Vernica's Journal

The Turks and Caicos Budget address for 2009/2010 was given on 21 April 2010, in which it was stated that:   "with immediate effect new stamp duty bands and rates are to be introduced, … For example, properties less than $500,000 will attract a charge of just 4% on Providenciales (2% on Grand Turk, Salt Cay and other less developed islands) rising to 10% for properties over 3 million. In addition, purchasers will be able to choose to spread their stamp duty liability over 4 years or elect to pay in full on registration of their property with a discount of 10%.” Currently stamp duty is $9.75% on Providenciales and 5% on the other islands, therefore, the proposed stamp duty reduction should provide a much needed boost to the real estate sector in the country.

Race for the conch is a new international sport competition that is a one mile swim race along the shores of Grace Bay. This event will be held in July 2010. The intention of the competition is to increase awareness of the fragility of the ocean and reefs, to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands as a sporting destination while at the same time "raise funds for local charities that improve children's nutrition and mitgate the impact of natural disasters" as per the Freepress. More info can be found on http://www.ecoseaswim.com/ .

North and Middle Caicos are the quiet islands of the Turks and Caicos chain. They all have small community areas with just a hand full of people living in each area, especially in Middle Caicos. The island comprise of mostly native restaurants and guest houses, and you can find many elderly folks living on the islands who have chosen not to migrate to the more developed island of Providenciales and Grand Turk as they enjoy living in a peaceful and carefree atmosphere. Even though the island is home to a community setting, North and Middle have upgraded paved roads to make commuting easy and relaxing as possible while sightseeing the older built homes and the large areas of undeveloped land on the islands. Developers have began creating new subdivisions to attract more people to the islands, and more so to give others the experience of a place away from the hustle and bustle of city life that Middle and North Caicos has to offer. The ride from Provo to North is only a 30 minutes ride on...

Having kids can change your world in so many different ways. For example, I now find myself watching cartoons that I never thought I would ever watch in my life time. I am at work and sometimes find myself singing songs from Wounder Pets etc. and today, got my blog idea from Nick Jr.’s team “Spring has sprung”. Indeed Spring has Sprung in the TCI. When you look around you can see a birth of new trees, and old trees with many new leaves. Most recently I also found the birth of a new bird in one of our neighbouring trees. The land is beautiful in my opinion, and gives you a refreshing feeling of new life and a new beginning. There are many things happening in the country at this time, and I am hoping that this season will bring new life and hope for many.

March 1st is fast approaching. This is the time for the National Cancer Society family fair day. A day of fun and games for the family. There will be Sesame Street Characters, Hula Hoops, Bouncing castle, native dishes which includes baked breads etc. Local talents and DJ. It sounds like an exciting day already. And also you can purchase a raffle ticket with interesting prises as well as indoor and out door plants. This is another day of volunteering that I am looking forward too. Even though a portion of my real estate sales goes to the NCS, I still enjoy getting my hands dirty by participating in each event that the society puts on.