See the drawing of J.A.G.S. McCartney from The Art and Design Classes from the International School Of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As we celebrate our National Hero. James Alexander George Smith McCartney, known as J.A.G.S. McCartney or "Jags," was a trailblazing politician from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Born on June 30, 1945, in Grand Turk, McCartney became the first Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands, serving from August 31, 1976, until his untimely death on May 9, 1980.

Tragically, McCartney died in a plane crash near Vineland, New Jersey, while traveling from Washington, D.C., to Atlantic City. Despite his short tenure, his impact on the Turks and Caicos Islands was profound and lasting.

McCartney was born to Harvey O. B. Fernandez McCartney, an accomplished Jamaican barrister, and Sally McCartney, a Sunday school pianist from the Turks and Caicos. He was named after the distinguished Jamaican legislator James Alexander George Smith.

As the founder and first leader of the People's Democratic Movement (PDM), McCartney aimed to address the social and economic challenges facing the islands. His dynamic and visionary leadership focused on self-determination, youth involvement in politics, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens. At just 31 years old, McCartney was one of the youngest democratically elected leaders in history. After his passing, his deputy, Oswald Skippings, became Chief Minister at the age of 26.

To honor his memory, National Heroes Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, was renamed JAGs McCartney Day in 2020. Additionally, the Grand Turk International Airport bears his name, serving as a lasting tribute to his legacy.