Lobster season officially opened yesterday (August 15, 2012), which makes this favorite treat a part of the Turks and Caicos Islands menu again.

Last year, acting on advice from fishermen and the Fisheries Advisory Committee, the governor’s Advisory Council decided to postpone the beginning of lobster season by two weeks past the usual opening date of Aug. 1 in order to allow lobster stocks time to reproduce.  The season will through March 31, 2013.

The first day of the new season in the country is known as “the lobster grab,” when hundreds of fishermen rush out in an attempt to catch the bounty lobster population.

Lobster is considered a must have for fine dining in the islands and is largely used by restaurants. Local chefs are famous for their spiny lobster dishes — cooked in nearly every style imaginable. Economically, the lobster fishery is the most important marine resource in the country and has played an integral part in the community for generations.

It is an extremely important industry, centered mainly in South Caicos, although also largely available on all the other islands. The Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) grows to about 60 centimeters in length. Like the other 20 members of the genus Panulirus such as the Australian, California, and Chinese spiny lobsters, it lacks the large pinching claws of their Maine lobster relatives.

Its only defenses are the spines that cover its shell, which help protect the lobster from predators. The Caribbean spiny lobster uses a second pair of antennae in sensory perception, which are found folded along side the body when not in use.

The Caribbean Spiny lobster is also a healthy treat, with only 143 calories and 1.9 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce cooked serving. Enjoy it while it lasts.

A $10m redevelopment of passenger facilities at Providenciales International Airport was announced by John Smith, CEO, Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority.

The planned expansion will nearly double the size of the terminal to better accommodate the 500,000 passengers who pass through the Airport each year. It will increase in size from 51,462 to 92,321 sq ft.

Work is scheduled to begin later this year and be completed in 2014 and will ensure that the TCI’s airport meets the International Association of Travel Agents criteria for Level C Class facilities.

Once completed passengers will be able to enjoy expanded check in counter areas and self check in facilities, additional bathroom facilities, larger retail space for shops and restaurants, and improved medical amenities.  

The first phase of works will include the construction of a new traffic circulation system, an extension to the existing west car park, and extension of the departure Lounge.

The second phase will continue with the extension on the international check in area, security check point as well as the arrivals hall.

The third and final phase will include the domestic departures and arrivals area, completion of car park and aesthetics, including water features.

“Providenciales International Airport is absolutely crucial to the Islander and visitor experience,” said Governor Ric Todd. “First impressions are vital, and I am certain that this work will provide the level of experience that our visitors demand.

“People who use the airport facilities know that it can become crowded at peak times – so does the Airport’s Management. That is why they have been planning these crucial works  as part of their overall master plan which also saw the runway expansion completed last year.”

“We are embarking on a journey of fundamental change in the way we conduct business and welcome tourists to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said John Smith, CEO, Turks and Caicos Airports Authority. “Our terminal expansion project will not only offer better facilities for passengers, but provide us with the room to expand over the next 15 years.” 

An artist rendering of new airport:

The Alexandra Resort, located on world famous Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos Islands, recently published a "Top 15 Things to do with Kids in the Turks & Caicos Islands" list for their guests.

The list included the following activities:

1.      Go to the children’s park at The Bight.  Located right on Grace Bay Beach, there are swings, a jungle gym, teeter totters and more.

2.      After playing at the park, head across the street to the National Environmental Centre and view exhibits on the coral reef and ecosystem s in Turks & Caicos.

3.      Enjoy a glass bottom semi submarine ride, which departs with Caicos Tours from Turtle Cove.  You might see sharks and turtles, and you’ll definitely see lots of tropical fish and beautiful coral.

4.      Go horseback riding with Provo Ponies on beautiful Long Bay Beach.

5.      Spending the morning at Taylor Bay or Sapodilla Beach then head over to Neptune Villas where you can enjoy a tasty lunch at Las Brisas, followed by either a 2 hour pontoon boat cruise or some kayaking on Chalk Sound.  Make arrangements with the owners of Las Brisas.

6.      Arrange a boating excursion with Caicos Dream Tours to visit some other cays and do some snorkeling.  Caicos Dream Tours' excursions depart from the beach in front of the Alexandra Resort.

7.      Visit Fun World, which offers mini golf, rock climbing and go-karts.

8.      Try out snuba, which allows you to try the experience on scuba diving by going a little deeper than snorkeling without deep sea diving.

9.      Learn a new sport!  The Turks and Caicos is a great place to try out kite boarding, paddle boarding, tennis, golf and more.  There are great facilities and qualified instructors on the island.

10.  Take a day trip to another island.  With fast speed ferry service available to North Caicos and South Caicos, your family can enjoy some time on the water and then the opportunity to discover other islands in this beautiful country.

11.  See the glow worms!  On the third and fourth night after the full moon, take a cruise on the Atebayra and witness the amazing glow worm show.

12.  Digicel TCI Cinemas offers at least three shows daily and is the perfect spot to visit if the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities.

13.  Enjoy a Mommy and me trip to the spa.  Some of the spas on the island offer manis, pedis, and facials for kids.

14.  Even kids enjoy a bit of retail therapy.  Head to Regent Village and Salt Mills for tourist boutique shops, and if you are looking for toys, visit the Do It Center, Kischo or Business Solutions.  The Unicorn Bookstore is also a fantastic place to buy books for children and adults, as well as a nice selection of toys and arts and crafts supplies.

15.  Visit the only conch farm in the world.  Children and parents alike will enjoy the educational tour that tells the story about the local delicacy from the sea.

The Alexandra Resort features family-friendly suites, all equipped with housekeeping facilities, flat screen TV's and large decks or patios.  In addition, there is a brand new kids club, The Pelican Club, a large free form swimming pool, complimentary non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, a fitness room and the popular Mango Reef Restaurant.  The resort occupies over 600 feet of frontage on one of the top ranked beaches in the world.  

Great spring specials are now available, including a very family friendly Easter Getaway, available to book until March 15, 2013.

Tourists and visitors alike converge each year at Children’s Park along Provo’s renowned Grace Bay Beach for a day of family fun at the annual Fool’s Regatta. Initially an April Fool’s Day event, the regatta is now held each year in June. This year it’s scheduled for June 16.

The Fool’s Regatta is a fantastical display of sailing, an important legacy in the Turks & Caicos. The day’s highlight is undoubtedly the Great Raft Race, where teams paddle furiously aboard hilariously patched-together vessels in hopes of claiming victory. There’s also a Hobie Cat race, and iconic island sloops compete in the Caicos Sloop races.

Even if you aren’t a boatie, there’s plenty of land-based fun at this regatta, including entertainment like live steel pan performances, tug-o-war, and plenty of local food and drink. If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Provo, this is the time to be there, and The Alexandra Resort is just minutes away from all the action.

Not only will he celebrate the debut of Saint George Fashion House ‘Island Breeze; Turks and Caicos’ resort 2013 collection; the first ever to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands at Caribbean Fashion Week, and his first year in fashion design since his June 8th 2011 New York City debut. What is more; Turks and Caicos Islands own, South Caicos native, head designer and proprietor of Saint George Fashion House (SGFH) Kazz Forbes, opened Caribbean Fashion Week 2012 designer showcase June 8th 2012 in Jamaica.

Caribbean Fashion Week, ‘the heart and soul of Caribbean style’ sees some of the best designers throughout the region and across the globe; world famous cover girls; celebrities; hot parties and superstar concerts with 16th time Grammy nominee Brian McKnight, Grammy winner Estelle, Konshens, Cham featuring “O”, Shurwayne Winchester, the Jolly Boys and more.

Established by Pulse Investment Ltd. in 2001, Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) is the region’s largest, most recognized and internationally respected fashion event. The event features the Caribbean’s best designers within the region, the Caribbean’s best designers based in the world’s major markets, internationally famous designers from around the world, world famous supermodels and celebrities and important fashion press from around the world, including Vogue and Fashion TV Paris.

Forbes says, “This is by far, the biggest year for Caribbean Fashion Week, with a record number of over fifty designers and it is indeed an honour to be opening! Words alone cannot express my excitement and gratitude.  I am so thankful to the Almighty, my supporters and everyone that makes Caribbean Fashion Week a continuous smashing success!

‘Island Breeze; Turks and Caicos’ resort 2013 collection was inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands. For me I think of the quality of light in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the sun, sand and sea, the blue of the moonlight and the minty light of the days. I go often to the beach, and there I try not just to see, but to feel the beauty of the environment. In my collection I have tried to re-produce that feeling.”

Caribbean Fashion Week array of features also includes regional and international fashion buyers, a British Vogue rating as an important new trend in world fashion, viewership of 340 million in close to 300 countries via Fashion TV Paris, nightly after parties amid a hectic Caribbean Fashion Week social schedule, embodiment of powerful Caribbean creative and cultural traditions, world class production and styling, key contributions to the United Nations World Food Programme, via Catwalk the World, key partnership with public and private sector entities for fashion industry development and alliances with international fashion organizations and events for designer opportunities.

Mango Reef is a proud sponsor of this year's Annual Dog Show held by The TCSPCA, the oldest and most established Animal Welfare Organization in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

There are some great spas in Turks and Caicos, and a few of them definitely top our favourites list!  Spa Sanay, located at Alexandra Resort, offers great treatments at affordable prices.  Spa facilities are quite basic and the spa itself is small, but if you are looking for a great massage or a precision pedicure, go to Spa Sanay.  Next door at the Regent Palms, there is a very lavish spa that has consistently been ranked as one of the top spas in the Caribbean.  When it's time to indulge, go to the spa at the Regent Palms.  If you need relief from overdoing it on the golf course or kiteboarding, one of the best massage therapists on the island is Mercy.  She works at Maxime's Hair Salon, which is located in Petite Place in Grace Bay.  Mercy is very popular, so be sure to call ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Turks & Caicos annual Regatta festival will be taking place from Thursday, May 24, to Sunday, May 27, 2012.

The emphasis this year will be on culture and to this end several events that will take us back to the early days of Regatta. In keeping with our theme, “KEEPING THE VIBES ALIVE!” we want to revive that family atmosphere and communal spirit of togetherness, fun and catering for every experience of the past.

The calendar of events is as follows:

Thursday, May 24 …… LITTLE MISS REGATTA CULTURAL SHOW

Friday, May 25 ………

• FASHION AND COMEDY SHOW
• MUSIC AND DANCING

Saturday, May 26 …… DAY’S ACTIVITIES

• JUMP – UP
• OPENING CEREMONY
• TRIATHLON
• KITE FLYING
• DOMINOES
• UNCLE ARCHIE’S DIVE
• BOAT RACES
• JUNKANOO CONTEST
• TUG-A-WAR
• BICYCLING BALANCING
• MAY POLE AND MANY MORE FAMILY GAMES
• SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS – SOUTH CAICOS COMPANIES CREATIVE FLOATS

Sunday, May 27 … GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA

The Providenciales Flag Festival Committee is pleased to announce the 1st Turks & Caicos International Flag Festival.  The festival will take place from June 1-4, 2012.

The Turks & Caicos Islands is home to nationals from more than 50 countries and this International Flag Festival will bring everyone together for a weekend of fun, cultural exchanges and will also give each person an opportunity to display their national pride.

President of the Provo Flag Festival Committee Abigail Delancy commented “We realize that we live in a multi-cultural society and our neighbors are now closer to us than they were twenty years ago. The Turks and Caicos share its culture with over 50 different nationalities and this is why we believe we should celebrate together. We recognize that at the end of the day all of us here in TCI are working towards the same goal, which is to make the Turks and Caicos Islands a better place”.

Flag Fest 2012 will include a kickoff party, a beach picnic and the grand event will be a motorcade & flag party which will also include the Little Miss Flag Fest Pageant at the National Stadium on Venetian Road.  There will be prizes given for the Best Flag Outfit and the Biggest Flag at the parade.  A soccer match between Haiti & Jamaica will take place on Sunday June 3rd and a Beach Party & Food Festival will be held on June 4, 2012 at the Kids Park on the Lower Bight Road.

Musical guest will include DJ’s from TCI, DR, Jamaica, Trinidad & Haiti and the featured Band will be Lee & the Force from TCI.