Times of the Islands Spring 2025

TIMES

OF THE

SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS SPRING 2025 NO. 150

ISLANDS

QUENCHING ISLAND THIRST

The quest for fresh water

THE SKY IS FALLING!

The SpaceX explosion over TCI

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contents

Departments

6 From the Editor

21 Island Culture

Sunday Best

Story & Photos By Davidson E. Louis

24 Island Wildlife

The Gulf Fritillary butterfly

By Bill Rhodes ~ Photos By Marta Morton

56 Dining

South Bank’s new restaurant Lua

By Kathy Borsuk

62 Sports Corner

Provo Gymnastics Academy

By Ben Stubenberg

Playing for Keeps: Samuel Harvey

By Dylan Hyman

76 About the Islands/TCI Map

81 Subscription Form

82 Classified Ads

Feature

48 Quenching Island Thirst

The quest for fresh water in TCI

By Ben Stubenberg

Green Pages

29 Creatures from the Black Lagoon

Part 2: Menagerie a trois

Story & Photos By Eric S. Cole

34 FisherFolkFirst

Gauging sustainable spiny lobster fisheries

Story & Photos By Marta Calosso &

John Claydon

38 The rEel Deal

Eels of the Turks & Caicos Islands

Story & Photos By C.E. O’Brien

43 The Sky is Falling!

The SpaceX 7 explosion’s fallout

By Alizee Zimmermann

Astrolabe

64 Posting a Glimpse of the Past

By Jeff Dodge

69 Run Aground

Shipwrecks of the Turks Islands (1807–1811)

By James Jenney

73 Preserving Our Past

The National Archival & Digitization Project

By Travel Prospere

TIMES

OF THE

ISLANDS

SAMPLING THE SOUL OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS SPRING 2025 NO. 150

On the Cover

My favorite nature photographer Marta Morton took this

lovely image of a passionflower growing by the sea. As

you can read in the “Island Wildlife” feature, this flowering

vine is laden with toxic chemicals that are consumed

by Gulf Fritillary caterpillars, rendering them and the

resulting butterflies unpalatable to predators.

Marta and her family run Harbour Club Villas

(www.harbourclubvillas.com), a peaceful enclave on

the south side of Providenciales. It offers her a variety of

opportunities to photograph TCI’s “Beautiful by Nature”

landscape.

24

MARTA MORTON—WWW.HAARBOURCLUBVILLAS.COM

4 www.timespub.tc

Crafted for

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from the editor

CANDY HERWIN

Launching a handmade sloop into the sea has always been a community effort and important event in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Blue Hills

has traditionally launched many boats; in fact the sloop shown here was named Tradition.

A Culture of Community

I grew up in a small suburb outside of Chicago. When my parents purchased their simple home in 1963, the town

was a cozy village of young families. We knew our neighbors, regularly borrowed missing ingredients for a cake,

baby-sat their kids, watched their pets and cut their grass when they were on vacation, shared news, and celebrated

and mourned together. And although the town has changed into an upscale enclave of “McMansions,” my parents

were able to enjoy the company of their beloved “next door” neighbors until the day they died.

Stories told by my husband, who grew up in North Caicos, and echoed by Davidson Louis in his stirring story,

“Sunday Best” and Ben Stubenberg’s essay “Quenching Island Thirst,” describe a country where community meant

everything. It was sometimes a matter of survival, but often just a compassionate, easy-going way of life where people

cared about each other and shared what little they had (and had the freedom to discipline each other’s children!)

Yes, it still exists to a lesser extent. I see it at the bank or supermarket — “Hey, Cuz,” and an update on the

health and well-being of much-extended family. At my church, a God-created “community of saints.” And in the many

unexpected ways that folks step up to help — flat tire, broken phone, lost check.

I hope the “rich and famous” who seem to be playing an increasing role in world events and the TCI landscape

take notice of the value of caring for community. Alizee Zimmermann’s treatise on the recent SpaceX fallout asks

just this: Who must take responsibility for “mishaps” that affect our sea, our globe, our climate?

Each issue of this magazine is the result of our community of contributors—I value and appreciate you all more

than you know.

Kathy Borsuk, Editor

timespub@tciway.tc • (649) 431-4788

6 www.timespub.tc

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His distinguished career not only highlights his

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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

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Owner/Broker

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+1 (649) 231 4029 or +1 (649) 941 3361

Bernadette@TurksAndCaicosProperty.com

Bernadette is a Turks and Caicos Islander

and has lived in the Turks and Caicos

Islands for over 28 years. Over the years

she has 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

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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.

TIMES

OF THE

ISLANDS

MANAGING EDITOR

Kathy Borsuk

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Claire Parrish

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kathy Borsuk, Marta Calosso, John Claydon, Eric S. Cole,

Jeff Dodge, Dylan Hyman, James Jenney, Davidson E. Louis,

C.E. O’Brien, Trazel Prospere, Bill Rhodes, Ben Stubenberg,

Lisa Talbot, Alizee Zimmermann.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Marta Calosso, John Claydon, Eric S. Cole,

Henrietta Delancy, Jeff Dodge, Elemento Photography,

O’Brien Forbes, Candy Herwin, Karin Hess, Lori Kaine,

Davidson E. Louis, Morgan Luker, Wes Matweyew,

Marta Morton, C.E. O’Brien, Carla Perez,

Provo Gymnastics Academy, Provo Water Company,

Tom Rathgeb, Shutterstock, Mathew Slattery,

SPIRE Academy, Ben Stubenberg, Lisa Talbot,

Lemens Welch, Alizee Zimmermann.

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

AqSep, Francis Danby, Wavey Line Publishing.

PRINTING

PF Solutions, Miami, FL

Times of the Islands ISSN 1017-6853 is

published quarterly by Times Publications Ltd.

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20 www.timespub.tc

island culture

The Church of God of Prophecy in Blue Hills, Providenciales is one of the many houses of worship in

the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Sunday Best

Reflections on this special day in the Islands.

Story & Photos By Davidson E. Louis

Sundays felt like a gift—a reward for making it through the week. The air carried a different energy, softer

and more relaxed, almost as if the entire island paused to exhale. Growing up in Turks & Caicos, Sundays

were a sacred day. Either you spent it on the boat with friends and family or at church—of course.

Times of the Islands Spring 2025 21

Sundays held three special meanings when I was

young, and rightfully so for many of us who were blessed

to grow up on these Islands. It was the day you wore your

most cherished outfit for Sunday morning church. It was

the day when food overflowed from midday until dusk,

filling homes with the aroma of tradition and love. And

as the sun set, reality crept in—the reminder that school

awaited in the morning, inevitable and inescapable.

Sunday, too, was a day of open doors. Family members

and friends had no need to call ahead. They just

appeared, knowing they would be welcomed with laughter,

stories, and a plate of food. It was an unspoken

code—anyone could drop by, say hello, share a meal, or

simply sit for a moment and enjoy the company of one

another. Cousins, neighbors, and friends would gather,

exchanging the latest news on the front patio or playing

games, bringing back memories, and laughing together.

It was as if the entire country became one extended family,

bound together by shared experiences and a mutual

understanding of what it meant to belong.

The island of Providenciales is filled with churches.

From Blue Hills to Five Cays and up to Leeward, we have

one of the highest church-per-capita ratios among developed

islands in the North Atlantic and Caribbean, with

Providenciales having roughly one church for every 3,000

inhabitants. Christianity is deeply rooted in the culture,

with various denominations having places of worship

on the island, including Baptists, Anglicans, Seven Day

Adventists, and Methodists.

These well-worn Bibles attest to the fact that Christianity is deeply

rooted in Turks & Caicos Islands culture.

Many of the island’s churches are found in the three

original settlements of Blue Hills, The Bight, and Five

Cays. For many families, including mine, attending

church wasn’t just a routine—it was a tradition passed

down through generations. Church wasn’t just about

faith. It was a social cornerstone, a place where we saw

friends and family, shared testimonies, and reinforced

our cultural identity. It was where we learned respect for

our elders, discipline, and the importance of community.

For many, it was the only place where they felt truly seen

and heard, a sanctuary from the challenges of daily life.

As a young boy, Sunday service felt grand, almost ceremonial.

The crisp scent of starch in my Sunday best, the

rhythmic sway of the choir, and the pastor’s commanding

yet reassuring voice filled the room with an energy both

humbling and uplifting.

The elders sat with quiet dignity, the women adorned

in white gloves and elaborate hats, for Sundays were

when everyone wore their finest. Backs were straight

against the pews, eyes fixed ahead, with only the occasional

glance down to follow the reading of scriptures.

They listened with unwavering attention, while we, the

restless young ones, fidgeted in our seats, anticipating

the feast that awaited after service. The sermons were

long but rich with wisdom, reinforcing patience, kindness,

and perseverance. As the choir’s voices soared,

echoing off the high ceilings, the church seemed to pulse

with a divine presence, binding us all—young and old—in

the sacred rhythm of faith.

Sunday worshiping had always been my favorite

time—a moment when the entire church seemed to come

alive with an energy so powerful it felt almost tangible.

Head coverings would be tossed in the air as if lifted by

the Spirit itself, and suddenly, the dignified stillness of

the pews gave way to joyous movement. No one remained

seated—the aisles filled with swaying bodies, clapping

hands, and lifted voices. The piano keys struck with

urgency, the organ bellowed deep and soulful notes, and

tambourines rattled in rhythm with the heartbeat of the

congregation.

It was the only time when the clear divide between

young and old seemed to fade, as both generations

moved as one. Elders who normally sat with quiet reverence

found themselves swept up in the moment, their feet

tapping and arms raised just as freely as the children who

danced without hesitation. It was a time of pure, uninhibited

praise—where age, status, and worries melted away,

leaving only faith and joy. In those moments, the church

wasn’t just a place of worship; it was a sanctuary of cele-

22 www.timespub.tc

Children these days seem to enjoy Sundays just as much as the author

did when he was growing up.

bration, a space where the burdens of life were lifted, and

the soul felt truly free.

After church, the real celebration began. The kitchen

became a hub of activity as pots bubbled with rice and

peas, fish, macaroni and cheese, and all sorts of meats.

Plates were never empty, and no guest left hungry. The

laughter of children mixed with the stories of the elders,

weaving together a tapestry of love, faith, and belonging.

The food itself was a reflection of our heritage—recipes

passed down through generations, each bite a reminder

of the resilience and creativity of our ancestors. Sitting

around the table, on the couch, outside with an old

friend, or anywhere that was available, we would hear

stories of past hardships and triumphs, reinforcing the

lessons learned in church just hours before.

As the day wore on, Sunday’s joy gently faded into

the quiet of the evening. A bittersweet feeling settled

in—knowing that the carefree hours of the weekend were

slipping away, making way for the responsibilities of the

week ahead. Schoolbooks needed to be prepared, uniforms

ironed, and minds shifted toward the challenges

that Monday would bring. Yet, the warmth of the day lingered,

a gentle reminder that no matter what the week

held, another Sunday would come—a fresh opportunity to

reconnect with faith, family, and tradition.

No matter what awaited on Monday morning, Sundays

in Turks & Caicos always felt like home—where faith, family,

and tradition came together in perfect harmony. It

was the day that reaffirmed our values, strengthened our

bonds, and reminded us of the beauty of human connections.

In its quiet yet profound way, Sundays represented

the heartbeat of our culture, a sacred rhythm that carried

us forward. a


island wildlife

Opposite page: Relying on their distastefulness for protection, the Gulf Fritillary butterfly flies fast and erratically until it alights on a flower

for feeding.

Above: Gulf Fritillary caterpillers feed almost exclusively on the passionflower, a type of vine with beautiful flowers laden with toxic chemicals.

They are found throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Fast, Erratic, Distasteful

Getting to know the Gulf Fritillary butterfly.

By Bill Rhodes ~ Photos By Marta Morton

The biodiversity of islands is unlike most other spots on earth. For example, who can forget learning

about Darwin’s scientifically groundbreaking trip to the Galapagos Islands? It was there that he discovered

multiple endemic (native and found only there) species, and by examining representatives from the

various islands of the archipelago was inspired to begin to shape his theory of evolution through natural

selection.


Even smaller islands, like the Turks & Caicos Islands,

are host to a variety of unique species and varieties. If

they happen to be able to fly, like birds and insects, they

can be transitory, migratory, or year-round residents.

Those that live here all year likely came naturally, carried

to the Islands by strong winds or by simply flying across

open water from neighboring islands. Others have taken

up residence as “stowaways” inadvertently brought in on

goods arriving from elsewhere, or hidden within newly

established, but non-native, landscape plants. One of the

“burdens” of having such a pleasantly accommodating climate

is that once they arrive, non-native species are often

happy to call TCI home.

Visitors enjoy observing these native animals, many

of which they cannot see at home. There is, of course,

the spectacularly colored marine life just a short snorkeling

trip away, with a multitude of fish, mollusks, and

numerous other invertebrates filling the clear blue, warm

surrounding waters. But there are also striking flashes of

color that can be seen flying about on land, especially on

or near flowering trees and blooming plants.

There are at least 37 different species of butterflies

that can be found on TCI, as recorded and reported by

Robert St. Leger in 1991. He was a British amateur entomologist

and specialist in lepidoptera (butterflies and

moths) who spent five years here in the early 1980s.

Subsequent species sightings have brought the number

to about 40—although there has been little organized scientific

fieldwork across the Islands—and there are likely

more to be found.

Most can also be seen elsewhere in the Caribbean,

some as far north as southern Florida, as year-round residents.

For people visiting from the northern US or Europe,

though, many of these butterflies are completely new

to them. Examples include the large, yellow Cloudless

Sulphur, which is most often seen rapidly flying, high in

the trees, never alighting close enough to easily observe,

and the ubiquitous, fast flying Gulf Fritillary, Agraulis

vanillae.

The Gulf Fritillary is a medium sized butterfly and is

easily spotted, with its bright orange upper side adorned

with black dots. Its underside is just as striking, with

Like most butterflies, the Gulf Fritillary feeds on nectar obtained from plants, but unlike many other butterflies they can collect pollen as well

and use it for nutrients. The pollen that sticks to their mouthparts and body makes them excellent pollinators as they travel from flower to

flower.

26 www.timespub.tc

This is the rather frightening Gulf Fritillary caterpillar, who feeds almost exclusively on the passionflower vine, which is laden with toxic

chemicals. The caterpillars concentrate the toxins in their bodies, making them unpalatable and possibly toxic to predators.

SHUTTERSTOCK

hindwings covered in silvery white triangles. Even the caterpillars

are conspicuous, as they are also bright orange

with numerous black branched spines. They feed almost

exclusively on different species of passionflower, a type

of flowering vine, which, while having beautiful flowers,

are laden with toxic chemicals and are found throughout

TCI. The Gulf Fritillary caterpillars concentrate the passionflower’s

toxins in their bodies, making them not only

unpalatable to predators but possibly even toxic. These

chemicals are carried over into the winged adults, which

hungry birds quickly learn to avoid.


They are classified in the subfamily Heliconini and

are more commonly referred to as “longwing“ butterflies,

because of their long, narrow forewings. Unlike other

longwing butterflies, though, which tend to glide slowly

and gracefully in the darker parts of the understory,

relying on their distastefulness for protection, the Gulf

Fritillary is fast and erratic, flying just about eye level or

a little higher until it alights on a flower for feeding.

It is widespread throughout the Caribbean and

southeast US, where some populations migrate north as

temperatures rise in the spring, going into the mid-Atlantic

states and northern parts of Texas and the Central

US. Populations in the far south and Caribbean stay

year-round. When a predator approaches, they release

chemicals from their abdomen which are unpleasant to

the birds and others trying to make a snack of them. If

that doesn’t dissuade the would-be diner, they will be

sorely disappointed when taking their first bite.

Like most other butterflies, they feed on nectar

obtained from plants, using their straw-like proboscis.

However, unlike most other butterflies, they can collect

pollen as well and use it for nutrients as it is absorbed

through the proboscis wall. The pollen that sticks to their

mouthparts and body also makes them excellent pollinators

as they travel from flower-to-flower feeding.

Female Gulf Fritillaries are generally larger than the

males, and the males will attract females by perching on

a plant and flapping their wings together, open and shut,

as a display. They also release chemicals, called pheromones,

that the female will recognize and be drawn to.

So, the next time you see a flash of orange flying

erratically by, it is likely another TCI local resident, the

Gulf Fritillary. a

Bill Rhodes is a retired life sciences industry executive

who enjoys writing for various magazines on nature subjects.

He lives in southwest Florida for most of the year

and enjoys visiting the Islands as frequently as he can.

28 www.timespub.tc

green pages

Department of Environment & Coastal Resources

web www.gov.tc/decr/

The “upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea) is the “creature” focused on in this article. At left: A plethora of golden Cassiopea polyps are anchored

to the brown, microbial crust decorating a hapless Cerithid snail that had been grazing on a Lugworm egg sac.

At right: A mature Cassiopea medusa seems to gaze at its reflection in the surface.

Creatures from the

Black Lagoon

Part 2: Menagerie a trois

Story & Photos By Eric S. Cole, Biology Department, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota

The life cycle of a jellyfish, and in particular the upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea) involves something

called alternation of generations, going between a swimming form, (the “medusa” that most of us recognize

as a jellyfish), and a tiny anchored form that most of us never see, the “polyp” which resembles a

minute coral or anemone. Evolution has produced a remarkable creature that spends half its life anchored

to a solid substrate snaring passing zooplankton with stinging tentacles, and half of its life swimming as

a pulsating “bell” while harboring photosynthetic microalgae through both life stages.


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This symbiotic relationship provides shelter to the

microalgae and energy to the jellyfish. The tiny polyps

grow, and divide by budding off other tiny polyps. The

“head” of a polyp consists of a mouth encircled by a ring

of stinging tentacles. When the time is right, this “head”

pinches off and swims away, and a juvenile jellyfish (or

“ephyra”) is born.

The medusae exist in both male and female forms and

when mature, begin producing sperm and eggs. Changes

in water temperature can drive sexual reproduction in

congregating jellyfish. The eggs of female Cassiopea

jellies are fertilized and brooded internally. Planktonic

planulae (a type of larvae specific to Cnidarians) are

subsequently released, swim around, and are eventually

attracted to a substrate for settlement where they metamorphose

into the tiny polyp forms.

During their life-cycle, the planulae that are shed into

the water column join other planktonic life forms where

they remain suspended for some time. They appear to be

choosey about where to settle before turning into feeding

polyps. Somehow, planulae sense chemical cues in

the environment, discerning the most productive place to

land. Previous researchers described infant polyps anchoring

to rotten mangrove leaves. By analyzing the leaves,

they hypothesized that a “biofilm” of living cyanobacteria

(blue-green algae) coats the decaying plant matter, releasing

tiny peptides that the jellyfish larvae are attracted to.

Andrew Hinrichs, our research team’s jellyfish expert,

found polyps anchored to similar decaying leaves in one

From top: This figure depicts the life cycle of the “upside-down” jellyfish,

Cassiopea.

These dead mangrove leaves are covered with tiny jellyfish polyps.

of the Turks & Caicos’ island ponds. Later, while exploring

a saltwater pond on Providenciales, we found a rich

bed of upside-down jellies. Though we hunted diligently,

we could not locate their corresponding polyps.

At left is a garden of photosynthetic Cassiopea jellyfish resting on the pond sediment. At right is researcher Andrew Hinrich searching for

the juvenile jellyfish polyp.

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At left: This adult lugworm was pulled from the sediments by team member and redoubtable lugworm wrangler, John Campion.

At right: This clutch of baseball-sized jelly masses houses eggs.

At left: This egg mass displays snails grazing trails through the settled algae, and around resting baby jellies.

At right: This egg mass harbors 43 baby jellyfish—a miniature meadow of medusae!

What we did find was a second denizen of the inland

ponds, the giant Atlantic Lugworm (Arenicola). These

fleshy beasts burrow beneath the sediment that provides

substrate for the maturing jellyfish. One finds them by

groping blindly beneath the muck, until one’s fingers

encounter their pulsating mass. Evidence of their existence

appears in the form of ballooning egg masses that

rise from their burrows. These are the size of grapefruits,

and house thousands of baby lugworm embryos. The surface

of the lugworm egg mass appears dusty, as algae

seems to settle on them and stick.

Lugworm egg sacs play a peculiar role in our studies,

in that they appear to attract the juvenile “medusa” (the

smallest actual jellies) as well as snails that graze the

algae layer on top. It was intriguing that the lugworm egg

mass seemed to attract the juvenile jellies (the “medusae”),

but we were searching for juvenile polyps (the tiny

anchored form).

Andy began looking more closely at the snails grazing

both the algal coat on the egg masses, and the

surrounding beds of green feather algae (Caulerpa). To

our amazement, Andy found Cassiopea polyps anchored

to the shells of the grazing snails. These snails (a poorly

studied group of “horn snails” or Cerithids) represent the


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Top: This egg mass is covered with grazing snails, while the single snail to the right has six polyps visible.

Bottom: At left are clean snails without polyps contrasted at the right with a “dirty” snail encrusted in calcareous biofilm and populated by

Cassiopea polyps.

third animal in our mysterious menagerie. Andrew taught

us how to see them, and we were able to study them

more carefully. “Clean-shelled” snails seemed unattractive

to the jellyfish polyps, whereas snails whose shells were

encased in a dark, calcareous plaque (think of what your

dentist works on while cleaning your teeth, only nastier)

appear irresistible to the planulae that metamorphosed

into the juvenile polyps.

In corresponding with other scientists Dr. Aki Ohdera,

William Fitt, and Monica Medina, we realized that we had

discovered a potentially intense source of a bio-attractant

that calls jellyfish larvae to settle on this layer of encrusting

microbes that cover the Cerithid snails.

To recap, (it is hard to keep up with this story) lugworms

lay egg masses (giant gelatinous orbs) on the

bottom of our favorite Provo pond. Single-cell algae settle

on these egg jellies, dusting their surface like frosting

Right: Our life history Trio includes: lugworm (in light brown), Cerithid

snails (dark brown), Cassiopea polyps (pink) and Cassiopea medusa

(turquoise).

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on a cupcake. This algal frosting attracts Cerithid snails

that plow lanes, grazing the algal film that covers the egg

mass and in turn, the snails attract microbes that cover

their shell, creating a dark, calcareous crust. Nearby,

adult jellyfish spawn, releasing their tiny larvae into the

pond water. The larvae drift until they smell something

(or bump into something) “good.” As it turns out, the

most desirable real estate in the entire lake (if you are

a larval jellyfish) is this calcareous crust decorating the

shell of the snails seen cruising over the gelatinous egg

jellies of the giant lugworm. Oddly, microbial crusts on

these snails may offer a potential tool for coral-restoration.

On our most recent trip (February 2025), we found

the snails again, and gently scraped away some of their

encrusting biofilm with stainless steel picks provided by

my dental hygienist. We applied for and got a permit to

collect and test this material, both for bio-activity (does it

attract jellyfish babies?) and to learn the genetic identity

of the microbes involved.

Evgenia Roth and Brooke Ellis are two of our students

both working for one of St. Olaf’s professors, Dr.

Anne Gothmann, who is studying the deep-water coral

Balanophyllia elegans. Her living corals also shed planulae

that Evgenia and Brooke have been collecting. We are

currently testing to see if our snail’s encrusting biofilm

can attract larvae from across the phylum. If so, identifying

this bio-active compound could help efforts to grow

and settle corals in the laboratory as researchers work to

restore natural populations where successive waves of

brutalizing heat have beaten them back.

The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund office at the South Bank Marina in

Providenciales is home to a valuable collection of live local corals.

One unexpected perk from our recent adventure was

discovering the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund office at the

South Bank Marina in Providenciales. This facility has a

spectacular collection of live local corals maintained by

a team of coral enthusiasts. It is well-worth a visit, especially

on Wednesdays when the corals are fed. We were

given an exceptional tour of the collection by one of the

facility’s resident researchers, Gracie Perry Garnette,

during some of our down time and a break from snorkeling

the “black lagoon.” Maybe down the road our snail

discoveries might help TCI restore hard corals to their

local reefs. (See www.visittci.com/providenciales/tcireef-fund).

a

Eric Cole is a Biology Professor at St. Olaf College, in

Northfield, Minnesota.

BROOKE ELLIS

This is the 2025 research team from St. Olaf College, Minnesota, USA, including Brooke Ellis (in yellow), Evgenia Roth (in black), and the author

(looking old) at the “black lagoon.”


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TCI fishers can catch a phenomenal amount of seafood using only mask, fins, snorkel, and hook. Here, fishers bring their lobster catch to

the dock in South Caicos.

FisherFolkFirst

Gauging sustainable spiny lobster fisheries.

Story & Photos By Marta Calosso & John Claydon, Founders & Directors, FisherFolkFirst

The majority of commercial fishers in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) are free-divers, and their fishing

techniques have remained largely unchanged for almost 50 years. This fact should be celebrated as a

testament to the quality of the TCI’s marine resources and the potential sustainability of its small-scale

fisheries.

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Fishers in other countries need to resort to increasingly

industrial and intensive techniques, often fishing for

days before returning to port. On the contrary, fishers in

the TCI use small boats, go out in the morning, return in

the afternoon, and with nothing more than a mask, fins,

snorkel, and a hook at the end of a stick, they can catch

a phenomenal amount of seafood: at the start of the lobster

season, a boat with two free-divers can catch over

1,000 lbs (c. 450 kg) of spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) in

one day’s fishing, some getting almost 2,000 lbs (c. 900

kg).

Several factors help to make the TCI’s free-diving lobster

fisheries more sustainable. Although local fishers are

impressive divers, there is a limit to how deep they can

go, and so all lobsters deeper than around 120 ft (c. 36

m) will be out of their reach. This, along with an extensive

network of National Parks, Nature Reserves, Sanctuaries,

and other protected areas, creates a very large refuge

from fishing where lobsters can grow, reproduce, and

supply fishing areas with larger and more lobsters to

catch.

A crucial element of the sustainability equation, and

one that helps provide good livelihoods for fishers, is that

there are relatively few commercial fishers in the country

and they operate over a comparatively large area of

marine space. Fishing regulations also help: there is a

closed season (typically from April 1 to July 31), a ban on

using noxious chemicals to fish, a ban on fishing while

using SCUBA or hookah (a tube supplying compressed air

to breathe underwater), a ban on catching lobsters bearing

eggs, and a requirement that all lobsters caught need

to be above the legal minimum size — having a carapace

of 3¼ inches long (83 mm), measured from the front of

the groove between the horns directly above the eyes,

along the middle of the back to the rear edge of the back

shell. Having a minimum size ensures that lobsters have

a chance to reproduce before they are caught. Therefore,

if you are fishing for lobsters, it is a legal requirement to

have a gauge on your boat and to return any undersized

lobsters back to the sea.

Fishers and fisheries officers had been requesting

minimum size lobster gauges to help ensure compliance

with the regulations. Unfortunately, none had been

available in the country for several years. Some fishers

resorted to using homemade gauges fashioned out of

plywood or plastic; others used their fingers as a guide;

From top: Lobsters are processed at the fishing dock in South Caicos.

All lobsters caught need to have a carapace of at least 3 1/4 inches

long. Until recently, no minimum size lobster gauges had been available

in the country and many fishers had to judge by eye which

lobsters were big enough to keep.


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From top: Captain Timothy Hamilton, fisher and ecotour operator,

uses one of the new lobster gauges. Alvin Parker, former fisher and

current seafood processor, was overjoyed to receive gauges from

FisherFolkFirst’s Marta Calosso. A seafood worker ensures that lobsters

are of legal size.

but many just relied on their experience to judge by eye

which lobsters were big enough to keep. FisherFolkFirst,

a local non-profit organization, worked closely with

the TCI Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources

Management (DFMRM) and with local fishers to address

this problem. Together, they identified the most suitable

gauge on the market and, with funds raised from the

UK Government, FisherFolkFirst planned to buy enough

gauges to give one to every commercial fisher throughout

the Islands. However, when Tom Bird, the owner of the

company supplying the gauges (Trident Diving Equipment

Inc.), learned about FisherFolkFirst’s work to empower

the unique fishing community of the TCI, he generously

dropped his prices in support, and FisherFolkFirst was

able to purchase twice as many gauges as originally

planned. As a result, the DFMRM now has enough gauges

in stock to cover demand for future years.

Marta Calosso and John Claydon from FisherFolkFirst

travelled around the country and, with the help of the

DFMRM, handed out gauges to commercial fishers, seafood

processing plants, recreational fishers, fisheries

officers, and anyone else who was interested in having a

lobster gauge. This involved visiting as many of the docks

and landing sites as possible on the three major fishing

islands: South Caicos, Providenciales, and Grand Turk.

They also created and posted flyers informing the public

that gauges could (and still can) be picked up by fishers

for free at all DFMRM offices. To reach all groups in

the fishing community, including immigrant fishers and

fish workers, flyers were written in English, Spanish, and

Creole.

The response from fishers, the fishing industry, the

general public, and the government has been extremely

positive. There has also been interest from the sport

fishing community and from educators to use gauges

for environmental classes in schools. The lobster gauges

have not only empowered fishers to harvest sustainably

but have also broadened awareness about the importance

of minimum sizes for lobsters and other fishery species.

Building awareness is a crucial step towards developing

local stewardship of marine biodiversity among

fishers, Turks & Caicos Islanders in general, and visitors

alike. In fact, fishers and fisheries officers are now

keen on getting suitable gauges for other species with

size restrictions, such as queen conch, Nassau grouper,

bonefish, and snappers. In response to this demand,

36 www.timespub.tc

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Protecting, Preserving, and

Restoring the Coral Reefs of the TCI

Henry Wilson, former Deputy Director of DFMRM, and Marta Calosso,

FisherFolkFirst, display the new lobster gauge and instructional flyer.

FisherFolkFirst will work with the DFMRM and the fishing

community to start providing these tools.

Empowering fisherfolk to build sustainable, prosperous

livelihoods while developing the country’s capacity to

manage its fisheries are key to maintaining healthy oceans

for everyone and will be the focus of FisherFolkFirst’s

work moving forward. 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. To learn more about

FisherFolkFirst or to support their work, please visit

www.fisherfolkfirst.org or email Marta Calosso at

marta.calosso@fisherfolkfirst.org. The work described

in the article was part of FisherFolkFirst’s “Developing

biodiversity stewardship among TCI fishers through outreach

and education” project (www.fisherfolkfirst.org/

developing-biodiversity-stewardship-among-tci-fishers-through-outreach-and-education)

and was funded

by the UK Government’s Darwin Plus local grant scheme

and through the support of local businesses in the TCI.

For more information about the TCI’s fishing regulations

visit www.fisherfolkfirst.org/tci-fishing-regulations.

Come visit our Coral Growing Facility

and get your TCRF merchandise!

Located at South Bank Marina.

We are open 1-5pm

Monday - Friday

Rashguards, Stickers, BCD tags and more!

All proceeds go to our environmental

projects in TCI.


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This spotted moray eel has its mouth open to breathe. Opening and closing its mouth repeatedly helps pump water across the gills.

The rEel Deal

Eels of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Story & Photos By C.E. O’Brien, Associate Professor of Tropical Marine Ecology,

The School for Field Studies, Center for Marine Resource Studies

Eels are members of the order Anguilliformes, a group of mostly marine fishes characterized by their

elongated bodies without scales. They also lack the pelvic and (usually) the pectoral fins seen in most

other bony fishes and instead swim by undulating their bodies in an S-shape through the water.

Approximately 1,000 species are part of this group, inhabiting a variety of marine habitats including

coral and rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, sand flats, and even the deep sea. They range in size from as

small as a few inches to as large as over a dozen feet, and almost all are solitary, nocturnal, and predators.

With a wide range of prey, they play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance: controlling

the populations of species lower on the food chain and providing energy and nutrients to larger predators

above them.

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Eels hatch as leaf-shaped leptocephali larvae, floating

in the ocean for days to weeks before metamorphosing

into glass eels—miniature translucent versions of an

adult eel. After floating for a while longer, they eventually

settle to the sea bottom and assume an adult lifestyle.

Lifespan varies by species, but some are known to live as

long as 90 years if they are not eaten by sharks or larger

bony fishes like barracudas and groupers.

Eels in the Turks & Caicos are all classified as “Not

Threatened” or of “Least Concern,” although many of their

habitats (like coral reefs and seagrass meadows) are at

risk due to climate change, coastal development, ocean

acidification, and overfishing.

The Turks & Caicos Islands are home to at least nine

species of eel (that the author has seen), falling into three

families: morays, snake eels, and congers. The most

familiar and common eel family in the TCI are the morays

(Muraenidae), characterized by their elongated snout,

lack of pectoral fins, and tendency to poke their heads

out from crevices. As they do this, they often repeatedly

open and close their mouths, giving some observers the

impression that they are being threatened. But in fact, the

moray is actually just breathing—opening and closing its

mouth pumps water across its gills, allowing it to extract

the oxygen it needs.

Morays are not naturally aggressive, although they do

have a mean bite. Like the Xenomorphs in the Alien movies,

they have two sets of jaws: the “normal” set of jaws

at the front of its mouth, and a second set of “pharyngeal

jaws” in the back of the throat that move forward during a

bite to get a firmer grip on prey and pull it into the gullet.

They use these terrifying teeth to hunt fishes, octopuses,

and crustaceans, aided by their excellent sense of smell.

This sense is superpowered by the fact that morays have

two sets of nostrils: two tube-like protuberances right

above the mouth that pull water in, and holes near their

eyes where water exits.

In the Turks & Caicos, snorkelers and divers are

most likely to encounter spotted (Gymnothorax moringa),

green (Gymnothorax funebris), purplemouth

(Gymnothorax vicinus), goldentail (Gymnothorax miliaris)

and chain (Echidna catenata) morays. The largest of these

is the green moray, which can grow to be over 6 feet (1.8

m) long and up to 27 pounds (12.2 kg), while the others

range in maximum size from a little less than 2 ft (0.6

m) to 4 ft (1.2 m). In the West Indies, the most common

From top: This close-up shows the two sets of nostrils on an eel.

Water enters the two tubular bumps on the front of the snout and

exits through holes near the eyes.

This purplemouth moray eel can range in size from 2 feet to 4 feet.

This is a typical daytime glimpse of the head of a chain moray eel

peeking from a hole in the reef.


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Clockwise from top: This goldentail moray is another type of eel snorkelers and divers are most likely to encounter in the Turks & Caicos.

This sharptail snake eel is one of the most common species of snake eel in the TCI. They are shy and unaggressive, spending their days

buried in sand or hiding in holes.

A cleaner shrimp hangs out with a moray, waiting to feast on its food scraps and skin parasites.

species is the spotted moray, which can be recognized by

dark blotches on a light-colored body (or, occasionally,

the reverse).

During the day, you might catch a glimpse of a head

or the tail of a moray through gaps in the reef. Sometimes,

you might also spot a cleaner shrimp, which like to hang

out near morays in order to feast upon the food scraps

and parasites that live on their skin. (See “Cleaning

Stations; The 5-Star Marine Restaurant and Spa,” Times

of the Islands, Spring, 2023. https://www.timespub.

tc/2023/03/cleaning-stations/#:~:text=If%20a%20

coral%20reef%20is,rest%2C%20relaxation%2C%20

and%20rejuvenation). If you’re lucky, you may get to

watch the delicate shrimp crawl over the eel’s body and

even into its mouth in search of these morsels.

Occasionally, morays can be seen hunting during

the day, often with other fish such as jacks and groupers.

But the best time to observe them is at night, when

they exit the shelter of coral or rock to hunt in the open.

However, bright white dive lights tend to cause hunting

eels to freeze or flee for cover, so it’s a good idea to

observe them with a red light, which is less disruptive to

the vision of most nocturnal animals. An eel ambush is

fascinating to watch, as they are surprisingly fast and can

move their bodies in unexpected ways.

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Less well-known than morays, snake eels

(Ophichthidae) are another family of eels found in the

Turks & Caicos Islands. As the name implies, they closely

resemble snakes, sometimes leading to erroneous tales

of sea snakes in the Caribbean. (In fact, there are no sea

snakes at all in the whole Atlantic Ocean.) These shy,

unaggressive eels spend their days buried in the sand or

hiding in holes. They are mostly nocturnal, although they

can occasionally be seen out and about during the day. In

addition to their snake-like bodies, snake eels are characterized

by spotted skin patterns and tubular nostrils on

their snouts (like morays). They feed on crustaceans like

crabs, mantis shrimp, and even echinoderms (sea stars,

brittle stars, urchins).

Four species of snake eel occur here: the sharptail

snake eel (Myrichthys breviceps), goldspotted snake

eel (Myrichthys ocellatus), blackspotted snake eels

(Quassiremus ascensionis) and the key worm eel (Ahlia

egmontis). Finding them is not easy, as they are much

less common than morays and spend a good deal of time

completely buried in the sand, but the experience is well

worth it. Like morays, observing with a red dive light

at night will maximize your chances of seeing natural

behavior like hunting and burrowing.

The third family of eel found in the TCI are the conger

eels (Congridae), specifically brown garden eels

(Heteroconger longissimus). Garden eels are small eels

that live in permanent holes in sand and congregate in

large groups, with dozens to hundreds of individuals’

holes close to each other. They spend most of their time

with their rear ends in the hole and their head sticking

out. As they sway in the current, they resemble a field

of seagrass, that, when approached, quickly pulls itself

inside the sand until danger passes. Unlike morays and

snake eels, garden eels are active during the day (diurnal)

and eat plankton floating by in the water column, rather

than actively hunting. They can be found in sandy areas

and sparse seagrass.

In addition to eels, the TCI are home to several elongated

“eel-like” fishes that are not actually eels. Sand

divers (Synodus intermedius) are bottom-dwelling predators

up to 1.5 ft (0.46 m) that resemble lizards and often

partially bury themselves in sand. They don’t move much,

opting instead to wait until unwary prey wanders by and

ambushing it. West Atlantic trumpetfish (Aulostomus

maculatus) are another odd-looking fish that floats above

From top: The size and shape of the goldspotted snake eel leads to

erroneous tales of sea snakes in the Caribbean.

Here, a “field” of brown garden eels sways in the current. When

approached, they quickly pull themselves inside the sand until danger

passes.


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While the trumpetfish resembles an eel in their body shape,

they are not eels. They float above the seafloor at all angles

between horizontal and vertical.

the seafloor at all angles between horizontal and vertical. These yellow-brown fish grow up to 3 ft (0.9 m) and often

try to disguise themselves from potential predators and prey by hanging out near soft coral fronds with a similar

shape, or closely hugging herbivorous fish like a parrotfish. A third eel-like denizen of TCI is the sand tilefish

(Malacanthus plumieri), growing up to 2 ft (0.6 m) in length. These light-colored fish tend to hover a few feet off

the sea floor in sand or rubbly areas, building burrows that they dive into when threatened. While these three fishes

share the same general body shape as

eels, they differ in that they have pelvic

fins and belong to different fish families.

These are just a few of the thousands

of fascinating and beautiful fishes that

call the Turks & Caicos Islands home.

As you explore this amazing underwater

world, make sure you practice good snorkel

and dive etiquette to protect yourself

and the ecosystem. Don’t touch or pick

up any marine organism, and always

inspect an area before you put your hand

on it. Together we can preserve and protect

our “Beautiful by Nature” Islands for

generations to come. a

Sand divers are bottom-dwelling predators resembling lizards.

For references or more information,

contact cobrien@fieldstudies.org.

42 www.timespub.tc

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This spiraling trail of colors filled the skies over the Turks & Caicos as the SpaceX 7 craft exploded in mid-January. It was followed with

numerous sonic booms that shook the land below.

ALIZEE ZIMMERMANN

The Sky is Falling!

The SpaceX 7 explosion and its environmental fallout in the Turks & Caicos.

By Alizee Zimmermann, Turks & Caicos Reef Fund

“Eric! Come quick, look up!” I shouted across our parking lot on a slightly muggy Thursday evening. I had

the hose out and was rinsing off dive gear from the day’s field work. “I think something went wrong with

the SpaceX launch!”

As we stood there, staring at the spiralling kaleidoscope of colours, time slowed down and our sense

of perception felt heightened. Imaginations running wild as dayglow smoke streaked and spun across

the evening sky. Minutes passed, then came the noise—thunderous, ground shaking “booms,” one after

the other, over and over, for what felt like an eternity, literal echoing proof of the difference between the

speed of sound and that of light.


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It didn’t take long for the messages to start pouring

in. The world’s most powerful rocket had exploded over

our little islands in the Atlantic Ocean! What started out

as another routine test flight for SpaceX’s Starship has

turned into an unprecedented experience for our region

that demands attention and begs the questions: What

are the environmental implications of the fallout? Who is

going to pay to clean it up? Is this likely to happen again?

What happened?

On January 16 at 5:37 PM (TCI time), SpaceX’s Starship

33 launched from its facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The

mission—a test flight intended to orbit Earth before falling

safely into the Indian Ocean—started out as planned.

However, eight and a half minutes into the flight the

spacecraft, according to SpaceX founder Elon Musk,

experienced a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.” Or, as

the rest of us would say: It exploded.

SpaceX takes the “fail forward” approach that favours

rapid testing with probable failures as a means of faster

learning during research and development. The private

company on the forefront of interplanetary space exploration

was able to boast the first successful retrieval of

the booster, caught by the “chopsticks” at the Mechazilla

Tower at Starbase.

The failure was all but expected. Where the pieces

landed, an afterthought in the race to space. To be honest,

it probably would have been an afterthought for most

of us had it not happened over an inhabited country. Had

the explosion happened a couple of degrees to the east,

over the open Atlantic Ocean as was originally reported,

would we have heard about it? If we had, would we have

cared?

The fallout and immediate response

After the initial confusion and awe (the colours and

trails truly were a sight to behold!) came the realization

that what goes up, must come down, and down it was

coming. Messages started pouring in of persons finding

pieces around the Islands. On a tennis court, in driveways

and along the road, even reports of a piece falling onto

someone’s car (no injuries were reported). As night fell, I

wondered about how the corals, fishes, and sea creatures

perceived the event. The sonic impact was surely disruptive

but what about the lights, the heat, the chunks of

metal splashing down?

Island residents collected pieces of the broken spacecraft from roads,

driveways, beaches, and even the tennis court.

Top: This is the accumulated collection of debris from Long Bay

Beach, Turtle Tail, and The Bight Beach.

Bottom: These odd pieces were found in Wheeland.

LORI KAINE MORGAN LUKER

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The next morning, calls started coming in and over

the course of the next two days the extent the of debris

washing up on the beaches was becoming apparent. We

received dozens of reports and photos from across the

Caicos Islands but it wasn’t until a couple of weeks later

that any reports of pieces floating up onto the eastern

beaches of Grand Turk came in and they were sparse.

As a community driven and locally run NGO, the Turks

& Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) is often one of the first to be

alerted about environmental impacts by concerned citizens,

especially when connected to coastlines and marine

environment. We work closely with the Department of

Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) and can mobilize

funding and volunteers in rapid response situations

such as these.

However, this was a completely different scenario.

None of us had ever dealt with rocket ships exploding

before and we were very clearly advised not to touch the

debris due to potential environmental and public health

concerns. The response to and management of this event

fell under the National Security Secretariat of the TCI

Government. The public was also reminded that “space

debris remains the property of the spacecraft owner. The

SpaceX incident is an active investigation led by the US

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in liaison with the

UK and TCI.”

Due to the unknown public health risks, TCRF

could not, at this point, actively encourage volunteers

to conduct coastal and roadside cleanups. As the days

progressed and multiple “waves” of debris floated in

with each incoming tide, frustration grew at the silence.

Several news articles were written about the event, from

CNN to the Wall Street Journal; people wanted to know

what had happened and what was being done about it.

The public messaging remained the same: Report sightings,

do not touch. Elon wants his puzzle pieces back.

Since we couldn’t directly work on clean up, we

started collating information on where debris was being

found and adding it to a shared database with the DECR.

Within a week of the explosion, debris had been reported

in various intensities on every beach in Providenciales

and on each of the Caicos Islands from South Caicos to

West.

WES MATWEYEW

Environmental implications

Where there are information gaps, imagination reigns.

Top: The beach at North West Point was scattered with pieces of the

exploded SpaceX craft.

Bottom: This is a collection of the pieces found on the North West

Point Beach.


green pages

MATHEW SLATTERY

Top: Pieces of the spacecraft were found on South Caicos near the

Sailrock Resort.

Bottom: Even the beaches of West Caicos were littered with SpaceX

debris.

Asbestos, styrofoam on steroids, radioactive are just a

few of the words flying around (pun intended) to describe

what the temperature shield material was made of. One

thing was certain though, whatever this material is, it was

being found everywhere. Pieces as small as a fingernail

and as big as a car.

To this day, little information has been shared by officials.

The last public advisory notification that I’m aware

of was posted on January 28, 2025 and stated:

“A Turks & Caicos Islands Government (TCIG)

disaster management team, alongside UK Air Accidents

Investigation Branch (AAIB), met with representatives

from SpaceX on Saturday 25 January 2025 to develop a

recovery plan for debris that landed through TCI following

the SpaceX incident.

TCIG representatives included:

• Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies

• Department of Environment & Coastal Resources

• Department of Maritime Shipping

• Environmental Health Department

• National Security Secretariat

Following finalisation of the recovery plan in consultation

with UK specialist leads, the public will be made

aware of the arrangements and necessary protocols.”

To my knowledge, there’s been no further updates

to the public and TC Reef has not been given any updates

regarding the cleanup even though our offer to assist

through coordinated volunteers remains.

Approximately four weeks have passed since the

explosion at the time of writing this article. In the third

week post-explosion, I was contacted by a young man

whose email sign off was “SpaceX Starship Range and

Recovery.” An engineer and sympathetic to our concerns,

we had a good conversation about the environmental

implications of space travel and debris in this brave new

world.

Since it’s the part that floats, the most prevalent debris found by far has been the Styrofoam-esque material used

for the rocket’s thermal insulation. Here’s what I’ve come to understand about the temperature/heat shield material.

The tiles are composed of baked high-grade silica (sand), and it is not expected that any chemical or biodegradation

would occur. Of course, mechanical degradation from wave and surf energy have caused the pieces to start disintegrating

but due to the inert nature of silica, “impacts on air or water chemistry are not expected.” We have asked for

a citeable paper/report on this.

Furthermore, the SpaceX representative seemed relatively confident that due to the tiles not emitting any attractive

features (e.g. odours, lights, sounds, reflective surfaces) the impact to marine and seabird life due to ingestion

was expected to be “negligible.” We’ve retained a healthy level of scepticism here as we’ve seen creatures eat just

about anything. This also begs the question, what is considered “negligible” in a world fraught with environmental

46 www.timespub.tc

green pages

destruction? For example, the “acceptable” or “negligible’

number of corals that could be destroyed during a construction

project has changed as we face increasing coral

cover decline. Business as usual is no longer an option.

A plea for proactive action

TC Reef started working with the DECR immediately after

the incident to put together a database of where debris

was being found. As mentioned previously, this matter

resides with the National Security Secretariat of the TCI

Government. We are grateful for the coordinated response

so far, but we need to be proactive moving forward and

we urge our government not to sweep this under the rug,

so to speak. This incident is a sign of what could become

a more regular issue as commercial space travel and satellite

deployments increase in the coming years.

What is needed now is a comprehensive and coordinated

approach, not just for the cleanup, but for

environmental monitoring and assessment. Immediate

action should include:

1. A Full Environmental Impact Assessment:

A funded full assessment of the spread and impact of

debris will help us understand the long-term risks to

marine life and coastal ecosystems. SpaceX and other

agencies involved in commercial space missions must

invest in understanding the environmental consequences

of their launches, particularly in regions as ecologically

sensitive as the Caribbean.

2. Dedicated Cleanup Task Force: The current

cleanup efforts, though vital, require robust coordination

to remove all debris in a safe, timely manner. Funding

should be provided to send cleanup crew, including divers,

out to remote areas where larger debris may have

struck sensitive habitats.

3. Continued Collaboration with International

Agencies: TC Reef has been working with the TCI

Government who in turn are working with agencies like

the UK Aviation Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the

US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and SpaceX to

better understand the spread and impact of the explosion.

Moving forward, these partnerships should continue

to focus on long-term environmental monitoring and

resource allocation for future response teams.

4. Public Awareness: One of the most criticized

aspects of this event was the lack of information being

shared with the public about the nature of the debris and

its potential impact on public health. A broader campaign

on littering and the ecological impact of our man-made

trash should be funded as a nation-wide educational program.

The sad truth is, there’s more other trash than

space debris on many of our shorelines.

Conclusion

The explosion of the SpaceX Starship on January 16 is

a tragic but valuable learning opportunity for both the

space industry and environmental advocates. While this

incident has highlighted the risks posed by space debris,

it is also an opportunity for us to establish standards and

practices that can rapidly and adequately address the fallout

as space exploration accelerates. It also highlights

the need for better environmental management of our

locally produced trash as well.

The Turks & Caicos, with its stunning coral reefs and

rich marine biodiversity, has found itself on the front lines

of this emerging environmental issue. We urge not only

local governments but also international organizations

and space agencies like SpaceX to prioritize environmental

impact assessments, funding for cleanup operations,

and preventive measures moving forward. Additionally,

if these tests are to continue, and let’s be honest, more

failures are likely, should SpaceX be mitigating its impact

through environmental funding for the island nations its

rockets fly over?

As space exploration continues to evolve, it’s crucial

that we ensure our planet’s ecosystems are not left behind

in the race to reach the stars. The Turks & Caicos Reef

Fund stands committed to working with all stakeholders

to ensure that this incident, or at least the response to it,

does not become a pattern, but rather a turning point in

how we handle the intersection of space exploration and

environmental stewardship. a

The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (www.tcreef.org) is a

non-profit 501(c)(3) registered NGO working on preserving

and protecting the marine environment of the TCI

through education, research, advocacy. and inclusive initiatives.

If you’re interested in learning more or getting

involved, please email alizee@tcreef.org.

Editor’s note: On March 6, 2025, the SpaceX 8 Starship

exploded, with the event again visible over the Turks &

Caicos. At press time, the debris field was not known.


O’BRIEN FORBES

feature

Opposite page: “Ms. Purl” was handpainted by Nikki Forbes of Making Waves (see ad on page 18). The statute is meant to represent the

Islanders who “toted” water from wells for their daily needs.

Above: This is one of two wells in Major Hill, North Caicos. Islanders would use a “dipper” into the cool, fresh water and haul it up with a rope.

TOM RATHGEB

Quenching Island Thirst

The quest for fresh water in TCI.

By Ben Stubenberg

At the break of dawn back in the day, before the sun’s first rays peeked over the dark horizon. Before the

vexing croaks of Cuban tree frogs ceased. And before the veil of dew finished settling over the grassy

fields and dense brush, each house stirred with the rattling of tin cans and plastic buckets that families

gathered before walking to the well to collect the water they would need to drink and cook and clean for

the day. This first chore filled the morning with chatter and laughter and sometimes song. It was a time

for gossip and giddiness and to play games if time allowed.


One by one the Islanders lowered a kettle “dipper”

into the cool fresh water of the well and hauled it up

with a rope made from the local sisal plant. On occasion,

the rope would break, causing the dipper to fall to the

bottom of the well. Fishing it back up required a bit of

dexterity. So much so that the prospect of a lost dipper

inspired a popular ditty.

My ma sent me to the well / She told me not to stop

The dipper gone in the well / What I going tell her now

Do Lord Jesus / Take it out of the well

Take it out of the well for me

After filling the buckets, the women and girls, men

and boys, would, in one motion, lift them atop their

heads, cushioned by a cloth wreath known as a cotter or

a winder. Standing straight and tall with careful balance

so no water spilled, they would “tote” the water back to

the house two or three times. And then maybe a couple

more trips in the late afternoon. Children learned the art

by first putting a small container on their heads and then

increasing the size until they mastered the posture of

walking with a full bucket of water—that also became a

moment of pride.

The daily ritual linked the Islanders together as a

community that cared for each other. Though the chore

was hard, it simply had to be done, as it was a matter

of survival, and nobody complained. Everyone shared a

sense of purpose, that they mattered, that they belonged.

Times change

Reliable sources of fresh water have always been a challenge

for people living in these dry, low-lying islands.

When digging shallow wells into the limestone on

Providenciales or North and Middle Caicos, the Islanders

had to be careful not to go beyond the fresh water layer

or “lens” resting atop the denser salt water. If they dug

too deep, the salt water would mix with the fresh water

and render it useless.

The other islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South

Caicos were more dependent on tanks or cisterns to

collect rainwater for the settlements. When water ran dangerously

low, a barge would sometimes arrive from the

Dominican Republic to replenish the tanks. Even to this

day, water shortages persist on these islands, especially

Grand Turk.

When tourism began to redefine Providenciales

some 40 years ago and the population rose dramatically,

demand for drinkable water quickly jumped. Neither

existing wells nor cisterns could meet the needs. The

From top: This vintage image shows a woman hauling up water from

a well in North Caicos using a “dipper” to transfer the water into the

bucket (which the boy would likely have to “tote” home).

This is the Windsor Well, which has been use in North Caicos since

the 1700s. It now has a spiffy little housing around it, along with an

informational sign attached.

HENRIETTA DELANCY TOM RATHGEB

50 www.timespub.tc

This is the public well in the Central Square area of Whitby, North Caicos. It’s a well in transition; some people still remove the cover and dip

from it, while Lovey Forbes uses the attached pump to pull water to his house.

TOM RATHGEB

first big demand for water came from the new Club Med

resort in the mid-1980s. So the government and private

business formed the Turks & Caicos Water Company, a

joint venture to build and operate a desalination plant

across the street from the resort.

The company drilled holes deep into the limestone,

100–120 feet, to access huge pools with an endless

supply of sea water that had accumulated naturally in

dark caverns for eons. Once pumped to the surface, the

water is pressured through filters and what are known

as semi-permeable membranes to separate out the salt

minerals to produce fresh, drinkable water. This process

is called reverse osmosis (RO). (See image at right.)

The concentrated salt water brine left over is then

piped back into a separate deeper cavern about 150 feet

down. There the concentrated salt water is eventually

returned to its original state through rain water and sea

water seepage. The ratio of salt water removed to fresh

water produced is about 60/40.

Today, the company, now under the name Provo

Water Company (owned by HAB), produces more than

1 million gallons a day and supplies roughly 90% of

Providenciales’ fresh water needs. Through a network of

170 miles of pipe on Provo, almost everyone, but not all,

can access water with a turn of a faucet. In anticipation of

greater demand in the future, Provo Water Company has

developed a 20 year master plan that includes a second

water production facility in Blue Hills in the next couple

of years.

COURTESY AQSEP


PHOTOS COURTESY PROVO WATER COMPANY

From top: These are water storage tanks at the Provo Water Company.

To create fresh water, sea water is forced through cartridges that contain membranes which

which trap salt and other impurities but allow the fresh water through.

Provo Water Company currently has 170+ miles of pipe across Providenciales, with plans to

lay more in areas that don’t yet have “city water.”

Meanwhile, the smaller Leeward

Water Company also began supplying

water on Provo, mainly to the Leeward

communities, through the same RO

process. Other TCI islands and a few

places on Providenciales continue to

rely on water from wells or home cisterns

to meet their daily needs.

A new era for RO?

The industrial scale of fresh water

production through RO in TCI has

made life easier in Providenciales,

even as it hastened the disappearance

of a way of life. The long-gone days of

people carrying buckets of water on

their heads from the well is at once

a relief and a lament for those who

remember. But new advancements

in RO technology may once more

define how water in TCI is supplied.

Beaches, Amanyara, and Northwest

Point resorts have long operated their

own RO production facilities rather

than depend on a water company.

What’s different today is that more

units with high water usage, including

other resorts, small businesses,

single dwellings, and perhaps even

small communities are able to produce

their own water at a much lower

cost.

52 www.timespub.tc

One of the folks on the forefront of this change

is Mike Fox. Originally from the US, he has called

Providenciales home for the last 13 years. Over the past

few years, Mike has been working with one of the world’s

leading RO companies, AqSep based in Denmark, to

make their technology available in TCI to serve a range

of island water needs. AqSep uses the same RO process

as the major water companies by tapping the sea water

deep in limestone caverns and forcing it through membranes

to filter out the salt. But the company tailors its

RO technology for use on a smaller scale.

According to Mike, the total cost for installing an RO

system that can generate 6,000 gallons a day is about

$80,000. That includes drilling two holes (one to reach

the sea water below the surface and one to flush the

leftover brine back down), pipes, tanks, shipping, duty,

the RO processing unit, and installation. The cost for

producing this many gallons comes to approximately

$84, a considerable saving when compared to current

water costs. Mike notes that the AqSep system can in

many cases pay for itself in as little as a year. The system

is not generally applicable to average homes. But it

starts to make economic sense for those who use more

than 2,000 gallons a day.

The RO units can also be linked to solar panels to

generate the energy needed to pump and process the

water and thus eliminate expensive electricity costs.

Incorporating solar panels also creates a financial incentive

for those using less than 2,000 gallons a day. Salt

water converted to fresh water on or off the grid can

keep gardens green and even irrigate crops. Since dry

islands like TCI have greater exposure to water shortages,

diversification of water resources becomes more

compelling.

One might ask, why not simply lay a pipe right offshore

and suck the sea water in that way instead of

drilling and pumping? The exposed ocean water actually

has contaminants in it (though not harmful to swimmers

and snorkelers), unlike the water trapped in caverns.

Then there is the seaweed, sand, and debris in the ocean

that needs to be filtered out. All add layers of complexity

and expense to the process. While RO systems are

able to pipe water directly from the ocean, accessing the

seawater trapped in caverns below has none of the open

sea impediments and thus makes the RO process easier

and cheaper.

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COURTESY AQSEP

This diagram illustrates the AqSep process for tailoring RO technology for use on a smaller scale.

Looking forward; remembering the past

Life in the Turks & Caicos Islands, and particularly on

Providenciales, has changed dramatically in just a short

span of years in so many ways. RO technology has certainly

hastened those changes and allowed for rapid

population growth. But both the joys and hardships of

collecting water before RO must not be forgotten, for

they remain an essential part of TCI history and a cultural

heritage.

Modest RO systems could well be the next stage of

development that lowers the barrier for access to fresh

water for some users. Localizing the collection of water

close to home, in one sense, harkens back to bygone

times. While the large water companies will continue to

supply most of the Islands’ needs, recent RO advances

hold out the prospect of allowing smaller entities to

install their own affordable and endless supply of fresh

water. a

Ben Stubenberg is a regular writer for the Times of the

Islands. He can be contacted through his website, www.

benstubenberg.com, that features past Times of the

Islands articles as well as his recent postings about the

Islands.

54 www.timespub.tc

dining

Opposite page: Yuzu Cheesecake is served in Lua’s dining room overlooking the outdoor terrace (above) and South Bank’s signature lagoon.

Soothing Senses by the Sea

Enjoying a night at South Bank’s new restaurant Lua.

By Kathy Borsuk ~ Photos By Lemens Welch & Elemento Photography

When I heard the name of South Bank’s first restaurant was Lua, I envisioned a tropical oasis tickled by

a warm ocean breeze; a tranquil setting designed to soothe the senses. After witnessing the thoughtful,

measured design and construction of the South Bank community, I expected nothing less than a curated

experience reflecting the new resort’s relaxed but sophisticated vibe. My expectations were not disappointed.


The hilly drive down Long Bay Highway to South Bank

is a gradual change from the bustle of Provo to a serene,

nature-kissed atmosphere. We started the evening in the

breezy open air lounge, overlooking the property’s signature

lagoon. It was a quiet February evening and twilight

was a long, slow slide from apricot to lemon to orange,

shading to violet. It turned the high-ceilinged lounge into

a glowing, intimate space, where we abstinent folk sipped

our delicious “mocktails.” I became a convert of “Not a

Porn Star,” a refreshing concoction of Everleaf Forest

Lua’s menu is self-described as a mélange of

Mediterranean, Asian, and Caribbean “coastal cuisine.”

Appetizers included creative salads like the Kale and

Avocado Salad (with shaved fennel, toasted almonds, and

a homemade ranch dressing) that my husband savored

and the more exotic Soba Noodle Salad (with tomato

ponzu and crispy shimeji mushrooms) I chose. Freshly

baked brioche buns were an added treat.

That evening, Lua’s chefs’ culinary brilliance and careful

sourcing was on display with entrees ranging from

(a bittersweet blend of sustainably sourced botanical Niman Ranch Pork Chops to Wild Caught Jumbo Prawns

extracts), passion fruit, vanilla, lime, and soda carefully

crafted by the bartender behind the marble bar. A nearby

guest extolled the virtues of “The Arc,” combining lemongrass

tequila, elderflower, spicy agave, and lime, while

another claimed the powers of “Mad Ticker,” with dark

rum, amaro (an Italian herbal liquor), and ginger lime

cordial. Obviously, a lot of thought went into cocktail

planning and the well-chosen wine list.

The covered dining terrace flanks the lounge. It is an

intimate area with a sophisticated ambiance designed

for quiet conversation in the evenings and more lively

gatherings during the day. It overlooks the lagoon-level

patio edged by soft sand, palm trees, cabanas, and hammocks,

and includes a flickering fire pit. This part seemed

populated by families, with adults relaxing while children

played on the beach. There is an informal wood-fired

pizza station nearby, featuring handcrafted artisan pizzas

that are on my list for the next visit.

and Blue Fin Tuna. I was impressed to learn that Niman

Ranch is a network of U.S. family farmers and ranchers

who raise livestock humanely and sustainably to deliver

the finest tasting meat in the world. Also on the menu

were Lua’s signature dishes including Lamb Tagine

and Chicken Makhani, and vegetarian entrees such as

Tandoori Dusted Celeriac Tataki and Cauliflower Masala.

I chose Pan-Roasted Cod, served with a delicious octopus

and bean ragout with chorizo oil and greens. The presentation

was a palette of colors and textures, mirrored by

the contrasting flavors of each element. My husband went

more traditional with the USDA Prime Ribeye, cooked to a

turn and served with the island’s best fries!

Throughout the evening, service was careful and

almost excruciatingly attentive in spite of the busy dining

area. There’s no doubt that no expense has been spared

in ensuring the experience meets the resort’s high expectations.

It was a pleasure to

meet Executive Chef

Neerul Tomar, who oversees

a conclave of chefs

to create this exquisite

fare. A native of India,

Chef Tomar honed his

craft at well-known Hyatt

and Kempinski properties.

For the last nine years, he

cooked at the Sandy Lane

Resort in Barbados, its legendary

style making it one

of the most prestigious

resorts in the world. He

imported a flair for culinary

brilliance, purity, and

perfection by specializing

in simple, elegant dishes

Lua’s menu is described as a mélange of Mediterranean, Asian, and Caribbean “coastal cuisine.”

that pique every sense.

58 www.timespub.tc

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in the Turks & Caicos Islands

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Food is art at Lua, as evidenced by this gorgeous dessert creation.

Banking & Insurance

He explained that his menu must cater to a wide variety

of clientele, including those looking for vegetarian

and gluten- and dairy-free choices, further stretching

his creativity. Generally, he said, the bar fare is Asianslanted,

while Lua has a Caribbean verve at lunchtime and

a more Mediterranean influence at dinner. He also plans

to showcase favorite dishes from the variety of nationalities

represented by his assisting chefs. It’s clear that Chef

Tomar and his team consider food their artistic palette,

with each dish exquisitely plated and presented.

Our lovely evening was capped with a cup of coffee

and desserts that we almost too beautiful to eat. We

shared the Yuzu Cheesecake (a smooth blend of citrus gel

and yuzu [a citrus fruit] curd on a charcoal tulle) and the

South Bank Mille-Feuille, alternating layers of Madagascar

vanilla cream with hazelnut mousse in the crunchy pastry

shell. Other tantalizing creations included a Signature

Chocolate Souffle and Homemade Sorbets of coconut/

lime, mango/basil, or gin and tonic.

It’s easy to relax in the scented ocean air, whether

returning to the lounge for an aperitif or taking a quiet

walk along the lagoon. Since Lua serves breakfast, lunch,

and dinner (“from sunrise to starlight”) resort guests

needn’t worry about their next meal.

As we strolled through the tree-lined entry hall, we

learned from Windward Brand’s Marketing Manager

Gabriel Saunders that while the restaurant is the first of

several to cater to South Bank’s guest and owner population,

he encourages island residents to consider the

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

property for special occasions. Because of the variety of

seating areas—from lounge to restaurant to open-air terrace—and

flexible seating arrangements, it is especially

suitable for large groups and celebratory feasts of all

kind.

I was surprised to learn that one of the only criticisms

of Lua on social media was the perceived “long” drive to

get there! To us, a 10-minute jaunt with no traffic through

the verdant lanes of native vegetation on a good road is

an anathema to the frenetic craziness of Provo traffic in

other areas of the island. There’s no doubt in my mind

that it’s well worth a trip to Lua for an afternoon or evening

of the soothing balm of nature’s sun, sand, and sea,

combined with exquisitely prepared gourmet fare. a

For more information, visit livesouthbank.com/resort.


SHUTTERSTOCK

sports corner

KARIN HESS

PROVO GYMNASTICS ACADEMY

Dream Big and Excel

Provo Gymnastics Academy is small, but rich in talent.

By Ben Stubenberg

The first thing one notices upon entering Provo Gymnastics Academy is that the gym is small but rich

with talent. In the elite group that I watched in December 2024, a dozen girls ranging in ages from nine

to sixteen performed amazing feats on uneven parallel bars, beam, vault, and mat. While the academy

has been largely under the radar compared to most other sports in TCI, its athletes have proven to be

every bit as dedicated to excellence.

At left: This is the elite group of TCI gymnasts who competed in

The Presidential Classics in February 2025. The team surpassed all

expectations.

At right: TCI gymnasts compete at The Presidential Classics in

Orlando, Florida.


Just behind the elite gymnasts are nearly 130 more

up-and-coming girls in other classes with the same passion

and commitment to excellence. And that includes

girls from North Caicos who make the extra effort to take

the ferry to Providenciales so they too can hone their

skills and follow their dreams.

Karin Hess, a native of Peru but now a full-time TCI

resident since 2010, started the academy in 2019 just

before the COVID pandemic hit. She was already quite

familiar with gymnastics in Lima, where her daughter was

a gymnast, and decided to share that experience with

girls in her new Caribbean home. Karin hired professional

coaches Tanika Spence (Jamaica), Saul Ostos (Peru), and

Carla Dagohoy (Philippines) to train the girls.

Provo Gymnastics Academy is currently the only gymnastics

center in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Without

other gymnastic schools to compete with, Karin has been

organizing demonstrations at the Gustavus Lighbourne

Sports Complex. But she and the coaches decided their

gymnasts were ready for serious competition. In February

2025, Karin entered a TCI team of 11 gymnasts in The

Presidential Classics in Orlando, Florida. Competing in

Orlando meant the TCI team would be going up against

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Gymnasts practice on the balance beam at Provo Gymnastics Academy.

gymnasts. The girls were nervous but not dissuaded. In

fact, the challenge of competing in the spotlight as the

first TCI gymnastics team abroad only inspired them to

be even better and show that they have what it takes.

The team’s dedication quickly caught the attention

of TCI sports officials, including Sports Commissioner

Jarrett Forbes. Recognizing the potential of these rising

stars for competitive success, he stated, “The Provo

Gymnastics Academy is a remarkable example of how

passion, dedication, and vision can create transformative

opportunities for our youth. Karin Hess and her team of

coaches deserve immense credit for the incredible work

they are doing to train and inspire these young gymnasts,

who have the honor of representing their academy on an

international stage.”

In Orlando, the gymnasts shined beyond all expectations!

In what could only be described as a fairy tale

come true, the TCI team took home four gold medals,

six silver medals, and five bronze medals for individual

performances, as well as a bronze medal for team performance.

The pride of hearing “Turks & Caicos Islands” over

the loudspeaker and seeing the TCI flag prominently displayed

among many other countries caused their hearts

to surge.

Notably, Noa Vasquez, just 9 years old, took first place

in all apparatuses (beam, vault, parallel bars, and floor)

and placed #72 overall out of 3,125 competitors.

Special applause also goes to gymnast Lena Hines, 13,

for inspiring and supporting all of her teammates during

training at the academy and at every event in Orlando.

And let’s not forget the parents and family members of

the gymnasts who encouraged and cheered them on. TCI

gymnastics came through blazing on a big stage in the

US and left no doubt they will continue to soar. a

CARLA PEREZ

62 www.timespub.tc

Playing for Keeps TCI goalkeeper’s international debut

Someday, 14-year-old Samuel Harvey hopes to be in

goal for Liverpool. So do lots of other boys that age,

no doubt. Some of them may even play soccer. But it’s

unlikely most of these young dreamers play soccer as

well as Harvey does and have the realistic shot at achieving

such a stratospheric goal.

Sam Harvey recently made his international debut in

goal for the Turks & Caicos Islands national team, playing

against Anguilla in a September 2024 CONCACAF

Nations League match. Turks & Caicos lost, but Harvey’s

performance was good enough that he was brought

back to face Belize.

It’s always tempting to ask from where talent like

this originates; what kind of situation produces such

athletic precociousness. In Sam Harvey’s case, “the situation”

was his mother. “When I was four,” he says, “my

mother got me into soccer along with my big sister. She

simply wanted us to stay active. I played other sports,

Harvey is currently enrolled at SPIRE Academy, an

elite multisport boarding school in Geneva, Ohio. The

school splits the day evenly between academics and

athletics. It’s a lot of both, but the school’s job is to

prepare these highly motivated student athletes for the

rigors of college, in the classroom and on the pitch. “I

was looking for a school that could take me to the next

level,” says Harvey. “I heard about SPIRE through family

friends from the Islands. It just seemed like a great fit,

a place for me to grow athletically, academically, and

as a person. It’s been all of that. I look forward to taking

advantage of the top-notch facilities and coaches

throughout my time here.”

While it’s impossible to know what the future holds,

Harvey’s post-SPIRE dream of making the English

Premier League as a goalkeeper has actually gotten the

nod from national coach Aaron Lawrence, something

that means a lot to Harvey. “He’s got good reflexes,”

too—basketball, track, and even rugby—but it was Lawrence recently told the BBC. “He’s good at holding

soccer that grabbed me. I ended up training anywhere

from one and a half to three hours every day, Monday

through Friday. It was an immersive amount of playing

time and level of involvement. I guess it paid off.”

It certainly has. It also helps that soccer is such a

big deal in the Turks & Caicos, with talent spotted at a

young enough age to give budding footballers a significant

headstart in learning to play under pressure, and

to make a name for themselves. In fact, two of Harvey’s

the ball up. He’s quick off the mark. He has the qualities

to become a Premier League goalkeeper.”

But for now, as he hones his mind and his craft at

SPIRE Academy, Harvey is simply revelling in the glory of

his accomplishment of playing at the international level

for his beloved Turks & Caicos Islands. “At first I didn’t

understand the magnitude of what I had done, but after

seeing coverage and hearing more people talk about it

I felt overwhelmed. The experience was such an honor.

national team teammates got their start at the tender

age of 14; they’re now 19 and

are considered “veterans.” Sam

Harvey comments, “Here in the

Turks & Caicos, I think we do a

good job having lots of tournaments

and practices, especially

for young athletes like me.

Soccer means a lot here. It’s

our fastest-growing sport and

the country continues to make

international strides.” Harvey

says his footballing hero is his

national team coach, Aaron

Lawrence, who played in goal

for Jamaica at the 1998 World

Cup.

I hope there’s more to come.” a By Dylan Hyman

TC Islander Sam Harvey honing his craft as goalkeeper at SPIRE Academy in Ohio.

SPIRE ACADEMY


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 rare Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) was given the title “Cocoanuts & Date Palms” by the sender. It was produced by the photographer—

possibly Edmund N. Coverley, circa 1904.

Posting a Glimpse of the Past

Rare early picture postcards of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

By Jeff Dodge

Editor’s note: Jeff Dodge is a deltiologist (a person who collects postcards for a hobby), historian, and

valuable and stalwart contributor to Times of the Islands for over a decade. His initial articles focused

on the early postcards of the Turks & Caicos Islands that he has been collecting for 25 years. He also

branched off into other historic subjects, including the “Modern Crusoes” who tried to build a utopia on

East Caicos; the controversial ownership of Breezy Point, East Caicos; 19th century salt proprietor John

Reynolds; and the inscriptions at West Harbour Bluff on Providenciales.

What follows is his fascinating exposition of the rare “early picture postcards” of the Turks & Caicos.

The images include some very rare treasures that few have seen. They offer a glimpse into the Islands of

yesteryear.

64 www.timespub.tc

The beginning

My wife and I went to Grand Turk on a diving vacation

in the mid 1990s and we stayed at the Salt Raker Inn. It

wasn’t long before we realized that the bar at the Salt

Raker was a popular spot for the local after-work crowd.

It was at the bar one afternoon, following a day of diving

with Mitch Rollins, that we ran into Brian Riggs, who was

the manager of the Turks & Caicos National Museum at

the time. Our conversation ended with Brian urging us to

visit the museum, which we did a day or two later.

During our visit to the museum I saw an exhibit of

early picture postcards of the Islands—most were images

of Grand Turk and the salt industry. (Note that when I

mean “early,” I’m talking about picture postcards that

were produced before 1935.)

On my return to our home in Maine, I found that early

postcards like the ones I saw at the museum, were sometimes

offered for sale on websites such as Ebay, CardCow,

Delcampe, and Pennymead. I was also occasionally able

to purchase postcards from private collectors.

Over the 25+ years I’ve been collecting early postcards

of the Turks & Caicos Islands I have amassed over 72

different ones dating from 1904 to 1933. Some are fairly

common and some I have only seen offered for sale once

in my many years of collecting. A few of the rarest ones

are depicted in this article.

History of picture postcards

Picture postcards were first introduced in England in

1894. Five years later their size was standardized at 5 1/2

X 3 1/2 inches. In 1899, the divided back was introduced,

allowing one to write both a message and the address on

the back side of the postcard. Prior to then, a few words

could only be written on the front of the postcard—next

to the picture.

Among the rarest

Some of the earliest and rarest picture postcards of

Grand Turk were produced by the person who took the

photograph. One of these photographers was Edmund

N. Coverley (b1875 — d1927). He was a Grand Turk

shopkeeper as well as a photographer—Coverley had a

darkroom in the rear of his store where he could develop

and print his photographs. Coverley probably used a

Kodak 3A camera that produced a negative the same size

as a postcard. He could then print the negative (a contact

print) directly on photographic paper having a pre-printed

postcard back, such as Ansco’s CYKO paper.

Postcards made in this manner are known as Real

The Kodak 3A camera’s film produced a negative the size of a picture

postcard so it could be directly printed onto photographic paper having

a pre-printed postcard back.

This rare circa 1904 Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) depicts the American

Consulate on Grand Turk. Edmund Neale Coverley probably took this

photograph and produced the postcard. This photo was used again

in 1906 for a black and white postcard produced by a company using

the lithography process.

The sender of this postcard

wrote on the back, “this card

is printed from a film Edmund

sent me.” This is a real photo

postcard printed on Velox

paper designed for postcards.

It was printed between

1901 and 1914 based on

the stamp box on the back.

The “Edmund” was probably

Edmund N. Coverley. This

is perhaps one of the rarest

postcards in Jeff Dodge’s

extensive collection.

Photo Postcards (RPPC). Note that in the example on the

opposite page, there is space for the message to be written

on the front. Just the address would be on the back.


astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum

1904 John Walker & Co. postcards

In 1904, the English company John Walker & Co. Ltd. produced

a series of at least 6 postcards depicting scenes

found on Grand Turk. This company also produced postcards

from photos taken on Barbados and Nassau, so it is

likely the John Walker Company sent a photographer from

island to island to take photos from which they produced

postcards to sell to shop owners on those islands, who

would in turn sell them to visitors and tourists.

The basis for attributing this group of postcards to Frith Brothers

& Co. is based on two postcards that have (F.B. & Co.) included in

the title. This postcard was sent from George Frith to his brother

Arthur in Vancouver, Canada in 1906.

Very rare 1908 postcards

In 1908 a group of at least 5 postcards were produced

in England of scenes on Grand Turk. The two postcards

below are from this group and are very rare. Both show

two different means by which salt water (pickle) was

moved from one salt pond to another during the solar

evaporation process used to extract salt from seawater.

This scene of Duke Street on Grand Turk may be the rarest of those

Grand Turk postcards produced by the John Walker Co. Ltd. in 1904.

The company’s red anchor logo is on the back.

Postcards produced in 1906

A series of at least 14 postcards having the same design

were produced in 1906 of scenes on Grand Turk and

South Caicos. I believe these postcards were produced

for Frith Brothers & Co. to sell in their store on Front

Street, Grand Turk. I’m basing this on the fact that two

of the postcards in this group are of a salt pan and a

salt storage shed both owned by Frith Bros. & Co.—they

are so identified in the titles. Or, it’s possible they were

produced for the Harriott family of Salt Cay, based on a

postcard Lillian Harriot sent to a collector in Denmark

saying that it was “one from our new set of postcards.”

This single 1906 postcard of East Harbour may be the rarest of this

group. The photographer and printer are unknown.

Above are two rare postcards produced in England in 1908 (photographer

unknown) from a series that included postcards of the

Commissioner’s Residence, Loading Freighters with Salt, and the H.M.

Customs building.

66 www.timespub.tc


Coverley’s postcards

In 1909–1910, Edmund N. Coverley had a series of color postcards produced by Stengel & Co. of Saxony, Germany

from his photographs. None are very rare, but the one below may be the rarest of this group. A sepia version was

produced from the same photo used for the colored postcard—it was produced by Stengel & Co. just prior to

Coverley’s death in 1927.

At left is a 1910 colored postcard of North Wells, Grand Turk printed by Stengel & Co. At right is a sepia postcard from the same Coverley

photo by Stengel & Co. in 1927.

Rare tinted postcards

The Photo-Roto Co. of New York City printed a series of

tinted picture postcards in 1921. Edmund Coverley’s photos

were used for some, if not all, of these postcards

suggesting that they may have been produced for him.

Some of the photos used for these postcards were previously

used in 1906. All of the tinted postcards are scarce,

the one at right is possibly the rarest.

1933 postcards printed in Britain

There are at least 11 postcards in this group. Just a few

must have been produced as they are scarce—I have only

four in my collection. Of the few I have, the one below is

the most interesting.

This view of Grand Turk from the sea is on a postcard printed in 1921

from a photo previously used for a RPPC postcard produced in 1904

or 1905 by the photographer and again for a postcard produced in

1906.

Real Photo Postcards of Palm Grove—

Home of B.C. Frith

B.C. Frith and his family had several postcards of their

home, Palm Grove, produced between 1910 and 1926.

Some were printed in the UK and others were printed

by a photographer using paper designed to be used for

postcards. There are at least four different postcards like

these and all are very rare as they were probably for family

use and were never sold commercially.

This 1933 picture postcard of men taking 40 pound bags of salt

from the beach to lighters (small boats) waiting at the water’s edge.

Lighters would then transport the salt to ships waiting at anchor.

Postcards in the TCNM collection

The Turks & Caicos National Museum (TCNM) has many

early picture postcards of the Islands. The rarest pre-

1935 postcards are Real Photo Postcards (RPPC) produced



At left is a postcard of Palm Grove, the home of B.C. Frith produce between 1922 and 1926. At right is a Palm Grove postcard printed in 1924

from a 1910 photo.

At left is a Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) of the 1926 hurricane damage to government buildings, photographed and printed by John Crisson

circa 1926. Note that “Crisson Photo” is embossed on the lower right of this postcard. At right is a RPPC of the east side of Grand Turk Island.

The photo was taken by Robert Challis in 1925. Challis or a company in Great Britain printed it as a postcard.

from photographs taken by amateur photographers living

on Grand Turk.

Edmund Coverley has already been mentioned. Other

local photographers included John Copeland Crisson,

the owner and editor of the Chronicle and Dependency

News, and Robert Challis, an employee of the Halifax and

Bermuda Cable Co. (later renamed Cable and Wireless

Co.). Both amateur photographers turned some of their

photographs into postcards. The two photographers

probably produced their postcards themselves.

Above are two examples of these very scarce postcards.

They are both in the collection of the Turks &

Caicos National Museum.

Many of Crisson’s photos were of the damage caused

by the hurricane of September 1926. Postcards produced

by these amateur photographers were probably primarily

for their own use. In over 25 years of collecting early picture

postcards of the Turks & Caicos Islands, I have never

seen a Crisson or Challis postcard offered for sale. I have

none in my collection.

Summary

I have enjoyed collecting these postcards, not only for the

interesting pictures on them, but for compelling me to

learn about the history behind their images.

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that early picture

postcards of the Turks & Caicos Islands are no longer

easy to acquire—I see very few being offered for sale.

Perhaps the reason is that they are becoming scarce and

therefore, expensive or that collecting postcards is no

longer a popular hobby. a

68 www.timespub.tc


Francis Danby (1793–1861) was an Irish Romantic landscape painter whose works are characterised by their dramatic, atmospheric scenes.

His works often depict natural disasters, such as storms, floods, and shipwrecks.

FRANCIS DANBY

Run Aground

Shipwrecks of the Turks & Caicos Islands–The Turks Islands (1807 — 1811)

By James Jenney, The Bahamas Lost Ship Project

Between the start of 1807 and the end of 1811 there were seventeen shipwrecks in the waters around the

Turks Islands. All except two were lost by running ashore and stranding and three specifically mentioned

foul weather conditions. The other two were captured and intentionally burned and sunk. There were

seven brigs, six schooners, three full-rigged ships and one sloop.



February 20, 1807 — FRIENDSHIP

The Royal Gazette newspaper in Nassau published the

following extract from a letter dated March 1, 1807,

which detailed an ongoing concern of the residents of

Turks Island. That letter read, in part, “We continue to

be harassed by the predatory visits of our neighboring

enemies. They long ago made Sand Key (only nine

miles distant) their place of rendezvous; but now come

into Hawk’s Nest, which is our best harbor, and wholly

defenceless. On the 18th ult. they took a small schooner

from her moorings, at Salt Key, and on the 20th two of

them, stout privateers, went in open day in to the Hawk’s

Nest, and thence into the Southern Creek, where they

burnt and destroyed the schooner Faithful Anna and

sloop Atalanta, both fine new vessels and owned here.”

Although the motive for the harassment is not clear,

the strategic location of the Islands was well known to

pirates and privateers even a century before this incident.

February 25, 1807 — TWO FRIENDS

Less than a week after two vessels had been destroyed in

the Southern Creek at Turks Island another maritime incident

resulted in the loss of a vessel. This one involved a

schooner from the United States that was simply passing

by when disaster struck. According to Lloyd’s List, “The

Two Friends, Jousset, from Charleston to Jamaica, was

lost on Turk’s Island, 25th Feb. Crew saved.”

Philadelphia’s True American and Commercial Daily

Advertiser reported the incident two months earlier than

Lloyd’s and added that, “the crew [was] taken off by

the Hornet, sloop of war.” The exact location where the

stranding and rescue took place was not documented in

the accounts found.

April 17, 1807 — SIR CHARLES HAMILTON

The British ship Sir Charles Hamilton ran ashore and

became a total loss on Turks Island early in 1807,

although the exact date remains elusive. Also hidden are

the details of the vessel itself. Though she appears in the

Lloyd’s Register of Ships for 1807, that source indicates

that she was a French prize prior to her British registry

and although not specifically stated, the inference is that

she was fairly old at the time of her loss. That said, at 316

tons she was still a substantial vessel and undoubtedly an

interesting sight at the end of her final voyage. No record

has been found to indicate any subsequent salvage effort.

May 15, 1809 — ANN

Although the news appeared in several American newspapers

as well as being listed in Lloyd’s List, the report

was essentially copied from one paper to another. It read,

“By the Diana [which vessel arrived in Kingston, Jamaica

in July] we learn that the American brig Ann, Nixon, from

Kingston to the United States, was unfortunately cast

away on a reef near Turks Island on the 15th ult.; crew

and cargo saved.” Two of the reports identified her destination

to be Amelia Island, on the east coast of Florida.

The exact reef upon which she was lost is not known.

August 11, 1809 — CHRISTOPHER FLOWERS

In 1809 the New York Commercial Advertiser had a regular

column of maritime news which reported the comings

and goings from vessels all around the world but specifically

paid attention to those involved with American

ports. On September 14, the ship NIxon, Captain Sterling,

arrived at New York after a 24-day voyage from Turks

Island with a cargo of salt. She reported that, “on the

11th of August, the schooner Christopher Flowers, Capt.

Alderson, of Washington, N.C. was lost on the northeast

reef of Turks Island, on her outward passage — crew

saved — cargo lost.” There was no subsequent report of

the aftermath of the stranding as to whether or not salvage

was performed.

December 9, 1809 — COMMERCE

When a vessel is lost and there are no survivors at the

wreck site, it can be impossible to determine the story

behind the loss and the identity of the vessel. In the case

reported in the Baltimore American, the survivors did

manage to be rescued, though having travelled more than

130 miles across the Caicos Bank before being rescued,

“Part of the stern frame of the brig Commerce, of New

York, lost at Turks Island, was picked up on the West

Caicos, and part of her long boat with the 12 persons

who were in the boat, and were supposed to have perished.”

From the description there were probably only

small pieces of the wreck left after the stranding.

September 20, 1810 — SCHEMER

Although the exact age and history of the 253-ton ship

Schemer has not been found, it is clear that she was not

being considered for retirement at the time of her loss.

Just that year — 1810 — saw her being pulled from the

70 www.timespub.tc


water and copper sheathing applied to her hull which,

if she were an old vessel with few good voyages left in

her, the owner would not have gone to that expense. She

was eastbound from Haiti and about to start a transatlantic

voyage to London under the command of Captain

A. Howe at the time of her loss. Depending on the wind

and experience of the navigator, the ship could have used

either the Turks Island Passage or the Mouchoir Carre

Passage though coast pilots indicated that a northbound

trip through the Turks Island Passage was more difficult

and dangerous. Exactly where the ship was lost is not

known.

November 3, 1810 — POLLY

In the first week of November a storm or series of storms

struck the Turks & Caicos. At least three American vessels

were lost in the immediate vicinity of Turks Island.

The loss of the first, the Polly, was described as follows:

“An American schooner, 12 days from Norfolk, bound to

Jamaica, was wrecked on the north reef of Turk’s Island

on the 3rd inst. — vessel and cargo entirely lost; the crew

were providentially saved, after being exposed on the

rocks all night.” Depending on which source you believe,

this schooner was lost either on the 2, 3, or 5 of the

month.

November 5, 1810 — COMMERCE

The brig Lucy, Terry, 13 days from Turks Island arrived

in New York on December 3 and reported, “Passenger,

Captain Isaac Little, master of the brig Commerce, of

this port, informs us that on the 5th November he lost

his vessel on the reef between Salt Key and Turks Island,

having on board 27 souls, thirteen of whom perished;

the remainder, including Capt. Little, were taken off

the wreck by boats from Salt Key, after being in a most

perilous situation.” A later report brought better news,

“Thirteen persons, supposed to have perished when

the brig Commerce was lost near Turks Island, reached

Barracoa [Cuba] in safety, after being seven days at sea

without water.”

November 5, 1810 — ORIENT

When the brig Lucy arrived in New York City from Turks

Island she brought with her news of several vessels that

met with disaster in the Turks & Caicos Islands during

a storm in early November. In part, her report read as

follows, “The Orient, Hunter, from New York for Jamaica,

was lost November 5th on the Northeast Reef of Turks

Island — passengers and crew saved.” Of the three principal

wrecks which took place over the two-day period

of that storm, two were southbound vessels headed for

Jamaica, both of whom wrecked on the northern reef of

Grand Turk while the third, the only northbound vessel

which, ironically, was coming from Jamaica, was lost on a

reef off the southern side of Grand Turk Island.

December 19, 1810 — FOX

Under the command of a master named Lippitt (or

Lippcatt), the brig Fox set out on a southbound voyage

to Jamaica in late November or early December of 1810.

There were no reported sightings of the ship during

her passage or specifics of her loss but on January 8,

the following appeared in the New York Commercial

Advertiser, “Ship Ann Maria . . .19 days from Turks Island.

Passengers, the captain and crew of the brig Fox, Lippitt,

from New York for Jamaica, which vessel was cast away

on the Triangles about the 19th December.” It seems that

“The Triangles” lie to the southeast of Turks Island and

between Square Handkerchief and Silver Keys. There is no

indication that any salvage was performed on the wreck.

February 21, 1811 — CHANCE

In Philadelphia’s Political and Commercial Register (a

newspaper) of April 29, 1811, there was an article entitled,

“Recent Shipwrecks.” Among the wrecks listed was

the schooner Chance, Wilkins, which was cleared from the

port of Savannah on February 2 on a voyage to Kingston,

Jamaica (Falmouth, Jamaica according to Lloyd’s List) and

reported lost at Turk’s Island. Although Great Britain and

France were at war during this time, and French privateers

were common in these waters, there is no evidence that

the loss of this schooner was other than weather-related.

February 28, 1811

A week after the loss of the schooner Chance, the schooner

Sally and an unidentified brig were lost somewhere

on Turks Island. The American schooner, which belonged

to parties in Charleston, SC was sailing from Georgetown,

SC to Jamaica under the command of a Captain May and

was reported cast away. At the same time, according to

the news, an unidentified British brig from Halifax, Nova

Scotia was lost under similar circumstances. Whether they



were sailing together or within sight of one another is

not reported but both appear to have been lost with their

crews and their remains may lie very close to one another.

November 23, 1811 — CHARLOTTE

Whenever news is reported verbally and coming from

more than one observer it often gets confused and details

are difficult to sort out. Such is the case with the loss of

the American brig Charlotte. A captain Swaine arrived at

the port of Philadelphia on the 29th of November 1811

and reported that he had left the Charlotte at St. Barts

on November 8 ready to sail in three days for a voyage

to Puerto Rico. On December 7, a Captain Roberts of the

schooner Eleanor Ann, arrived at Alexandria, VA and

reported that he had spoken with the captain of a passing

vessel at sea who reported that the Charlotte, Captain

Bowman, was lost on the north east reef of Turks Island

(no date) but that the crew were saved. There is little

doubt but that this is the same vessel, though one said

her home port was Salem, MA and the other Providence,

RI.

November 1811 — HARMONY

Generally, Lloyd’s List has a reputation for accuracy in

their reporting and this incident is no exception. Other

news outlets, however, sometimes get some details confused.

In the case of the loss of the brig Harmony, there

is no issue with the name or the master of the vessel—

Capt. Penniston—or even the location of the disaster; but

the Philadelphia True American and Commercial Daily

Advertiser of March 7, 1812, reported that the vessel

was from Quebec, when Lloyd’s listed her port of departure

as Newfoundland. Other reports agreed with Lloyd’s.

Though not confirmed, the brig is thought to be the one

built and launched in Lancaster, England in the same year

as her loss and displaced 122 tons. Her destination was

the island of Jamaica where she never arrived. 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.

72 www.timespub.tc


SHUTTERSTOCK

The goal of the National Archival and Digitization Project is to ensure that the stories, artifacts, and records of the TCI remain accessible and

preserved for the future.

Preserving Our Past

The National Archival and Digitization Project

By Trazel Prospere, Senior Cultural Officer, Department of Culture and Heritage TCI

The National Archival and Digitization Project (NADP) is a groundbreaking initiative by the Turks & Caicos

Islands Department of Culture and Heritage to safeguard the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage

for generations to come. As the tides of time and technology continue to shift, the NADP ensures

that the stories, artifacts, and records that define our nation remain accessible, relevant, and preserved

in the digital age.



Why this matters

Historical records are more than just documents or artifacts;

they are the threads that weave the story of who

we are as a people. They encompass the voices of our

ancestors, the struggles and triumphs of our communities,

and the cultural milestones that define our identity.

However, time has not been kind to many of these invaluable

treasures. The NADP is a response to this urgent

need, designed to ensure that these records do not fade

into obscurity.

By digitizing these materials, the project guarantees

their longevity, accessibility, and utility. Future generations

will not only inherit physical archives but also gain

the tools to explore them through modern technology,

ensuring that history remains a living, breathing part of

our national identity.

Key objectives of project

1. Preservation: Safeguarding fragile historical records

and artifacts from deterioration.

2. Accessibility: Making digitized materials available to

the public through online platforms.

3. Education: Using digital archives as tools for schools,

researchers, and cultural enthusiasts to deepen their

understanding of our history.

4. Community Engagement: Encouraging the public to

contribute their own historical documents and stories to

enrich the archive.

A collaborative effort

The NADP thrives on collaboration. The project will be

partnering with schools, the National Library, National

Trust, National Museum, and government entities to

ensure comprehensive and inclusive efforts. Community

involvement is a cornerstone, with town hall meetings

and outreach programs designed to educate the public

and invite participation.

“This is not just a government initiative; it is a

national movement,” says Miss Trazel Prospere, Senior

Cultural Officer. “Every document, photograph, and story

matters. Together, we’re creating a resource that reflects

the true essence of the Turks & Caicos Islands.”

scanning using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure

the highest quality digital replicas. Specialists in archival

care oversee the process to maintain the integrity of

the original materials. Once digitized, these files will be

categorized, annotated, and stored in a secure digital

repository, making them accessible to researchers, educators,

and the general public through an online portal.

Community participation

The success of the NADP relies heavily on community

involvement. Residents are encouraged to attend

town hall meetings, share their personal collections,

and participate in discussions on preserving cultural

heritage. Social media campaigns using hashtags like

#PreserveHistory and #DigitizeOurPast are also driving

engagement, inviting people to share their own stories

and learn more about the initiative.

Looking ahead

As the NADP progresses, its impact will extend beyond

preservation. The digitized archives will serve as an educational

resource, a cultural touchstone, and a source of

inspiration for innovation. Schools will integrate these

digital records into curricula, researchers will uncover

new insights, and communities will find renewed pride in

their shared heritage.

Join the movement!

The National Archival and Digitization Project is more

than a preservation effort; it is an invitation to every

resident to take part in safeguarding the legacy of the

Turks & Caicos Islands. Visit Facebook page Department

of Culture and Heritage TCI or email tprospere@gov.tc

to learn how you can contribute, participate, and support

this historic initiative. Together, we can ensure that our

past informs and inspires our future. a

The digitization process

The digitization process will be meticulous. Each document

and artifact undergoes careful handling and

SHUTTERSTOCK

74 www.timespub.tc


Museum Matters

Grand Turk events 2025

Whalefest

This was the first year for Whalefest. The museum in

collaboration with the local whale watching tour operators

hosted this event in mid-January. 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 history of whales in the Islands was explained

with videos and lectures, while live music performances

included local bands Island Flavor on Friday night and

V6 with Elroy on Saturday night. Great fun was had by

the kids dancing with Henry the Conch. Several local

food vendors sold local cuisine. The plan is to make this

an annual event.

Grub, Grill, and Good Times

The annual return of this event 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. The tentative date for is July 19, 2025.

Check our website and Facebook page for updates.

Providenciales fundraising

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

exhibits to enhance knowledge of TCI history and culture.

If you’re interested in learning more 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.

Festivities at the Whalefest included a visit by Henry the Conch and

a children’s costume contest.

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 & Photos By Museum Director Lisa Talbot


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. At this time, all of

the major international carriers arrive and depart from the

Howard Hamilton International Airport in Providenciales,

with a twice-weekly flight from Miami to the Norman B.

Saunders Sr. International Airport in South Caicos set to

commence on March 15, 2025.

Language

English.

Time zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST)/Daylight Savings Time

observed.

76 www.timespub.tc

Currency

The United States dollar. The Treasury also issues a Turks

& Caicos crown and quarter. Credit cards are widely

accepted on Providenciales and international credit cards

such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express can be

used to make most purchases, as can Cirrus and Plus

bank cards. It’s a good idea to exchange foreign currency

before arriving in the Islands.

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 somewhat temper the

heat and keep life comfortable, in spite of 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 car-

Times of the Islands Winter 2024/25 77

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

and some perfume and gift items. 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 $1,000 worth

of merchandise per person duty free. A duty of 35% is

charged on most imported goods along with a 5% 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, mobile and fiber Internet

service, and digital TV. Most resorts and some stores and

restaurants offer wireless Internet connections. Digicel

provides a range of cellular telephone services, digital

TV, mobile home broadband, fiber internet, and other

consulting services. Both offer GSM coverage, but you

may need to activate international roaming before you

arrive. You can buy a local prepaid SIM if you’re primarily

interested in data access and local calls.

Electricity

FortisTCI supplies electricity at a frequency of 60HZ,

and either single phase or three phase at one of three

standard voltages for residential or commercial service.

FortisTCI continues to invest in a robust and resilient grid

to ensure the highest level of reliability to customers. The

company is integrating renewable energy into its grid and

provides options for customers to participate in two solar

energy programs.

Departure tax

US $35. It is typically included in your airline ticket cost.

Courier service

Delivery service is provided by FedEx, with offices on

78 www.timespub.tc

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.

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 government.

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.

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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, Islam, 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.

Going green

TCI Waste Disposal Services currently offers recycling ser-

80 www.timespub.tc

vices through weekly collection of recyclable aluminum,

glass, and plastic. Single-use plastic bags are banned

country-wide. 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

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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,

flights to North Caicos,a causeway between North and

Middle Caicos, 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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Times of the Islands Spring 2025

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