GRAND TURK - History

HISTORY

It is here that Christopher Columbus was said to have discovered the Turks and Caicos Islands in 1492, but some still argue that Ponce de Leon arrived first. The first people on the islands, however, were the Taino Indians, who unfortunately left little behind but ancient utensils. The Lucayans eventually replaced the Tainos. During the late 17th century, settlers from Bermuda established a booming salt trade on Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos. Then the American Revolution almost one hundred years later, brought about another influx of immigrants, American Loyalists who attempted to recreate their plantation lifestyles by growing cotton and sisal with varying degrees of success. In 1766, after being controlled by the Spanish, French and British, the Turks and Caicos became part of the Bahamas colony; but attempts to integrate failed and were abandoned in 1848 when they became self-governing under the administration of Jamaica. In 1872, they were formally annexed by Jamaica and following another association with the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos became a British overseas territory in 1973.

GOVERNMENT

The Turks & Caicos islands are a British Overseas Territory with a large measure of autonomy. The British government is responsible for external relations, defense and internal security through a resident governor. The 1988 constitution provides for a ministerial system of government headed by the governor, an executive council and legislative council. The legislative council has 13 elected members. Elections are held every four years, with the Progressive National Party led by Premier Michael Misick currently in power. Tourism, property development, real estate and international finance are the main sources of foreign exchange. Most of the country's territory is rural and, so far, undeveloped.

ECONOMY

      There is little agriculture but the sizeable fishing industry is both a major 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. Under pressure from London and, more publicly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the government has now introduced a tighter regulatory structure to prevent fraud and money-laundering.
     Meanwhile, it has refocused on tourism as the key to the islands’ future economic well-being. The sector is now worth about US$500 million to the islands’ economy. Despite receipts from tourism and the financial service, some aid from the UK is still needed to balance the budget and fund capital projects.

ECOTOURISM Turks and Caicos Islands have the third largest coral reef system in the world. Grand Turk also boasts fascinating natural attractions such as migrating humpback whales, flamingos and other rare wading birds. The topography of the island ranges from limestone plateaus to lush green vegetation surrounding natural salt ponds. Their ecotourism extends from the mangroves to the bio-diversity and ecology of the island’s underwater world.nbsp; 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 programs, which encourage tourists to respect the environment. Other marine species that can be observed include turtles, spotted eagle rays and manta ray.