Turks
& Caicos//
The
Turks & Caicos Island (TCI) were first mentioned
by Juan Ponce De Leon in 1512. Some twenty years
prior, Christopher Columbus is alleged to first
set foot on the Indies at Guanahani Beach, Grand
Turk. He was followed centuries later by John Glenn,
who was recovered upon returning from the first
manned space flight onto terra firma at Grand Turk.
The name of the island is derived from a combination
of the red feathery top of a predominate species
of cactus - similar to a Turkish Fez and French
(pirates) derived word for islands retreats - Cays
- or "Caicos" in the native tongue. Until the late
1950s the island was primarily known for its natural
Salt production. The islands became a British colony
in 1760s and remains today a British Protectorate
and Commonwealth Member. The population of all 26
islands which comprise TCI, did not permanently
exceed 1000 inhabitants until 1960s.
Obviously, the Sea also provided a livelihood to
the islander through Conch, Lobsters and Sponges.
Whaling flourished briefly in the 1850s. However,
today the Islands are much more renown for the Scuba
diving, Sport and Bone Fishing or Sailing.
Tourism arrived on the Island in 1985 with the opening
of Club Med. However, ecological appreciation for
the island and surrounding waters had already been
long recognised. Several protected coastal reef
areas had been established. One such designated
area is directly in front of Villa Sounion.
Ecological concern remains a key focal point for
the Islands. Severe restrictions are placed on the
building and the growth of island population. The
remoteness of the island also provides natural limitations.
Virtually all products must be imported onto the
island - including fuel for fresh water manufacture
and electricity. Please join all the islanders in
respecting the beauty of TCI and preserving the
environment.
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Activities
> Herculean labours relieved
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