National Heroes' Day in Turks & Caicos Islands
National Heroes’ Day commemorates the Turks and Caicos Islands’ national hero, James Alexander George Smith McCartney, known as JAGS. The holiday is now listed as JAGS McCartney Day, and the public holiday guide places it on the last Monday in May.[1][2]
A holiday named for JAGS McCartney
The day was previously called National Heroes Day and was intended to commemorate the territory’s national heroes. It was renamed JAGS McCartney Day in 2020; McCartney was the country’s first Chief Minister and, to date, its only official National Hero.[1]
McCartney served as Chief Minister from August 1976 until his death in a plane crash on 9 May 1980, according to a 2013 account from the Governor’s Office. The date for the holiday was chosen by the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet.[2]
A day of remembrance and reflection
A government speech delivered on JAGS McCartney Day describes an official gathering attended by his family, friends and former colleagues, with remarks from the Premier, the Opposition Leader and McCartney’s daughter. The speaker said he would lay a wreath in McCartney’s memory.[3]
The same speech connected the commemoration to recognizing service in the wider community, including people who help others or defend a cause. It also presented the day as a chance to consider McCartney’s example and the territory’s future.[3]
Date and public holiday arrangements
JAGS McCartney Day is an official public holiday and falls on the last Monday in May. In the current calendar it is listed on 25 May.[1][2]
Government offices and banks close on public holidays. Many private businesses, including grocery shops and tourism businesses, may remain open, so opening hours can vary. Check directly with a school or transport provider for its holiday arrangements.[1]
What to expect
An official gathering has included speeches and wreath-laying in McCartney’s memory.[3] Residents and visitors should check directly with individual businesses or transport providers for their holiday hours and schedules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is National Heroes’ Day a public holiday?
Yes. The holiday guide lists it as an official public holiday under the current name JAGS McCartney Day.[1]
What closes on the holiday?
Government offices and banks close on public holidays. Many grocery shops and tourism businesses may open, but hours vary by business.[1]
Are schools and public transport closed?
Check with the school or transport provider for its arrangements.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Heroes' Day in Turks & Caicos Islands:
- Turks and Caicos Official Public Holidays- Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
- Turks and Caicos Islands flag flies over FCO on National Heroes Day- Governor's Office Waterloo Grand Turk
- Remarks by HE Governor Nigel Dakin CMG on the occasion of Jags McCartney Day- Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office