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Turks and Caicos Islands
Overview
Country Overview
The Turks & Caicos are an archipelago of more than 40 islands forming the southeastern end of the Bahamas chain. There are two principal groups, each surrounded by a continuous coral reef. Caicos is the larger group and includes Providenciales, Middle (or Grand) Caicos, and the islands of North, South, East and West Caicos, plus numerous small cays, some of which are inhabited. The Turks group, separated by a 35km-wide (22-mile) channel of water, consists of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and a number of small uninhabited cays.
The Turks & Caicos Islands are a spectacular destination for those who wish to get away from it all. There are numerous national parks, beautiful white sand beaches, nature preserves, sanctuaries and historical sites.
Island specialities include whelk soup, conch chowder, lobster and special types of fresh fish.
There are nightclubs and discos, and hotels arrange beach parties and other entertainments.
General Information
Area: 430 sq km (166 sq miles).
Population: 16,863 (official estimate 1999).
Population Density: 39.2 per sq km.
Capital: Cockburn Town (Grand Turk). Population: 3761 (1990).
GEOGRAPHY: The Turks & Caicos Islands are an archipelago of more than 40 islands forming the southeastern end of the Bahamas chain. There are two principal groups, each surrounded by a continuous coral reef. Caicos is the larger group and includes Providenciales, Middle (or Grand) Caicos, and the islands of North, South, East and West Caicos, plus numerous small cays, some of which are inhabited. The Turks group, separated by a 35km-wide (22-mile) channel of water, consists of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and a number of small uninhabited cays.
Government: British Overseas Territory since 1670. Gained internal autonomy in 1962. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Jim Poston since 2002. Head of Government: Chief Minister Derek Taylor since 1995.
Language: The official language is English. Some Creole is spoken.
Religion: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist and Pentecostal.
Time: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from first Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 110 volts AC.
Communications:
Telephone
IDD is available. Country code: 1 649. Outgoing international code: 001. There is a good communications network run by Cable & Wireless Ltd, with automatic exchange on all the islands. The local telephone directory lists charges for international calls. There is a ten per cent tax on all calls. Public card-phones are in operation on all the islands; phonecards are available from Cable & Wireless and outlets near phone booths. Cheap rates are in operation Mon-Fri 1900-0600 and Sat-Sun all day.
Mobile telephone
TDMA network operated by Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular (website: www.caribcell.com). Compatible with most US handsets but not with GSM phones. Unregistered roaming is available – visitors with TDMA handsets can make calls without registering, provided they can give a credit card number.
Fax
All the islands have services.
Internet
ISPs include Cable & Wireless (website: www.cw.tc). Public access is available in Internet kiosks located at the airport and in Internet cafes around the islands.
Post
The General Post Office is on Grand Turk, with sub-offices in South Caicos, Salt Cay and Providenciales. Airmail to Western Europe takes five days. Post office hours: Mon-Thurs 0800-1630, Fri 0800-1600.
Press
The Turks and Caicos Weekly News and Turks & Caicos Free Press are published weekly, and The Times of the Islands Magazine quarterly. Where, When, How is a travel magazine which appears monthly.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.
BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice):
Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov):
Passport/Visa
| | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | No | Yes | | Australian | Yes | No | Yes | | Canadian | 1 | No | Yes | | USA | 1 | No | Yes | | OtherEU | Yes | No | Yes | | Japanese | Yes | No | Yes |
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for a minimum of six months required by all except:
1. nationals of Canada and the USA, provided holding proof of identity (ie birth certificate and photo ID).
VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries;
(c) nationals of Argentina, Bahrain, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China (PR), Congo (Dem Rep), Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Surinam, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan (China), Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen;
(d) most transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Nationals of a few countries may require a transit visa. Check with the UK Passport Office before departure.
Types of visa and cost: Tourist, Business and Transit: £28.
Validity: Three months.
Application to: UK Passport Agency; see Contact Addresses section.
Application requirements: (a) Passport with six months’ remaining validity. (b) Return or onward ticket. (c) Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
Working days required: Applications generally have to be referred to Grand Turk, which takes one month.
Temporary residence: Work and residence permits are required; apply to the Chief Immigration Officer, Government Buildings, Grand Turk.
Money
Currency: US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Credit & debit cards: MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Accepted by most hotels, shops, restaurants, banks and taxi services.
Currency restrictions: None.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the US Dollar against Sterling:
| Date | May ’02 | Aug ’02 | Nov ’02 | Feb ’03 | | £1.00= | 1.46 | 1.52 | 1.58 | 1.59 |
Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0830-1430, Fri 0830-1630.
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into the Turks & Caicos Islands without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 125g of tobacco; 1l of spirits or 2l of wine.
Prohibited items: Spearguns. Firearms require a police permit.
Public Holidays
Dec 10 2002 International Human Rights Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Mar 10 Commonwealth Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 26 National Heroes’ Day. Jun 14 HM The Queen’s Birthday. Aug 1 Emancipation Day. Sep 30 National Youth Day. Oct 13 Columbus Day. Dec 10 International Human Rights Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Mar 8 Commonwealth Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 24 National Heroes’ Day. Jun 12 HM The Queen’s Birthday. Aug 1 Emancipation Day. Sep 30 National Youth Day. Oct 11 Columbus Day. Dec 10 International Human Rights Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day.
Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | No | No | | Cholera | No | No | | Typhoid and Polio | 1 | N/A | | Malaria | No | N/A |
1: A small risk of typhoid exists in rural areas.
Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: A low risk of dengue fever. Hepatitis A, B and C occur.
Health care: There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. On presentation of proof of residence in the UK (NHS card, driving licence, etc), those under 16 or over 65 receive all medical and dental treatment free of charge. Other UK residents are entitled to free treatment as follows: on Grand Turk, dental treatment, prescribed medicines and ambulance travel; on the outer islands, medical treatment at Government clinics and prescribed medicines.
Travel - International
AIR: The main airline is Turks & Caicos Airways (QW). American Airlines offers several daily services. Bahamasair and Air Jamaica also operate scheduled flights to and from the Bahamas and Jamaica respectively. Other airlines include Delta and Trans-World Airlines.
Approximate flight times: From Grand Turk to London, via the USA or Jamaica, is approximately 13 hours 30 minutes.
From Grand Turk to Miami is 1 hour 30 minutes and from Providenciales is 1 hour 20 minutes.
From Grand Turk to New York is 4 hours (via Miami) and from Providenciales is 5 hours 50 minutes.
International airports: Grand Turk (GDT) is 3.2km (2 miles) south of Cockburn Town (travel time – 5 minutes). There is a taxi service from Grand Turk to hotels; prices vary. Airport facilities include left luggage (0600-2000), first-aid (0600-2000), bars (0600-1830) and restaurants (0600-1830).
There are international airstrips on South Caicos (XSC) and Providenciales (PLS).
Departure tax: US$15. Children under 12 are exempt.
SEA: The archipelago is off the beaten track for most major cruise lines. However, Fred Olsen Cruises sail to the islands, anchoring offshore and transporting passengers to the islands by tender. Boats can be chartered to sail to islands in the Bahamas or Haiti. The main ports are Cockburn Harbour (South Caicos) and Salt Cay, Grand Turk and Providenciales. Harbour facilities on South Caicos are currently being improved. There are plans to build a new port on North Caicos.
Travel - Internal
AIR: In addition to the international airports on Grand Turk, South Caicos and Providenciales, there are landing strips on Middle Caicos, Pine Cay, Parrot Cay, North Caicos and Salt Cay. Turks & Caicos Airways runs a regular air-taxi service to all the inhabited islands as well as flights to Puerto Plata, Cap Haïtien and Nassau. Charter flights are also available from TCA, Blue Hills Aviation, Inter island Airways, Lyndon Gardiner, Flamingo Air Service and Provo Air Charter.
SEA: Limited coast-hopping and inter-island services. Boats may be chartered at most of the inhabited islands.
ROAD: There are over 120km (75 miles) of roads on the islands, of which about one-fifth are sealed. Traffic drives on the left. Taxi: Available at most airports, but the supply may be limited and sharing is often necessary. Car hire: Limited selection available from some local firms on Grand Turk, Providenciales, and North and South Caicos. Documentation: Local licence available for a fee if holding a national driving licence or an International Driving Permit. A tax of US$10 is levied on all rentals.
TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Grand Turk to other major cities/towns on the islands:
| | Air | | Salt Cay | 0.05 | | South Caicos | 0.15 | | Middle Caicos | 0.20 | | North Caicos | 0.25 | | Pine Cay | 0.30 | | Providenciales | 0.30 | Accommodation
There is accommodation on Grand Turk, North, Middle and South Caicos, Salt Cay, Providenciales and Pine Cay, including hotels, inns, a guest-house and self-catering apartment complexes. The standard is high, and many have beach frontage, private gardens, swimming pool and extensive watersports facilities. On Providenciales, there is a Club Med Village. All rooms are subject to eight per cent tax and ten per cent service charge. Advance reservation is necessary. For further details, contact the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Grading: There is a number of standard hotels as well as some luxury and deluxe hotels.
Introduction
The Turks & Caicos Islands are a spectacular destination for those who wish to get away from it all. There are numerous national parks, beautiful white sand beaches, nature reserves, sanctuaries and historical sites. Despite an increase in tourist numbers, the islands remain largely uncommercialised and unspoilt with small, personal places to stay and a heavy emphasis on ecotourism.
The Caicos Group
There are six principal islands and numerous small cays, most of which are uninhabited. They are listed in order from west to east.
West Caicos: The westernmost island has an abrupt coastline leading to deep water that is ideal for fishing and scuba diving. Uninhabited, it is curently only visited by sailors, fishermen and thousands of seabirds.
Providenciales: This island is the centre of the country’s major tourist development. The main tourist centre lies around Turtle Cove, with its peaceful yacht basin, and Grace Bay.
Little Water Cay: Known for its variety of birdlife, this small cay is being developed as a nature resort.
Pine Cay: Pine Cay is inhabited mostly by tropical birds and iguanas, and has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caicos Islands, if not the whole Caribbean. The northern end has many freshwater lakes with species of saltwater fish brought here by Hurricane Donna in 1960. Part of the Caicos Cays National Underwater Park is located here. The reefs of the Caicos bank, with their rich variety of corals and vividly coloured fish, are a must-see.
Parrot Cay: Parrot Cay lies between Providenciales and North Caicos. Once a private island which used to be a hideout for legendary pirates such as Annie Bonnie and Mary Reid, it is now being developed into a modern resort.
North Caicos: Known as the ‘Garden Island’ of the Caicos, its fertile soils and water provide good farmland. It has miles of deserted white sand beaches along which hotels provide luxurious and peaceful accommodation. Flamingoes, ospreys, iguanas and various other wildlife can be seen at the island’s nature reserve.
Middle Caicos: Also known as Grand Caicos, this island is undeveloped. Blessed with a lovely coastline, to the west of Conch Bar the shoreline dips in and out with bluffs and small coves. Visitors should try not to miss the island’s spectacular caves.
East Caicos: East Caicos is uninhabited, but when flying to South Caicos, look down for the salmon in the translucent green water. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean are to be found here. In the northwest of the island, at Jacksonville, there is a series of caves with evidence of early petroglyphs.
South Caicos: The town of Cockburn Harbour is situated on a small ridge at the extreme southwest of the island of South Caicos. It was once the chief port for the shipment of salt from the islands. The town is a quiet and pleasant place to potter around in the evening. During the day, there are numerous beaches to explore and, as everywhere in the Turks & Caicos Group, there is superb diving, yachting and big-game fishing.
The Turks Group
These are smaller islands, separated from the Caicos Group by the 35km (22-mile) deep-water Columbus Passage channel (formerly the ‘Turks Island Passage’), and consist of two main islands and a number of small, uninhabited cays.
Grand Turk: A few minutes from South Caicos by air, with the small metropolis of Cockburn Town, Grand Turk is the islands’ seat of government and commerce, as well as their historic and cultural centre. The Turks & Caicos National Museum situated on the waterfront, tells the story of the oldest shipwreck discovered in the Americas and exhibits rare prints and manuscripts from all of the islands. Front Street has a number of colonial buildings, dating from the early 19th century. They have imposing entrances in the high, whitewashed walls that surround their gardens. There are many delightful bays on the eastern shores of Grand Turk. The island is also a fine base for diving and fishing.
Salt Cay: The most charming and atmospheric of all the Salt Islands. There are fine beaches and also still-productive salt ponds. The island is dominated by a great white house, built in the 1830s in solid Bermudian style. Salt Cay also hosts relics of the now defunct whaling industry. In the winter, visitors have the chance to spot gigantic humpback whales.
Sport & Activities
Watersports: With more than 370km (230 miles) of beaches, there is plenty of opportunity for safe swimming, supplemented by hotel pools. The spectacular reefs and underwater life surrounding the islands attract diving enthusiasts from all over the world. Most clubs and centres have qualified instructors; equipment can be hired and diving trips arranged. There is good fishing off all the islands; boats can be hired from most hotels and individual island fishermen can be hired as guides.
Wildlife: During February, March and April, whale watching enthusiasts are able to observe large numbers of the North Atlantic humpback whale population passing through very close to the western shores of Grand Turk and Salt Cay en route to their breeding grounds at Mouchoir Bank nearby. During this period, divers can listen to an underwater concert of whale songs. Encounters with dolphins are also frequent. The friendliness of one dolphin, named JoJo, who frequently interacts with humans, has prompted her warden to declare the dolphin a national treasure. The JoJo Dolphin Project is one of numerous regional nature conservation programmes, which encourage tourists to respect the environment. Other marine species that can be observed include turtles, spotted eagle rays and manta rays. Birdwatching is widespread as rare birds and butterflies are found throughout the islands.
Other: There is an 18-hole golf championship course in Providenciales and cricket is a popular pastime.
Social Profile
Food & Drink: With rare exceptions, dining takes place in hotels. Island specialities include whelk soup, conch chowder, lobster and special types of fresh fish. Continental dishes are also available as are US/European snacks such as hot dogs and hamburgers. Although some establishments have buffet-style serveries, table service is common.
Alcohol is freely available. Rum-based punch and cocktails are delicious and a wide selection of imported beer, wines and spirits can be found in most bars.
Nightlife: There are nightclubs and discos, and hotels arrange beach parties and other entertainments. Events are broadcast in advance on local radio.
Shopping: Fairly expensive. The islands’ small shops sell locally made baskets, jewellery, ceramics, shells, sponges, hand-screened cloth, souvenir T-shirts and rare conch pearls.
Special Events: For a complete list, contact the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses). The following is a selection of special events taking place in 2003:
Jan 1 Junkanoo Jump-Up (festivities from midnight to sunrise), Grand Turk and Providenciales. Apr 22 Earth Day (environmental events). May 24-25 South Caicos Regatta. Jun Conch Carnival, Grand Turk; Annual Turks & Caicos Classic Fishing Tournament, Providenciales. Jun 29-30 TCI Summer Jam, Grand Turk. Jul 22-28 Provo Summer Festival, Providenciales. Aug M.C. Expo (traditional sailing boat race), Middle Caicos. Sep 23-29 Cultural Week, various islands. Oct 11-13 Turks and Caicos Amateur Open Golf Championship, Providenciales. Dec 14 Christmas Tree Light Ceremony, Grand Turk. Dec 18 Anglican Church Bazaar, Grand Turk.
Social Conventions: Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Hospitality is important and, when visiting someone’s home, normal social courtesies should be observed – if possible a return invitation should be made. A souvenir from home is well received. Informal dress is accepted for most events, but beachwear should be confined to the beach. Tipping: There is no tipping in hotels on any of the islands, ten to 15 per cent is added to all bills. In restaurants, tip ten to 15 per cent.
Business Profile
Since salt mining went into decline in the mid-1960s and finally ceased a few years ago, the Turks & Caicos Islands have relied on tourism and offshore financial services for most of their income. There is little agriculture but a substantial fishing industry which is both the sole contributor to the islands’ food requirements and a valuable export earner – particularly from the USA which buys much of the catch. The only other notable industry is construction, which is largely geared towards improving tourism infrastructure.
In the mid-1980s, measures were introduced by the Government to attract an offshore financial services industry and these have met with reasonable success. Unfortunately, it brought laundered money and illicit capital fleeing from elsewhere. In the last two years, the Government has been obliged by pressure from London, and more publicly the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, to introduce a tighter regulatory structure to prevent fraud and money-laundering. Meanwhile it has refocused on tourism as the key to the islands’ future economic wellbeing. The sector is now worth about US$200 million to the islands’ economy.
Despite receipts from tourism and financial service, some aid from the UK is still needed to balance the budget and fund capital projects. The USA is substantially the largest single trading partner; the remainder of the islands’ trade is conducted with the UK and with its Caribbean neighbours.
Business: The informal relaxed atmosphere prevails even in business circles. A lightweight suit will be the most needed. Best months to visit are from April to October. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1630.
Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Providenciales Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 361, Providenciales (tel/fax: 946 4748; website: www.provo.net/chamber).
Conferences/Conventions: For information, contact the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section).
Climate
Tropical; tempered by trade winds, generally pleasant. Cool nights. Rain in winter.
Required clothing: Tropical lightweights. Light sweaters are advised for evenings.
History and Government
History: None of the Arawak Indians, who occupied the islands when Columbus first discovered them, survived the 16th century. Until the 19th century, the islands were a source of salt for the American mainland, with slaves being used as labour. During the 19th century, control of the islands changed hands several times. In 1962, having been a Jamaican dependency for some 75 years, the Turks & Caicos Islands became a separate British Colony – a status that it retains to this day.
The islands held their first general election in 1976, the winning party, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), pursuing a policy of full independence for the islands. The next election, in 1980, was effectively a referendum on the independence issue and was won by the anti-independence Progressive National Party (PNP), which claimed victory again four years later. A major political scandal erupted in 1985, in which the Chief Minister, the Minister of Development & Commerce and a leading PNP member were implicated in illegal drug trafficking. Since then, the islands have also come under external pressure to clamp down on money laundering, which is alleged to be conducted through local banks. The Turks & Caicos government has since struggled with a dilemma familiar to many small island states seeking to boost their economies by promoting themselves as offshore financial havens – how to stamp out criminal activity without deterring investors looking for financial privacy.
In the wake of the corruption scandal, a new political party, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), was formed. However, it failed in make an impact; instead, a revitalised Progressive Nationalist Party, under new leader Washington Missick, won the 1991 election. The last two polls have shown, however, that this was no more than an aberration, as the PDM was comfortably returned to office in both 1995 and 1999. Derek Taylor is the current Chief Minister.
Government: The British monarch is head of state, represented locally by a governor who is responsible for defence and foreign affairs as well as internal security. The internal government comprises legislative and executive councils. The former consists of a speaker, three ex-officio members of the Executive Council, three appointees, and 11 members elected by universal adult suffrage. The Executive Council consists of a Chief Minister and four other ministers drawn from the Legislative Council, plus three appointees to the posts of Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary and Attorney-General.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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