South Caicos residents condemn tearing down historic buildings, work stopped for now

#TurksandCaicos, October 8, 2021 – South Caicos residents are counting it a big win and a respectful response to their outcry about demolition of historic buildings, when government on Tuesday pressed at least the pause button on plans to tear down the relics.  Of particular concern to the people of south – for both historical and sentimental reasons – is the Old School building.

It has been rotting for decades now but the islanders want to see it restored as its treasured significance though dating back to the 1890s remains relevant, even visible in every South Caicos native.  Every child received their formative education there up until the 1970s and those linked to the island are appalled at the idea that it was nearly torn down.

Gutting of the structure had already started but now it is saved, due to the intervention of the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Akierra Missick.  Informed of the concerns of residents, she worked quickly to stop the demolition.

A town meeting was on Monday night held between the residents of South Caicos and the Government as the island is poised for significant take off with the coming of its new airport and increased tourism activity due to continuing resort developments.

On July 30, the TCI Government including Governor Nigel Dakin, Premier Washington Misick and DP E Jay Saunders signed a development agreement with JEM TCI Holdings Ltd for the expansion of the East Bay Resort on South Caicos.

The Office of the Premier in early August informed the expansion would include:  outfitting the addition of forty-seven (47) room units, two (2) additional pools, a restaurant and bar, wedding facilities and brand enhancement. The government said of the investment, “This development is expected to increase stay-overs on the island of South Caicos and will enhance current offerings for visitors interested in dive and watersports activities.”

However, for some descendants of South Caicos looking on, there is concern that in an effort to modernise the tourism offering of the fishing capital, historic buildings are under threat.

Concern was expressed for the old library which was once a salt shed and the old school building, which dates back to the 1890s.  The now derelict school was where children of South Caicos were educated right into the 1970s.

Comments from those who hail from the country’s ‘fishing capital’ revealed a readiness to challenge any idea of knocking these treasured relics down.

But the buildings will have to come down, explained the Minister of PPID in her own statement on Thursday.

“We have to acknowledge that whilst emotions may run high, the amenities in South Caicos should not remain stagnant. This Government is now guided by the National Physical Development Plan and part of the Plan requires the development of sites that are usable and beneficial to all users. The Old School in its present state was a building that was closed and unsafe for anyone to enter into or use. It was not serving the needs of the Community,” said Minister Missick.

There is hope the zealous residents will agree after a plan for the structure is presented.  The Minister explaining the building is beyond salvaging.

“Based upon a structural assessment and visits by the Public Works Department, as well as independent contractors; all agree that the present state of the building cannot be rehabilitated or renovated. Further, the Ministry of PPID will work with the Ministry of Heritage to honor the history of the building to the Community of South Caicos in the new design, which will be a Youth and Heritage Centre,” she added, “This pause in the demolition will allow the Ministry of PPID to present the new design to the South Caicos Community and fence off the area properly to allow for the demolition to be done in a safe and secured manner.”