As the son of the late Hon. James Alexander George Smith McCartney, the first and only National Hero of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I am delighted to bring greetings on behalf of my family on this grand occasion celebrated as National Heroes Day, which commemorates the patriotic contributions made by Hon. McCartney to the development of the country under the Theme “Claiming our Heritage – Leaving a Legacy”.
This year would have marked my father’s 70th birthday and 35 years since his untimely death in a plane crash. I was 2 years old at that time and have no recollection of him. I grew up hearing about his heroic efforts which included fighting for constitutional reform, seeking to improve working conditions, particularly for nurses, defending the rights of the youth and other disenfranchised groups and working feverishly to improve the social conditions in the country. It is noteworthy that my father was considered to be a civil rights activist prior to becoming a politician. Many of my relatives often express that JAGS or Baba Jagy, as most relatives affectionately refer to him as, was ours as a husband, father, brother, relative, but we shared him with the entire Turks and Caicos.
As a kid growing up in the Turks and Caicos, I felt at times my father’s contributions were politicized and even localized by some regarding him as a PDM hero or a Grand Turk hero. As time went by and considering the recent challenges we faced as a country, detractors developed a greater sense of appreciation for him as a national figure and the cause he was championing.
In reviewing common international characteristics of a National Hero, the following can be determined:
1Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom
2Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nation
3Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation
4A hero is part of the people’s expression. But the process of a people’s internalization of a hero’s life and works takes time, with the youth forming a part of the internalization
5A hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations
6The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history, but of the entire process that made this particular person a hero
The late Hon. James McCartney embraced the concept of nationhood and, through his exploits, proved that he is most worthy of the distinction of National Hero. Hon. McCartney cannot be defined as a PDM hero or a Grand Turk hero as through his words and actions he constantly sought to unite and liberate the Turks and Caicos Islands. By removing the buoys that separated the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands, progressing the Club Med project in Providenciales when some insisted it should have been in Grand Turk, standing up for the rights of all people and devoting equal care and attention to the concerns of persons in the family islands and people of all political persuasions, Hon. McCartney proved that he was focusing on building the Turks and Caicos Islands and dismantling the psychological barriers that separated us. Even though we are divided by waters he knew that the ties that bind us from a cultural perspective were strong enough to overcome the physical barriers.
My father spent a lot of time seeking to ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders were afforded the best opportunities and to unify the country as he believed, which was expressed in many of his speeches, that a united Turks and Caicos could become the “greatest young Nation” in this hemisphere and ultimately in the world. This was not an unrealistic ideal as he believed in the potential of the people and the ability of us to rally behind common causes that would ensure the continuous progress of this Nation. He also believed in us being the masters of our collective ambitions, where we, as Turks and Caicos Islanders would play the critical roles in charting our course, encouraging persons through scholarships and other means to qualify themselves. He went further to foresee us gradually transitioning into positions such as judges, Governor and, as an independent territory one day, producing a Prime Minister. We have made some tremendous strides in some regards, but the journey for advancement continues. Many would say what if JAGS was alive, where would this country be? We must now ask ourselves, what role will we play in shaping the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands?
The theme for this year’s National Heroes Day celebration “Claiming our Heritage – Leaving a Legacy” encourages us to not just reflect on the legacy my father and other noble citizens impressed upon the Turks and Caicos Islands but also examine our plight as a country to maintain our heritage while faced with the integration of other cultural influences. It is often said that culture is dynamic and develops into a popular form that may have significant external influences, but it is the unique indigenous culture of a Nation that the people can relate to which makes them develop a sense of solidarity. From the Salt Cay Candies, rip saw music, straw weaving, and other traditions that have been passed down through generations; we are indeed rich in heritage. It is up to us as the proponents of our heritage to greatly appreciate, nurture and develop this most precious asset.
I must express my gratitude to the National Honours and Awards Committee for allowing me the opportunity to bring brief remarks on behalf of the family and also acknowledge the work being done by the Department of Library Services to educate persons about my father and other citizens of this country who have made significant contributions to the advancement of our society. It was a pleasure to visit the schools prior to National Heroes Day and provide young scholars with my perspective on the legacy of my father. It is mandatory that we collect, corroborate and disseminate information on our historical events, figures and traditions which will in turn allow us all to appreciate even more what it is to be a Turks and Caicos Islander, establish true National Pride and essentially help to further progress this nation that God has blessed us with.
