ONCE booming South Caicos could be in for a resurrection amid a gargantuan scheme set to create hundreds of jobs and breathe new life into the sluggish island. Work on the second phase of the Sailrock resort is slated to begin within months – and will include restoring several of the island’s beloved historic buildings.Dubbed the ‘Big South’ during the roaring salt industry, the tiny isle has been largely left languishing since the trade’s demise in the 1960s.Some still scratch a living from the previously booming fishing sector but locals say poor oversight and over-fishing has rendered it somewhat listless. South Caicos also took a battering from hurricanes Ike and Hanna in 2008.Residents told the Weekly News they hoped the project would be the economic shot in the arm the community needs.Whether the fact that developers CMK have rights over 2,400 acres – almost half of the 8.5sq mile island – will stir hostility, remains to be seen.One resident expressed concern about the firm owning an “inappropriately large” portion of the land.CMK chiefs said they were looking forward to giving a much needed facelift to the island, steeped in rich history and known for its abundant landmark architecture.They have already ploughed thousands into fixing up many of the decades-old stone walls which characterise the place.The upcoming construction phase in the north of the island will include private homes, a 22-room hotel, restaurant, reception building and swimming pool.It follows a 236-unit sub-division in Bell Sound, of which 130 lots have been sold.Chicago businessman Ted Weldon, one of three partners in Sailrock Development Ltd, said the focus was on low density, eco-friendly construction.He said development would take place slowly over 25 years to ultimately comprise four hotels and 600 villas.“We are starting small and being smart about the way we develop; we will grow it slowly which is especially important in this economy.“We also have very strict guidelines about protecting the beautiful land and nothing will be higher than two storeys.”Mr Weldon said the developers had been attracted to South Caicos on account of its history and tranquil ambience.Some buildings dating back almost 200 years will be incorporated into the scheme, including a former plantation home which is set to become a restaurant.The company also plans to establish a thriving fish market and museum to commemorate South Caicos’ colourful past.“Tourists love the authentic Caribbean experience. Here they can walk down streets with centuries-old buildings and learn about their past.“We want to create a proper fish market where people can have dinner next to the fishermen and hear fascinating stories about the island.”Mr Weldon said he was optimistic about the TCI’s future.“I am very bullish that we will see this economy grow. The US is coming out of recession now and more airlift will be coming from Europe.“We will soon start to see a growth and renaissance.”Resident Butch Clare told the Weekly News he hoped the project would be “the comeback kid” for his native island.Mr Clare, a local representative for CMK, said around a dozen homes dating back to the 19th century had been identified for restoration.They include the old government warehouse, built around 1840, the original Timco building on the waterfront and the crumbling former District Commissioner’s mansion, believed to be 130 years old.Mr Clare said some people may have concerns that the firm had control over half the island.“They will have the ability to monopolise and control whatever development comes to South but, at the same time, it could produce a legitimate, long term, sustainable plan for the community.“Fishermen are finding it more and more difficult to enjoy the kind of catches they used to get years ago, Hurricane Ike did a lot of harm and the community really needs an economic injection to revive it.“I have heard no opposition from anyone so far. It will open up a lot of entrepreneurial opportunities and encourage investors to come to South for restaurants, boutiques, gift shops and entertainment.”His brother, historian Bill Clare, added: “We are hoping this will come to fruition. Anything that breathes new life into the community and keeps young people in South Caicos is great.”Another resident, who asked to remain nameless, said: “South Caicos definitely needs development and an injection of commercial activity.“It’s good that this company will be investing but when one party owns such a large portion of the land it can become non-competitive and that party will have an undue amount of potential influence.“I don’t think they needed that much land to bring about economic activity.
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By Gemma Handy
Turks & Caicos Weekly News