TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
General
The islands are situated south-east of the Bahamas and are generally
flat, arid and stony. The two groups of islands are separated by a deep-
water channel, about 22 miles wide. The Turks group consists of two
inhabited islands, Grand Turk and Salt Cay, six uninhabited cays and a
large number of rocks, surrounded by a three-pointed bank of reef. They
are said to derive their name from a species of cactus whose scarlet
flowers resemble a Turkish fez. The Caicos group lies to the west. The
principal islands are South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle (or Grand) Caicos,
North Caicos, Providenciales and West Caicos there are also a number of
islets surrounded by a shallow-water reef.
The land area is estimated at 166 square miles. The entire island
group extends for a distance of 75 miles from east to west and 50 miles
from north to south. The climate is equable and healthy, tempered by trade winds. Temperature ranges between 15.6°C and 32.2°C. Rainfall is variable
and tends to be higher in the Caicos Islands; on Grand Turk it averages
about 21 inches. The islands are in the hurricane area.
The total population is estimated at 7,500. The principal settlements
are Grand Turk (estimated population 2,330) and Cockburn Harbour on
South Caicos (estimated population 1,076). The people are mainly of
African descent. There has been steady emigration from the islands, prin-
cipally to the Bahamas. English is spoken and most inhabitants are
Christian in religion.
Political
The present constitution came into force in 1976. It provides for a
ministerial form of government with Legislative and Executive Councils.
The Executive Council consists of the Chief Minister, three Ministers and
three ex-officio members. The Legislature comprises a Speaker, eleven
elected members, three appointed members and three ex-officio members.
Executive authority is vested in the Governor who normally acts in accord-
ance with the recommendations made by the Executive Council. Following the
introduction of the new constitution, fresh elections were held and eleven
seats were contested. The People's Democratic Movement (PDM) won 4
/Independents
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