The Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata) is found nowhere else in the world. It is a shy and harmless reptile. These large lizards were once found on nearly all of the islands of the Turks & Caicos archipelago. Unfortunately, iguanas are no longer found on islands where livestock and domesticated animals (especially cats and dogs) have been introduced. These docile creatures have now taken refuge mainly on small-uninhabited cays away from human settlement. Little Water Cay is their most famous refuge, a small island totally inhabited by some 2000 Rock Iguanas which has a board walk that goes through the island for easy viewing of these amazing creatures. We have something that is the only one of its kind. We should be proud of it and continue to protect and preserve this unique animal as part of our national heritage.

Grand Turk is home to the country’s only National Museum, located in one of the oldest stone buildings on the islands, Guinep House, which chronicles the country’s life as well as the legend of the Molasses Reef wreck, the oldest European shipwreck to be discovered in the Western Hemisphere. The Museum also houses the only dedicated gallery to the Lucayans in the world. The Lucayans were the original inhabitants of the islands from 700 AD and completely disappeared by 1520. The gallery features a 1000 year old Lucayan paddle which is the only Lucayan wooden artifact to be found where it was lost in the world. The Museum also has a natural history gallery and displays that cover the more recent events such as royal visits and Grand Turk's involvement in the Space Race. The Museum shop offers visitors a range of books, crafts, postcards and posters as well as a verandah overlooking the sea. A new Space Gallery was opened in 2002 at the museum and includes, photos, a starry night sky, Space toys from the period and personal recollections from John Glenn and Scott Carpenter's splashdown just off the shores.