There are two major developments that South Caicos may encounter in the
near future. North of the island, the builders of the Caicos Beach Club, a
240-room hotel, estimate that one part of their hotel will be up and running by
the end of this year. Another company is currently negotiating with government
officials on the development of a cruise ship marina and tourist complex for
East Caicos Island. This complex will employ up to 6,000 people, most of
whom will establish their residence in South Caicos.
Developments such as these will have positive as well as negative impacts on
the island and its people. The culture, politics and physical appearance of the
town will certainly change as more than 6,000 people from different parts of the
world permanently settle or visit this island of 800 local residents.
The dramatic increase in the number of tourists and divers using the reefs and
beaches will certainly impact the coastal resources of the island. The fishing
industry will no longer be the dominant industry of the community as tourism,
manufacturing, distribution, retailing and other service industries appear. These
developments will then create more demand for schools, government services,
physical facilities, and telecommunications.
Whether the South Caicos community will remain intact and be able to cope
with this sea of change depends on whether its leaders and citizenry can plan
ahead, make full use of these opportunities to their advantage, and adapt well
to new ideas that are sure to come. Right now, things are just beginning, but
concerned people are beginning to voice their opinions. This exchange of
thoughts and concerns will help to create a more rational and objective look at
the future ahead.
The Grand Finale
Drew Van Voorhees - Senior Intern, SFS South Caicos
Since my arrival on South Caicos Island in May of 1996, I have seen many
amazing wonders of nature. I have seen hammerhead sharks that were twice
my size as well as manta rays bigger than our boats. Loggerhead turtles over
300 pounds. have accompanied me through several night dives, and I have
watched massive humpback whales pass within a few feet of our boats,
dwarfing us with their size. Life as an intern here at the School For Field
Studies offers a look into a world about which few people ever dream.
On Thursday of this week all of the amazing things I have witnessed seemed to
come together into what turned out to be the most spectacular day of my
24-year life. The day started when Charlie, Tim S., Kara, Brian, and I awoke
at 6:00 a.m. to go fishing. Recently, local fishermen have caught several Mahi
Mahi, or dolphin fish. These fish, not to be confused with the mammals, are
very strong fighters and are some of the best eating fish around. After catching
a couple of barracuda we decided to call it a morning and head back to
breakfast. Just when we were about to pull in the lines, one of the fishing rods
bent way over, and the fishing line began to peel line off the reel. It was Kara’s
turn to fish so we handed her the rod. She fought the massive fish for about 10
minutes as it pulled on the line and rocketed from the water, giving Kara a
memory to last a life time. She had caught a 4-foot Mahi Mahi! As you may
remember, fresh food here on the island is rare, so all the Center was grateful
to mother ocean for providing us with such a bountiful morning. This fish was
almost as big as Kara!
After breakfast it was time to dive with students for the last time. It was rather
sad as we suited up in our SCUBA gear for the final dive. My first dive of the
day was in a place called the G-spot, where we saw several big sting rays. The
second dive was to an area known as Shark Bay, a place where we can dive
only on calm days. We did not see any sharks, but I did see a huge marlin (a
valuable game-fish that has a pointed bill protruding from the front of its head).
Here we enjoyed the beauty of a healthy coral reef and watched a large
Hawksbill turtle.
Upon our return from this second dive, the end of the work day had come.
Charlie and I decided to go out and do a bit of freediving towards the east side
of the island. Suddenly.............FINS! We had come upon a pod of dolphins!
Charlie kept the boat moving in their direction. Dolphins often play in the wakes
of boats, sort of like the way in which humans surf. In a couple of minutes we
had close to 20 bottlenose dolphins following us. "JUMP IN!" Charlie shouted,
and I did. For the next 45 minutes I participated in an underwater game of hide
and seek with these amazing creatures. They were genuinely interested in my
presence and passed within touching distance countless times. I would freedive
below with them and play. As my need to breathe grew stronger I would shoot
towards the surface and make a laughable attempt to jump as they did. A
dolphin would follow me up and jump out of the water just as I broke the
surface. The ocean was alive with sound as the sizable pod squeaked and
squealed as they swam with me.
I exited the water tired but smiling in a deep manner like I have never done
before. That afternoon is one that I will never forget as long as I am alive. I
would like to thank the School For Field Studies for giving me the chance to
live my dream here on South Caicos.
