Return of the ‘Big South’ – South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands
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
World Gourmet Affair Gala Raises Nearly $9k for TCI Schools
The World Gourmet Affair ended Saturday with a gala event that not only delighted guests, but set the stage for many more to come.
The impressive weeklong event hosted 480 guests over six nights, a turnout that organizers consider a tremendous success for its first year.
“It shows that the Turks and Caicos community is ready for our Gourmet Affair showcasing the resorts and Turks and Caicos as a gourmet destination,” said Ingo Reckhorn, who helped organize the event. “We (the organizers) are thrilled about this level of support and look forward to making next year’s World Gourmet Affair an even bigger success.”
The World Gourmet Affair began Monday, Jan. 17, with a unique dinner hosted at a different top resort on Providenciales each night of the week. Resorts included the Regent Palms, Amanyara, Point Grace, Gansevoort and the Grace Bay Club. Each invited an international guest chef to prepare a five-course menu that highlighted the culinary mastery available in the TCI.
Residents as well as visitors enjoyed the splendors prepared at the hands of the impressive international chefs based in Europe and the U.S. The chefs who travelled from afar to participate in the World Gourmet Affair included French Chef Christian Ville, Spanish Chef Jordi Pallas, Michelin star Spanish chef Fernando Canales, American/French Chef Bernard Guillas and Belgian chef Eric Crutzen.
The weeklong affair culminated with a gala event Saturday night under the stars, hosted in the beautiful gardens of the Regent Palms resort.
Along with the culinary delights, Turquoise Distribution treated guests to an impressive wine, Champagne, Armagnac, rum and Belgian beer tasting second to none. Java Island was also on hand to serve the perfect cup of coffee to end the meal on a high note.
In addition to the evening’s enjoyable fare, funds were raised to help support several local schools.
“We are proud to be able to donate $8,910 to the schools, which includes, $2,000 from Scotia Private Client Group, a successful silent auction and ticket proceeds from the gala event,” organizer Michel Neutelings told the fp.
In addition, during the course of the week, each of the five guest chefs hosted a cooking lesson for students from several local schools including Maranatha High, the New Age Academy, Wesley Methodist, the Whole Gospel Academy, Clement Howell High as well as from the Community College.
The cooking lessons were made possible thanks to support from the Scotia Private Client Group under the umbrella of their Scotiabank community program “Bright Future.”
After a delicious week , the World Gourmet Affair left guests with a satisfied pallet, but also craving for more next year.
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by fp Staff
fp Turks & Caicos
ATC to Connect TCI and Puerto Rico
Air Turks and Caicos, the country’s only national airline, will start daily flights from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, to the popular Caribbean hub of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on April 15.
The ATC flights would all originate from Providenciales, offering connections between the TCI, Puerto Rico and points beyond in the Eastern Caribbean, subject to regulatory approvals.
ATC Chairman Lyndon R. Gardiner says this new route is an important step in realizing his dream to unite the Caribbean Islands through more convenient and expanded connections that promoted trade and tourism.
In late 2010, Jamaican authorities put a stop to Gardiner’s plans to offer expansion through Jamaica to other Caribbean nations with the addition of flights through Kingston.
Gardiner said he wishes that the separate Caribbean nations would focus more closely on cooperative marketing for the benefit of the entire region.
The announcement of the new route was made during a reception Jan. 17 hosted for the airline by the Dominican Tourism Authorities in Puerto Plata, attended by the Deputy Minister of Tourism César José de los Santos, the Chamber of Commerce as well as representatives from local hotel and tourism organizations.
The airline was represented by Gardiner, CEO Darrell Richardson, VP, Business Development Deborah Aharon and VP of Flight Standards Capt. Harold Williams.
Deputy Minister de los Santos thanked the airline executives for choosing Puerto Plata as their new gateway to San Juan and assured them that the initiative would have the full support of the Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia and his Ministry.
President of the Puerto Plata Chamber of Commerce Amaurys Plá also welcomed the company and noted that with the opening of the new route would also come new business opportunities for trading of goods and services as well as tourism, and reiterated his organization’s support.
Max Iglesias, president of the Northern Hotel Association, thanked the executives of ATC and said that he was pleased that the route would open up many potential connections with other Caribbean islands.
Roberto Casoni, president of the Hotel Association for the popular Playa Dorada region, said that the daily flights would offer more flexibility and convenience that he expected would result in longer stays by visitors.
Gardiner surprised and delighted the crowd by addressing them in their native Spanish, explaining the history of the airline, which started with a single piston aircraft in 1992 as InterIsland Airways. After changing the name to Air Turks and Caicos to better reflect this country’s identity and national pride, the airline continued to grow and now has a fleet of 15 mainly turbine aircraft, ranging in size from 9 to 30 passengers.
He also spoke about the long history of friendship and trade between the two countries, recalling the days of old when folks often sailed from North Caicos to the Dominican Republic in fishing boats to trade dried conch for produce and rum.
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by fp Staff
fp Turks & Caicos
VIP Flyers Club Coming to Providenciales Airport
Starting next week, travellers will be able to escape the hustle and bustle of the Providenciales International Airport departure area and wait for their flights in elegant style.
The VIP Flyers Club, being called a service-conscious sanctuary, will open its doors Jan. 31 at the airport, giving travellers an option for VIP service for a fee.
The VIP Flyers Club will cater to travellers who need to relax and wait in style while escaping the confinement and hustle associated with airport terminals.
Olympia Destination Management Company, managers of the VIP Flyers Club, say the intimate and luxurious 15-guest lounge is uniquely designed to handle the demands of Turks and Caicos Islands travel.
Not only will the VIP Flyers Club cater to persons departing TCI, but will also offer a Fast Track Service which will see trained staff meeting and greeting passengers and assisting them through security, immigration and customs. The Fast Track Service will include private transfers, getting travellers and luggage to their private, licensed car service quickly.
“This is definitely a vision come to fruition,” said the managing director of ODMC. “ODMC is committed to providing travellers with a level of service unparalleled to others and saw the opening of a VIP airport lounge as a great opportunity to provide such a service.
“We have already received requests from companies to use the club for private functions, and we must thank the TCIAA for being very instrumental in making this enhanced passenger experience happen.”
For $40, passengers will be able to enjoy up to two hours of peace and comfort ahead of their journey while watching satellite TV, browsing the Internet or simply taking in the panoramic views of the runway while enjoying complimentary refreshments, newspapers and magazines.
The lounge will also offer access to a printer, loaner laptop computers and laptop trays, free international telephone calls, and is accessible to the disabled.
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by fp Staff
fp Turks & Caicos
Signs Show Economy Starting to Wake Up
Although the boom days of the recent past may not return with gusto, hope is dawning that the local economy is poised to make a comeback.
“We are turning the corner, a little bit,” a cautiously optimistic Owen Hamilton told the fp.
Owen Hamilton has been in business in the Turks and Caicos Islands longer than a decade, involved in several construction related business — both on the building and supply side — including Provo Steel, Island Painting and Island Home Builders, as well as Quality Supermarkets.
His range of companies offers him a unique overview of what is happening in the construction industry and its affects on the economy.
Hamilton calls the last year “lackluster,” but he says there are signs of things turning around. “Some businesses are still quiet, but some are starting to wake up.”
Hamilton says he is starting to see and hear about more and more potential projects coming down the pipeline, and that is a good sign that things are looking up.
“Real estate is starting to pick up,” he notes. “Also, those who bought property are now looking to start construction.”
“We are on the launch pad ready to take off.”
While he notes it won’t be as explosive as the growth seen five years ago, “we also have to realize the whole world economy has changed.”
“Over the past year we have had to downsize and reduce hours due to the slowdown in the industry,” he says, but noting that is a trend being experienced around the globe. “This is not the first time the economy has corrected itself,” says Hamilton.
With each downturn, companies have to reinvent themselves, something he has done with the support of his staff to keep the business alive though the recent rough times, Hamilton said.
“We have had to sacrifice to keep people employed, while at the same time working harder to keep our customers happy.” He says customer service is more important now than ever.
“We have to go that extra mile to make a difference with a customer. We have to inform and educate customers so they can save money for the long term, by helping them to make better decisions.”
The businessman also credits the government for quickly reacting to the crime situation last year as a positive contributor to the potential economic rebound. “I also have to commend the officers out there,” he said. “It is a thankless job because there is so much that goes on that we don’t even hear about.”
Looking to the future, Hamilton says prospects are still at an all time high.
“We have always been blessed that people come here and fall in love with it,” something he attributes not just to the environment, but the mix of people, water and sunshine.
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by fp Staff
fp Turks & Caicos
Provo Air Center Busiest FBO
Provo Air Center was the busiest FBO in the world on Sunday, Jan. 2, according to flight support company Jeppesen Dataplan, which provides flight planning services to private and fractional aircraft worldwide.
Overall, PAC moved up from 10th to 6th busiest FBO for all their locations in 2010, but the FBO handled a whopping 113 private jets on a single day, jumping well ahead of the two usual hot spots in the Caribbean, St. Maarten and Nassau.
It was a new record and a big surprise to everyone, said General Manager Deborah Aharon. Some of the extra traffic was due to fuel shortages around the Caribbean, a possibility that PAC had anticipated.
“Every year some locations run out,” Aharon said, “and we saw an opportunity to position and promote Provo as the guaranteed fuel source.”
The company invested just under $1 million in a new fuel storage facility, finishing it just days before the holiday rush. It also studied historical figures around the Caribbean and consulted with its fuel partners and customers to accurately project how much extra fuel should be stored.
The extra effort paid off, as many locations ran low and aircraft had to be diverted to PAC for fuel, bringing extra revenue to the depleted government coffers through landing and other fees.
Aharon says that her staff and the customs and immigration officers assigned to the facility, as well as the air traffic controllers, did a superb job dealing with the extra loads. Their jobs were further complicated by bad weather in the U.S. and Europe, which delayed scheduled departures and eventually caused multiple flights to land in Provo at once.
“We would have a quiet 15 minutes, and then seven planes would all come down at once, and then a few minutes later another half dozen, and it was like that all week,” she said. “If we were that busy on the ground, can you imagine what it must have been like in the Control Tower with that many planes coming at you? We really have to applaud them.”
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by fp Staff
fp Turks & Caicos
Villa Patricia on the 10 Most Popular Villas of 2010 List by Luxury Retreats
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10 Most Popular Villas of 2010
When it comes to successful rental seasons, these 10 villas top the list, with more booked weeks in 2010 than any other in our collection. Heavy on Hawaii, our guests also loved Mexico and a little Caribbean was thrown in for good measure. Check out our top 10 performing villas for yourself to see what all the fuss is about…
Inaugural Turks & Caicos Maskanoo a Huge Success
fp Turks & Caicos – December 31st, 2010
Thousands turned out to dance the night away in the streets and on the beaches of Grace Bay for 2010’s Maskanoo.
A blending of the traditional Christmas masquerade celebrations with elements of Bahamian’s Junkanoo, Maskanoo was born in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and judging this year’s success, it will be celebrated for many years to come.
They came from all walks of life to enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere along the main tourist stretch of Grace Bay Road.
Thousands of adults, children, tourists and residents walked, danced and partied in the streets during the first ever Maskanoo.
Presented by the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association in conjunction with the Cultural and Arts Commission, Maskanoo was held on Monday, Dec. 27, in the tourist capital of Grace Bay.
Starting at 5 p.m., people began to stroll up and down the streets, mingling and trying the local fare.
Grace Bay Road was lined with vendors selling local food, beverages, arts and crafts, creating a carnival like atmosphere along the tourist strip.
Sounds filled the air, from traditional ripsaw music played by none other than the Island Boys to the amazing voice of Turks and Caicos’ own Barbara Johnson.
After the sun set over Grace Bay Beach, the night hit high gear. A vivid street parade, lead by Cultural Director David Bowen, thumped, jumped and whistled along Grace Bay Road.
Dozens of local musicians and dancers dressed in vividly coloured costumes, headdresses and masks where followed by hundreds of dancing party participants.
The night’s festivities were captured in lights with a miraculous display of fireworks over the beach at midnight. That is when the after party got started and went on through the night.
The 2010 Maskanoo was a fun, safe and celebrated local holiday, which organizers say will be celebrated each year on Boxing Day.
Official sponsors and supporters of Maskanoo 2010 included Royal Jewels, Islandcom, FirstCaribbean International Bank, International Banking Group, Bornewell Marketing Ltd., KBC Productions – 92.5 FM and 102,5 KISS FM, Tropical Imaging, Sky Juice – Got U Covered, Dove’s Security, Bangers & Crash Fireworks, Caribbean Cruisin, PPC Ltd., DJ Cliff and Radio Turks and Caicos.
Written by fp staff
Friday, 31 December 2010 16:21
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BUY REAL ESTATE – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FUTURE APPRECIATION
“IF YOU DON’T OWN A HOME, BUY ONE,” said John Paulson, the multibillionaire hedge fund operator. Paulson continued, “if you own one home, buy another one, and if you own two homes buy a third…” Paulson has predicted double-digit inflation by 2012, and rising home prices. Paulson’s advice is to lock in low purchase and financing costs now in order to take advantage of future appreciation.
A snippet of John Paulson’s speech to a packed audience at New York’s University Club recently as he warned them of huge changes in the economic environment in the years to come.
September 2010
Turks & Caicos Real Estate | Caribbean 