Community

Salt Cay is alive with a rich history and a culture that is unique in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many of the residents from the other islands can trace their roots back to ancestors who originally settled on Salt Cay. From the mid 1800’s to the early 1900’s the population of Salt Cay was nearly 700, but with a population of fewer than 100 people today, the charming community of Salt Cay is finding it impossible to keep their traditions alive and generate a consistent flow of income.

Having until recently relied heavily on the tourist industry as the backbone of the island economy, the current global crisis and the devastation caused by the 2008 hurricanes means there is very little work or job opportunities. Many residents must rely on Government subsidies and family members that work off-island for financial support.

Despite the slowdown in tourism, adventure seekers continue to visit the island and they soon find out - after diving the great wall, fishing or simply whale watching -that Salt Cay truly is a special place. There is also something magical about taking a stroll through Balfour Town and immersing oneself in the local history of what was once a powerful salt harvesting community. Visitors are always greeted with a smile and a wave from the local residents who are more than happy to recall stories of social functions and characters from the salt raking days.