Page 73 - Hall-Musgrove Family Reunion 2025

CARELEN JOSEPH MUSGROVE CARELEN JOSEPH MUSGROVE
Carelen Joseph Musgrove was born on Carelen Joseph Musgrove was born on January 27, 1937, on green island of North January 27, 1937, on green island of North Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He is Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He is
appreciation for the fishing industry, appreciation for the fishing industry, Carelen transformed what was once Carelen transformed what was once
the national bazaar and other major the national bazaar and other major infrastructure projects. infrastructure projects.
celebrated and cherished by many around celebrated and cherished by many around him as a devoted father and grandfather, him as a devoted father and grandfather, loving brother, supportive uncle, caring loving brother, supportive uncle, caring
a favorite pastime into a prosperous a favorite pastime into a prosperous livelihood. His skill eventually earned him livelihood. His skill eventually earned him the distinction of being recognized as the distinction of being recognized as the best spear fisherman in North Caicos the best spear fisherman in North Caicos during his youth. His prowess in this during his youth. His prowess in this demanding craft was passed on to that of demanding craft was passed on to that of his brother, Eustace. his brother, Eustace.
His first independent major project was His first independent major project was constructing the Coral Road Church. constructing the Coral Road Church. Despite the immense challenge presented Despite the immense challenge presented by the architectural plans, Carelen saw by the architectural plans, Carelen saw this endeavor as more this endeavor as more than a job; it was a divine calling. He believed the project was ordained by the Lord Almighty, and with unwavering faith, it was completed flawlessly from start to finish.
At the young age of 23, Carelen, alongside At the young age of 23, Carelen, alongside his brother Eustace, ambitiously decided his brother Eustace, ambitiously decided to honour their father’s legacy. They to honour their father’s legacy. They built a seven-ton boat. Completing this built a seven-ton boat. Completing this impressive feat in just seven weeks. impressive feat in just seven weeks.
Fishing took Carelen across the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands. His travels
extended to Providenciales and even as
cousin, and steadfast friend. His story cousin, and steadfast friend. His story intertwines deeply with the landscape and intertwines deeply with the landscape and community of North Caicos, where he spent community of North Caicos, where he spent his formative years, growing up under the his formative years, growing up under the guidance and influence of his father, the guidance and influence of his father, the late James Theophilus Musgrove. late James Theophilus Musgrove.
far as Mayaquana Island, harvesting fish and conch for export to Haiti. Among his many fishing adventures, one lasting memory stands out—an encounter with Bahamian authorities while fishing in Bahamian waters. Although he was approached by the police for poaching, he was neither detained nor arrested, eventually released by the authorities. This experience left a deep impression on him, instilling an awareness of the importance of protecting and respecting a nation’s natural resources—an issue still relevant
This experience deepened his spiritual connection and led him on a path to continue doing the Lord’s work. He felt blessed in many ways, particularly with his cherished children.
today.
James Theophilus Musgrove, himself a remarkable man, was born on March 27, 1875. He was a visionary businessman during a time when entrepreneurship was both challenging and rare. A man of skill and ambition, James was known for his boat-building prowess and astute business acumen. Operating one of the largest farms in the Turks and Caicos Islands, his enterprise employed approximately 40 people—a notable feat. His influence extended beyond North Caicos, drawing workers from distant sister Islands like
Today, fishing remains a cherished pastime for Carelen, alongside his very good friend, Mr. George Dean.
Carelen’s spiritual life was deeply inspired by his father, Mr. James, who was a respected church leader. Following in his footsteps, Carelen now leads church activities, hosts a radio show called Higher Heights Ministries on the national radio station, Radio Turks and Caicos, and organizes community street meetings, dedicating his days to serving his lord and church.
Carelen sought more from life and decided to set sail to the Bahamas, eventually settling in Freeport. After selling his boat, he transitioned into a full-time career in
Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos spreading a sense of prosperity and opportunity throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Carelen, drawing inspiration from his father, aspired to follow in those formidable footsteps. Reflecting on his upbringing, he recalls abundant days filled with the fruits of labor and the satisfaction
of hard work—a testament to his father’s
dedication as both a leader and provider. From a young age, Carelen was taught the vital life skills of fishing and farming, which were the lifelines of their community and the heart of their family’s legacy.
Developing a profound and lifelong Developing a profound and lifelong
construction, becoming both a worker and later a contractor. During his early days in Grand Bahama, the economy was driven by the lumber mill industry. Carelen gained valuable experience working there before moving on to Pine Yard Shipping Company and later a tire shop. Repairing tires was grueling work, but thanks to his father’s influence, he was never shy of hard labour. Eventually, Carelen dedicated himself to construction full-time, spending time, spending a year in Nassau before returning to a year in Nassau before returning to Grand Bahama Island. He played a Grand Bahama Island. He played a significant role in Freeport’s development significant role in Freeport’s development by building residential houses and was by building residential houses and was grateful to his former employer for grateful to his former employer for providing opportunities like constructing providing opportunities like constructing
Carelen’s journey from a sailor to a devoted builder and spiritual leader reflects a profound commitment to both personal and community growth. Each chapter of his life, from the construction of key buildings to the nurturing of his faith and family, demonstrates a steadfast dedication to hard work, integrity, and service. His efforts have not only shaped the physical landscape of Freeport Grand Bahamas, but also enriched the spiritual lives of those around him.
His story is a testament to the transformative power of purpose and perseverance, with a legacy of love, leadership, and lasting godly contributions.
WRITTEN BY DAUGHTER: Julianna Musgrove
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