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Times of the Islands Fall 2023

Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.

Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.

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astrolabe newsletter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos National Museum<br />

are believed to have been blessed with his electrical engineering<br />

skills, as this was <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional career that<br />

<strong>the</strong>y chose.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> early 1950s, <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong><br />

Government was in <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> constructing <strong>the</strong> Grand<br />

Turk Hospital. In preparation for some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> electrical<br />

works that were needed, Bobby was sent to Jamaica once<br />

again to pursue studies in electrical installation and<br />

repairs. On his return home, he and Mr. Noel Roberts,<br />

along with <strong>the</strong> Ariza bro<strong>the</strong>rs, played an instrumental<br />

role in providing electricity to that hospital. He was also<br />

responsible for servicing <strong>the</strong> Lister Blackstone Generators<br />

that provided power to <strong>the</strong> hospital.<br />

Bobby was also employed with <strong>the</strong> TCI Government<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Public Works Department as acting superintendent<br />

<strong>of</strong> maintenance, becoming superintendent in 1974.<br />

Before <strong>the</strong> island <strong>of</strong> Grand Turk had generators, <strong>the</strong> three<br />

main government establishments—<strong>the</strong> administrator’s<br />

residence (now governor’s residence), <strong>the</strong> hospital, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> dental clinic—were all powered by solar energy with<br />

<strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> wind chargers, with <strong>the</strong> energy stored in cell<br />

batteries. It was Bobby’s job to check <strong>the</strong> levels <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

batteries daily to ensure <strong>the</strong>re was a steady flow <strong>of</strong> power<br />

to <strong>the</strong>se establishments. He retired in 1983 but continued<br />

in this maintenance role in <strong>the</strong> Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> until 1986.<br />

Church life<br />

Bobby was an ardent Anglican. He was an active member<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> auxiliaries <strong>of</strong> his church, especially <strong>the</strong> Anglican<br />

Church Men’s group, <strong>of</strong> which he was a founding member<br />

under <strong>the</strong> rectorship <strong>of</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r Savanas Regisford. Bobby<br />

was proud to sport his maroon jacket, which was <strong>the</strong> uniform<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> men’s group during special occasions. He<br />

received <strong>the</strong> group’s highest award on February 22, 2019<br />

for his devoted service and dedication.<br />

Social life<br />

Bobby was also an active member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Odd Fellows<br />

Eunice Lodge #3798 where he was initiated in 1946. He<br />

rose to <strong>the</strong> rank <strong>of</strong> Major General in <strong>the</strong> Second Brigade<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American Jurisdiction. Like his maroon jacket,<br />

he wore his regalia with honour, dignity, and pride. He<br />

received <strong>the</strong> highest ranking within <strong>the</strong> Lodge and was a<br />

part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Patriarchy. He <strong>of</strong>ten travelled to <strong>the</strong> Bi-annual<br />

Movable Conference (BMC) and installation ceremonies<br />

in Philadelphia. It was here that he received one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Bobby Fulford was an active member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Odd Fellows Eunice Lodge<br />

beginning in 1946. He eventually received his degree and title <strong>of</strong><br />

Honorary Past Grand Master.<br />

highest honors, his degree and title <strong>of</strong> Honorary Past<br />

Grand Master from deceased Grand Master Oswald Pinder<br />

during his tenure.<br />

On October 26, 1983, ano<strong>the</strong>r proud moment<br />

occurred when Bobby was invited by <strong>the</strong> Queen <strong>of</strong> England<br />

64 www.timespub.tc

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