Carlton Williams honoured with promenade in remembrance of Sisal era

The Carlton Williams Promenade – which was opened last week by government officials – features artifacts from the Sisal era that demonstrate the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The promenade is named after Carlton Williams, who as a child, assisted his father in establishing the sisal industry. Williams, the only son of Claudius Williams, was essential to the family enterprise, Minister of Tourism,

Hon Josephine Connolly said in remarks upon the commissioning. She said this was to the extent that “young Carlton regrettably lost his fingers to the heavy equipment used to facilitate the laborious work”.

The mid-19th century Turks and Caicos Islands' sisal industry was significant. Sisal was cultivated for its valuable fiber, which was utilised to create cords, twine, carpets, and other handicrafts.

“The East Caicos Company and the West Caicos Fiber Company founded the industry. Kew, North Caicos, and Bellevue Plantation each produced 150 acres of sisal in 1907.

“Despite its decline, the Turks and Caicos Islands' sisal industry has sustained livelihoods and contributed to the economy,” the minister said.

Hon. Connolly said the industry produced a bountiful crop,

propelling economic growth.

During the commissioning of the building, Williams’ son, Claudius Williams was there in his stead to accept the honour bestowed on his father, assuring those gathered that the promenade would be one of his father's first stops upon his return to TCI in July.

Director for the DECR Lormeka Williams hosted the evening, and welcome remarks were made by the District Commissioner of

North Caicos, Jas Walkin.

Remarks were also made by the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Parliamentary representative for North and Middle Caicos, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, as well as Governor (Acting) HE Anya Williams. The festivities ended with the prayer and blessing of the promenade by pastor Winston Gardiner and a ribbon cutting by Hon Connolly.