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 A bobcat drawing created by one of the Turks and Caicos students. Simple yet bold.
Once in a blue moon, dark clouds cover the sky
And a sea beast of rain pours down from the raging heavens The wind violently penetrates anything blocking its way Sweeping the sand and lashing the palms in endless convulsion. The beast floods the flat lands, tearing the heart of the island. Pedestrians scatter to their shelters, trying to avoid the destruction. They cry out, and a wave of despair and anguish passes through the horizon. But storms are like feelings- they come and go. Rays of victory seep through the fading clouds Most ignore the small pocket of time, the moment of peace. Reality pauses: the wind disappears. Everything is still. Silence is disturbed by water droplets falling from leaves. The tropical moist weather warms the soul The palm trees exhale, A rich, earthy fragrance rises, renewing the sense of air. Everything is still. I live in paradise. No, really—I live in paradise. Nestled just below the Bahamas and just above Hispaniola lies a place many describe as heaven on earth. My home: the Turks and Caicos Islands.
While the soft, powdery white sand and the breathtakingly calm, turquoise waters are what initially draw visitors in, I believe what makes the islands truly unforgettable is our rich, diverse culture and the warmth of our people. There’s so much to explore when it comes to our culture, but there’s one experience that stands out—one that keeps visitors talking for months, even years, after they leave. It’s the main reason people return to the islands, beyond the stunning waters and perfect weather. I’m talking about none other than our famous Island Fish Fry. If you want to experience the heart and soul of the Turks and Caicos, there’s no better way than Fish Fry. Simply put, it’s a massive outdoor party where everyone is invited. No, really—it’s like a festival that happens every Thursday (weather permitting) in The Bight. Vendors gather to set up their stalls, DJs from across the islands curate the perfect playlists, and all you have to do is show up, ready for a night of food, music, and unforgettable vibes. The food? Oh, the food. From mouthwatering appetizers to full five-course meals, Fish Fry is a feast of island favorites. You’ll find crispy conch fritters, fried delicacies like lobster, conch, and fresh fish, and even flavors borrowed from other cultures—like our famous, seasoned-to-the-bone jerk chicken. And, of course, no visit is complete without a signature rum punch, a drink you won’t find anywhere else. But Fish Fry is more than just food—it’s about the experience. It’s something no hotel on the island can replicate. It’s locals and visitors dancing together, mingling, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It’s laughter echoing in the air, the rhythmic beats of the bass guitar strumming deep into your bones, the distinct sound of rake and scrape blending with the steel pan to create the perfect island melody. And just when you think the night is winding down, out comes the showstopper—the Junkanoo band. Borrowed from Bahamian tradition, Junkanoo brings our culture to life. The drums thunder, whistles blow, and suddenly, the crowd gathers in the center, moving in sync with the infectious rhythm. Smiles stretch across every face, pure joy radiates from the crowd, and for that moment, nothing else in the world matters. There’s nothing else like it. But don’t just take my word for it—come experience it for yourself. I promise, once you do, you’ll never forget it. It is typical for Turks and Caicos to be known for its luxurious beaches, widespread tourism, and wonderful environment. This only scratches the surface of what this nation really is. Many refer to the Turks and Caicos as paradise. However, this is not the case for many of its inhabitants. What many call paradise, we call home.
The beach is not something we see twice a year, or once in a blue moon, but is something we see, feel, and breathe almost every day. This does not imply that we go to the beach every day, but it is always a few minutes away from anywhere on the islands. We wake up and see the beach, and we go to school and see the beach; the beach is always there. We, the people, resemble national pride, resilience, perseverance, and discipline. We have a strong thriving community in the islands that looks toward God as the center of everything. We have roads, school competitions, sports, and a lifestyle. Our lifestyle consists of the way we dress, the way we talk, and the way we make decisions. The popular fit here is black jeans with a belt, a graphic T-shirt, Jordan’s on our feet, and a chain. We have our own slang, such as “I ain ga lie” and “I soon reach.” Turks and Caicos is more than just an island, it is a home to many of the inhabitants here. Turks and Caicos is part of the people, and the people are part of it. The remote nature that Turks and Caicos has makes it special in a way that is not describable with words. The reality of Turks and Caicos is very different than what is projected. An event that happens once a year,
Where everybody celebrates with Christmas cheers. As the sun sets, a brand-new light will glow, With festivities, rhythm, and a beat that makes you flow. On a starry night, a new life appears, vibrant costumes and dancing peers. Showing our flags with pride to show the world, A story told from ancestors to ancestors, of our heritage and spirit, big and bold. Feathers shimmer like the lively breeze, And the beats of the drums bring us to our knees. Songs of tales to reminisce again, To bring laughter and remember our past, back then. Family and friends will come to unite, Sharing everlasting memories of that night. How wonderful it is to experience such a night, Where everyone can have the time of their life. Every culture has its unique grace. A treasure of stories in every place. So come to Turks and Caicos, let your heart take flight. To revel in Maskanoo’s pure delight! The dead cannot rest in peace,
No burials with family and friends. You gave our island so much grief, A microscopic monster that threatens life. You keep us distant and living in fear, The biologists don’t know how to remove you from the earth. There is no treatment or vaccine to defend us against you, You are a king among viruses; your reign seems to be forever. With God’s help, it won’t last forever. You broke the banks; you stole the island’s money. How are we to survive? We cannot feed ourselves to defeat you. Just depart Corona as quickly as you came; all the grief you caused us cannot be undone. |