1

Turks and Caicos

Social Studies Study Guide

2

Table of Contents

Unit 1: My Country ..................................................................................................................... 3 The Turks and Caicos Islands ......................................................................................................... 3

Location of the Turks and Caicos Islands ....................................................................... 3 The Islands that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands .............................................. 4 Historical and Political Affiliations with the Caribbean ........................................... 14

The Turks and Caicos under the Bahamas and Jamaica ................................................... 15

Nationalism ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Coat of Arms ....................................................................................................................... 16 National Dress .................................................................................................................... 17 National Flower ................................................................................................................. 19 National Tree ...................................................................................................................... 20 National Bird....................................................................................................................... 21 Outstanding Leaders......................................................................................................... 22

The Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean ................................................................ 24

The Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) ..................................................... 24 Industries in the Turks and Caicos ............................................................................................. 26

Past Industries..................................................................................................................... 26 Present Industries .............................................................................................................. 30

Turks and Caicos and the Wider World ............................................................................... 34 Location in Relation to the Wider Caribbean ............................................................. 34 Location in Relation to the Wider World .................................................................... 35 Island Groupings in the Caribbean ................................................................................ 36

Climate in the Turks and Caicos Islands .................................................................................. 39

Transportation and Communication ........................................................................................ 40

Transportation ................................................................................................................... 40 Communications ................................................................................................................ 43

Our Cultural Heritage .................................................................................................................... 46

Food ...................................................................................................................................... 46 Religions .............................................................................................................................. 50 Performing Artists ............................................................................................................. 51

Bermudian Architecture ................................................................................................................ 53

Civics............................................................................................................................................. 54 Government ....................................................................................................................................... 54

Democracy ........................................................................................................................... 54 Monarchy............................................................................................................................. 55 Dictatorship......................................................................................................................... 56 Leaders of Political Parties............................................................................................... 57 Premiers of the Turks and Caicos Islands ..................................................................... 58

Social Issues ........................................................................................................................................ 59

Illegal Migration ................................................................................................................ 59 Communicable Diseases ................................................................................................... 60

3

Unit 1: My Country

The Turks and Caicos Islands

Location of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Located at Latitude: 21 45 N Longitude 71 35W, the archipelago of the Turks and

Caicos Islands consists of two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean. There are

over forty islands, cays, sand spits and small rocky islets. Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South

Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales and West Caicos are

the eight major islands and Cay. One of the most valuable possessions of the

islands is the white sandy beaches, which in total, covers approximately 230 miles

and are complimented with crystal clear waters. The islands are relatively flat;

however the terrain can vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation.

Figure 1 Map of the Caribbean

4

The Islands that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands

Figure 2 Map of the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands are made up of two groups of islands. They are the

Turks Islands and Caicos Islands. These islands are separated by a deep water

channel called the Turks Island Passage. This is 22 miles wide and about 7000 feet

deep. The Turks Islands lie to the east of the passage and the Caicos Islands to the

West.

5

South Caicos

South Caicos is the commercial fishing capital of the Turks and Caicos and was once

the greatest salt producing island in the country. The ‘Big South’ is steeped in

history and features several outstanding historical buildings. A modern tourism

industry is beginning to blossom with a bone fishing charter outfit leading the

way.

6

East Caicos

East Caicos possesses some of the most dramatic vistas in the Caicos Islands. It was

home to the East Caicos Cattle Company and a sisal operation.

7

Middle Caicos

Middle Caicos was once known as ‚Grand Caicos‛ and is the largest island in the

Turks and Caicos.

8

North Caicos

North Caicos is often referred to as ‚the garden island‛ due to its lush vegetation

and higher rainfall averages. The island boasts numerous native fruit trees,

plantation ruins, flamingo populations and vast inter-tidal wetlands.

.

9

West Caicos

West Caicos is poised at the western edge of the Caicos island chain. The island is a

mecca for diving and several miles of spectacular coral walls lie a stone’s throw

from its western shore. The island now boasts basic infrastructure as well as some

luxurious private residences and villas.

10

Providenciales

Providenciales, otherwise know as ‚Provo‛, is the centre of tourism activity in the

islands and the main port of entry into the country. Provo has beautiful beaches,

world class resorts, golf, dining, and much, much more. Due to its spectacular

growth, the government has opened and staffed many branches to accommodate

the increased activity on the island.

11

The Turks Islands

Salt Cay

The island of Salt Cay is located to the southwest of Grand Turk and is steeped in

history. Balfour Town features outstanding Bermudan and colonial era buildings.

With a population of fewer than one hundred, there are few cars and most people

beetle about in golf carts. Donkeys and chickens roam free in the streets adding to

the peaceful village-type atmosphere.

12

13

Grand Turk

Grand Turk is the nation’s capital and it is here that most government agencies are

headquartered. Grand Turk also features phenomenal bird watching at each of its

abandoned salt ponds and unique wall diving experiences with lots of black coral.

14

Historical and Political Affiliations with the Caribbean

People

The local population known as ‚belongers‛ are the descendants of slaves brought

to the islands by Loyalists plantation owners after the American Revolution, and

slaves brought from Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Cuba and other neighbouring

island to work in the salt ponds. Belongers make up about half of the population

with other residents coming from all over the globe including North America,

Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and neighbouring Caribbean Islands.

15

The Turks and Caicos under the Bahamas and Jamaica

The Turks and Caicos became a formal part of the Bahamas in 1799.

In 1848, following a petition by the Turks & Caicos residents, it became self-

governing under the guidance of the Governor of Jamaica.

In 1872 the islands were annexed to Jamaica and remained tied to Jamaica

until 1962, when they were again linked to the Bahamas.

In 1973, the Turks & Caicos became a separate Crown Colony of Great

Britain.

16

Nationalism

Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms of the Turks and Caicos Islands has a base which is shaped like a

shield. A Queen Conch Shell, a Spiny Lobster and a Turks Head Cactus. At the top

of the shield is a wreathe which is made up of two sisal plants with a pelican

between them. The shield is supported on either side by a Flamingo.

17

National Dress

Making its debut on June 1, 2002 during the Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebrations

in the nation's capital, the concept of a national costume induced a new sense of

national pride and identity for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Originating as the brainchild of Mr. David Bowen, Director of Culture, the design

of the National Costume came as a result of research conducted into the past

lifestyles of the first working people of the islands during the early days of

colonization.

The traditional dress of the ancestors of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands

was very basic and practical. What they wore depicted a simple and humble

lifestyle.

The ladies wore dresses that were long and fell near the calf or ankle. These were

usually tied or gathered at the waist. Their sleeves were worn either long or short.

There were times when the women wore pants under their dresses in the Caicos

Islands as a form of protection from mosquitoes and bugs.

The men simply wore plain shirts and loose fitting pants that could be easily turned

up to the knee while they worked. Their clothing was made from materials such as

cotton, flour bags and croca sacks as well as hats which were made from the dried

leaves of the Silver Palm top. The belts were merely a piece of rope.

18

With all this in mind, a national dress was introduced that suitably signifies the

modest lifestyle of the ancestors of the people of the Turks and Caicos iislands,

along with colours that represent the country's natural beauty and the distinctive

features of the islands.

19

National Flower

One of the archipelago’s most beautiful endemic species is the Island Heather

(Limonium bahamense). This is the National Flower of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Island Heather can be found growing along salt marshlands, around salt ponds

and tidal flats throughout the Turks Islands and the Southern Caicos Islands and

cays. In the past, the wood of the Heather was traded to be used as dyes. Today, it

is used to make tea. However, the Island Heather is critically endangered and needs

immediate protection.

20

National Tree

The Caicos Caribbean Pine (Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis) is the National Tree of

the Turks and Caicos. It is endemic to the islands and is found widely throughout

Middle and North Caicos and Pine Cay. The Caicos Caribbean Pine is diverse in its

uses.

It is used as an ingredient in the making of mosquito repellent. It is also used as

material for construction of buildings and in decorations.

21

National Bird

Brown Pelican

22

Outstanding Leaders

James Alexander George Smith McCartney (Jags)

James Alexander George Smith McCartney (30 June 1945”9 May 1980) also known

as J. A. G. S. McCartney or "Jags" McCartney was the first Chief Minister and held

that position from August 1976 until May 9, 1980, when he died in a plane crash

over New Jersey.

McCartney was born in Grand Turk to an accomplished Jamaican barrister, Harvey

O. B. Fernandez McCartney and a Sunday school pianist, Sally McCartney, née

Taylor, of the Turks and Caicos. He was named after a prominent Jamaican

barrister and distinguished legislator, James Alexander George Smith (1877”1942).

J.A.G.S. McCartney was the leader and founder of the People’s Democratic

Movement (PDM), a grassroots organization established to address the many social

and economic ills that had been pervasive throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A central goal of his, was the attainment of self-determination for the people of

23

the Turks and Caicos Islands. McCartney had particularly sought to mobilize the

youth in the political process. A charismatic, dynamic and visionary figure,

McCartney was determined to usher in a new constitution that would: foster and

safeguard the rights of all Turks and Caicos Islanders, create new opportunities for

citizens and advance the country. Assuming office at age 31, McCartney remains

one of the world’s youngest democratically elected leaders in history.

National Heroes Day, a holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May,

commemorates the life of McCartney. Additionally, the Grand Turk International

Airport is named in honour of him.

24

The Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean

The Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA)

The Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) was founded by Antigua and

Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on December 15, 1965, with

the signing of the Dickenson Bay Agreement (the Agreement establishing the

Caribbean Free Trade Association). They were joined on July 1, 1968 by Dominica,

Grenada, St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines,

and on 1 August, 1968 by Montserrat and Jamaica. In 1971 Belize (then British

Honduras) joined the Association.

CARIFTA was intended to encourage balanced development of the region by:

Increasing trade - buying and selling more goods among the Member States.

Diversifying trade - expanding the variety of goods and services available for

trade.

Liberalising trade - removing tariffs and quotas on goods produced and

traded within the area.

Ensuring fair competition - setting up rules for all members to follow to

protect the smaller enterprises.

In 1973, CARIFTA became the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

25

CARICOM

The Turks and Caicos became a CARICOM associate member in 1991. The

Community has the following objectives:

“ Improved standards of living and work.

“ Full employment of labour and other factors of production.

“ Accelerated, co-ordinated and sustained economic development and

convergence.

“ Expansion of trade and economic relations with third States.

“ Enhanced levels of international competitiveness.

“ Organisation for increased production and productivity.

“ The achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and

effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States

and entities of any description.

“ Enhanced co-ordination of Member States' foreign and [foreign] economic

policies.

“ Enhanced functional co-operation.

26

Industries in the Turks and Caicos

Past Industries

Salt Industry

The salt industry began with seasonal salt rakers coming to the Islands from

Bermuda in the late 1600s and lasted until commercial exploitation of the salinas

ended in the 1960s.

Raking salt was brutal labor. The hot breeze, the soaring temperatures, and the

effects of standing in brine all day or walking barefoot over chunks of salt crystal

made the work drudgery. Cuts failed to heal and boils developed on skin

constantly. The bright sun reflecting off salt water, white sand, and salt crystals

contributed to the onset of blindness. A limited diet combined with a lack of

medical care undermined general health.

27

Figure 3 Salt Raker in the 1960s

Figure 4 Raking salt around 1900

Figure 5 Women bagging salt in the early 1900s

28

Sisal

Figure 6 Typical sisal plant grown in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Sisal was such an important crop that in October 1907, a Colonial Report was

written entitled ‚The Caicos Islands: with special reference to the Further

Development of the Sisal Industry‛ and was presented to both houses of

parliament in Britain.

29

Cotton

The agricultural industry sprung up in the islands in the late 1780s after 40 Loyalists

arrived after the end of the American Revolution, primarily from Georgia and

South Carolina. They were granted large tracts of land by the British government

to make up for what they lost in the American colonies. The Loyalists also imported

well over a thousand slaves and planted vast fields of cotton.

The cotton industry was successful for a short period, however it quickly went into

decline, with hurricanes and pests destroying many crops. Though a few of the

former cotton magnates changed to salt mining, just about every one of the

original Loyalists had left the islands by 1820, leaving their slaves to live a

subsistence lifestyle through fishing and hunter-gathering.

30

Present Industries

Tourism

There is a refocus on tourism as the key to the islands’ future economic well-being.

The tourism sector is worth millions to the islands’ economy, with most of the

visitors coming from the United States and Canada.

31

Financial Services

The Turks and Caicos rely on offshore financial services for a large percent of its

income.

32

Fishing

The sizeable fishing industry is both a major contributor to the islands’ food

requirements and a valuable export earner.

33

Construction

Construction is a notable industry which is largely geared towards improving

tourism infrastructure.

34

Turks and Caicos and the Wider World

Location in Relation to the Wider Caribbean

Bahamas: 59 miles south east of Mayaguana in the Bahamas.

Haiti: 145 km north of Haiti.

Dominica Republic: 90 miles north of the Dominican Republic.

Figure 7 Map of the Caribbean

35

Location in Relation to the Wider World

USA: 575 miles southeast of Miami

Figure 8 Map of the World

36

Island Groupings in the Caribbean

Figure 9 Map of Caribbean Island

The Caribbean is a region consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands and the

surrounding coasts. The region is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and

North America, east of Central America, and to the north of South America. The

region comprises of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays.

37

Island Groups

The region consists of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which

bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the south and east

(including the Leeward Antilles) and the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands

or the Lucayan Archipelago, which are in fact in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba,

not in the Caribbean Sea.

Figure 10 Greater Antilles

38

Figure 11 Lesser Antilles

39

Climate in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The archipelago has a tropical marine climate moderated by trade winds. Constant

south-east trade winds freshen the air in the otherwise tropical climate. Rainfall is

variable - about 525mm on Grand Turk and generally higher in the Caicos Islands.

Hurricanes are a danger to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

40

Transportation and Communication

Transportation

Land

There are surfaced and unsurfaced roads on all inhabited islands. A number of car

rentals companies provide reliable transportation. The Gecko Bus service runs on

Providenciales and the sister company, Iguana Bus service is on Grand Turk.

41

Sea

The main seaports are Grand Turk, Salt Cay, Providenciales and Cockburn Harbour.

42

Air

The country has three international airport on Grand Turk, Providenciales and

South Caicos. There are landing strips on Salt Cay, Pine Cay, Parrot Cay, Emigris,

Middle Caicos and North Caicos. There are a number of airlines that offer

scheduled or excursion flights to North, Middle and South Caicos, Salt Cay and

Grand Turk. Charter flights to the Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Haiti are also

available.

43

Communications

Newspapers

Some popular Turks and Caicos newspapers include: The Turks and Caicos Weekly

News, The Turks and Caicos Free Press and the Turks and Caicos SUN Newspaper.

44

Radio and Television

Radio and Television Stations include:

Radio Turks and Caicos

Power 92.5 FM

KIST 95 FM Grand Turk.

KIST 106.3 Providenciales.

LifeRadio 2 - ZIBS, 107 FM

RTC 105.9 FM

WDDR 88.7 FM

WIV Ch. 4

45

Telecommunications

Telecommunication services are provided by a number of companies including

LIME and Digicel.

46

Our Cultural Heritage

Food

Local foods in the Turks and Caicos Islands include: corn bread, grits, fried plantains

rice and peas, stews, soups, fish and shellfish. Fresh fruits available include

coconuts, guavas, mangoes, oranges, papayas, sapodillas, sugar apples and

tamarinds.

Figure 12 Coconuts

47

Figure 13 Tamarinds

48

Figure 14 Conch Fritters

49

Figure 15 Mango

50

Religions

The majority of the people in the Turks and Caicos Islands are Christians from

denominations such as: Baptist, Anglican, Methodist and Church of God.

51

Performing Artists

Ripsaw Music

The national music of the Turks and Caicos is called "Ripsaw Music". The main

instrument featured is the ordinary carpenters handsaw found in any hardware

store. The saw is held with either end in a number of ways to produce a bend in

the center of the blade. A metal scraper, usually a long nail, a fork or knife or a

screwdriver, is raked and scraped over the teeth of the saw to produce a unique

percussive scraping sound. This action is called "Ripping the Saw". Bending the

body and ripping the saw in time with the beat of the music produces a wobbled

overtone. This gives you the characteristic sound of ripsaw music.

Lovey Forbes and his son Corry Forbes are the fore runners in composing and

recording Ripsaw music in the Turks and Caicos. Lovey Forbes came up with the

name "Combina Music" to describe the new mix of Ripsaw and popular foreign

music. Jamaican Reggae, Bahamian Calypso and Eastern Caribbean Soca all play a

major role in the local music scene.

52

Junkanoo

Another popular form of music emerging in Turks & Caicos is Junkanoo.

The exact origin of Junkanoo is not known, but it dates back to the early days of

slavery, when the Christmas and New Years holidays were the only times slaves

were given any recreational freedom. In the early days, Islanders would wear old

clothes painted with bright colours or they would tie colourful strips of ribbons

and cloth to their clothes along with other costumes made from cardboard and

crepe paper.

In these costumes they would dance to the rhythm of the goatskin drums, cowbells

and other handmade percussion instruments. They went house to house singing

songs and performing for money, food, candy and drinks. These days Junkanoo is

more organized. Groups from different settlements would compete against each

other for the most outrageous costumes or the best drummers and rhythm section.

The costumes have become elaborate, depicting different themes and characters.

The most popular dance style in the Turks & Caicos is "winin" also known as

"Wine-up" or "The Wine". To "wine" is to gyrate the hips from the waist in a circle

in the time to the beat of the music being played, usually Rip-Saw, Soca or Calypso.

More stylized dances such as the "Shati," which is a waltz dance and the heel-and-

toe polka, combine a mix of European and African heritage and are preferred by

the older generation. The "Conch Style" is a local dance that is done by stepping

and hooking one foot behind the ankle of the other in time to the ripsaw music.

53

Bermudian Architecture

Some historic houses on the island were built by colonists from Bermuda who ran

the salt industry on the island.

Odd Fellows Lodge

54

Civics

Government

Democracy

Democracy is a political form of government where governing power is derived

from the people, either by direct referendum (direct democracy) or by means of

elected representatives of the people (representative democracy).

55

Monarchy

A monarchy is a form of government in which all political power is absolutely or

nominally lodged with an individual, known as a monarch ("single ruler"), or king

(male), queen (female).

56

Dictatorship

A dictatorship is defined as an autocratic form of government in which the

government is ruled by an individual - the dictator.

Figure 16 North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

57

Leaders of Political Parties

Incumbent Tenure

Political affiliation Took office Left office

James Alexander George Smith McCartney August 1976 9 May 1980 People's Democratic Movement

Oswald Skippings 19 June 1980 November 1980 People's Democratic Movement

Norman Saunders November 1980 28 March 1985 Progressive National Party

Nathaniel Francis 28 March 1985 25 July 1986 Progressive National Party

Advisory Council (interim) Ariel Misick Emmanuel Misick Clement Howell Carlos Simons

July 1986 3 March 1988

Oswald Skippings 3 March 1988 April 1991 People's Democratic Movement

Washington Misick April 1991 31 January 1995 Progressive National Party

Derek Hugh Taylor 31 January 1995 15 August 2003 People's Democratic Movement

Michael Misick 15 August 2003 9 August 2006 Progressive National Party

58

Premiers of the Turks and Caicos Islands

A new constitution, after being laid in the Turks and Caicos parliament and

receiving Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's signature, entered into force 9 August,

2006. The new constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands changed the title of

Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to Premier and Deputy Premier.

In August 2009, the United Kingdom suspended the Turks and Caicos' self-

government after allegations of ministerial corruption. The prerogative of the

ministerial government and the House of Assembly are vested in the islands'

incumbent governor, Gordon Wetherell, for a period of up to two years.

Incumbent Tenure

Political affiliation Took office Left office

Michael Misick 9 August 2006 23 March 2009 Progressive National Party

Galmo Williams 23 March 2009 14 August 2009 Progressive National Party

office suspended 14 August 2009

59

Social Issues

Illegal Migration

The Turks and Caicos Islands suffer from an influx of illegal immigrants.

Consequences of illegal Migration

Bight residents call for shanty town dismantling By Vivian Tyson - SUN Senior Editor Residents living in the lower Bight area in the vicinity of the Beaches Resort and Spa round-a-bout area are calling on the relevant authorities to take a handle on a growing environmental problem, which they said have already begun to lessen the value of properties there. According to the residents, a number of shacks are being mounted in bushes near their properties, and as a result of the apparent lack of proper toilet facilities there, an unbearable stench has cut is threatening the usually soothing ocean breeze to which they have become accustomed. The residents said the Government, in 2004, realized the mushrooming of the shacks in the area and had it bulldozed. But they said for more than a year now, shacks construction has resumed with a vengeance, saying that it is even bigger than before. One resident said the construction has intensified since November of last year. They noted that the latest round of construction is hardly visible to persons passing on the roadway, as the houses are clustered in the midst of the bushes, and if persons want to find out the true nature of what is going on there, they would have to actually go into the bushes. ‚Maybe that is why the authorities have not acted yet,‛ one of the land owners in the area contended. The irate residents said one of their biggest fears is rain, saying that when there is a showing the stench is even stronger coming from what they described as the shanty town. Another fear is the plummeting value of properties in the area, which residents said has arisen by virtue of the construction of the informal settlement. ‚We invest in properties here, but because of the shanty town in the middle of our surroundings, if you are selling now you can’t get value for the properties,‛ one resident commented. The residents also complained that they have discovered that their domestic power supply is being tapped into, alleging that occupants of the informal settlement were the culprits. I had a damage of property a while back and nothing came out of it. Police went there and saw where the wires were leading to the building. And about seven or eight months after we heard that the persons have moved out,‛ one of the residents said. Another resident added: ‚I am tired of going around in circles, because I made contact with all the relevant authorities, and they are doing nothing about it, so I don’t know where to turn for help. ‚The thing is also that the shanty town is near to Beaches, so it is also threatening the tourism of the Turks and Caicos Islands. And we have to keep the country beautiful by nature; we should not go to nature where people do their thing in bushes.‛ Posted Feb 19th 2010 Source: http://www.suntci.com/index.php?p=story&id=699

60

Communicable Diseases

A communicable disease is carried by microorganisms and transmitted through

people, animals, surfaces, foods, or air. Communicable diseases rely on fluid

exchange, contaminated substances, or close contact to travel from an infected

carrier to a healthy individual. Examples of communicable diseases include herpes,

malaria, mumps, HIV/AIDS, influenza, chicken pox, ringworm, and whooping

cough.