The songwriter Joni Mitchell penned the phrase “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” for the song, Big Yellow Taxi. The inspiration for the song was her witnessing the paving over of a portion of Hawaii. My own experience with ‘paving paradise’ occurred on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts when developers purchased and changed a local beach restaurant named the Turtle Beach Bar and Grill.

The turtle beach bar was located on the south side of the island of St. Kitts. From the tables of the casual open air restaurant patrons looked out across the channel to the island of Nevis. The restaurant was the site of frequent local volleyball tournaments. The university students (from Winsdor University and Ross University) living on the islands often held their weekend volleyball games on the beaches located there.

The buildings were painted in bright colors, with signs advertising “Carib” beer which was brewed on the island. On weekends, a local steel drum band performed for the patrons. The live music and constant Caribbean breezes made an afternoon spent at the Turtle Beach Bar and Grill a wonderfully relaxing experience. The expression, "Live De Life" was painted throughout the restaurant. It served as a reminder that life is to be enjoyed and lived rather than endured. On one of the walls was a list of the many awards and write ups about the establishment. The accolades were many and well deserved.

The helpful staff greeted us with smiles. The helpfulness also carried over to the gift shop and snorkel rentals as well. The relaxed island atmosphere was not interrupted by cell phones and clocks reminding patrons of the passing of time. Here life could be enjoyed while gazing across the blue waters of where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet. Just gazing across at the island of Nevis covered in lush tropical greens was enough to calme a person down. The restaurant is surrounded by palm trees and other tropical vegetation which make it a true tropical experience.

The menu contained various forms of local conch and other local specialties. There was conch civiche, conch fritters and other methods of preparing the local fare. The main dishes were often accompanied with various local squashes and plantains. They also offered Havana cigars and a multitude of fruit based drinks.

The atmosphere was enhanced by visits from the local vervet monkeys. The monkeys regularly visited the restaurant, where they begged or stole food. Over the years, the monkeys have developed a taste for Carib beer and the Turtle Beach Bar and Grill’s punch. The monkey’s favorite was the tropical punch. After a short period of time, the monkeys were sauced and provided comical entertainment.The monkeys have been the subject of many animal behavior studies regarding alcohol. They have found many patterns similar between monkeys and humans regarding alcohol use.

Besides the monkeys, there is also a pet pig named ‘Wilbur’ who resided at the location. Local vendors set up with their wares, selling jewelry and CD’s of steel band music.

I visited the Turtle Beach Bar and Grill in July 2007 in the last week of its operation before it ceased operation. Since I have never been to Hawaii, this was my own experience with “the Big Yellow Taxi” phenomena. Rumors abounded on the island concerning whether or not it would re-open at a location on Conaree Beach, and how much the owner received for the sale of the legendary hangout from KHT Landholdings. Listening to the locals discuss the development on the island was entertaining as well. They talked about how one foreigner purchased land for a beach development at a location that the locals knew was where the sharks spawned and mated. I thought to myself, that someone did not do their homework in planning that one out.

The drive to Turtle Beach Bar and Grill was an adventure as is all drives in St. Kitts. They maintain the driving rules from their British colonial status, which takes a little getting used to as an American. Fortunately the locals are friendly, and will smile and remind you to “keep left”. After leaving the paved road, on which you must dodge loose cattle, goats and monkeys across the countryside. When the goats and cattle move from blocking the roadways, you can continue one’s journey. The next phase of the trip involves dodging large holes in a dirt road leading through dry island scrub brush. Monkeys and goats abound in the area as you continue on your way. Eventually, the road opens up to a parking lot containing palm trees. The trees give way to an off-white sandy beach and pier. At the pier is the local boat used by Turtle Beach Bar and Grill. A few yards offshore is a reef that is popular with local divers. You can rent snorkeling gear at the restaurant and add that to the list of unique experiences a visit to the Beach Bar entails.

Joni Mitchell's song, Big Yellow Taxi has been used as a cover and preformed by many artists. Groups such as Green Day and Counting Crows have given the song a resurgence. Other performers who have performed it as a cover include Jewel and Amy Grant.