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Monday, August 25, 2008

Turks and Caicos 101

by Imma Kate Sta. Ines

No, this country doesn't have anything to do with turkeys.. The commonly accepted explanation credits the Turks name to the Turk's-head cactus found around the islands, which flowers in a red pillbox of a fruiting body that resembles a fez.

Geography

Geographically, they are two clusters of low-lying, reef-ringed, sand cays in the deep South Atlantic some 600 miles from Miami. Situated south of the Bahamas and north of the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos have long been a British colony, which has been self-governing since 1976. Among other practicalities, this means most residents speak English while some also speak Turks and Caicos Islands Creole which is similar to Bahamian Creole. Not to forget the official currency which is the US Dollar. The majority of inhabitants are black and Protestant Christian.

Aquatic marvels

Scuba divers favored their clear waters, colorful reefs, abundant wrecks and deep walls that plunge to the bottom of the ocean. Various fishes also inhabit the seas which attracts fishermen around the globe. But since the islands lacked an adequate jetport and no cruise liners called on them, their 230 miles of fine, white sandy beaches came perfectly undeveloped.

Provo

The vast majority of the colony now live on the island of Providenciales, nicknamed "Provo." The island has an area of 98 km² and a population of 30,542, making it the largest island in population and the third largest in area. The Providenciales International Airport can be found here. Providenciales is also home to the only conch farm in the world. Provo, along with North and Middle Caicos, comprise the primary population centers of the three dozen or so keys in the Caicos, the rest being only lightly peopled or totally uninhabited.

Temperature

The Turks and Caicos offer a tropical climate which is good news for sun bathers. There's no rainy season and the last hurricane was in 1960's.

Transportation

Driving is on the left. There are also cars and scooters for rent everywhere. (could there also be pedicabs for rent?) And taxis are available at Providenciales and Grand Turk.




Hollywood Sightings

Several Hollywood stars have built homes in the Turks and Caicos, including Dick Clark and Bruce Willis. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were married on Parrot Cay. Actress Eva Longoria and her husband Tony Parker went to the islands for their honeymoon in July 2007 and High School Musical actors Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens went for a vacation there.

Tourism

In an apparent effort to boost tourism during the Caribbean low season of late summer, the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board has organized and hosted an annual series of concerts called the Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival since summer of 2003. Held in a temporary bandshell at The Turtle Cove Marina in The Bight on Providenciales, this festival lasts about a week and has featured several notable international recording artists such as Lionel Richie, LL Cool J, Anita Baker, Billy Ocean, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Kenny Rogers, Michael Bolton, Ludacris, Chaka Khan, and Boyz II Men. More than 10,000 people attend annually.

Salt Cay

Salt Cay is the second largest of the Turks Islands, one of the two island groups forming of the British territory Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. It is a tiny, flat, triangular island measuring about 3.2 km (two miles) on a side and given over mostly to salinas. It was once home to several hundred people, all supported by the salt industry. Ruins from the salt operations remain on Salt Cay. The island is now popular with tourists looking for uncrowded beaches and activities like whale-watching. Scuba diving and other water sports also attract visitors.

Satellite Image of Salt Cay (lower left)
and neighboring islets

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