News
45 Year since JAGS became Chief; his Unity Speech begs the question: How far have we come on the things which matter most?
#TurksandCaicos, May 27, 2021 – James Alexander George Smith McCartney is the founding father of democratic, representative governance in the Turks and Caicos Islands and for that feat, achieved in the late 1970’s, JAGS has been crowned ‘National Hero’.
This year marks 45-years since Grand Turk-born, James became the first Chief Minister of the country. James was only 31-years old at the time of his ascent to the role and continues to be one of the youngest democratically elected leaders in the world.
In 1980, after serving as Chief Minister for a mere four years, the Turks and Caicos Islands lost JAGS; he died in a mysterious plane crash over New Jersey, history explains. The enormity of the loss was felt regionally; his body was never recovered.
If the Rt. Most Excellent JAGS McCartney were with us today, he would be 76-years old. A husband, a father, grand-father, friend and iconic political leader who was the founder of the People’s Democratic Movement.
Forty-five years later and he is still being remembered; rightly so. There is still no one who has measured up to his towering political legacy and on Monday, May 31 – JAGS Day – Rt Most Excellent McCartney will be saluted by the nation he loved best.
His Unity Speech, delivered in 1979 is among his most treasured remarks.
“Some people tend to think that it is an impossible job bringing all our Islands together because of the separation by water and distance, but we must come together if only for survival. Divided we are weak, united, Turks and Caicos could become one of the greatest young nation in this hemisphere for good in the world,” said the first Chief Minister in an apparent attempt to bridge any lingering divide.
In the speech, it is clear JAGS was acquainted with the ‘divide and conquer’ tactic often used to derail goals and dilute energies; he spoke unapologetically.
“If anything binds us, it is the fact that if nothing else, we are Turks and Caicos Islanders and have a common interest, because we have distinct qualities; so if the need for political union is agreed by us then the will to create it is born, and where is a will, there is a way. Where there is disunity on the political activities of a nation, that nation is left at the mercy of powerful, foreign commercial interests which seek to exploit the situation by pouring vast sums of money into the various factions to ensure conflicts among them and therefore secure their positions in the society, where they could wield their might and guarantee control over that nation; because the truth is, while the people are fighting one another, the real enemies, the controllers from outside, are picking up the pieces, so therefore we the people are losing the nation as being pushed backward.”
Forty-five years since the Turks and Caicos, then home to 7,015 people, was admonished to end the squabbling and forge an impenetrable foundation upon which to build a unique nation. The question often emerges: ‘Has anything changed?’
In his Unity Speech, JAGS offers that this dis-unity would be the undoing of the great goals for Turks and Caicos Islands. The Chief was said he was captaining a ship optimistically determined to outwit the strategists and overcome the obstacles.
“My party and Government are completely devoted to the achievement of political, economic and social advancement of this country and we will not stop until this attained. This is not an idle dream, it is not impossible, I see it, I feel it, it is real, indeed I am living in it already.”
Fast-forward four decades to 2021, with the globally powerful striving of the Black Lives Matter movement still looming large as a driver to end social injustices and inequalities; the sound of JAGS’ voice and the melody of JAGS’ heart beats stronger than ever.
“A few years back a lot of people in our Islands referred to this great movement as “Black Power” well, I would not agree more because to me Black Power is a part of the world rebellion of the oppressed against the oppressor of the exploited against the exploiter. It is a vanguard movement of Black People, and it is characterized by four fifths of the world’s population which has been systematically damned into a state of un-development by colonialism and Neo-colonialism. Black Power is the sum total of economic, cultural and political power which the Black man must have in order to achieve his survival in a highly developed technical society and the world savaged by imperialism, Colonialism, Neo-colonialism and Fascism.”
This speech, given 42 years ago proves that JAGS was a man exposed to deep insights and unafraid to say out loud, what in his hay day was damming and dangerous. This speech, given 42-years ago demonstrates that the Rt. Most Excellent JAGS McCartney was a HERO without question. He took on titans, charged into danger, fueled by an unshakable love for people and fully confident that they were worth the fighting for, worth the dying for.
He saw the future, was ahead of his time when he recommended that the way out of the ‘isms’ was through the empowerment of the predominantly black people who made up the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“In other words Black Power epitomizes a new stage of the yearning and aspiration of the Black man and tells the world what it means. That is exactly what we as Turks and Caicos Islands people take it to mean.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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