By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2023 – For eight years, Cynclair Musgrove has been the District Commissioner in North Caicos; taking the lead on solving problems and giving council to everyone who needed it, for some the hefty responsibility would have been exhausting, but Cynclair describes it as a dream come true.

“My tenure began on August 4th, 2015 and will end officially on March 31st, 2023. To say it was my dream job would be an understatement.  Working on my island home and doing what I love was a blessing for which I shall be forever grateful,” she told us over the phone ahead of a huge event she is planning to say farewell and thank you to the people of North Caicos.

The best part of it she said was the constant engagement with her countrymen young and old.

“What I cherished most was the opportunity it afforded me to work closely with every school, organization or church. Whether it was my initiative or not it did not matter.  Once it was for or on North Caicos, that’s all that mattered to me.”

It’s one of the reasons she’s hosting her event Cycnlair’s Swan Song; a final hurrah to celebrate her retirement, but once again the focus isn’t on her per se but the people of her island who have stood by her side throughout this journey.  She spoke about them with extreme fondness and gratitude.

“Throughout my tenure, I have been blessed with a core group of dedicated people.  Each initiative was made possible by their commitment.  They never sought money or the spotlight. But while I could only hope that some people come out, I could count on my support system for the duration.  I have tons of anecdotes about each honoree. How they went beyond the call of duty time and time again; how my rake and scrape band boys and my other student volunteers literally grew up before my eyes; how they never got tired of doing the heavy lifting.  My ideas became their mission which they chose to accept without hesitation,” she said

Cynclair, also an educator and writer, is currently working on a commemorative book, filled with photos she says, of the myriad of experiences she has had during her time as District Commissioner for the island.

While they are too many to name, the DC easily listed her favourite times, these she said stand out fresh in her mind:

• Having the myriad talents of our students, and senior citizens – farmers, artisans, and restaurateurs recognized beyond our boundaries with the help of social media.

• When students Briann Gardiner and Astacio Ariza spearheaded the Horse Stable Beach renovation after hurricanes Irma and Maria. Briann went on to become a National Honors and Awards recipient ;
• Janella Forbes winning the Turks and Caicos Film Festival Art competition after accepting a last-minute invitation to Provo on a Sunday (I was shocked when her mom said she could go with me)!

• Nominating Jessica Corvil for the 1st annual National Honors and Awards which she won easily for her then, girls’ empowerment movement;
• Honouring people from all walks of life for their contribution to society through her celebrated poems

“As I leave, I wish to showcase, once more, the plethora of talent that abounds in our country.  The entertainment for the awards ceremony is chock full of mostly unknown amazing talent.  I want them to be recognized for their gift,” she explained

She is also very grateful to the people who donated time and more to the causes on North Caicos, “This has been a marvelous journey because whenever I asked, and lord knows I was always asking, they spoke yes – fluently!  Hence, the reason for my Swan Song.”

The event started out as a simple commemorative awards ceremony to be held on March 19th but has swelled into a slew of activities with a walkathon on Saturday March 18th which she says will include uniformed personnel  and is open to the general public.

After March 31st someone else will stand in her role but Cynclair says she has hasting dreams for her island.

“My hope is that residents of North Caicos become entrepreneurs rather than employees.  We are on the cusp of a development boom.  I hope that our locals benefit greatly.  The local Chamber of Commerce can serve to drive this. As the island grows, its people should not be left behind,” adding, “As I vacate the office of the District Commissioner, I am compelled to say thank you to this core group.  I know many may say that I left them out.  But, my gratitude is for one and all.”

Cynclair’s Swan Song will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 19th at Horse Stable Beach Community Centre.