#TurksandCaicos, November 11, 2023 – Like myself, some citizens are often skeptical about any major developments and rapid population growth across these islands. It is seen as a danger in commoditising deeply held traditions so closely linked to individuals and our collective identity.

But there is a caveat, many still see it as the primary way to keep these tiny islands alive and to survive.

Tourism is the bread and butter of this tiny British overseas territory, with close to 800 million US dollars annually. This alone corresponds to approximately 75% of the country’s gross domestic product. Although Providenciales is the main hub for visitors via air travel, many are unaware that the sister islands are only a hop, skip and a jump away either by an interconnecting flight or the local ferry boats.

In recent years, visitors are flocking to the historical island of Grand Turk which is the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Although, in terms of development, it may not appear to be.

On this island in particular, over 80 percent of the residents depend to some extent on tourism. Grand Turk has a number of the amenities as most major cities, but still gives you that small town feel.

Like the sister island, Salt Cay, some supplies are limited. There is a fairly large selection of groceries at the supermarkets, however, healthy foods come at a high price. What residents and visitors can depend on is fresh catch of the day, which is regularly available by the local fishermen at reasonable prices.

Those in the tourism business tend to try and earn as much of their income as possible from visitors during the peak tourism season which is between November and April.

Many of the locals are still passionate with keeping the culture alive, and aren’t just motivated by cash for cash own sake, or the US dollar which is the only currency used. Nevertheless, tourism money is most definitely needed to improve infrastructure and quality of life on practically all of these islands.

Apart from the transient visitors and on cruise ship days, the population on Grand Turk is roughly around 3500 residents. Over the years, it has slowly dwindled once major development on the island of Providenciales began to take shape.

The nature of island life especially on Grand Turk and Salt Cay, has satisfactory temperamental transportation, and with a bit of pre-planning, a trip to any one of these islands is plenty rewarding for those looking for a charming, quiet atmosphere, beautiful by nature beaches, and a unique culture.

The nightlife in Grand Turk is pretty quiet and may be a bit different from what some are used too. With some exceptions, there are a few small neighborhood bars where you can mingle with the locals or enjoy a good laugh or play a few games of dominoes.

Grand Turk is the home of one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean. For lighthouse enthusiast, although entrance into the building itself is off limit, one will enjoy the breathtaking scenery and will find it both charming and fascinating.

If you’re like most tourists looking for  fancy hotels, five course meals, or seeking a choice of watching a night show, these things are not the norm.

Come if you’re interested in this spectacular island laidback culture, where you are still greeted with big smiles, good morning, or good evening, waving hands, honking horns and most everyone knows you by your last name.

For many reasons, my favorite island still remains Grand Turk. It’s captures the essence of the Turks and Caicos Islands culture, with a shared sense of identity. This is where I graduated high school and made most of my early childhood memories. One of the few islands in the Caribbean where cows, horses, donkeys and friendly dogs still roam wild.

Among the many ecotourism and land activities, one can enjoy things like snorkeling, stingray encounters, fishing, ATV and horseback rides.

If your lucky, during peak season, you may get a glimpse of the humpback whales breaching right from the shoreline or pier, which is a niche market to Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

Most people come just to be in the middle of nature and have that small island feeling. An opportunity to bask in the sunshine, the tranquility, enjoy the secluded beaches and stretches of unspoiled coastlines.

What the islands are experiencing now is an influx of vacationers on their second or third time around. Many who have found lucrative business opportunities and are investing in vacation homes and Air BNB rentals.

When you’re on the island, you take it for granted that life is like that; you don’t see the value in living that hustle and bustle lifestyle elsewhere. If you’re lucky to arrive on cruise ship days to Grand Turk, you can enjoy some entertainment and food for a few hours before returning to the quiet lifestyle.

Many visitors are usually fascinated with the laidback culture, relatively low crime rate and friendly people.

In my opinion, the island itself will benefit more if greater focus is placed on developing our unique culture as one of the main attractions which tourists enjoy. This could also help to support the community’s ability to keep those traditions alive and thriving.

On the other hand, unchecked growth may have negative downstream consequences.

The rapid growth on the island of Providenciales is a good example of that. Grand Turk in particular has less than 5 commercial motels for tourists to stay, while the island of Providenciales is booming in this sector.

What we are beginning to see are more short term rentals and Air B&B-style accommodations. Albeit, I think having at least one major hotel in Grand Turk and a direct flight would be welcomed by many.

Nevertheless, more development could compromise both the community and the environment, swinging the Capital out of its current beautiful by nature precarious equilibrium.

Furthermore, with having limited real estate on this tiny island, finding that balance is crucial for the government. It could help to protect residents from predatory land grab and prevent them from being priced out of their homes.

Perhaps, it would be prudent to invest and capitalize on some of our existing natural resources and historical sites.

In short order, starting with the restoration of our eighteen century light house, the old prison, our Salt house or more vigorously promoting the “magnificant wall”. The Wall as it is referred to, is an amazing 7k feet deep ocean shelf, approximately 1000 feet off Grand Turk shore line, a dream for snorkelers and scuba diving enthusiasts.

To attract repeat visitors, so much more can be done, while limiting the proliferation of brick and mortar buildings. The million dollar question now is how much development do we want? Despite the rustic look, the inconvenience at times, the occasional mosquitoes, the lack of adequate resources in some areas, its still a hidden gem.

For those having duel citizenship and easy access to travel visas, being able to go back and forward to the United States and elsewhere as one desires, it’s priceless! This is truly having the best of both worlds.

Cheers! 

Ed Forbes