fp Turks and Caicos

Local vendors on the said market were the Culture Department represented by its Director, Mr. David Bowen, Mr. Bradley Coalbrooke of Lee & Astwood Ltd., and the Turks & Caicos National Trust represented by Executive Officer Ethlyn Gibbs- Williams, Administrative Officer Shirmay Llewellyn and Education Officer Jonathan Sayao.

Among the items for sale were straw bags and hats, locally designed ceramics, conch products such as pot holder and jewelry, paintings, flags, different dolls – those in slave and national costume, locally made sea salt, among many others.

Giving more life to the day was the live ripsaw band headed by Mr. Bowen and playing of local music. The colours of the islands were also vibrant as each island represented the colours in most displays.

RED represents the nation's capital, Grand Turk. The color is taken from the red/pink fruit found on the national plant, the Turks Head Cactus. They were once found in abundance on Grand Turk before they were removed to accommodate the salt ponds.

WHITE represents Salt Cay. The color came from salt. The salt industry was largely responsible for populating the islands of Salt Cay, Grand Turk and South Caicos.

ORANGE represented South and East Caicos. The color comes from the Spiny Lobster and fish and reflects the fishing industry in the "Big South."

TAN represents Middle Caicos. The color is taken from the raw material (thatch) that once covered the roofs of the houses. It is also used to make straw hats, baskets and brooms. Middle Caicos is known for the superior quality of native craftwork.

GREEN was chosen to represent North Caicos and Parrot Cay. The color is taken from the fruit trees and other types of trees that flourish in the most fertile of all the islands. North Caicos is also home of Wade's Green Plantation, the most successful of Caicos Islands cotton plantations.

TURQUOISE represents the islands of Providenciales, Pine Cay and West Caicos. The color is taken from the beautiful turquoise waters that surround these islands on which our famous Caicos fishing sloops sail. These turquoise waters also contribute to our newest industry, tourism.

Organizers and vendors of the event are optimistic that the event has brought a new encouragement to locals to continue the art and skills that have been passed on to them from old generations and buyers’ deeper appreciation of locally made products as opposed to imported ones.

More importantly, organizers also wish to encourage the general public to buy only authentic Turks & Caicos products as this will ensure the survival of local industry and culture.

They would also like to extend their gratitude to all volunteers who helped arrange and sell goods on each of the booths.