North Caicos Promenade Opened and honours Sisal Pioneers

By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm

Editorial Team

#TurksandCaicos, June 19, 2023 – The enormous potential in tourism continues to be unlocked for North and Middle Caicos as on Tuesday June 13, there was another defining moment for the twin islands with the opening ceremony for the long anticipated craft market and promenade in Bottle Creek.

The ribbon was cut in a grand opening which featured the country’s top officials including: Anya Williams, Acting Governor; Washington Misick, TCI Premier;  Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Arlington Musgrove, Immigration Minister and Twin Islands MP and Claudius Williams III, who is the son of the promenade’s namesakes.

The shopping and recreational site, which overlooks picturesque Bottle Creek, will now be known as the Carlton Williams Promenade in honor of Williams and his father Carlton Williams Sr who dedicated years of service to the sisal industry of the island.

In celebration of the completion and opening, a unique Cabinet meeting was held historically in North Caicos, at the recently completed, multi-million dollar Bellfield Landing Welcome Center and dock, which was also completed under the Washington Misick-led Administration.

Ferry Services now arrive at a state of the art center, which features shopping, dining and lounging experiences.  Bellfield Landing Welcome Center is a source of pride for islanders, shared Jas Walkin, recently installed District Commissioner, with more aesthetic appeal and greater safety for residents and visitors.  The completion in October 2022 was a significant step to opening the twin islands to greater economic opportunities.

Last month, farming entrepreneur Courtney Missick introduced a new attraction, featuring his farm and its produce.  The ribbon cutting ceremony attracted government and corporate leaders as Isaac Farm began its new chapter.

The trip to North Caicos for the government dignitaries was also a return home for the Premier who is a North Caicos native.  Washington Misick shared a post on his official Facebook page rededicating himself to the representation of the people.

“I fondly remember the bay from childhood; seeing it reach new heights is exciting. I’m particularly looking forward to the continued growth and advancement of the twin islands. My government is keen to see the projects earmarked for both islands come to fruition but also the improvement of services and accessibility to both residents and visitors alike. I am committed to the mission,” he said.

The opening of the promenade featured remarks and cultural performance by the Adelaide Oemler Primary School students.  There was also a tour of the new site; most popular was the Sisal Museum which showcases a variety of sisal made creations and stories on the pioneers of the industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Construction of the Promenade began under the former PDM Administration as a vision of Ralph Higgs, former tourism minister and MP.

The Government has already begun to seek out vendors to fill the spaces in the turquoise topped buildings with invitations to submit business plans.

Some, though, have already set up shop, literally, at the Carlton Williams Promenade which also features a cafe and playground area.