Times of the Islands Spring 2019

astrolabe newsletter of the Turks & Caicos National Museum
William Henry Mills was born on December 20, 1916
to William and Julia Mills of South Caicos. During his childhood
days “Lew”, as he was affectionately called, attended
the only public school on the island, South Caicos All Age
School (now named Iris Stubbs Primary School in honour
of the veteran educator). He was tutored by the late Mr.
C.D. Powell—one of the most outstanding headmasters
of the day, who was also his godfather. Following the
completion of his primary education, he gained employment
(as was the custom of the day) as a messenger in
Commissioner E. G. Ewing’s Office. Mr. Ewing saw that
Lew had potential and took special interest in grooming
him for the world of business. Lew was a brilliant young
man who was also sincere, honest and dedicated to his
work. He was well-read and could converse at any level
on any subject, particularly regional and international
politics. He was also a no-nonsense person who would
tell you a piece of his mind in a heartbeat without any
regrets.
After Lew left the Commissioner’s Office, he found
employment with the E. J. Kurstiner Establishment—the
a prudent businessman and it was nearly impossible for
anyone to steal from him or credit his goods without paying.
Lew Mills married the beautiful Vivien Boss and this
union produced ten children. He was a devoted husband
and father. He also had a close relationship with his older
brother Oliver in whom he confided and depended on for
advice. They would spend hours talking into the night.
Lew was also a skillful organist. He usually played in the
Methodist Church where he worshiped every Sunday,
rarely missing a service. He was also a local preacher
in the same church and served in these positions with
pride and passion. He was known for reprimanding members
who were delinquent in their financial support and
attendance at church. The Methodist members usually
described him as an “ardent Methodist.”
W. H. Mills was very enthusiastic and passionate
about his country and decided to get involved in politics
in 1960. He contested the seat for South Caicos and
won. He won again in 1962. This was a critical year for
the TCI as a major decision had to be made regarding
Turks & Caicos Islands Salt Company (TISCO). Salt was
the major export from South Caicos at the time. After
some time, he started work with Caicos Fisheries, one of
the first fishing plants on the island which focused on the
export of lobsters to the United States.
These work opportunities provided him with the
appropriate knowledge and skills to develop his own
business, and he left the Caicos Fisheries to do just
that. He first set up the Windsor Shop (a grocery store)
and later on, the Hillcrest Lumber & Building Supplies
because he saw the need to provide hardware supplies.
Many Islanders were able to better construct their homes
because materials were now readily accessible. Lew was
Above: The Caicos Fisheries plant in South Caicos was one of the first
to export lobsters to the United States. It provided many jobs for the
people of South Caicos, including “Lew” Mills.
MOIRA BISHOP BARBARA CURRIE-DAILEY
Times of the Islands Spring 2019 55