By Khadidja Ba
In a nation with a population of just 6 million, where aspirations can often feel limited by modest resources, one individual’s journey stands out as a powerful source of inspiration. Harold Charles, a distinguished aviation expert and philanthropist, embodies the belief that faith, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of one’s goals can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable success.
The Sunday Stabroek secured a chance to speak with Charles after the 46th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas, and the Atlantic Region here. Despite the MP’s brief visit to Guyana, he expressed interest in returning soon to explore further opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Charles reflected on his journey, stating, “When you become a major business figure in an island nation, you gain influence over various matters. I’ve always advocated for fair treatment of all employees in the corporate world within Turks and Caicos because some companies have issues being an equal opportunity employer. My appointment to the House of Assembly wasn’t through an election but was made by the British Governor”.
Initially, there was some local resistance, with critics questioning the decision to appoint a foreign-born person. Prior to his appointment to the Turks and Caicos Parliament, Charles was the second-largest employer in Turks and Caicos Islands, directly and indirectly, with the government being the largest.
“It was disheartening to face prejudice based on my nationality rather than my contributions”, he said.
Early inspirations and aviation dreams
Growing up in the poverty-stricken environment of Haiti, Harold Charles was captivated by the world of aviation from a young age. His fascination with airplanes was not just a fleeting interest but a profound passion that took root during his part-time job at the age of 12, working within Immigration at the local airport in Haiti. Surrounded by a diverse array of people and aircraft, his dreams began to take shape amidst the roar of engines and the thrill of flight. “I was born in a very humble setting where persons of my social class back then were never becoming pilots in Haiti, at the time that was a dream for the rich children. I mean, this was just an impossible thing to achieve,” recalls Charles, who despite the odds, found a way to pursue his passion for aviation.
Working a part-time job with immigration, he had the chance to meet many visitors to Haiti, including those from the Turks and Caicos Islands. “I was collecting the passenger’s passport when they came. I had to take the passport to the police station for a security check and then to get a clearance for them to leave the country. So that’s how I got to meet a whole lot of people from Turks, and then I got invited by one of the people that I met from Turks and Caicos to come over for a trip.”
Despite coming from humble beginnings and facing skepticism from those around him, Harold’s family instilled in him the belief that dreams could be achieved regardless of one’s background. This belief became the bedrock of his journey, fueling his ambition to become a pilot even when clear pathways to this goal were scarce. For Harold, faith in God and the mantra that “anything is possible” became the driving forces in his quest to conquer the skies.
First impressions and Initial experience in Turks and Caicos
In 1974, the young man accepted the invitation and made his way to Turks and Caicos. His first impression of the islands was marked by the condition of the airplane that transported him.
“The airplane that flew into Turks and Caicos was quite oily, and then the pilot flying the plane happened to own the airplane. So what I did was, I just asked him questions, why is there so much oil all over the airplane, or why is it so dirty.” The pilot’s response, however, sparked an unexpected opportunity. “He explained to me why, because of the running and you call it radial engine. He said, those engines always spit out oils and stuff. And then he asked me if I had a problem with it, I said said no, and then he said “Listen, if you want to clean it, I would pay you to do the cleaning for me.”
Establishing a presence
Though he arrived alone, the young man found a sense of familiarity and belonging in Turks and Caicos. “Back then, they would commute back and forth to Haiti all the time. So I knew a lot of people. When I came to Turks, it was like, not as if I was going, as a young man, I was only 19, as if I didn’t know anybody at all, as if they were all strangers. No, I knew a whole lot of people from the Turks.”
The young man’s entrepreneurial spirit and aviation expertise soon led him to new opportunities. He recounts, “I got the first job, to clean the plane. The pilot was in Turks over the weekend, but he goes back to the USA on Monday morning and comes back to Turks and Caicos every Friday. So in addition to cleaning the plane on the weekends, the gentleman that invited me over to Turks had the largest construction company in the Turks and Caicos back then, so he gave me the option to work with him in the construction business through the week from Monday to Friday.” This balance of work in the construction industry and cleaning the plane on the weekend, allowed him to thrive in his new home.
Building a career in aviation
As Harold obtained his pilot’s licence and began to build his career, the support and mentorship from key figures remained a cornerstone of his success. His rapid growth in the aviation industry culminated in the purchase of an airline he once worked for, Provo Flying Service, which he renamed Charles Air. In 1992, Harold then sold Charles Air and founded SkyKing, a company that would become a leader in the Northern Caribbean.
Under Harold’s leadership, SkyKing Group of Companies became a prominent carrier in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and his ventures expanded into real estate, tourism development, and more. Harold’s strategic maneuvers not only provided financial stability but also allowed him to focus entirely on his passion for flying and business.
Beyond personal success, Harold Charles’s journey has been characterized by a commitment to advocacy and leadership. His role as CEO of SkyKing/Senior VP of the Real Estate Development in Ambergris and his involvement in various industries allowed him to champion the interests of both his business and the community.
His influence extended beyond the aviation industry into real estate, banking, and government affairs. Harold’s dedication earned him numerous honours, including the Harold Charles International Airport named in his honour and multiple awards recognizing his contributions to business and philanthropy.
Looking to the future, Charles has contemplated further political involvement and remains resolute in his commitment to effecting positive change. His belief in God continues to guide and inspire him, reinforcing his conviction that faith and hard work can bring about transformative results.
Charles’ journey from humble beginnings to a position of influence serves as a testament to the power of unwavering faith and relentless ambition. His message of hope and encouragement is clear: dream big, embrace perseverance, and never surrender to the obstacles that may arise. Harold’s life story inspires many to follow their dreams, overcome barriers, and strive for extraordinary success.
