He was named after a prominent Jamaican barrister and distinguished legislator, James Alexander George Smith (1877–1942).
McCartney was the first leader and founder of the People's Democratic Movement (PDM), a grassroots organization established to address the many social and economic ills that had been pervasive throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A charismatic, dynamic and visionary figure, McCartney was determined to usher in a new constitution that would foster and safeguard the rights of all Turks and Caicos Islanders, create new opportunities for citizens and advance the country.
Assuming office at age 31, McCartney remains one of the world's youngest democratically elected leaders in history.
National Heroes Day, a holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May, commemorates the life of McCartney.