NATION UNITED REPRESENTING THE VOICES OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
AUGUST 2022
HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS
Remembering our history
BENEVOLENT HALL Get to know the intriguing history behind a marvellous symbol of freedom in the Turks and Caicos Islands!
EMANCIPATION DAY EXCUSIVE! Celebrating culture, history and heritage.
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CONTENTS 3 Message from Hon.Arlington Musgrove- Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Customs, Disaster Management, TCI Ports Authority, Civil Aviation and Airports Authority
Jessica Wilde shares how to overcome writer's block. Story on p. 20
4 Message from the District Commissioner of North Caicos- Madame Cynclair Musgrove
5 Thanksgiving Service-Benevolent Hall, Kew, North Caicos (Order of Events) 6 Special Recognitions (Vote of Thanks) 7 A Short History of the Benevolent and Savings Association of Salt Cay (Sandra E. Garland) 9 Old Benevolent Hall-Salt Cay (Candy Herwin) 10 Benevolent Unions (Candy Herwin) 14 Citizen Goldie (Sandra E. Garland)
15 Restoring Benevolence: Memories and Remembrance 24 A Look Back in Time: Wade's Green Plantation Restoration of Benevolent Hall: Kew, North Caicos (2022)
26 Exploring Turks and Caicos Islands History Through Literature
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MESSAGE
FROM
MUSGROVE AND
(MINISTER
BORDER
DISASTER
HON.ARLINGTON OF
SERVICES,
MANAGEMENT,
AUTHORITY, AIRPORTS
CIVIL
Though some, like slavery, are mired in misery, others are embedded in the back of our minds in a familiar place that evokes fond memories, should they ever be awakened. Therefore, I salute the residents of the twin islands, who have decided to revisit a longdormant tradition - August Monday at the Benevolent Hall! Those who are old enough to remember, would recall the march from the Baptist church through the community and ending at the meeting house - ladies in white 'Sunday go to meeting clothing' and men in full regalia. Since every man belonged to the Odd Fellow Lodge, they would be decked in their best attire. There was no social media back then, so photos or images are non-existent. But the memories exist! And on Monday, August 1st, 2022 we will make new ones. Stories of the past will be told to the younger generation; games of marbles, spin the top, ring play and the maypole will be introduced to today's children. We live in the twin islands, so festivities will start in Kew and end in Bambarra. Our visitors will experience myriad aspects of our culture - from the green corn and jelly coconuts to the crab and rice with fried Barracuda; or the straw hats, bags and fannas. No visitor should leave hungry or empty-handed! So, as the Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos, I look forward to the first of many August Monday celebrations.
CUSTOMS, TCI
AVIATION
AUTHORITY)
History is our looking glass to our past.
IMMIGRATION PORTS AND
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Message from the District Commissioner (North Caicos) Madame Cynclair Musgrove
Picture this: Twas the year 1974, August Monday to be exact. My early childhood years were spent in The Bahamas so this was my first experience of Emancipation Day in The Turks and Caicos Islands. The memory is indelibly etched in my mind. The excitement of the day was palpable, and everyone was on one accord. The mission: to celebrate freedom from slavery. I was awakened by the sounds of people gathering on the King Road. Every lady was elegant in white and every man who were all members of the Benevolent Association were adorned in full regalia. The music was heavenly! The march was glorious! Fast forward to the year 2022, we are about to recreate our past. Thanks to the effort of Mrs. Emily Forbes Gardiner bka as Goldie, the old structure that once was an integral part of island life, has been uncovered. For years, it was hidden from view by overgrown foliage. "Citizen Goldie" as she has been named for her valiant efforts, has mobilized her fellow residents to action. Fueled by the desire to recapture a long-forgotten tradition, members of the local chapter of the Chamber of Commerce group chat joined Citizen Goldie. In no time, residents of Kew teamed up and thus plans for August 1st became alive. The Benevolent Hall in Kew is one relic that can be found in many settlements throughout the country. It is a throwback to an Era when money was pooled for burial and other essentials. Though it no longer exists, some of its principles have been passed through posterity. So, as we celebrate on August Monday 2022, we will reconnect with the past, bond with the younger generation and look to a rich future.
THANK YOU! Thanks and appreciation go out to the following individuals and businesses that have made today's events possible through their kind sponsorship and hard work.
Edward Missick George Hinson Pastor Alveria Duncombe Hope James- Hamilton. Correy Forbes Art Forbes Mandy Thompson McAllen Gardiner Jr. Jay Robinson Rosemary Jolly Debbie Delancy Verna Higgs A&S Funeral Home Adelphine-Higgs Pitter PTV- People's Television Mrs Betty Dean Mrs Porsha Jennings Nancy Cartwright Emmy's Car Rental Tatiana Handfield Goldie Forbes-Gardiner DC Cynclair Musgrove DC Osborne Delancy Roger Harvey Sr. Krown Photography Marilyn Robinson Mac Campbell Prince Selver Nichol Gardiner Rupert Gibson Sharrington Forbes Kitchener Penn NATION UNITED
NATION UNITED FEATURE
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BENEVOLENT AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OF SALT CAY by Sandra E. Garland Photos supplied by Ms Gladys Kennedy.
BENEVOLENT UNION ASSOCIATION SALT CAY BANNER
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A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BENEVOLENT AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OF SALT CAY by Sandra E. Garland Photos supplied by Ms Gladys Kennedy.
The 1st of August public holiday in Salt Cay was celebrated in recognition of the abolition of slavery (in accordance with all the other islands) with the usual beach picnics and parties. However, the anniversary of the Benevolent and Savings Association was not celebrated on this day. The Benevolent and Savings Association of Salt Cay was re-established in 1915. No one now knows about the origins of the association. The celebration of the anniversary of the association took place on the 29th of March each year. It was a very festive occasion when all the members processed in double file from the Hall to a Church for the annual service of thanksgiving accompanied by the band. The women all wore white with their regalia and the men wore black suits, white shirts and bow ties together with their regalia and someone leading the procession carried the Flag. The Salt Cay band was a grand assembly of instruments played by Mr Thaddeus Taylor, Mr Arthur Wilson, Mr. Theo Wilson, Trafford Basset, Mr Samuel Simmons (accordion) Mr William Simmons (drum). There was only one policeman in Salt Cay, and he was a member of the band. He was Mr Wilfred Wilson – Leon Wilson's father and (I believe) he probably played the same instrument that Leon now plays.
The famous Brass and Reed Band of Grand Turk under the auspices of Mr Nathaniel Selver would also bring their instruments to Salt Cay and participate in the grand occasion. After the Thanksgiving service, the procession would dance on their way back to the hall where delicious food, cake, candy and drinks were served. Membership of the association included almost all the small (adult) population of Salt Cay. Everyone paid their monthly dues towards their burial expenses, and they also deposited them into the savings bank. The savings account was managed by the Treasurer and every depositor had a savings book which would reconcile with the amount the Treasurer was holding in their names. The money was kept in a safe at the Government Office. The Association always kept a hearse and coffins in a separate building nearby the Hall to transport deceased persons to their final resting place normally at St. John's Churchyard or the North or South Cemetery. This building that housed the hearse was destroyed by a hurricane and of course, the hearse rusted away.
The Benevolent Hall was the 20-year-old place where meetings of the Marianne Teigen association were held every recently published Tuesday afternoon her first young (without fail). I adult novel, and remember my grandfather Alfred in only a month, Smith being the Secretary of the it has reached the Association most of my New York for Times Bestsellers childhood. He list. always said that he was re-elected to the post, and he never refused. He had beautiful cursive handwriting. I close my eyes and see him sitting at our dining table writing the Minutes every week, dipping his fountain pen in the bottle of blue ink and meticulously crossing every "T" and dotting every "l". The organization survived the years with men and women of succeeding generations taking on the various positions. However, the organization has been dormant for many years. The building itself has been kept in good condition over the years and just three weeks ago when an ex-pat resident died his funeral service was held at the Benevolent Hall. I believe the Savings scheme was dissolved at some time and people turned to the Government Savings bank at the Post Office in Grand Turk.
On the occasion of the renovation and celebrations of the Benevolent and Savings Association of Bottle Creek, North Caicos.
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A PEEP INTO HISTORY
OLD BENEVOLENT HALL (SALT CAY) by Candy Herwin
he year is 1915 and the first world war raged across Europe.Many men from the Colonies wanted to join the war effort. Courageous men loyal to the Crown volunteered their services and joined the West Indies Regiment. Gifts were sent from various territories including sugar, rum, oil, cotton, clothing and of course salt from the Turks Islands. On Salt Cay the salt merchants like Harriott and Morgan were making little profit because heavy competition came from the Mediterranean and salt mining in America. Times were tough on Salt Cay. Nevertheless with this background of events, a group of men decided to reorganize the Benevolent Union Association which had fallen into disrepair but had already existed for many years helping raise funds for the poor, sick and aged and to assist the cost of funerals and burials for Association members.
And so it was that 17 men on the evening of March 29th 1915 headed to the old wooden lodge on Victoria Street for a meeting. Manfred Morgan was elected as temporary Chairman which seemed appropriate since his father the late J.J Morgan had been the old President and kept the papers, books and deeds of the land and building in the Morgan House. The men arrived promptly and sat on the old pews under lantern light. They were a representative mixture of small salt proprietors,boat makers, salt rakers and craftsmen of the community…. Mr Samuel.T. Simmons, Alpheus.A.Simmons, Thadeus Taylor, Caleb Williams, Fred Glinton, Walter Simons,Anthony .A.Smith, Oscar Ellis, Daniel Swann, Richard Simmons and John Hamilton.There were no women present at this time.....
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BLAST FROM THE PAST
BENEVOLENT UNIONS By Candy Herwin
Benevolent Unions in the West Indies were first known as Friendly Societies and were set up in the 1800’s as community group gatherings. In fact the Benevolent Brotherhood Lodge on Salt Cay has stood on Victoria Street for over 150 years and even though a simple wooden structure had played a significant role in binding the community members together and in helping raise funds for the poor, sick and aged and to assist the cost of funerals and burials for Association members. The photo below depicts one of the old wooden coffins that were kept behind the Benevolent Society Building on Salt Cay. Weekly subscription fees were collected and every member was obliged to attend unless they provided a written excuse. The weekly fee or “dues” as they were called allowing you to be a member of the Benevolent Hall was for many years the sum of sixpence. If any of the members did not attend they were fined, unless written excuses were received. Often paper was scarce, so the excuses were carefully addressed on small pieces of paper not much bigger then a postage stamp. In the early 1900’s the cost to build a coffin was 3s 6d (three shillings and sixpence) and a few of the salt rakers doubled as O M Simmons, A D I C | Holton 24 carpenters to build the coffins includingN Will Dickenson and Old Earl Talbot..... NATION UNITED
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FEATURE
FAMILY NAMES WHO WERE MEMBERS OVER THE YEARS BENEVOLENT UNION ASSOCIATION 100 YEARS REORGANIZED IN 1915
Bassett Been Dickenson Forbes Garland Glinton Hamilton Johnson Kennedy Landy Lightboure
Robinson Selver Simons Simmons Smith Swan Talbot Taylor Walkin Williams Wilson NATION UNITED
Heritage Day: October 2015 The anticipated revival of Emancipation Day (August 1st, 2022) events celebrated at Benevolent Hall, Kew , North Caicos aims to restore a long lost tradition initiated by our ancestors. This section explores vivid recollections and memories of the traditions, and events during different years.
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RESTORING BENEVOLENCE
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Memories and Reflections of Benevolent Hall
The day began with a church service at the Baptist church, of course, followed by a grand march by the Benevolent Association which was compiled of the entire community of North Caicos who were also members of the association. Everyone was fully regaled in their white from head to foot and their sash which was called regalia. The day climaxed with a rally at the meeting house. There were two native bands with instruments which they constructed namely Tommy Butterfield band from Kew and Enos Higgs better known as Mr Myee. Edward Walkin was the founder of the association, The Benevolent in Kew and Conch Bar were branched off from Bottle Creek.
COMMUNITY JOINS TOGETHER TO RENOVATE BENEVOLENT HALL Members of the North Caicos Chamber of Commerce set upon a revolutionary task to restore history through the renovation of the Benevolent Hall in Kew, North Caicos. Mrs.Goldie Forbes-Gardiner and her team set to clean and restore the Benevolent Hall and its surrounding area in preparation for the Emancipation Day event, scheduled for August 1st, 2022.
HISTORY MEETS MODERNITY The Benevolent Hall is located at the intersection of Plummer Street and Queen Street, Kew, North Caicos.
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Benevolent Hall Restoration Developments 2022 (Kew, North Caicos)
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Benevolent Hall Restoration Developments 2022 (Kew, North Caicos)
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Drone view of Benevolent Hall, Kew, North Caicos (Krown Photography)
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An array of exclusive vendors will have their crafts, delicacies and other unique goods/services on display during the Emancipation Day event, August 1st, 2022.
SHOP NOW
LOCAL VENDORS
Contact: Kacy Higgs bottle creek, north Caicos Ph: (649) 247-9909 (Whatsapp only) @Caicos Traditions
A Look Back in Time: Wade's Green Plantation The original 300 acres was a grant of land to loyalist Wade Stubbs, who was from England and settled in the American colony of Georgia. Wade Stubbs did not agree with the American Revolution, and he wanted the American Colonies to remain under the power of England and its king, George III. When the revolutionary army was successful, anyone who had claimed loyalty to the king of England was attacked and most of them were chased out of the American colonies. The majority of them went South into Florida, which was still British. Florida remained British for about 10 years until it was actually handed over to Spain before it became part of the United States. Wade Stubbs settled in Florida, but when it became under Spanish rule he would have had to have changed his allegiance to the king of Spain and become a Catholic. He was a stalwart Anglican, so he wouldn't have considered that an option. He fled British East Florida in 1789 and was granted land by the king on North Caicos. He was originally granted 300 acres which he named Bellfield and established a cotton plantation, but after several years he expanded the plantation to over 1,000 acres, and it included farming of Guinea corn, sugar, cattle, and sheep became the most successful Plantation in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and he routed all the roads from Belfield Landing through his Plantation and established an Anglican church on his Plantation so that all the other plantations would think of his area as the town. By the time of his death in 1822, he had acquired his brother Thomas Stubbs' Plantation, Cheshire Hall, in Providenciales, as well as the plantation of Dr John Lorimer's called Haulover in Middle Caicos, and he was the steward for Gambol Plantation near Bambara.
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EXPLORING TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HISTORY THROUGH LITERATURE
BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS
Things Mummy Used to Say – an Encyclopedia of Turks and Caicos Islands’ Colloquialisms is a vivid collection of enlightening, humorous local quotes some passed down from as far back as slavery and many still in frequent use today. These quotes and vocabulary terms are written in TCI dialect. They are based on childhood and adult experiences and reflect on life and issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The authors have gone to great lengths to illustrate the pages with bold pictures which are bound to capture the readers from the very beginning. The meanings and contextualization of the sayings further simplify the content. Hopefully, this book will influence all who reads it to take a nostalgic, amusing journey through the dusty roads, under the shady trees, along the sandy seashores and within the quiet, sacred walls of our childhood homes. It is a must-have for every living room coffee table, hotel lobby and guest bedroom in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is also a must-read for every young person in the TCI in order to inform, engage and include them in the transfer of this vital information to future generations. NATION UNITED
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Authors of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands: Our History, Culture, and Heritage is the consolidation of a set of three books: Our Caribbean Neighbour’s Reading and Workbook One, Our Way of life in the Turks and Caicos Islands Reading and Workbook Two and The Beautiful Treasures of the Turks and Caicos Islands Reading and Workbook Three.In the four years researched to produce the book, the author’s goal was to reach students preparing for an examination or anyone who wants to learn about the Turks and Caicos Islands. Each topic is designated to reinforce the concepts and skills introduced in the chapters. They contain several illustrations enhancing and supporting the text, including maps, diagrams, sketches, and photographs. Some of the book sentences are contrast sensitivity (various colours), which would assist people with Irlen Syndrome. (Light Sensitivity, Reading Problems, Discomfort, Attention and Concentration Problems, and dyslexic, etc). The author hopes that you, the readers find it as fascinating and fun as she did when she prepared it.
Turks and Caicos: Our Precious Islands, will help children understand the meaning and concept of their islands. The topics covered include the Caribbean Region, the islands and in the wider world, physical geography of the islands, history, things that makes us proud, government, culture, industries (past and present), communications, transportation, National Hero and much more. The book is designed to capture all the elements that make our islands unique.
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Authors of the Turks and Caicos Islands
“Get up girl, we gotta wash today. Set de tubs, then sort de clothes.” It is just about daybreak, one can hear the roosters doing their timely, melodious, echoing chorus. This is really time to draw the covers and get a good piece of sleep, but mother reminds me that it is ‘Wash Day.’ Ba Hen, my godfather, the man with the donkey cart, remembers that he is to bring a drum of water because it is wash day at the Malcolm’s house, so he is coming down the road. -from Unforgettable Memories of South Caicos The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is among the best places in the world to live or visit. There are numerous islands to explore, beaches to enjoy, and sites to behold. Both the Author/Assistant Illustrator and Chief Illustrator were born in the TCI and after studying overseas and seeing what other countries had to offer; their love for the TCI led them back to their 'Beautiful by Nature' country. The Editor, though Jamaican born and raised, has resided in the TCI for more than a decade; he considers it his second home. Together, they present this informative, fun, and activity-filled book with the aim of sharing some of the TCI with you. Whether you are living in or visiting the country, you will have a great time learning about the TCI through the pages of Our Turks and Caicos Islands - The Introduction. So, put on your reading glasses; take out your crayons, pens and pencils; and put on your creative hats while you explore the Turks and Caicos Islands with us. And, if you have not visited all the main islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands as yet, then it's time to plan your trips as individuals, families, friends or co-workers and explore this beautifully diverse destination. This is our challenge to you; travel and enjoy the rewarding experiences that the TCI has to offer.
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Authors of the Turks and Caicos Islands “Turks and Caicos Pride: People Places Politics", is commended as a book that will "teach future generations from whence they came." This poetic collection has crafted a legacy through a distinct combination of poetry and photography. It chronicles the lives of ordinary and outstanding citizens of the community. Usually read at special celebrations and funerals, family, friends and poetry lovers highly treasure these tributes. They are presented and kept as mementoes in honor of persons who are still alive or have gracefully passed on. Sometimes, they bring the reader to tears, laughter or nostalgia as they give a panoramic view of the subject's life. Each subject is uniquely described "to a tee!"
Daddy often said to me, "Whenever you are going to work, do it with all your might." Vividly recounting details of a heroic patriarch, the life and times of Daniel Emmanuel Campbell is coupled with intricate wisdom, interesting stories and most importantly the legacy of a man who not only impacted his family but also his country.
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Authors of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Every Friday night my brother's and I would gather around the glow of the kerosene lamp for ole story time. My brothers would begin the session the same way every time; "Once upon a time was a good ole time, Brer Bookie chewed tobacco and he spit white lime, dog neck choke, monkey neck broke, and they all went to heaven in a little white boat" I was always eager for what would follow: story after story, until the wee hours of the morning. This was the culture of the people of Bottle Creek, North Caicos, located in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I practiced telling stories when I was just a little boy. The vision to write this book was birth when I began to tell stories to my own children. I watched their eyes light up when I would say: "Once upon a time was a good ole time . . ."
Adventure's of Auntie Fannie, Mattie and the talking Potatoes is an original story with an island setting. As the name suggest it is a series of stories about an old lady, her pet cat and some mysterious potatoes. This first volume is just the beginning of many intriguing stories that will light up the eyes of children around the world. Each new addition will feature interesting characters, magical events, and tales that will make your ears tingle. Children of all ages would enjoy this book. It is unique, captivating, and has surprises that would make children smile. Put it in the hands of your children or read it to them, and you will smile as you watch their eyes light up.
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Authors of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Tim cannot wait to grow up and take on the world! He has big plans and is excited to explore the world around him! Emily is a girl who is worried about growing up, but if it's something she has to do she will. She is excited and curious to discover new adventures! Follow the wonderful adventures of Tim and Emily as they explore the wonders of growing up!
"Tim and Emily delightfully illustrate the advantages and challenges that come with growing up (of course, it's through a child's eyes, so eating lots of ice cream and candy without permission is one of the perks!). Some fun coloring pages and activities are included at the end." Customer review