Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
general reaction across the country was a positive one, as faith in the local political system
had been extremely low in the years leading up to the suspension.
The British government is looking to hold elections for a new Turks and Caicos govern-
ment at some time in 2011. Despite the ongoing problems of corruption, it's likely to create
a resurgence in calls for independence, or even a slightly wackier idea that has been kick-
ing around the country for some time: a union with Canada.
The Turks & Caicos Way of Life
The culture of the Turks and Caicos is that of a ship that is steadied by a strong religious
keel. There is a very strong religious core to these islands, and the populace is friendly,
welcoming and a bit sedate. Native Turks and Caicos islanders, or 'Belongers' as they are
locally known, are descended from the early Bermudian settlers, Loyalist settlers, slave set-
tlers and salt rakers.
There are a few expats lurking about calling the Turks home; Americans because of the
proximity, Canadians because of the weather and Brits because of the colonial heritage.
Some have come to make their fortunes, some to bury their treasure like the pirates of old
and others to escape the fast-paced life that permeates much of the developed world.
More recently hundreds of Haitians have fled their impoverished island and landed on
the Turks and Caicos Islands; for some this is only a port of call on their way to America,
while others are happy to stay. Some Belongers are wary of these new immigrant com-
munities, while some locals are sympathetic or even indifferent.
Nightlife in the Turks and Caicos is of the mellow variety for the most part. There are
a few night spots in Provo, and some beachside bars on the outer islands. Those seeking
a roaring party of a holiday should look elsewhere - having said that, the local rake 'n'
scrape music can really get the crowd going. For those not in the know, rake 'n' scrape or
ripsaw (as it is locally known) is a band fronted by someone playing a carpenter's saw by
rhythmically scraping its teeth with the shaft of a screwdriver; sometimes other household
objects are used as percussion.
The art scene in the Turks and Caicos is slowly evolving. Traditional music, folklore and
sisal weaving evolved during colonial days, have been maintained to this day. Paintings de-
picting the scenery are popular and the quality appears to be improving. The Haitian com-
munity has had a strong influence on the Turks and Caicos art scene.
There are a few shops in Provo that have a good selection of locally produced art; unfor-
tunately, except for a few choice locations, most of the art that's available outside Provo is
tourist paraphernalia, made in China and slapped with a T&C sticker.
The Landscape & Wildlife
Much of the Turks and Caicos can be described as flat, dry and barren. The salt industry of
the last century saw fit to remove much of the vegetation from Salt Cay, Grand Turk and
