Combina” music.
Above: Ripsaw or “Rake-n-Scrape” is the national music of the Turks & Caicos. It comes from the use of a carpenter saw’s teeth being scraped
against with a knife or other metal object.
JAMES ROY—PARADISE PHOTOGRAPHY
Those Sweet Sounds
A look into TCI’s music and musicians, past, present, and future.
By Abigail and Alejandra Parnell
Many things remind us of our “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands—our unique and varied cuisine,
the vast landscapes and exquisite beaches that encompass our Islands, our small and tight-knit community.
But nothing reminds us more of home than the sweet sound of our music. Music in the Turks &
Caicos Islands is a celebration of our heritage and serves as a reminder of our vibrant culture.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 51

Origins
Ripsaw, also known as ‘“Rake-n-Scrape,” the national
music of the Turks & Caicos, was born out of resourcefulness.
It’s defined by the use of the carpenter saw‘s
teeth being scraped against with a metal-like object, such
as silverware, hence “ripping the saw.” Other instruments
such as the guitar, goat and cow skin drums, and accordion
accompany the signature sound of a ripsaw band.
Despite the stark similarities between the musical
styles of the Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas, what differentiates
ripsaw is the bending of the saw, which can
create different musical tones, although this genre is
played in The Bahamas, too.
Many theories exist to explain how ripsaw in the
Turks & Caicos came to be. Some attribute cultural
exchanges between us and our neighbours, such as the
Dominican Republic and Haiti via trade, as well as migration
between the TCI and The Bahamas. Another theory
also suggests that slaves fleeing the United States who
made the Islands their home introduced the concept of
using the saw for music. These explanations could all be
responsible for our musical heritage. This demonstrates
creativity and adaptability, as our ancestors discovered
ways to create music without traditional instruments.
Evolution
There are many individuals, from older and younger generations
alike, who have made significant contributions to
the musical scene in the Turks & Caicos Islands. One such
man, Lovey Forbes, has been a celebrated musician here
for over 40 years. He was sent by Hon. JAGS McCartney to
Canada in the 1970s to play ripsaw in the former Turks
and Caicos–Canada Connection band, with the purpose of
welcoming Canadians to the TCI.
As the TCI population was exposed to different musical
genres through radio, travelling, and the increase
of tourists to the Islands, they expressed their discoveries
through music. For instance, Lovey Forbes began
blending ripsaw music with other popular genres such as
reggae, calypso, and gospel—creating his own musical
style which he’s dubbed “Combina” music.
Today, most people can be exposed to a multitude
of different musical styles and genres due to the creation
of the Internet and streaming platforms like Spotify and
YouTube. Furthermore, as our Islands continue to open
their doors to people from different cultural backgrounds,
it will be exciting to witness how the cultural exchanges
pay off in music. These new musical experiences and
experimentation are sure to influence the development
of the next generation of TCI music artists.
PENRHYN BROOKS—PENNYLAINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Keno and Kaz’s musical journey blends local anecdotes, gospel beginnings, and global influences, demonstrating the power of music to
transcend boundaries.
52 www.timespub.tc

Meet the musicians
Music can be found anywhere in the TCI—at beach bars,
local restaurants, and the Thursday night Fish Fry, it’s an
integral part of the Islands’ culture. It’s only fair that we
spotlight a few of the music artists making this reality
possible, creating their own tunes and melodies. As there
are so many talented musicians in the TCI, we decided
to introduce those who we had the chance to interview.
Whether seasoned or fresh, all these musicians are current
contributors to the music scene.
Keno and Kaz
Their musical journey began with gospel music in a
Christian household in Grand Turk. Growing up, they were
only exposed to secular music sparingly, often overhearing
popular tunes through friends. Attending events like
high school basketball tournaments where local bands
would perform would also give them that opportunity,
but they’d often have to leave early. Although this felt
isolating at times, these experiences stirred a deep curiosity
and love for music. When Keno was around eight,
a family friend gave him his first bass guitar, sparking a
passion that would eventually carry him far beyond what
he may have expected.
By his late teens, Keno had started playing with small
local bands, learning by ear and improvising since formal
music education wasn’t readily available. When he left
for the United States in the late 1990s, he found himself
immersed in new genres like reggae, soca, and jazz. He
remembers his first professional band performance in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was often the youngest
musician on stage, but he quickly made an impression.
“I was the baby, but they taught me so much,” he says.
Those early years on stage with seasoned musicians
taught him about showmanship, dedication, and the
power of blending different musical styles—a skill that
would come to define his own sound.
Keno’s music is deeply inspired by life, stories, and
humour. One of his most famous songs, “Man in Law,”
was born out of a lighthearted story shared by his family
during the COVID-19 lockdown. A family member mentioned
that his ex had returned from another country with
her new boyfriend, who was affectionately dubbed “man
in law” by their family members. This funny, everyday
moment struck a chord with Keno, and he transformed it
into a catchy, relatable song that was quickly embraced.
“It’s these little slices of life that make the best songs,” he
says, adding that the tune resonates with anyone who’s
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sip. This hit song, released in 2021, has just under half a
million views on YouTube.
Another popular track, “On the Wagon,” is a nostalgic
ode to childhood, reflecting Sundays spent attending
church and Sunday School, as well as hearing stories from
elders. “It’s the kind of song that brings people back,”
he says, “because it’s not just my story.” By tapping into
these shared experiences, the song is a bridge that connects
listeners to the stories and values of TCI.
Although Keno loves the traditional sounds of Turks
& Caicos, he’s always been drawn to the idea of bringing
them into a more modern context. His experimentation
with different genres has led him to blend traditional
TCI “rake and scrape” music with international beats like
house music. One unreleased version of “Man in Law”
even features a house beat, though he admits he’s waiting
for the right moment to release it. “Rake and scrape
will only go so far if we keep it as it is,” he explains.
By adding modern rhythms, he hopes to introduce TCI’s
unique sounds to global audiences while making it more
appealing to younger listeners.
This fusion approach, however, comes with its own
set of challenges. Keno is known for being a perfectionist,
often spending months refining a track before he feels
it’s ready for release. He tells the story of recording “On
the Wagon” in his makeshift studio in Fort Lauderdale. His
“studio” was set up with his microphone in the bedroom
closet to get the best acoustics from the clothes. He’d hit
record, then run back and forth between rooms to get
everything just right. By the time he got back to the mic,
he’d be out of breath, but it was worth it, as it reflects the
lengths he would go to for the right sound.
Keno’s down-to-earth approach has endeared him
to fans, as he remains more focused on the music itself
than on fame or success. He recalls a conversation with a
friend, who asked if he ever dreamed of taking his music
to bigger stages. Keno’s response was simple: he’s happy
making music that resonates with people and captures
the essence of TCI. “I do this because I love it, not for the
spotlight,” he says. This humility, combined with his deep
respect for the craft, has kept him grounded throughout
his career, allowing him to stay connected to his roots
while embracing the future.
Keno and Kaz’s journey, filled with small-town
anecdotes, gospel beginnings, and global influences,
exemplifies the power of music to transcend boundaries.
Their stories are woven into their songs, a tribute to their
island heritage and the experiences that make Turks &
Caicos a place like no other. Through fusion of past and
54 www.timespub.tc

present, they’re ensuring that TCI’s music will continue
to evolve, bringing the soul of the Islands to listeners
around the world.
Sax-O-Pan
Sax-O-Pan is a musical duo that consists of Brentford
Handfield and his son, Brenten, two very talented musicians
who have an intertwined connection to the musical
scene in the Turks & Caicos. Brentford, a seasoned musician,
has long been active in the local music scene. Music
was an integral part of his upbringing, something he naturally
passed down to his son. His early beginnings were
in the church and a particular memory stood out—singing
a hymn in church and accidentally singing the wrong line,
making the congregation laugh. Furthermore, his childhood
home in North Caicos became the “go-to” place to
borrow a guitar because of the instruments his father—a
sailor—brought home. Though he did not receive formal
training until he was older, Brentford was always surrounded
by music and this foundation was his training
ground, sparking a passion that would shape his life.
Outside of church, the first band he played with in
high school was called Vision. Brentford and his brother
also had the opportunity to play with other bands such
as North Caicos Connection and the Gospel Peacemakers.
He recalls that these experiences made him feel part of
something larger than himself—a bond of friendship and
musical passion that laid the foundation for his lifelong
career. Later, he moved on to play with other bands like
Tropical Impulse, where he played keyboard, his instrument
of choice, though he always loved the guitar most.
His son Brenten would go on to echo some of these experiences
years later.
As he grew older, Brentford dedicated his life not
only to performing but to teaching music. After studying
music formally in college—an opportunity he describes
as almost accidental—he came back home to TCI to pass
on his knowledge. He began teaching music in schools
and mentoring young musicians, including his son, who
showed an early and natural talent for rhythm. Teaching
Brenten, however, was not about pushing him toward a
career, but sharing a love for the music that had always
been a central part of his life.
One of his fondest memories is of Brenten learning
the clarinet at the age of seven. While Brenten took to
the instrument with ease, he quickly put it down, saying
he didn’t like how it felt against his teeth. “He moved on
BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY
At right: Brentford Handfield (at top) and his son Brenten (below)
make up the musical duo known as Sax-O-Pan.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 55

to the steel pan and drums,” Brentford recalled, “but I
knew then that music was just as much a part of him as
it was for me.” He encouraged Brenten to explore different
instruments, allowing him to find his own path. This
guidance has helped Brenten develop the versatility that
characterises his current musical journey. He’s always
encouraged Brenten’s exploration of jazz and other
genres, believing that true artistry comes from a blend of
past and present.
As a musician and teacher, Brentford feels a strong
responsibility to preserve the unique sound of Turks and
Caicos. He recalls how, back in the 1980s, local bands
would pack dance floors during events, with everyone
dancing to the rhythms of local instruments. “Now, the DJ
plays and the dance floor fills up while live bands watch
from the sidelines,” he says. This shift has only strengthened
his dedication to keeping the musical heritage
of the country alive. He frequently advocates for more
support for local music, such as copyright enforcement,
which would help local artists monetize their music and
bring their sound to wider audiences.
A visionary in his own right, he dreams of festivals
centered around TCI’s cultural heritage, with themes like
corn harvesting or sisal weaving, incorporating music,
crafts, and dance. He envisions teaching local children
the theory behind the sounds they hear, wanting them to
play by ear and understand the musical structure.
As Brenten pursues his formal music training at the
University of Miami, he continues his work at home,
returning to Turks & Caicos during his breaks. Brenten
had the opportunity to offer drumming lessons at his
church free of charge, which shows his commitment. This
father–son duo continues to perform together as Sax-O-
Pan, Brentford admitting, “ . . . I also see him exploring
things I never dreamed of.” Their mutual respect is evident
in the way they work together, each bringing their
own strengths and style to their performances. Sax-O-
Pan is more than just a band; it’s the embodiment of the
power of music and how it brings us closer.
Brenten, now in his third year of university, talks of
someday creating a cross-cultural program where musicians
from all over the world come to TCI to collaborate,
learn, and share their artistry. Together, they are not only
preserving the sounds of their heritage but expanding
them, ensuring that local music continues to evolve while
staying rooted in the traditions they hold dear.
Through their shared journey, Sax-O-Pan illustrates
the values of community, family, and the transformative
power of music. Brentford’s steadfast dedication to pre-
serving TCI’s musical traditions, paired with Brenten’s
innovative spirit, makes this duo a beacon for both heritage
and progress—a harmonious blend of past and
future, grounded in love and respect for the art form that
has defined their lives.
I am Gemma
Among the next generation of local musicians is a soca
artist whose stage name speaks for itself, “I am Gemma.”
This name captures the essence of her stage personality,
as she gives it her all in her performances, in sync with
the crowd.
Gemma’s musical journey began in childhood, with
her love for singing and soca music. “For as long as I
can remember, I loved to sing,” Gemma recalls. It was
“putting two passions of mine together as one.” In her
early days as an artist, she was wracked with stage fright,
not doing too much on the stage and trying her best to
get through the performance. But now, she totally enjoys
the experience on stage, fully immersing herself in the
performance. When asked what was the most enjoyable
aspect of performing, she said her favourite part was
experiencing the feedback from the crowd, which livens
her performances.
“I am Gemma’s” musical inspirations include female soca artists, local
musicians, and rake-n-scrape bands, with the goal of creating a fresh
sound.
56 www.timespub.tc

Gemma’s musical inspirations include famous female
soca artists such as Patrice Roberts, Destra, and Fay-Ann
Lyons. However, she currently takes more inspiration
from local artists like Barbara Johnson, Keno and Kaz,
Q Band Lynkz, and Provision band as she continues to
develop as an artist. She’s also enjoyed collaborating
with many local rake-n-scrape bands, and is planning to
release her own music within the genre soon.
Although soca is not the most popular genre in the
TCI in comparison to the very popular American beats
that are played at events, Gemma’s noticed an increasing
appreciation for soca among locals, stating, “You can
now find more soca music playing at events than other
genres.” “I am Gemma” is excited to continue the path
set by the local musicians before her, even if her style is
not traditional Turks & Caicos music. “I am continuing the
tradition of creating music here.” An ode to the people
who came before her, Gemma’s desire to create new and
fresh music is evident in her work. Her latest release is
Crazy Party and is available on all streaming platforms.
The longest established legal practice
in the Turks & Caicos Islands
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Andy Missick
Andy Missick’s journey as a musician is linked to his deep
commitment to the community. Growing up in Grand
Turk, Andy witnessed the impact of gun violence and the
challenges facing young people firsthand.
Andy is “the bridge” among his peers, someone who
could empathise with both the pain of growing up in difficult
environments and the hope for change. He recalls
one conversation with a young man on probation who
asked him, “Why do you believe we can do better?” Andy’s
answer came through his music: “Because I’ve been where
you are and I know there’s a way out.” Andy’s interest in
music also stemmed from witnessing his older brother
make music, but at the time, he was too shy to join in.
Eventually, he overcame this fear and started putting pen
to paper, writing his own music.
Under the artist name Yung Blacks, Andy’s music
serves as an open door to these young people, giving
them a sense of connection and purpose. His anti-gun
violence track, “Stop the Violence,” was inspired by the
loss of several friends to crime and incarceration. In the
music video, he recruited youth from local neighbourhoods,
hoping they would see themselves in the message.
Music is more than a melody to Andy, it’s a way to
reach hearts and change minds. His holistic approach to
music isn’t just about making songs—it’s about fostering
community resilience, a sense of belonging, and empowerment.
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 Winter 2024/25 57

Andy Missick’s holistic approach to music is about fostering community
resilience, a sense of belonging, and empowerment.
Andy’s life is a delicate balancing act, with multiple
roles that often seem at odds with each other. As a
probation officer and radio host, he takes a calculated
approach to ensure that each aspect of his life aligns with
his values. Andy’s integrity has become a signature trait
in his community, where he’s respected not only for his
talent but for his unwavering principles. His music is free
of profanity, and he strives to make his lyrics relatable yet
constructive, allowing him to serve as a consistent role
model for the youth who look up to him.
Andy’s commitment to staying culturally relevant
has been one of the reasons behind his success. While
working as a youth mentor, he often uses music as an
entry point to connect with young people struggling with
depression, anxiety, and isolation.
He tells a story of his own teenage years, when he
would pour out his feelings in long texts to friends, trying
to make sense of them. His friends encouraged him to
turn these “journal entries” into songs, helping him find
a constructive way to process his emotions. These experiences
shaped him into an artist who doesn’t just sing
about the good times but addresses the complexities
of life with authenticity. Through his positive, relatable
music, Andy has built a following that sees him not just
as an artist but as a voice of their community.
When asked about future projects, he has a lot of
music that he hasn’t released as yet, as he is focused on
his current responsibilities. However, as a recipient of the
“Best Music Video” award at the A Day In Paradise (ADIP)
film festival, he is considering making a song to enter.
The future of music in TCI
Music is an aspect of our culture which brings us together.
It is an integral part of our community and a creative outlet
which brings much collective joy. As time goes on, it
will be interesting to see how the upcoming generation
of Turks & Caicos musicians express themselves through
their music. With global influences like pop, hip-hop, and
house music, some musicians hope that the spirit of our
music doesn’t get lost in the crowd. a
Abigail, 20, and Alejandra, 21, are sisters currently
pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Business
Psychology, respectively. Both are avid scuba divers, passionate
readers, and enthusiastic writers. They share a
love for volunteering, including fostering dogs. The sisters
split their time between the Turks & Caicos Islands
and the UK, where they are pursuing their tertiary education
and exploring their shared passions.
58 www.timespub.tc

feature
Opposite page: After the ravages of Hurricane Fiona, the shoreline at Black Rock Bay on East Caicos is slowly recovering.
Above: The author examines sea turtle nesting activity at Drumpoint.
Exploring East Caicos
A journey of hope and healing.
Story & Photos By Oshin Whyte
Wild, lush, exotic, breathtaking—what do all these words have in common? They each capture the natural
beauty and allure of East Caicos. You may recall reading my previous article, where Captain Timothy
Hamilton, Amadyne Agenor, and I navigated the uncharted landscapes of East Caicos in search of nesting
sea turtles—a journey through nature’s untouched masterpiece. However, Hurricane Fiona had ravaged
these shores, stripping away thousands of pounds of sand and inundating the coast with sargassum and
marine debris. Any hope of finding signs of sea turtle nesting was all but extinguished, buried beneath
the storm’s aftermath.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 61

After witnessing this devastation, I returned with cautious
optimism. Captain Tim and I hoped for a glimpse of
renewal—a testament to nature’s remarkable resilience
and ability to rebuild. Though Amadyne could not join us
as she pursues further education in the United Kingdom,
she was with us in spirit as we set out to continue the
project under the Darwin Plus initiative, designed to foster
a community-driven, locally owned action plan for the
sustainable future of East Caicos.
As we landed on East Caicos and made our way along
the coast, the signs of recovery were undeniable. The
shoreline, once stripped by Fiona’s force, had regained
its sand in places, and though sargassum and debris
were still scattered along the coast, it was no longer overwhelming.
It was here, at Drumpoint, where we found a
clear sign of life: a sea turtle’s false crawl. Even turtles,
it seems, sometimes change their minds—a reminder of
the trials they endure to secure the survival of their species.
At Black Rock Bay, the excitement only grew. We
encountered more tracks—evidence of nesting activities.
Some nests showed signs of recent hatching, with tiny,
determined tracks leading from nest to shore, and alongside
them, larger tracks that marked the journey of adult
turtles who had returned to lay their eggs.
At left: The author sets off from South Caicos for her journey to East
Caicos. From top: These are adult sea turtle tracks on the beach at
Drumpoint. Captain Tim is carefully excavating a sea turtle nest at
Black Rock Bay to look for signs of recent hatching.
62 www.timespub.tc

As we carefully excavated several of these nests and
uncovered shells, a powerful sense of wonder and gratitude
filled us. To see that life had continued in these
fragile shores, despite the storm’s devastation, was truly
moving. We were reminded that nature, in all its resilience,
not only recovers but nurtures, healing its own
wounds and those of anyone who seeks solace within it.
For me, this trip was about more than turtles and
data—it became a journey of personal healing. In the stillness
of East Caicos, surrounded by nothing but nature’s
raw beauty, I found a peace that had eluded me since
losing my brother to the cloud of violence that has fallen
over our once-peaceful home. For months, I had been
plagued by a sense of incompleteness and loss, unable to
These are hatched turtle egg shells found at Black Rock Bay, East
Caicos—a wonderful sign of nature’s resilience.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 63

Above: Captain Tim Hamilton sets off on the trip to East Caicos.
Right: This sunset on East Caicos reflects the peace and healing
offered by time spent in nature’s serene grandeur.
reconcile his absence. The noise in my mind was relentless,
a constant echo of pain and turmoil. But here, in the
quiet and grandeur of East Caicos, my heart and mind
began to quiet.
As Captain Tim and I set up camp one evening, I found
myself opening up about everything—the grief, the loss,
the unyielding sadness. He listened, offering a presence
that was both grounding and healing. When he finally
spoke in his steady, gravelly voice, his words were simple
yet profound: “You have to keep on keeping on. There
were times when I was up and times when I was down,
then up again, but you must keep on going. This island
taught me that.” In that moment, the floodgates opened,
and I felt a release—a weight I hadn’t realized I was carrying
fell away. I came to East Caicos searching for sea
turtles and, instead, found myself.
East Caicos taught me that nature not only endures
but also heals. Just as the shores are slowly restored and
life returns, we, too, can find our way back. For every
broken shell we uncovered, a story of survival emerged,
one that rekindled my hope and reminded me of the
importance of this work. There is something profoundly
spiritual about witnessing such resilience—about seeing
life carry on despite the odds. It is an honor to be part of
this project, a calling to protect and preserve these natural
treasures for generations to come. a
64 www.timespub.tc

astrolabe
newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
Front Street, PO Box 188, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI TKCA 1ZZ
tel 649 247 2160/US incoming 786 220 1159 • email info@tcmuseum.org • web www.tcmuseum.org
This is the cover (left) and title page (right) of the second edition of the booklet The Voyage of the Priscilla by “The Mate” John Copeland
Crisson, of Grand Turk and Bermuda.
Floating History
Retelling the story of The Voyage of the Priscilla.
By Jeff Dodge
This is a story about a story—a story written and published in 1907 by “The Mate”—John Copeland
Crisson—of Grand Turk and Bermuda. It is the tale of a voyage from Bermuda to Grand Turk aboard the
American schooner Priscilla.
66 www.timespub.tc

Background and the
New York to Bermuda race
In June 1907, the American schooner Priscilla participated
in the second annual New England to Bermuda Race. She
was one of twelve starters in the 680 mile (590 nautical
miles) race to St. David’s Head, Bermuda. At 80 feet in
length, she was one of the largest vessels to enter the
race which began at the Brooklyn, New York Yacht Club
(Gravesend Bay) on June 5, 1907. Today the race begins
at Newport, Rhode Island and is known as the Newport–
Bermuda Race or just the Bermuda Race.
Priscilla was built in Gloucester, Massachusetts in
1891 for the fishing industry. Gordon–Pew Fisheries Co.
of Gloucester, Massachusetts sold her to Henry Neun of
Rochester, New York in August 1906 for $3,500. (Gorton–
Pew became famous for their frozen fish sticks in 1953.
They changed their name to Gorton’s of Gloucester in
1965.)
Neun and partner Manson go to Bermuda
Henry P. Neun of Rochester, New York,
purchased Priscilla in 1906.
Henry Neun and his
New York City partner,
Philip Manson,
traveled to Bermuda
in September 1906.
Their objective had
little to do with
Priscilla—they were
looking for business
opportunities.
For example, in
December 1906,
Neun and Manson
made unsuccessful
efforts to establish an
electric utility company on Bermuda. Their plan included
using Priscilla to haul coal from the United States for its
coal-fired steam generators.
Priscilla goes fishing
The schooner Priscilla sailed to Bermuda from the USA in
late December 1906, arriving January 1, 1907. Following
the failed attempt to build an electric utility plant, her
owners decided to use Priscilla as a commercial fishing
vessel. The idea was to catch fish off Bermuda and ship
them to hotels and restaurants in New York City.
Bills soon began piling up—fishing had not turned out
to be profitable. Apparently New York City restaurants
did not know how to prepare fish such as grouper or their
customers, familiar with cod and haddock, were afraid to
order fish unknown to them.
Since fishing was unprofitable, Philip Manson wrote
Henry Neun from Bermuda on March 25, 1907 to say
he thought Priscilla should be entered in the New York
to Bermuda Race. The $1,000 prize was no doubt the
incentive and wining the race would enhance Priscilla’s
prestige and her resale value. Neun agreed.
The race
On May 16, 1907, Priscilla and Bermudian sloops Zena
and Isolt left Bermuda for New York in preparation for the
big race. The
three vessels
arrived
at
the Brooklyn
Yacht Club’s
anchorage at
Gravesend
Bay on May
25 in plenty
of time for
the start of
the race on
June 5, 1907.
Priscilla
did not win
the race—she crossed the line sixth in her class at 10 AM
on June 10. She remained in Bermuda following the competition
and, in a matter of weeks, she sailed again—not
as a racing yacht or fishing schooner, but as a cargo-carrying
merchant vessel.
Priscilla prepares to leave for the
Turks & Caicos Islands
In late June 1907, shortly after the Bermuda Race, a local
crew made up of Bermudians and Turks Islanders was
busy preparing to take Priscilla to the Turks & Caicos
Islands with a cargo of lumber. The crew anticipated an
enjoyable voyage since it would include several days on
Grand Turk where they could spend time with friends
and relatives. Officially, the purpose of the voyage was to
transport a cargo of lumber to the Turks & Caicos Islands
and return with a load of salt.
This photo of Priscilla was taken during the 2nd
Bermuda Race in June 1907.
The crew included: Henry Kruger, master; John
Copeland Crisson, 1st mate; Captain J.F. Leseur, navigating
officer; Charles Leseur (Captain Leseur’s son), Robert
Linley, and Arthur S. Harriott (related to Harriotts of Salt
Cay), seamen; P. Anderson, cook; J. Tucker, cabin-boy;
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 67

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
and four others including John Crisson’s brother-in-law,
Arthur Spencer, for a total complement of 12 men. A yellow
stowaway cat, name unknown, made for a total of
13—perhaps an unlucky number.
The voyage to the Turks & Caicos Islands was delayed.
Lumber was loaded and then unloaded—Priscilla was
not registered as a merchant vessel and didn’t have the
necessary papers to leave Bermuda carrying cargo. The
schooner’s owner(s) eventually obtained the required
merchant papers and on July 1, Priscilla was cleared to
leave Bermuda loaded with lumber.
The 1st Mate —
author of the Voyage of the Priscilla story
At this time it might be appropriate to introduce the
author of the Voyage of the Priscilla story. It was written
by “The Mate” who was in fact John Copeland Crisson.
Due to errors in the first edition of his story, which he
attributed to his publisher, Crisson had a corrected second
edition published in October 1907.
Crisson served as 1st mate aboard Priscilla following
the Bermuda Race. John Crisson was born on Grand Turk
Island in 1864. In 1888, he married Mary A. Spencer,
also of Grand Turk. They had two children, Charles and
Herbert. In 1892, John Crisson owned and edited a shortlived
(18 months) newspaper, the Weekly Record.
This is the Crisson family: John, his wife
Mary Adelaid Spencer, and their children
Charles, Herbert, John (Jack), Elodie, and
Frank in Bermuda, circa 1910.
The Crisson family
moved from Grand
Turk to Bermuda
about 1894 where
they had three more
children. What exactly
John did in Bermuda
is uncertain, though
no doubt his work
involved the sea. By
1900 John was apparently
employed by the
Bermuda
Wrecking
Co. as a salvage
worker.
In 1924, John Crisson launched The Chronicle and
Dependency News on Grand Turk confirming that by then
he was again living full-time on the island—his wife and
children however, remained on Bermuda. Though John
lived separately from his wife and family, they were not
divorced—he traveled to Bermuda to visit them from time
to time. Some said John preferred the weather on Grand
Turk, as well as the company of his Turks Island friends.
Back aboard the Priscilla
On Tuesday, July 2, 1907, Priscilla’s captain, H. Kruger,
and his crew weighed anchor leaving the Narrows outbound
for the Turks & Caicos Islands. Two days later, on
July 4 and 5, Priscilla was becalmed. The glass-smooth
seas provided the crew with the opportunity to swim
overboard. This was one of the few diversions available to
them as Priscilla’s deck was piled high with lumber. The
crew was not happy about this as they had anticipated
much “lolling and loafing about the decks.”
July 6 and 7 were days of light winds and calm seas,
somewhat like the two days before. All sails were aloft
while light winds lasted, but in the calms, the flapping of
the sails and the rolling of the schooner caused a heavy
strain on the halliards and one sail after another broke
away and fell to the deck.
On Monday, July 8, a light wind moved Priscilla toward
her destination. Later in the day, a black cloud came up
in the northwest and before long, a squall struck Priscilla.
The winds were heavy, putting her gunwale under—she
was making an indicated speed of 11 knots. Fortunately,
the winds died down quickly and the schooner was back
in calm seas.
On Tuesday, July 9, the captain and mate and three
others put a dory over the side for a row and to take photographs
of the schooner—she was becalmed again. By
Wednesday, Priscilla was about 312 nautical miles from
Grand Turk.
Easterly
winds
trade
gradually
increased on
Thursday, July 11 and
by late afternoon on
Friday, Priscilla was
located just 40 miles
from Grand Turk. At
5 PM, the Grand Turk
light was sighted and
an hour later a pilot was taken aboard. The anchor was
dropped in 15 fathoms of water in the roadstead off
Cockburn Town, Grand Turk by 7 PM.
This is the Grand Turk lighthouse as is
appeared circa 1920. It was built in 1852
and still stands on the north end of the
island.
68 www.timespub.tc

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
On Grand Turk Island
Shortly after dropping anchor off Cockburn Town, Grand
Turk—the capital of the Turks & Caicos Islands—government
officials boarded Priscilla to inspect her papers.
Following the officials’ visit, the crew hired a boat to take
them ashore where a crowd of local residents waited to
welcome them. Most, if not all, of the crew were well
known among the Turks & Caicos Islands.
On Saturday, July 13, after their luggage was examined
and paying the necessary duty at the Customs House, the
schooner’s crew gathered to plan their day’s activities.
These included touring the island, riding in donkey carts,
wading in salt ponds, and annoying shopkeepers along
This is how Front Street, Cockburn Town, Grand
Turk looked circa 1905.
Priscilla sails to South Caicos
Front Street
where
they
and
goods
admired various
souvenirs
such as
postcards,
seashells,
sponges, and
half
cigars.
penny
First Mate John Crisson wrote that at 10 AM on Sunday,
July 14—having left most of the crew behind—Priscilla left
Grand Turk and (quote) “sailed for the port of Cockburn
Town at East Caicos, where her lumber was discharged,
and 1,500 bushels of salt taken in.”
(Note: What we now know as South Caicos was identified
in early records as East Caicos, and its harbour was
known as East Harbour. By the early 19th century, South
This early view of Cockburn Harbour, also known as East Harbour,
South Caicos, appeared in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper circa
1862.
This image shows Cockburn Harbour, also known as East Harbour
until the early 1900s, as it appeared circa 1908. Notice the piles of
salt waiting to be shipped.
Caicos was being recorded as a separate island from East
Caicos and in 1840, East Harbour was renamed Cockburn
Harbour by the Governor of the Bahamas Francis
Cockburne. Therefore, by 1907, John Crisson should
have written that Priscilla sailed for Cockburn Harbour
on South Caicos. The names East Harbour and Cockburn
Harbour were used interchangeably from 1840 until the
early 1900s. Keep in mind also that Cockburn Town is
the name of the town on Grand Turk Island and Cockburn
Harbour is on South Caicos.)
At this point in his story, John Crisson goes on to
briefly outline the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands
including their geographical features, invasions by the
Spanish and French, and the governments that ruled the
Islands over the years. He also listed various resources
found on the Islands such as sisal, guinea corn, plantains,
hard woods, sponges, conchs, cave earth (bat guano)
and, of course, salt.
Author Crisson briefly describes the process the Turks
& Caicos Islands employs to extract salt from seawater
by solar evaporation, as well as how it was gathered, why
it was ground for the New England fisheries, how it was
shipped, and the prices it brought.
Priscilla began discharging her cargo of lumber at
Cockburn Harbour, (a.k.a. East Harbour) South Caicos
early on July 15. By noon, after her cargo of lumber was
unloaded, 1,500 bushels of salt were taken aboard. A few
hours after the salt was stowed below decks, Priscilla left
South Caicos for Grand Turk, arriving Tuesday, July 16.
Back on Grand Turk
On Sunday, following the departure of Priscilla for South
Caicos, some of the crew on Grand Turk attended services
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 69

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
at Parish Church “like good little chaps.” Others strolled
along the banks of North Creek to the white sandy beach
at Little Bluff next to B.C. Frith’s coconut plantation.
Fortunately, damage consisted only of the forward starboard
shroud falling to the deck. Soon after, Bermuda’s
Gibbs’ Hill light was sighted.
At 5 PM on July 24, Priscilla took a pilot aboard and
at 8:45 PM she arrived in Grassy Bay and let go of the
anchor. There were mixed feelings among the crew—sorrow
that a very enjoyable voyage was over and joy to be
home with family and friends.
This image depicts Little Bluff and B.C. Frith’s Coconut Grove circa
1926.
Friends on Grand Turk went out of their way to insure
that Priscilla’s crew had a most enjoyable visit. Beds
were made available for them at the homes of friends
and acquaintances, dinner invitations were tendered each
day, and a trip to the lighthouse on the north end of
Grand Turk by donkey cart was arranged for a picnic.
Having arrived back on Grand Turk from South Caicos
late on Tuesday, July 16 and owing to the fact that several
hours would be required to obtain ship’s papers for
the homeward voyage, Priscilla’s entire crew was able to
spend Tuesday evening at a party at the home of the
superintendent of the cable station.
Homeward bound
Priscilla was cleared to
depart Grand Turk early on
Wednesday, July 17, 1907
bound for Bermuda. Light
winds ruled weather conditions
from weighing anchor
until Monday, July 22. On the
morning of July 23, clouds
formed in the south and a
few hours later, Priscilla was
under double-reefed foresail
reeling before gale strength
winds. The crew fought the
storm for over four hours until
the weather began to clear.
70 www.timespub.tc
Priscilla’s owners continued
business on Bermuda
As stated earlier, Henry Neun and Philip Manson went
to Bermuda for business opportunities, not to race their
schooner. In 1907, Philip Manson leased Bermuda’s Hotel
St. George and was seeking permission to build a new
hotel at Par-la-Ville. In December 1908, Henry Neun,
Philip Manson, and investors launched the Bermuda–
Atlantic Steamship Company with service between New
York and Bermuda. Manson continued his business activities
on Bermuda and elsewhere until his retirement in
1929. (His activities occasionally ran up against the law.)
The demise of the schooner Priscilla
The schooner Priscilla arrived back in Bermuda following
her voyage to the Turks & Caicos Islands on July 24, 1907.
On May 13, 1908, the St. Georges Marine Slip Co. filed
a legal claim against Priscilla and her cargo for unpaid
haulage and dockage fees incurred in December 1907.
On May 19, 1908, Priscilla left Bermuda for Philadelphia
with a load of Bermuda onions, arriving in that city nine
Photographer J. Crisson captured this image of the schooner Priscilla
entering Bermuda waters with a pilot aboard. PIctured (from left) are:
A. Harriott, J.F. Leseur (seated), W. Wilson, C. Fox (the pilot at the helm),
W.A. Spencer (J. Crisson’s brother-in-law), O.D. Petty, C. Leseur, and W.
Henen (white cap).
days later. She returned
to Bermuda with a cargo
of coal on what was possibly
her last voyage.
In June 1909, Philip
Manson wrote Henry
Neun from New York
City that he had received
a letter from Bermudian
Isaac Golinsky saying
that he had a buyer for
Priscilla, but had been
told by William Meyer
of Bermuda (who was
living at the St. George
Hotel at the time), that

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
Rochester Yacht Club. The compass is on display in the
trophy room today. The plaque reads: “The Compass
Raised From the Wreck of the Priscilla, the First Vessel to
Represent RYC in the New York–Bermuda Race in 1907.”
This is likely an image of the Priscilla in Mullet Bay circa 1910.
the schooner had already been sold. Believing something
shady was going on, Manson urged Neun to go to
Bermuda to clear things up and then hire a crew to sail
Priscilla back to New York to sell her. There is no record
a sale ever took place and there is no evidence Priscilla
ever returned to the United States.
It seems likely that Priscilla was not sold and that
mounting expenses forced her owners to abandon her
to deteriorate, spring leaks, and sink. The exact date of
her demise has not been confirmed. However, one report
stated she sank in Mullet Bay in 1911 and that her sunken
remains are still visible.
Afterward—John Crisson
By about 1923, John Crisson was living on Grand Turk
with occasional visits to Bermuda to see his family. He
launched The Chronicle and Dependency News in 1924—
six years later it was put out of business in retaliation
for critical articles Crisson had written about the government.
John was not only a newspaper man, but also a photographer,
amateur shipwright, salvage worker, and the
captain of his ketch Mariette. He could also play the violin
and speak Spanish. John Crisson died on Grand Turk at
the age of 75 on November 17, 1939 and was buried
there—a grave stone also appears in Bermuda. His wife
Mary A. Spencer Crisson died on February 25, 1944 in
Bermuda. a
The author wishes to thank the following for their contributions
to this article: John Copeland Crisson for writing
and publishing his story in 1907; Linda Abend, National
Trust of Bermuda representative and archive researcher
extraordinaire; C. Harris, MBE, PHD, JP, FSA of the
Bermuda Maritime Museum for sharing his insights about
Priscilla; the Rochester Yacht Club Historical Committee;
and John McCormick and Mary Ellen Parry for sharing
Neun family records.
This is an image of Mullet Bay, Bermuda circa 1908. It was possibly
Priscilla’s final resting place.
In 2007, 100 years
following Priscilla’s
participation in
the second annual
Bermuda Race,
descendants of Henry
Neun donated the
compass salvaged
from Priscilla to the
Priscilla’s compass was donated to the
Rochester Yacht Club and is on display
in their trophy room.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 71

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
COURTESY OF TATE BRITAIN
This oil painting, The Shipwreck, by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) was exhibited in 1805. Shipwrecks and other disasters at sea
were a recurrent theme in Romantic painting. They demonstrated the primal force of the elements, a nightmare for all who travelled far from
home. We don’t know whether this painting was inspired by an actual shipwreck, or the reissue in 1804 of a famous poem on the theme by
William Falconer.
Run Aground
Shipwrecks of the Turks & Caicos Islands–The Turks Islands (1805 and 1806)
By James Jenney, The Bahamas Lost Ship Project
During the years 1805 and 1806 there were fifteen shipwrecks in the waters around the Turks Islands.
All were lost by running ashore and stranding, two of these taking place at night, and three during foul
weather conditions. Seven were schooner rigged vessels, four were brigs, two were full-rigged ships and
two were sloop rigged. Of these, there were an equal number of vessels southbound or northbound with
one whose final trip direction was not known.
72 www.timespub.tc

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
January 12, 1805 — FRIENDSHIP
The American schooner Friendship, of Alexandria,
Virginia was southbound with a cargo of flour when
disaster struck. It is unclear whether Captain Whitfield,
her commander, was headed to Turks Island directly or
was simply passing through the Turks Island Passage
when disaster struck, but she ran aground on Grand Turk
Island. Reports indicated that part of the cargo was saved
but the vessel lost.
January 22, 1805 — EAGLE
Ten days after the Friendship was lost, an American
schooner named Eagle, of Norfolk, Virginia, northbound
for the port of Edenton, North Carolina, ran ashore on
Turks Island, apparently with no cargo or possibly “in
ballast.” Although details regarding the reason for her
voyage have not been found, it was likely that Captain
Brett, her master, was looking for a salt cargo to carry
back to the United States.
The Eagle was the second of four vessels lost at
Turks Island during January. The season for raking salt
was from March until November so she was here “off season.”
However, the Islanders had long since constructed
warehouses to store and protect the precious commodity
making it possible for sales to continue throughout the
year.
January 22, 1805 — POLLY
The American schooner Polly, of Portsmouth, New
Hampshire, was 16 years old at the time of her loss,
being built in Biddeford, Maine in 1789. This 102-ton
vessel was just over 70 feet in length and was traveling
north with 61 hogsheads of sugar and some molasses
that she had picked up in Martinique. It is possible that
she planned to stop at Turks Island for some salt to maximize
her cargo load but that is not confirmed. Captain
Gold found himself ashore and a total loss at Turks Island
on the same day that the schooner Eagle was lost. It is
not clear whether the two vessels were near one another
when lost or possibly even involved with each other causing
the loss. The crew of this vessel was saved.
January 26, 1805 — CERES
Just a few days after the loss of the Eagle and the Polly,
the American sloop Ceres, under the command of a
Captain Andre, joined those vessels by leaving her bones
on Grand Turk. The sloop was northbound from Antigua,
“in ballast” when the incident occurred. Although unconfirmed,
it is most likely that she was intentionally making
a stop to pick up salt as that commodity was easy to store
aboard and in demand everywhere. Being from Edenton,
North Carolina, it is possible that she was returning to
that port, but she could have as easily been going to
another when lost.
March 20, 1805 — ECHO
On April 3, 1805, the master of the sloop Maria headed
out from Turks Island for New York City. Along with a
cargo of salt the commander brought along some passengers
from vessels that were recently lost there. Included
on that list were the mate and crew of the schooner Echo,
Ricord, of Richmond, Virginia. That vessel was reported
cast away on Turks Island on March 18 while on its way
to Jamaica. Part of the cargo was saved but the vessel
was reported entirely lost. Further information about the
aftermath of the disaster as well as details of the vessel
have not been found. There is no indication that any salvage
of the wreck was performed.
March 31, 1805 — UNIDENTIFIED
On May 5, 1805, the sloop Patty, Captain Johnson, arrived
at New York City after a 15-day trip from Turks Island. He
brought the following news, “A schooner from Baltimore
for Cape Francois, laden with flour, was cast away there
about three weeks since, vessel lost, crew and part of the
cargo saved.” After checking the records for all vessels
that cleared from Baltimore for Cape Francois during the
period from and after March 1 until the end of March,
there were none that were not accounted for by way of a
later report of arrival either back at Baltimore or at some
other port. Where the error lies in this report is unclear
but as there is no other information leading to the identification
of the lost vessel, at this time it must remain a
mystery.
October 21, 1805 — ALFRED
The American sloop Alfred had finished loading a cargo
of salt and was heading for New York City when she had
the misfortune to run aground on the Point Reef (probably
English Point Reef) on the night of October 21, 1805.
Captain Wilson and his crew took passage on the schooner
Paragon which left Turks Island on the October 31
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 73

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
and arrived back in New York City on November 13. If
there was any salvage of the vessel’s materials, no report
of that has been found.
November 26, 1805 — AMERICA
On November 9, 1805, the ship America, of Baltimore,
cleared from that port and turned her bow southward
for Trinidad, Cuba. Four days later she passed the
northbound brig Alexander off Cape Hatteras and was
reported all well. Less than two weeks later the ship met
with disaster as reported in the Charleston Courier, “The
ship America, Bunker, 15 days from Baltimore, bound for
Trinidad, in Cuba, was stranded on the N.E. reef of Turks
Island on the night of the 26th November. Part of the
crew came passengers in the Eleanor.” No information
regarding salvage of the vessel or her cargo has been
found.
March 12, 1806 — UNIDENTIFIED
On April 9, 1806, the schooner Conquest arrived at
Philadelphia from Port-de-Paix after a 28-day voyage that
included being stopped and boarded by the British schooner
Viper. Captain Gordon of the Viper had been cruising
in the Caicos Passage in search of privateers mentioned.
One vessel that Gordon stopped, the brig Jefferson,
reported that an unidentified schooner was ashore on
Turks Island. The stranded vessel was carrying dry goods
and provisions and believed headed to Santo Domingo
when the stranding occurred. The identity of the stranded
schooner and her final fate remains an unsolved mystery.
July 25, 1806 — UNION
Towards the end of July in 1806 the weather in the vicinity
of the Turks & Caicos Islands must have been at least
a bit boisterous as within a few days there were several
wrecks reported. It was reported that “The schooner
Union, Strout, of Salem, was cast away on N.E. Reef, July
25 — vessel totally lost — part of the cargo, consisting of
lumber, saved. William Moody, mate, and 5 of the crew,
came passengers in the Cleopatra.” The 109-ton schooner
was built in Sedgewick, Maine in 1800 and owned by
“James Cheevers & others,” of Salem, Massachusetts. The
master, Captain Strout, was either lost with the vessel
or stayed at Turks Island to settle any business for the
owners.
August 16, 1806 — HURON
Both the Baltimore Telegraph and the Connecticut Herald
(published at New Haven) say the brig Huron was northbound
from Martinique and headed for Turks Island
on August 16 under the command of a captain named
Leverett Stephens. Another source, less reliable, has
the brig heading southbound from Wilmington, North
Carolina for Jamaica, under the command of a captain
named Callum. The Huron was 121 tons, launched in
Guilford, Connecticut in 1801, and measured just over
73 feet in length. She called New Haven, Connecticut her
home port.
August 16, 1806 — MARTHA
The full-rigged ship Martha was enroute from Liverpool
with an ultimate destination of St. Vincent Island with
furniture for a Colonel Brown when she was caught in a
storm and stranded at Turks Island along with the Brig
Huron. The news report of Friday, October 17 read as follows:
“The ship Martha, Capt. Yeates, of Liverpool, during
the gale on the 30th of August, at the Caicos, parted
her cables and was driven on a head of rocks, where she
immediately filled; she had taken on board the whole of
Colonel Brown’s furniture, and was nearly ready for her
voyage to St. Vincent.” As it turned out, August 30 was
not the correct date but the other details are accurate.
October 19, 1806 — ANN
Captain John Mackie, master of the brig Ann, departed
from New Brunswick in Canada on a southbound voyage
to Jamaica. His cargo, if any, was probably lumber. On
October 19, 1806, he ran aground at Turks Island, an
event that his ship did not survive. Ironically, less than
a month later, while Mackie was sailing as a passenger
in the brig Paragon for Philadelphia, his luck had not
improved. Just days before the end of that voyage he was
washed overboard and could not be saved.
November 14, 1806 — UNIDENTIFIED
A news report from Philadelphia reported that, “a brig of
14 guns and 40 men, from Haiti for St. Thomas, [was] lost
on Sand Key, people saved.” I would suggest two possibilities
for the origin of this vessel. She could be one of the
remnants of the French fleet of Jean-Baptiste Willaumez,
a French admiral who had been active along the coast of
South America and in the Caribbean earlier in 1806. On
74 www.timespub.tc

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
heading back to France his fleet was caught in a hurricane
“and his ships scattered . . . The survivors gradually
returned to Brest, the last arriving in early 1807.” Another
possibility, based on the reported armament and number
of crew, is that she was a French privateer.
November 28, 1806 — HARRIET
The Lloyd’s List of Thursday, November 28, 1806 offered
the following information: “The Harriet, Curry, from
Jamaica to Halifax, is lost near Turk’s Island.” A check of
the Lloyd’s Register of Shipping for 1806 and 1807 list
this vessel with the 1807 edition listing her as lost. But
determining the background of the vessel has proven to
be much simpler than tracking the details of her loss.
A New York paper notes a vessel matching the name as
having been lost (no date given) on Atwood’s Key in the
Bahamas, but that location is more than 300 miles away
from the Turks Islands. The question is just what is meant
by the word “near.” It is possible that the New York newspaper
is referring to the same vessel noted in Lloyd’s List.
The brig was American built (Boston, Massachusetts in
1802), 148 tons, but sailed under a British registry.
Following the loss of the Harriet it would be just
under three months before the next recorded loss in
these waters, but as you will see in the continuing saga
of the shipwrecks around the Turks Islands, there was
more to come than simple strandings.
After a period of unrest near the end of the 18th century,
after the administration of the Turks & Caicos had
been shifted to the Bahamian Government, the normal
routine at Turks Island continued with little disruption.
For salt, being the abundant commodity that everyone
wanted and that locals gladly produced in great quantity,
business went on as it had for over a century and
ships from both sides of the Atlantic came to call. Many
left their bones ashore and on the reefs surrounding the
islands and cays. The saga of the shipwrecks of Turks
Island will be continued. a
James Jenney is the director of research for the Bahamas
Lost Ships Project, which is working in collaboration with
the Bahamas Maritime Museum and Carl Allen of Allen
Explorations. For more information, visit https://www.
bahamasmaritimemuseum.com.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 75

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
Museum Matters
Grand Turk events 2025
Whalefest
The museum is collaborating with the local whale
watching tour operators to host this special event
on January 10–11, 2025. Grand Turk and Salt Cay
are among the best places in the world to see the
migration of Humpback whales every season from
mid-January to mid-March. The festival will highlight
the history of whales and include fun and games for
the children, live music, and local food vendors. We
will also offer a trade show to draw attention to what
the Islands have to offer from the various whale watching
tour companies.
Grub, Grill, and Good Times
The annual return of this event in July 2025 and the
prize raffle is highly anticipated. The prize list for the
raffle improves every year thanks to the local businesses
and individuals who donate. A date will soon
be set. Check our website and Facebook page for
updates.
From January to mid-March, Humpback whale mothers and calves
are frequently seen in the waters around Grand Turk and Salt Cay,
along with males and occasional breeding groups.
KATHARINE HART–DEEP BLUE CHARTERS
Providenciales fundraising
We are thrilled to announce that we are launching a
fundraising campaign for a new museum building
in Providenciales! The proposed 8,000 square foot
museum will be located at The Village at Grace Bay
and serve as an extension of the current museums in
Grand Turk and Providenciales.
This new expansion will offer interactive and exciting
ways for the local communities and tourists to
enhance their knowledge of our history and engage
with the culture of the Turks & Caicos Islands. If
you’re interested in learning more about this project
or donating toward this exciting cause, please contact
us at info@tcmuseum.org. a
Current days & hours of operation:
Grand Turk (Front Street): Hours vary daily, but in
general open on all cruise ship days 9 AM to 1 PM.
When a ship arrives on or after 9 AM, we will open one
hour after arrival for three hours.
Providenciales (The Village at Grace Bay): Open
Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM to 2 PM.
Both locations include interesting exhibits and artifacts
related to the history and culture of the Islands.
Visit our gift shops for souvenirs, history books, and
locally made products such as baskets, jewelry, salt
products, and more. Days and times of operation are
subject to change, so please check our website or
email us for updated information.
www.tcmuseum.org info@tcmuseum.org
Story & Photo By Museum Director Lisa Talbot
76 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 43,000.
Getting here
There are international airports on Grand Turk,
Providenciales, and South Caicos, with domestic airports
on all of the islands except East Caicos.
As of April 1, 2023, all COVID-19 related travel
restrictions have been removed for travel to the Turks &
Caicos Islands. There is no vaccine, testing, or insurance
requirement. On August 12, 2022, the last day of statistics,
32,338 people were vaccinated in the Turks & Caicos
against COVID-19 (at least one dose). This was approximately
73% of the total population. For more information
and details, visit www.visittci.com.
Language
English.
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 77

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, in spite of the high humidity.
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, ammunition,
controlled drugs and pornography are also illegal.
Returning residents may bring in $400 worth of
merchandise per person duty free. A duty of 10% to
60% is charged on most imported goods along with a
7% customs processing fee and forms a major source of
government revenue.
Transportation
A valid driver’s license from home is suitable when renting
vehicles. A government tax of 12% is levied on all
rental contracts. (Insurance is extra.) Driving is on the
left-hand side of the road, with traffic flow controlled by
round-abouts at major junctions. Taxis and “jitneys” are
abundant throughout the Islands and many resorts offer
shuttle service between popular visitor areas. Scooter and
electric 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
connections. 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
78 www.timespub.tc

company is integrating renewable energy into its grid and
provides options for customers to participate in two solar
energy programs.
Departure tax
US $35. It is typically included in your airline ticket cost.
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 are
located downtown on Airport Road. In Grand Turk, the
Post Office and Philatelic Bureau are on Church Folly. The
Islands are known for their colorful stamp issues.
Media
Multi-channel satellite television is received from the U.S.
and Canada and transmitted via cable or Internet. Local
station WIV-TV broadcasts on Channel 4 and Island EyeTV
on Channel 5. There are 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
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 Turks & Caicos Islanders.
Government/Legal system
TCI is a British Crown colony. There is a Queen-appointed
governor HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. She presides
over an executive council formed by the elected local gov-
SEE
THE
DIFFERENCE
OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC
Ophthalmologist Dr. Sebastian Guzman is now available
for consultation in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Dr. Guzman and his team are a group of doctors
representing three generations of ophthalmologists.
They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye
diseases and those linked to the throat, nose, and
ears. At MD OJOS, we have our own equipment,
with all the advantages of a private clinic. We offer
a fast, complete, and comprehensive response to our
patients. We are trained in the application of the
latest technological advances for the correction of
different visual dysfunctions.
NOW OPEN IN REGENT VILLAGE
CALL 809 880 2020
WWW.OJOS.COM.DO
Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 79

ernment. Hon. Charles Washington Misick is the country’s
premier, leading a majority Progressive National Party
(PNP) House of Assembly.
The legal system is based on English Common Law
and administered by a resident Chief Justice, Chief
Magistrate, and Deputy Magistrates. Judges of the Court
of Appeal visit the Islands twice a year and there is a final
Right of Appeal to Her Majesty’s Privy Council in London.
Taxes
There are currently no direct taxes on either income
or capital for individuals or companies. There are no
exchange controls. Indirect taxation comprises customs
duties and fees, stamp duty, taxes on accommodations,
restaurants, vehicle rentals, other services, and gasoline,
as well as business license fees and departure taxes.
Economy
Historically, TCI’s economy relied on the export of salt.
Currently, tourism, the offshore finance industry, and
fishing generate the most private sector income. The
Islands’ main exports are lobster and conch. Practically
all consumer goods and foodstuffs are imported.
The Turks & Caicos Islands are recognised as an
important offshore financial centre, offering services
such as company formation, offshore insurance, banking,
trusts, limited partnerships, and limited life companies.
The Financial Services Commission regulates the industry
and spearheads the development of offshore legislation.
People
Citizens of the Turks & Caicos Islands are termed
“Belongers” and are primarily descendants of African
slaves who were brought to the Islands to work in the
salt ponds and cotton plantations. The country’s large
expatriate population includes Canadians, Americans,
Brits, and Europeans, along with Haitians, Jamaicans,
Dominicans, Bahamians, Indians, and Filipinos.
Churches
Churches are the center of community life and there
are many faiths represented in the Islands including:
Adventist, Anglican, Assemblies 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, microchip, and
lab test results submitted at port of entry to obtain clearance
from the TCI Department of Agriculture.
Potcake Place is a non-profit dog rescue charity based
in Saltmills Plaza on Providenciales. They adopt out 100%
of all rescues to approved, screened homes throughout
the Turks & Caicos Islands and North America.
National symbols
The National Bird is the Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis).
The National Plant is Island heather (Limonium
bahamense) found nowhere else in the world. The
National Tree is the Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var.
bahamensis). The National Costume consists of white cotton
dresses tied at the waist for women and simple shirts
and loose pants for men, with straw hats. Colors representing
the various islands are displayed on the sleeves,
sashes, and hat bands. The National Song is “This Land
of Ours” by the late Rev. E.C. Howell. Peas and Hominy
(Grits) with Dry Conch is revered as symbolic island fare.
80 www.timespub.tc

Going green
TCI Waste Disposal Services currently offers recycling
services through weekly collection of recyclable aluminum,
glass, and plastic. Single-use plastic bags have been
banned country-wide as of May 1, 2019. There is also a
ban on importation of plastic straws and some polystyrene
products, including cups and plates.
Recreation
Sporting activities are centered around the water. Visitors
can choose from deep-sea, reef or bonefishing, sailing,
glass-bottom boat and semi-sub excursions, windsurfing,
waterskiing, parasailing, sea kayaking, snorkelling, scuba
diving, snuba, kiteboarding, stand up paddleboarding,
mermaid encounters, and beachcombing. Pristine reefs,
abundant marine life, and excellent visibility make TCI
a world-class diving destination. Whale and dolphin
encounters are possible, especially during the winter/
spring months.
Tennis and golf—there is an 18 hole championship
course on Providenciales—are also popular.
The Islands are an ecotourist’s paradise. Visitors can
enjoy unspoilt wilderness and native flora and fauna in
33 national parks, nature reserves, sanctuaries and areas
of historical interest. The National Trust provides trail
guides to several hiking trails, as well as guided tours of
major historical sites. Birdwatching is superb, and there
is a guided trail on Grand Turk.
There is an excellent national museum on Grand
Turk, with an auxillary branch on Providenciales that
includes the Caicos Heritage House. A scheduled ferry
and a selection of tour operators make it easy to take day
trips to the outer islands.
Other land-based activities include bicycling, horseback
riding, and football (soccer). Personal trainers are
available to motivate you, working out of several fitness
centres. You will also find a variety of spa and body treatment
services.
Nightlife includes local bands playing island music at
bars and restaurants and some nightclubs. There are two
casinos on Providenciales, along with electronic gaming
parlours. Stargazing is extraordinary!
Shoppers will find paintings, T-shirts, sports and
beachwear, and locally made handicrafts, including straw
work, conch crafts, and beach jewellery. Duty free outlets
sell liquor, jewellery, watches, perfume, leather goods,
crystal, china, cameras, electronics, brand-name clothing
and accessories, along with Cuban cigars. a
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Bob: 231-0262 (after hours)
scooterbobs@gmail.com
www.scooterbobstci.com
Community
Fellowship Centre
A Life-Changing Experience
Sunday Divine Worship 10 AM
Visitors Welcome! Tel: 649.941.3484
82 www.timespub.tc

1 of 1
The one
for your private oasis
Salacia Villa, Grace Bay Beachfront, MLS 2400974
649.946.4474 | info@tcsothebysrealty.com | turksandcaicossir.com
Venture House, Grace Bay | Resort Locations: Grace Bay Club, Point Grace and The Palms
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