The Turks and Caicos is a very pretty group of islands which occupy a strategic spot between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. There is little in the way of natural recourses and manufacturing has always been nonexistent. The absence of a clear economic base after the loss of the salt production as a viable entity brought about a rapid decline in the population. The government soon realized that with the beauty of the islands and the geographic position that it held relative to the United States, that the Turks & Caicos could serve as a financial haven. In this Turks and Caicos has found its salvation. The islands have no income tax, no company tax, no exchange control and no restrictions on the nationality of ownership of membership on boards of directors. Hence, many companies have flocked to the Turks and Caicos where financial administration has been scandal free. The 40 low-lying pretty islands are encircled by one of the worlds longest coral reefs.
Capital: Cockburn Town
Population: 14,800
Area: Total area of islands -193 square miles
Language: English
Time: Same as New York
Electricity: 120 Volts AC / 60 Hz
Geography: Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 islands and cays which is located south of the Bahamas and half way between Miami and Puerto Rico.
The beaches of the islands are amazing. There are 230 miles of beaches though the 40 islands with coral reef and azure waters. On the island of Provo, Grace Bay has 12 miles of wonderful sandy beach. Many spots offer windsurfing and sailing as well as snorkeling and diving. Glass bottom boats are rare.
Grand Turk - Cockburn Town is the capital of the islands as well as the financial center. The oldest church here is the St. Thomas' Anglican Church which was built by settlers from Bermuda. Not far away is the St. Mary's Anglican Church which has a more scenic position overlooking the water. The Odd Fellows Lodge is across the street from the old salt pier and, being the oldest building on the island, is probably where the abolition of slavery was proclaimed. There is an interesting exhibition found in the Turks and Caicos National Museum which has an early 16th century Spanish ship removed locally from only 25 feet of water.
Providenciales - Also known as "Provo," is the home of the Princess Alexandra Marine Park which is totally underwater. The island was first settled in the 18th century. Turtle Cove is the center of Provo business and commerce. South Dock is the island's commercial dock and Sapodilla Bay is a safe harbor for yachts.
Dellis Cay - There is nobody here. Great for shell hunting or swimming.
Little Water Cay - The island is entirely inhabited by iguana whose living, feeding and nesting areas are protected from people by boardwalks. Day trips can be made here from Provo. There are no overnight accommodations.
Salt Cay - With a population of just about 200. This really is a quiet island. Traveling around Salt Cay is like going back through time as the salt shed, windmills and other artifacts of the salt industry present and little else. salt was first produced on the island in 1673 and remained a good industry until its sudden collapse in the mid-1960s stopping completely in 1971. Balfour Town has many old buildings which retain the style and colors of set by the Bermudans who first came here over 300 years ago. January through March, humpback whales migrate through the channel.
South Caicos - This is now the main fishing port, little bit in need of upkeep and yet attractive. There are not a lot of visitors. Other than the 1,200 or so people who live here, this island is populated by cows, horses, wild donkeys and a few flamingos.
Middle Caicos - This is the largest of the islands and is also known as Grand Caicos. The coastline is far more varied and interesting than the other islands. Sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, coves and caves. At Conch Bar you can visit the National Park and its underwater salt lakes.
East Caicos - Flamingo Hill at 157 ft is the highest point in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Caves show a number of petroglyphs showing that man had been here for some time. There is evidence of several Lucayan settlements. Except for some wild donkeys and more than its share of voracious mosquitos, nobody lives here now.
North Caicos - There's lots of rain here, therefore it has taller trees and lush vegetation. There are a number of sanctuaries here for flamingos, duck and osprey.
International Airport
Grand Turk - (GDT) The airpport is just over a mile from Cockburn Town. Taxis are available at a small charge.
Tipping: Service charges are usually not included in the bill, but check just in case they are. Waiters appreciate a 10% tip.
Shopping: Shops and businesses open at 8:30 in the morning an close at 5:00 pm. Most good come from the United States.
Food and Drink: Restaurants are mostly a reflection of what is stateside. Fish is excellent. Most restaurants are in hotels.
Social: The population is highly dependent on tourism and the new financial status of the islands as a tax haven.
Business: Business meetings are not formal. Jackets are seldom worn.
Banking: Banks aopen daily except on weekends at 8:30 in teh morning staying open until 2:30 pm ecept on Fridays when banks remain open untul 4:30 pm.
Currency: US Dollars
Money Exchange: No need to exchange currency if you are bringing in US dollars. Traveleers checks are accepted.
Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club
Climate
The climate is very pleasant and mild. The summer average high temperature is 90F and the low is 83. During the winter the average high is 75F and the low is 70F. Humidity hovers around an average of 35% all year. Average rainfall is 21 inches. | 