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www. lone l yp l ane t . c om

However, Turks and Caicos Belongers artistry is also well represented.Much of the work is inspired by the islands scenery, bird and marinelife, with rich colors redolent of the Caribbean. A thriving art scene hasalso attracted expat artists from around the globe whose work shouldnot be dismissed lightly.

Some roadside stalls sell decorative metal tapestries, designed as wall

hangings. These are cut from old car wrecks, painted and varnishedand illustrate underwater scenes as well as Turks and Caicos island life.These works are clever, witty and mostly small enough to fit in a suitcase.Go shop!

The Bamboo Gallery, in Provo, promotes the work of local artists,including Dwight Outten, from Middle Caicos, whom some people con-sider the leading artist in the islands. Another family member, PhillipOutten, a Rastafarian, produces acrylic works (some in gay primarycolors, others more somber) inspired, he says, by his meditations andconcept of daily reality.

The North Caicos Art Society in Whitby (North Caicos) sponsorslocal art, emphasizing silkscreen painting. Lookout for Anna Bourne,one of many expat artists who now lives on Provo and paints on silkwith French dyes.

The shopping section in Provo profiles a few really talented local artistsand details galleries (p250).

Artist on His Island: A

Study of Self-Reliance by

Randolph W Johnston,

tells of his and his fam-

ilys lives in the Abacos.

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of the Spathodea, known locally as the Jesus Christ tree because itblooms blood-red at Easter. It is commonly found outside churches.

The long, thin, twirled leaves of the sisal (which rattles in the wind and istherefore also known as mother-in-laws tongue) are used for weaving.

Many plants have long been used for bush medicines. Five-finger (alsoknown as chicken-toe), for example, is used to make a tea that relieves

body aches. The aromatic leaves of white sage are used as a salve forchicken pox and measles, and wild guava is used to treat diabetes.

NATIONAL PARKSNative flora and fauna are protected within 33 areas set aside as nationalparks, nature reserves, sanctuaries and sites of historical interest underthe aegis of Turks and Caicos Islands National Parks, which administers23 national parks and nature reserves. More information can be soughtfrom the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (Grand Turk%649-946-2855; [email protected]; Providenciales%649-946-4017; South Caicos%/fax 649-946-3306).

Turks & Caicos National Trust( TCNT;%649-941-5710; [email protected]; PO Box 540,

Providenciales) is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to the preser-vation of the cultural, natural and historical heritage of the islands. TheTrust has established three underwater snorkeling trails: two off Provo(Smiths and Bight Reefs) and another off Grand Turk. It has initiatedcountrywide studies of bird populations, and in 1999 gained interna-tional funding to manage the Ramsar wetlands in North, Middle andEast Caicos.

The Turks and Caicos

Pocket Guide,edited by

Julia Blake, is a handy

encyclopedia full of facts

and figures.

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delicate systems. Also, be aware that conch salads are normally madewith raw mollusk.

HABITS & CUSTOMSThe cultural habits of the English and North Americans are similarto those of the Bahamians, and Turks and Caicos Islanders; many

travelers will find their eating and drinking customs easily translateto this region. Most people eat three meals a day, and many workersbuy takeouts from roadside stalls for picnic lunches. Courtesy is veryimportant across the islands, as is respect for those serving in eateriesand bars.

Lonely Planet Publications. To make it easier for you to use, access to this chapter is not digitally

restricted. In return, we think its fair to ask you to use it for personal, non-commercial purposesonly. In other words, please dont upload this chapter to a peer-to-peer site, mass email it to

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the above - Do the right thing with our content.

Bahamas History Culture Diving v1 m56577569830503917

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