![]() ![]() 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. McCartney proved that he was focusing on building the Turks and Caicos Islands and dismantling the psychological barriers that separated us. 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 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. James McCartney embraced the concept of nationhood and, through his exploits, proved that he is most worthy of the distinction of National Hero. 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 internalizationĥA hero thinks of the future, especially the future generationsĦThe 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 In reviewing common international characteristics of a National Hero, the following can be determined:ġHeroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedomĢHeroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nationģHeroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nationĤA hero is part of the people’s expression. 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. ![]() ![]() 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.Īs 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. It is noteworthy that my father was considered to be a civil rights activist prior to becoming a politician. ![]() 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. I was 2 years old at that time and have no recollection of him. This year would have marked my father’s 70th birthday and 35 years since his untimely death in a plane crash. McCartney to the development of the country under the Theme “Claiming our Heritage – Leaving a Legacy”. 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. ![]()
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