Times of the Islands Spring 2017

Also, because of the limited numbers of TCI representatives,
even if they had arrived on time to attend House
meetings, they could not affect any real change for the
TCI as they were outnumbered. Jamaica in essence, was
seeking its own interest with little concern for the TCI.
Economically, Jamaica was benefitting from the TCI’s
salt industry by charging a tax on all exports of salt from
the TCI. The income from this tax went directly to support
Jamaica’s economy rather than being reinvested into
the TCI. This was a repeat of what was experienced in
the 1700s and early 1800s while TCI was being administered
by the Bahamas. This practice by Jamaica seriously
contributed to the further underdevelopment of the TCI.
It is important to note that all the commercial activity
was mainly between Jamaica and Grand Turk, making the
Caicos Islands dependent on Grand Turk for day-to-day
needs, further enhancing the superiority complex of the
residents of Grand Turk forementioned.
Based on those critical circumstances, it was decision
time for the British Crown Colony (the TCI). The decision
was whether the Islands should remain with Jamaica
or return as a full-fledged British Colony. Many heated
debates ensued, resulting in visits made by delegations
from the TCI to Jamaica and to England. Hon. Paul Higgs
was one of those persons who travelled to Jamaica and
finally to England to present the case on behalf of the
TCI withdrawing from Jamaica. Knowing how candid and
forceful he was, it is strongly believed that he influenced
several of his colleagues to take the same position as he
did. In fact, he was the spokesman for the Caicos group
and was reported as saying to the British Parliament,
“Anchor us off in the Atlantic Ocean. We refuse to suffer
one more day under Jamaica!”
When it came to the crucial vote in the TCI’s local
Legislative Council, made up of one member from Salt
Cay, one from South Caicos, two from Grand Turk, one
from Middle Caicos, three from North Caicos and one
from Blue Hills, the Yes’s won by one vote (five to four) in
favour of the TCI moving away from Jamaica and becoming
a full-fledged British Colony. This was symbolic of
Hon. Higgs’ strong stance against the harmful separation
between the Turks and the Caicos Islands. All the
representatives from the Turks Islands voted in favour of
remaining with Jamaica, while all the representatives in
the Caicos Islands, led by Higgs, voted for separation.
If it were not for his strong position and leadership,
supported by that of his colleagues Gus Lightbourne,
Emanuel Hall, James Walkin and Harry Musgrove, the TCI
might still be a colony of Jamaica to this day! One can
only assume that with the economic and political challenges
that Jamaica is currently facing, the TCI might
not be enjoying the high level of economic growth and
prosperity it now enjoys. These five brave men had finally
affected the change longed for by the Caicos Islands.
Following this vote, representatives in the Turks
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