Not Just an Island

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.