Old Providence, Colombia Island Stories

On Old Providence, time ticks that little bit slower.

If you want to do something quickly, you've come to the wrong place.

Old Providence is one of the few places in the Caribbean

that hasn't been overrun with tourism.

And the people want to keep it that way.

You can see why.

Yet, work is hard to find

and many grumble about the lack of opportunities.

Only the ocean offers regular, reliable employment.

TRANSLATION: Every day you need to get up and make it your own.

Here you can't say, "I'm off to my job,"

because there are no businesses, no multinational companies,

none of that.

Only the ocean.

The sea is our biggest economy and it doesn't matter if it's legal

or illegal.

Not everyone operates honestly in these waters.

Too many islanders are lured into drug smuggling.

This is the biggest threat to their way of life.

Nobody denies this, but nor do they dwell on it.

Yeah, man! Woo!

Here, they are incredibly protective of their culture,

even if outsiders disapprove.

In many parts of the world, cock fighting is a big no-no.

But for the islanders, this is pure entertainment.

They love to gamble.

From the beach to the street, big, booming tunes pump out

everywhere.

With a new recording studio, there's the chance to capitalise

on this passion, encouraging young talent to flourish.

# Yeah

# Yeah. #

I think the music studio is a great opportunity

for the young peoples.

You know, because they have something new to do.

# Yeah, yeah. #

THEY SING IN SPANISH

'I write about how guys treat ladies.

'They treat ladies like garbage.

'And I know it will be one day that we get to it

'when ladies take over this island,'

because this is ours,

not for them.

Nah!

THEY SING IN SPANISH

When you visit, you have little idea of the threats

facing this island.

In Old Providence, your soul is easily swept away

with the Rastafarian vibe.

Every day feels like a lazy Sunday afternoon.