Living the Island Life - Part 1

Providenciales (Turks & Caicos Islands), Caribbean

By Leslie Lobell

      I live on the island of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Unspoiled, this "beautiful by nature" island is nestled in the magical splendor of the Caribbean. Providenciales blends tradition, culture, beauty and innocence to create a strong sense of pride amongst its people. Offering the best in everything from diving, pristine beaches, sunrises, sunsets and stargazing, this island is often said to be a peaceful place to relax and renew your mind, body, spirit and soul.

I have lived on the island of Providenciales much of my adult life. The nights here are clear: so clear that a quarter moon casts a shadow, and a full moon lights up the entire landscape. The flawless white sand beaches and turquoise waters are enviable and I often think about how lucky I am to live such a relaxed life. But island life it not always easy - it has its ups and downs.

Despite the constant flow of tourists and the exotic locale, for islanders like me, it still feels like any other small community. It is challenging, to say the least, to maintain a "private life" without outside interference. It is a challenge, as well, to start and build a business here without feeling as though one is under constant scrutiny. I can help but be aware of the fact that if I go to lunch or dinner with someone (anyone), rumors may easily be flying of torrid love affairs or mysterious business dealings. Sometimes it seems as though every success and every setback will become the fodder for gossip among one's neighbors and community members.

Don't get me wrong - island life is not even close to being all bad. I have found that islanders really pull together to support one another in the tough times. After a fire, I have seen people donate clothing and supplies to help a sector of the community recover from its losses. In addition, members of this community pull together in smaller, less urgent ways. For instance, I have seen many mothers of toddlers offering clothing, cribs, and other useful items to expectant mothers.

Not only is life different here in a small community... So, too, is death. Sometimes, while living in or near cities in the United States, I would witness a funeral procession. The line of cars could drive through a city in relative anonymity. Such a procession might cause a moment of reflection, but it never seemed to touch most people very personally. There is no such anonymity in a small island community like Providenciales. Every death seems to affect the community, as a whole. Death is one of those events that seems to bring the community together.

One of the most beautiful displays of what it means to have the support of a small, caring community occurred when two young adults had died, suddenly and unexpectedly. There was an outpouring of support for the surviving family members. A trust fund was set up to help pay for funeral and other expenses, local businesses donated items for a raffle, and people gathered to bid on the items - often paying well above retail value - to raise money for the fund to help the two families. This, I believe, is a demonstration of community at its best.

Yes, paradise has its ups and downs... any community has its ups and downs. Sometimes, though, I have to pause and realize that the ups really outweigh the downs. After all, that is why I chose to make Providenciales my home.

[Continue to Part 2]