The
Turks and Caicos
Islands are a group of British overseas territories located in the Caribbean Sea. They are situated between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, and are comprised of two main islands, Grand Turk and Providenciales, as well as several smaller islands. The islands have a long history of cooperation with the European Union, which is based on Article 182 of the Treaty of Rome. The majority of the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands holds British citizenship, or can apply for it under the 200-year-old British Overseas Territories Act.In addition to this, they also have British Overseas Territory citizenship and local island status. Health care is provided by hospitals of public and private associations managed by Interhealth Canada, with one hospital in Providenciales and one on Grand Turk Island. The Turks and Caicos Islands are divided into two administrative districts, with Grand Turk being the second most populated island and seat of government. It is also home to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, which is a popular destination for tourists.
The other district consists of several small islands located between the Caicos Islands, including Parrot Cay, Pine Cay, Ambergris Cay, Dellis Cay, Water Cay and Little Water Cay. The islands were formerly overseen by the governor of the Bahamas until 1973 when they received their own governor. This relationship with the EU means that they enjoy de facto free trade, freedom of movement and access to subsidies and income transfers. The authorities released African slaves in the 17th century and arranged for 168 people to apprentice island owners on Grand Turk Island for a year.Providenciales has the widest range of services available on the islands, including luxury resorts aimed at wealthy tourists as well as a new large cruise port and recreation center for those visiting Grand Turk.
West Indies Video (WIV) has been the only cable television provider in the Turks and Caicos Islands for more than two decades, while WIV4 (a subsidiary of WIV) has been the only broadcasting station on the islands for more than 15 years; broadcasts can also be received from the Bahamas.In conclusion, it is important to note that while the Turks and Caicos Islands have a long history of cooperation with the European Union, they are not considered to be a European country. They are British overseas territories with their own laws and regulations; if something is illegal in either the United States or United Kingdom then it is likely to be illegal in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
