The 7^th Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival, was a cultural and culinary delight this past weekend, with thousands of attendees flocking to scenic Blue Hills to enjoy sampling the best conch dishes from local restaurants, sipping on tasty Mojito’s and Bambarra Rum from the islands’ top bartenders, and enjoying the cool tunes and fun games that have become a staple of the island’s most popular festival. A host of new participants joined a cast of Festival veterans in the marquee “conch-e-tition” but in the end, the conch masters at Bay Bistro at Sibonne Hotel continued their domination, winning the Best In Show Award for the fifth straight year, this time tantalizing the taste buds with a Princess conch and mushroom crepe with roasted red pepper pesto and cream sauce. Refresh Restaurant came in a close second in their first ever Conch Festival appearance.

The competition was tastefully tight, though, and other winners, as judged by an impressive panel of international food writers and local conch experts, included:

Conch Salad:

1^st Place: Bay Bistro (Sibonne’ Beach Hotel)

2^nd Place : Froggie’s on the Beach

3^rd Place: Grace’s Cottage (Point Grace Resort)

Conch Chowder:

1^st Place: O’Soleil (Somerset Resort)

2^nd Place: Salt Mills Restaurant

3^rd Place: Grace Bay Club Restaurants

Specialty Dish:

1^st Place: Bay Bistro (conch crepes)

2^nd Place: Grace’s Cottage (conch ravioli)

3^rd Place: Seaside Café (Ocean Club West) (conch tacos)

In all 21 restaurants competed and Festival attendees came away filled to the brim with the delectable mollusk that is an icon of Turks and Caicos culture and history. Restaurants competing this year included: Opus, Hemingway’s, Hole In the Wall, Grace Bay Club, Grace’s Cottage, Salt Mills Café, Caicos Dishes, Simba, O’Soleil, Refresh, Froggie’s, Bay Bistro, Rosie’s Delight, Horse Eye Jack’s, Kissing Fish Catering, Aqua II, Tiki Hut, Bagatelle, Seaside Cafe, Pelican Bay and Doos Conch Salad.

In the highly anticipated Mojito-making contest, top honors went to the Somerset/O’Soleil, followed closely by Somewhere on the Beach and Aqua II.

Director of Culture David Bowen did his usual stellar job of MC’ing the day’s activities, which included a variety of kid’ games, an adults tug-o-war, and the always entertaining conch blowing contest. This year’s top blow-hard was Bob Cerkawnyk, while James Toussaint won the kids’ category. In an informative Culture Quiz , Naz Missick and Lobrisha Gardiner came out on top for their local knowledge.

A new addition to the entertainment line-up was the Bambarra song competition which pitted a dozen Grammy Award hopefuls to come up with the best ditty about TCI’s favourite spirit. Shawn Parker topped the field with a rousing rendition of his original piece serenading the popular rum.

The professional musicians kept the crowd entertained all afternoon with appearances by Lee Forbes and the Force and The Five Cays Under the Tree RipSaw band featuring Dennis Penn, culminated by a Junk A Noo rush for the ages. And of course, Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick, Santa Claus himself, delighted the kids and adults alike with his annual cameo at the beachside festivities.

Major sponsors for this year’s festival included: LIME, TCI Lotto, First Caribbean International Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Wine Cellar, Amanyara, Power 92.5FM, the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, Carib Gaming, Scotiabank, Ward Construction, Tropical Shipping, The West Bay Club. The Somerset, Villa Renaissance, Villa del Mar, Grace Bay Resorts, PPC, Lucky Shots, The Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force, Turks and Caicos Road Traffic Dept., Turks & Caicos Fire Department EMS unit, The Security Centre, Sky Juice and Crazy George “Santa” with a host of other companies and individuals lending their support.

The always bigger and better Conch Festival will be held next year on Saturday, November 26, 2011.

About the Conch Festival

The Conch Festival is an annual family-friendly event celebrating Turks & Caicos most famous delicacy and number one export. The fun-filled day includes kids games on the beach and a showcase of local food, entertainment and culture. More information on the Conch Festival can be found at www.conchfestival.com.

Share This

Our islands are the subject of a stunning satellite picture taken recently by the NASA/USGS Landsat 7 orbiter from miles above the earth. Even from that distance you can see why we call our islands “Beautiful by Nature.”

The image shows the enchanting turquoise blue water that we are famous for, and the steep drop- off (the dark colored area is water that is as much as 3,000 feet deep and more) just off our coast that is formed by the world’s 3^rd largest coral reef – which makes for superb diving and fishing.

In the picture, our main island of Providenciales is the second one from the left and the horseshoe-shaped north (top ) side of the island forms world-renowned Grace Bay Beach. West Caicos, also home to great diving, is at the far bottom left and our fishing capital of South Caicos is on the far right. In between, our largest islands of North, Middle and East Caicos stretch left to right. The vast Caicos Bank on the south (bottom) side of it islands is seen in brilliant blue/green and is home to great bone fishing and lobster and conch populations. The bank is a shallow platform made of limestone, sand, algae, and coral reefs that covers 2,370 square miles (6,140 square kilometers).

The image of Turks and Caicos is part of a set of Landsat 7 images called the Earth as Art 3 collection.

As beautiful as TCI looks from space, imagine what it looks like when you are actually right here on Earth. Come visit and see for yourself!

Share This

Continental, recently merged with United Airlines, has just announced nonstop flights between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Providenciales, (PLS). The service begins on Feb. 18, and initially, flights will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, converting to daily service on March 6, 2011.

Now our friends in metro New York have another easy getaway to paradise. It also opens up a whole network of gateways that Continental and its parent company United Airlines serve from around the US and the world.

Continental’s announcement follows a similar one from JetBlue, who will be offering non-stop service from JFK and Boston, joining American Airlines who also offer direct service from those two cities (plus thrice daily from Miami and weekly from DFW), and US Airways, who has a weekly Boston flight as well (as well as Philadelphia and Charlotte)

“We are pleased to offer convenient access to Providenciales, a world-class get-away and an exciting new addition to the list of Caribbean destinations served by Continental and United,” said John Slater, United Airlines vice president of sales. “Our merger allows us to offer new flights to new destinations as we begin to efficiently utilize the combined fleet of both carriers.”

The approximately three-and-a-half-hour flight (CO 610) will depart Newark at 9:35 a.m., arriving in Providenciales at 1:10 p.m. The return flight (CO 615) will depart Providenciales at 2:05 p.m., arriving in Newark at 5:45 p.m. Continental will utilize a Boeing 737-800 for the new service, with seating for 160 passengers (16 in first class and 144 in economy).

Share This

The 1st MASKANOO event to be held in the highly visited tourist area of Grace Bay in the island of Providenciales in Turks & Caicos is to be held on December 27,2010.  It will be an event aimed at showcasing the islands’ cultural heritage with the incorporation of activities indigenous to the TCI including “Masses”, Junkanoo, food, drink, arts, crafts and local entertainment (including ripsaw, drums etc).

The event will take place along Grace Bay Road between Seven Stars Resort and Salt Mills Plaza, creating a close?knit environment in the “tourist capital” of Providenciales.

MASKANOO will run from 5:00 p.m. until midnight, with vendors selling local food and beverage, arts and crafts along the route. A variety of entertainment will be scheduled every hour on a main stage to be located opposite the Regent Village Entrance. A grand finale with fireworks will take place on the beach at mid?night.

Proposed Programme:
5:00pm ? Kick Off (DJ music playing)
5:15pm ? Welcome by the TCHTA
5:30pm ? Cultural Performance by TUCA or other group
6:15pm ? Live Band
7:00pm ? Parade of Bands (Masses/Junkanoo)
8:30pm ? DJ
9:15pm ? Ripsaw group performance
9:45pm ? DJ
10:15pm ? Live Band
11:00pm ? Cultural Performance
11:30pm ? DJ
Midnight ? Fireworks on the Beach

Share This

So we are very excited about the news that JetBlue is adding service to Turks and Caicos. They will be offering direct flights from both New York (JFK) and Boston, two popular areas for Turks and Caicos fans. We’re looking forward to the very attractive fares JetBlue typically promotes for its Caribbean destinations. Their service to TCI starts in February, just when the dead of winter is setting in up north.

Here’s the complete scoop on the new service. Welcome Jet Blue and all our friends from the chilly Northeastern US:

Effective Presidents Day weekend 2011, JetBlue will launch daily service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) commencing Feb. 17 and seasonal (November – April) Saturday-only service beginning Feb. 19 from Boston Logan International (BOS). JetBlue’s flights to the Turks & Caicos Islands are expected to go on sale in October at www.jetblue.com.

JetBlue’s planned schedule between New York and Providenciales:

New York (JFK) to Providenciales

DEPART: 9:10 a.m. ARRIVE: 1:00 p.m.

Providenciales (PLS) to New York

DEPART: 2:00 p.m.  ARRIVE: 5:40

Flights operate daily effective February 17th, 2011

JetBlue’s planned schedule between Boston and Providenciales:

Boston (BOS) to Providenciales

DEPART: 11:00 a.m. ARRIVE: 2:45 p.m.

Providenciales (PLS) to Boston

DEPART 3:40 p.m. ARRIVE: 7:20 p.m.

Flights operate Saturday only, seasonally (Nov-Apr) effective Feb 19, 2011

Share This

Mudjin Harbour in Middle Caicos

Providenciales, or Provo, is the main island in the Turks and Caicos and that’s where most if the restaurants, spas, shops and other attractions are. And of course Provo is home to Grace Bay Beach – the world’s best beach.

But you want to know a secret – there are some great beaches in North Caicos and Middle Caicos, too. These two islands are real gems and a bit of a throwback in time.

North (as we call it) is the ‘garden island’ because it gets more rain and they actually grow more stuff over there. There are a couple of small villages (Bottle Creek, Whitby, Kew) where you can get a bite to eat and catch up on the local gossip. The people there are super friendly. And the beach is magnificent. Try Horsestable Beach for a real treat. On North you can see a few historical sites, like Wade Green’s Plantations, or look at the flocks of flamingos that call Flamingo Pond home.

From North, you can drive (or take a taxi) over to Middle, which is really another step back in time. It’s a much larger island area wise but probably less than 500 people live there. Its major attraction is the beach at Mudjin Harbour, where there are also a series of caves you can explore. For a real treat, head up toward the settlement of Conch Bar and sit for a while at Daniel’s Cafe on the beach. You can even see the humpback whales from there some days (while they make their seasonal migration from December – February through the TCI).

Take the ferry to North Caicos for a day trip to islands and a step back in tropical time.

The folks at Caribbean Cruisin’ make it easy to get to North, and then on to Middle, with their fast and comfortable ferry service. It’s about a 25 minute ride (past some great small islands – Pine Cay, Parrot Cay) from their dock at Leeward/Walkin Marina in Provo to Sandy Point Marina in North Caicos. From there you can hire a car, rent a scooter, or find a taxi driver to show you around.

Or, you can hire a guide right on Provo who can take you on a true eco tour of those islands. They make all the arrangements for a great tour and will pick you up at WBC.

So while there is no shortage of things to do and see here in Provo, if you want to see another side of Turks and Caicos, consider a day trip to North and Middle.

Share This

Marcos led a field of hundreds of swimmers through the calm clear waters of Grace Bay competing in men’s, women’s and children’s categories. Marcos took it easy on the rest of the field but still won the event, with a time of 22:12 over the one-mile course. Isla Macleod led the women in 28:32.

The race was held in front of Flamingo’s Cafe, between Ocean Club and Club Med. A fun beach party followed with awards and a beach BBQ. Marcos also put on a swim clinic the day before and entertained the crowds with his skill and charm.

There was a charity component, too, and proceeds raised from the race and the many generous sponsors will go toward helping several great causes, including the Provo Children’s Home and DECR here in TCI, as well as an orphange in Haiti.

Marcos also has his own foundation, which he is raising money for through a ’round the world’ swim. Find out more about that incredible feat here.

The Race for The Conch is set to an annual summer tradition in the Turks and Caicos. You don’t need to be a seasoned swimmer to compete and it’s another great reason to come and visit us. Nest year’s event is scheduled for Jul 9, 2011 – find out more here.

Share This

The Fools Regatta in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a fun and unique Turks and Caicos tradition that celebrates a great legacy in sailing, and makes for a fun day at the beach.

The Regatta started out years ago as an April Fool’s Day event, but has since meandered around the calendar and has taken different shapes and forms. But fun and sailing are still the two hallmarks of the day. All sorts of sailing vessels will be on display, including native Turks Island sloops. And, the event is a fundraiser for the folks hoping to build a National Sailing Center in Turks and Caicos.

This is year, the event will be held June 20 at the new Children’s Park on the west end of Grace Bay Beach (next to Gansevoort Hotel). There are all sorts of game and activities, music, food and drink. The highlight of the day is always the Great Raft Race where teams compete in uniquely constructed rafts to see who can get across the finish line fastest by shear paddle power. Previous year’s rafts have been made up of all sort of exotic materials, including beer kegs and Styrofoam coolers. This year’s Great Raft Race will award prizes for best design, fastest raft and most team spirit. Proceeds benefit the TCI Volunteer Fire Department.

Tip of the cap to Dave Douglas of Sun Charters (the folks who bring you great sunset cruises on the sailing ship Atebeyra) and his team of dedicated volunteers who make the Fool’s Regatta one of the social highlights of the year in TCI.

Share This

There will be special Conch Competitions for conch blowing and conch knocking, live music and a mojito contest. Plus the biggest prize of all will be the cash prize of $10,000 drawn at 5:30 on the day of the festival by the Rotary Club of Providenciales as part of its annual Pot-of-Gold raffle.

This year, a special pre- Festival event will be held Friday evening, November 27. Held on the grounds of the luxurious beachfront Somerset Resort on Grace Bay, the Friday evening event features local jazz musicians performing under the stars on the resort’s croquet lawn. While listening to smooth tunes, guests will enjoy a gourmet conch-themed dinner presented by host chef Lauren Callighen of The Somerset’s O’Soleil restaurant, who will be joined by guest chefs and Conch Festival judges, Dean Max award-winning chef and owner of several highly regarded restaurants in the US and the Caribbean; and Clay Conley, head chef at Azul in Miami’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

For more information, go to www.conchfestival.com

Share This

Photo courtesy of Tropical Imaging.

There is a non-profit organization the Turks and Caicos called the Friends of the Arts (TCFAF) and they do wonderful work in promoting and teaching kids and adults about all sorts of artistic endeavors – music, dance, acting, etc. They regularly sponsor visiting groups of performing artists to come to the islands and encourage kids to participate more in performing and visual arts.

One of their signature events every year is the Christmas pantomime – or ‘panto’ (the history of British Pantomime dates back to the middle ages, and usually blends a well known story line or traditional fairy-tale elements with a combination of slapstick, buffoonery, dance and music. “Panto” is a staple in the British theater diet during the Christmas season.).

Photo courtesy of Tropical Imaging.

It’s a rollicking night of music and laughs and the folks at the TCFAF raise the bar every year. The show is written, produced, directed, choreographed and performed by an entirely locally-based team of more than 60 volunteers, underwritten by the TCFAF.

This year they will put on the 2009 edition of the panto, called “A Little Caribbean Mermaid and the Enchanted Ring.” It is the story of a young lobster fisherman who encounters a beautiful mermaid, and a very special ring, while searching for treasure instead of lobster. There are traditional panto elements such as audience interaction, the ‘Dame’ and lots of entertainment for the children.

Dates for the performances are December 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12. Tickets will be on sale by the end of October at IGA Supermarket, The Unicorn Bookstore, and through www.tcfaf.com.

Share This