Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly, celebrates the Grand opening of the Carlton Williams Promenade and attends historic Cabinet in the twin islands  

#TurksandCaicos, June 18, 2023 – Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly, celebrated the opening of the Carlton Williams Promenade in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023.

The promenade is named after Mr. Carlton Williams, who, as a child, assisted his father in establishing the sisal industry. Carlton, the only son of Mr. Claudius Williams, was essential to the family enterprise. To the extent that young Carlton regrettably lost his fingers to the heavy equipment used to facilitate the laborious work.

The Carlton Williams Promenade features artifacts from the Sisal era. These items were conserved to demonstrate the history of the island. The mid-19th century Turks and Caicos Islands’ sisal industry was significant. Mr. Stubbs carried sisal from The Bahamas’ Crooked Island. Due to the climate and soil, this was a profitable crop.

Sisal was cultivated for its valuable fiber, which was utilized to create cords, twine, carpets, and other handicrafts. The East Caicos Company and the West Caicos Fiber Company founded the industry. Kew, North Caicos, and Bellevue Plantation each produced 150 acres of sisal in 1907. Despite its decline, the Turks and Caicos Islands’ sisal industry has sustained livelihoods and contributed to the economy.

In her remarks, Hon Connolly highlighted the significance of the promenade to the development of the Turks and Caicos economy, most notably in the mid-nineteenth century, which produced a bountiful crop.

She then noted the historical significance and contributions of sisal remains, although the industry has waned. Stating that it played a ‘crucial role in supporting livelihoods, generated revenue, and drove economic development during its peak.’

Although Mr. Carlton Williams was not in attendance, his son, Claudius Williams, was on hand to receive the honor on his father’s behalf and stated that the promenade would be one of his father’s first stops upon his return to Turks and Caicos in July.

Mrs. Lormeka Williams hosted the evening, and welcome remarks were made by the district Commissioner of North Caicos, Mr. Jas Walkin.

Remarks were also made by Hon Charles Washington Missick, MP for North Caicos and Middle Caicos, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, as well as Acting Governor H.E Anya Williams.

The festivities ended with the prayer and blessing of the promenade by pastor Winston Gardiner and a ribbon cutting by Hon. Josephine Connolly.

Hon. Josephine Connolly was sure to extend her heartfelt gratitude to crucial collaborators such as her staff at DECR and Mr. Jas Walkin for his warm welcome to North Caicos.