This blog post was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

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Peter Beckingham

Former governor in Turks and Caicos Islands

Part of Remembering WW1 Victoria Cross Heroes UK in Grand Turk

29th May 2014

Flying the Turks and Caicos Flag Over the Heart of London

I lay a wreath in the JAGS McCartney mausoleum.
I lay a wreath in the JAGS McCartney mausoleum.

I returned this week from short visits on business and pleasure to London and New York. I timed my return to be in Grand Turk on Monday 26 May to attend my first National Hero’s Day Ceremony.

I knew something of J.A.G.S. McCartney’s inspirational life from reading history books about Turks and Caicos. But attending the service arranged so splendidly by the National Hero’s and Awards

The portrait of JAGS McCartney that hangs in his mausoleum.
The portrait of JAGS McCartney that hangs in his mausoleum.

Committee brought many new dimensions for me to the achievements of the  Turks and Islands first Chief Minister.

In speeches by the Acting Premier, the leader of the Opposition and, not least, the Rev John Malcolm the Chief Minister’s inspirational personality  was brought to life in a series of moving accounts. Pastor Malcolm’s personal encounters with the National Hero were vividly described, and his comparisons with the life of Che Guevara memorable.

The mausoleum.
The mausoleum.

One aspect of J.A.G.S. McCartney’s life which struck me forcefully was the sheer energy and productivity that he brought to everything that he did. In leading a strike of hotel workers – with someone from Britain – in the Bahamas to founding the Junganoo Club to inspire young people to work and play, or negotiating a new Constitution. He packed an extraordinary amount into his tragically short life.

I can’t help but wonder what more he might have achieved for Turks and Caicos had he still been with us. I was delighted and honoured to meet his gracious widow and other members of his family.

The community of Grand Turk turned out to show their respects.
The community of Grand Turk turned out to show their respects.

I hope that they will be pleased to know, like everyone in Turks and Caicos, that our national flag was flown over the main Foreign Office building in the heart of London, a stone’s throw from Whitehall and the Houses of Parliament, to mark our National Hero this Monday. That building has been the sight of many historic events, including the signing of peace treaties after World War One, and negotiations with India for its independence. I was fortunate to attend meetings there this month at which both The Prince of Wales and US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke.

I’m sure the Turks and Caicos National Hero, J.A.G.S. McCartney, would have relished the fact that his national flag was flying proudly over London this week in his memory.

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About Peter Beckingham

Peter was the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 2013 to 2016. Before this, he was British Deputy High Commissioner to India, based in Mumbai, the commercial capital,…

Peter was the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands from
2013 to 2016. Before this, he was British Deputy High Commissioner to India, based in Mumbai, the commercial capital, where he had a responsibility for developing UK-India trade and investment. His earlier appointments have
included Consul-General and Director-General of Trade and Investment in
Sydney, and British Ambassador to the Philippines, where he initiated
the UK Government’s involvement in a peace process with the Philippine
Government and Muslim rebel groups.
Peter is married to Jill, a teacher of special needs, and they have
two grown up children. His outside interests include cricket, golf and
running.