TCI: Survey on Reinstatement of The Most Excellent Right Honourable JAGS McCartney Day

#Providenciales, July 5, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is conducting a survey to gather feedback from the general public for the establishment of a public holiday in honour of the Most Excellent Right Honourable James Alexander George Smith (JAGS) McCartney, the first and only National Hero in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hon. JAGS McCartney (30 June 1945 – 9 May 1980) served as the first TCI Chief Minister from 1976 to 1980; He is credited with helping to establish the ministerial form of government.  He died while serving on May 9th 1980 and each year, he is remembered and celebrated annually on National Hero’s Day – the last Monday in the month of May.

The public holiday now known as National Hero’s Day was formally called JAGS Day in honour of TCI’s only National Hero. The holiday National Hero’s Day was originally established to honour and recognise all National Heroes in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the National Honours and Awards Ceremony held annually, there is a nomination category for The Order of National Hero which allows the public to nominate any person they deem worthy of such a prestigious title. This means that there could be other National Heroes in the future.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands would like to hear public opinion on whether the Hon JAGS McCartney should be recognized and honoured separately, with a designated day set aside for him alone.

Your comments and input are encouraged. To part take in this important survey you can access it via the link below, alternatively you may also submit your comments on this subject via email at consultation@gov.tc. JAGS Day Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JAGSDAY

Release: TCIG