Culture

TCI Arts Foundation invigorates entertainment options in the Islands. By Kathy Borsuk ~ Images Courtesy TCI Arts Foundation It’s quite uncommon that I schedule an interview around the plans of a puppeteer. But Clare Jaget, executive director of the TCI Arts Foundation, was busy making sure Patrick Osteen got to schools on time. The renowned puppeteer was ...

Hauling bonefish with Willis Taylor “back in the day.” By Diane Taylor ~ Photos By Marta Morton It was Easter Monday of 1982. On a whim, a small group of us (six, to be exact) sailed from Pine Cay to Sandy Point on North Caicos with Richard Kriss on his 22′ sailboat Little Wing. It was beautiful ...

Talbot’s Adventures By Kathy Borsuk ~ Photos Courtesy Levardo Talbot Whether you are a resident or tourist, there is no one better to spend time out on the water with than an “authentic” Turks & Caicos native. Besides safely piloting the boat through gleaming turquoise seas, you will be introduced to the best snorkeling, fishing and ...

Mary Outten’s story reflects a rich life, well-lived. Story & Photos By Siri White ~ Original interview by Sara J. Kaufman and Siri White The island of Middle Caicos is the largest in the Turks & Caicos Islands and was once known as “Grand Caicos” for that reason. Ironically, it probably has the country’s lowest population density—and ...

By Katya Brightwell Nestled between two major resorts at the far end of Grace Bay Beach is a modest wooden bungalow.  Raised on stilts from the fine white sand, with brightly-coloured slats and a traditional tin roof, the space is home to the Cultural Market Place of Providenciales — a discrete retail and relaxation haven. Designed to ...

TCI Maritime Heritage Federation is dedicated to keeping the country’s sailing heritage vibrant. By H.E. Ross From workboat regatta challenges to soft sailing on beautiful Chalk Sound, the Turks & Caicos Maritime Heritage Federation offers visitors a way to relax and assist local children in taking a ride on their traditional Caicos Sloops. From its inception, the Turks ...

By Kendal S. Butler The Turks & Caicos Islands owe their current success to the foundation on which they stand. This foundation was not the brainchild of politicians or the economic and social elites. It was the result of necessity and the reaction of citizens rising to meet the challenge of bettering their overall condition by ...

Story by Sara Kaufman Long ago, on a small island in the Turks & Caicos, a group of friends wondered why the beautiful baskets, hats and bags made from local palmtops and grasses were so hard to find. This is the story of the Middle Caicos Co-op and their successful efforts to restore pride in traditional ...

Story by David Bowen, Cultural Officer, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board Mmmmm, just the thought of a plate of some homemade Turks & Caicos native food is enough to make my mouth water. (Yours also, if you are lucky enough to have sampled a dish or two.) Now I’m not talking about the new “fast food” ...

T & C National Costume Story by David Bowen, Cultural Officer, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board One of the very first tasks I put to myself, as the Tourist Board’s newly appointed Cultural Officer, was to work on getting a national costume recognized. Throughout my travels and many years abroad, I have seen a number of countries ...

Story by David Bowen, Cultural Officer, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board The art of storytelling (or, as the old folks say “talking ol’ stories”), like much of our cultural heritage is hardly ever practiced these days. We are a nation of short attention spans, addicts to the quick thrill. The TV and cable remote control are ...

That Sweet Sound Story and Photos by David Bowen, Cultural Officer, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board I can still recall the day I was reintroduced to the sweet, unique sound of ripsaw music. It was exactly two weeks to the day since I had moved back to Grand Turk after being away for close to 20 years. ...

Story and Photos by David Bowen, Cultural Officer, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board In my quest to rediscover the hidden culture of the Turks & Caicos Islands, I’ve become fascinated with our local folk songs and ring games (ring play). Since the beginning of my research throughout the Islands with a number of senior citizens groups, ...

By Kathy Borsuk Drawings by Kenton Wyatt While the Turks and Caicos are famous for their beautiful beaches, pristine seas and wonderful watersports, the Islands are not necessarily known as a cultural mecca. David Bowen wants to change that. As the Tourist Board’s cultural officer and a seasoned international entertainer, this enthusiastic Turks Islander is working to retrieve the ...