As the curtains close on a tough year, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) is reflecting on a challenging chapter in its history, following a second consecutive landslide defeat at the polls, losing 14-1 in the most recent general election.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Weekly News chatted with Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood, this week, to discuss how the party is regrouping and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Asked how the PDM is working to rebuild morale and unity within its ranks, Astwood emphasised the importance of understanding the electorate’s expectations: “First of all, we must accept that the government elected represents the collective psyche of the people in the country, and we must get more in tune with the current expectations of the people. We who are in the Party’s executive must truly understand the phrase ‘united we stand, divided we fall’.”
On whether the party is considering changes to its leadership structure, policy direction, or outreach efforts, Astwood highlighted the party’s democratic processes: “At every Party’s convention all leadership positions are up for re-election, and certainly the leader of the party will be up. Those newly elected will bring their own ideas and values and policies that they believe resonate with the people. There could be a new Party Political Leader elected, while I remain Leader of the Opposition.”
He added, “The Party’s National Convention is scheduled for June of each year, and the National Convention for this year, 2025, has been postponed to the last week of January 2026.”
Astwood explained that the party is committed to creating space for younger voices and new leadership: “We are actively engaged in building the Party with young leadership, with the support and mentorship of experienced leaders.”
Looking ahead, the PDM’s leader said it is essential for the party to align with public sentiment: “The Party’s vision, policies, and priorities must become directly in line with what the people of the country want and need.”
On the subject of party renewal and reform, Astwood was clear: “New leadership with new ways of thinking and working will be introduced.”
The coming months and the rescheduled National Convention are likely to see these changes take shape.
Balancing scrutiny of the government with constructive engagement on urgent national issues is a priority for the PDM Leader. “The requirements, role, and responsibilities of the Leader of the Opposition come very easy for me, and I am very grateful for the opportunity, even though I would prefer to be the government, being able to directly influence prosperity at all levels. However, it is the ‘politics of politics’ that I am not fond of – all the internal fighting for power and position at any cost, and the tearing down of others. That is not who I am – and do not like being.”
With the cost of living and economic insecurity weighing heavily on many citizens, Astwood pointed to concrete alternatives in the PDM’s manifesto: “In our Party’s manifesto, we had clearly outlined many of these; however, the majority of the voters believed that we could not deliver on them.”
He added: “From sitting on the Appropriations Committee, I was aware of all government proposed expenditure and projects – I knew that certain projects would not move forward and others would have to be recouped and brought back, so I knew that if elected I would have been able to give the people at least three to four stimulus payments of $500 this year.
“Instead, we saw the current PNP government taking $9 million in their first supplementary to buy a building for the Premier’s Office, and a second supplementary coming up. That was some of the same money that I was looking at to give the people in a stimulus.”
Winning back voters’ trust
Asked what must change for the electorate to consider trusting the PDM again, Astwood was reflective: “We must be able to appeal directly to the people’s needs and desires, and to achieve the confidence of the people that we could achieve the best possible outcome for them and the future of the country.”
As 2026 begins, all eyes will be on the PDM’s National Convention and the internal changes that may shape the party’s future direction. Whether these efforts will be enough to rebuild public trust remains to be seen, but the party leader insists they are committed to taking the steps necessary to renew itself and reconnect with the people.
