Astwood, Been & Taylor to lead the PDM

#TurksandCaicos, November 3, 2021 – A weekend convention in Grand Turk and the People’s Democratic Movement emerges with a nearly all-male cast of new party executives.

Remaining at the helm of the party is Hon Edwin Astwood, the Opposition Leader of business in the House of Assembly.  As the only PDM holding a district seat in parliament, it had been decided in June that Astwood, Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South, would take on leadership of the PDM.  This decision went unchallenged.

“We are ready to work together, and we are rolling up our sleeves and starting the work right now, working for all the people of the Turks & Caicos and the People’s Democratic Movement Party,” stated  Hon. Astwood.

New, general election candidate Robert Been Jr is the PDM’s Deputy Party leader; having won the run off by popular vote.

“…as Deputy Leader (the PDM) will not be taken lightly as he is committed to working together as a party, serving with integrity while being a voice on all issues affecting the lives of our Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Ezra Taylor, who has also offered in a general election is the new National Chairman of the PDM; while Curtis Simmons is 1^st Vice Chari and Brook Capron is 2^nd vice chair.

“As the PDM continues to chart its course to becoming the Government of the day, the party will fervently stand on its core principles of Prosperity, Equality and Justice for All. The PDM would like to convey its sincere thanks and gratitude to the former executive members who contributed significantly to the party leadership core. To our supporters, future supporters and well-wishers of the PDM, this newly elected executive team will endeavour to fortify your trust in this party and engender the spirit of unity within our party, and through-out our Turks and Caicos Islands, if God be for us, who can be against us,” said Taylor in his new role.

When the National General Council of the PDM appoints the Secretary General, that individual will be supported by Sharvel Forbes, the lone lady in the new executive.

Party chaplain is Charlie Garland, Party whip is Trevor Misick and trustees are Hon Derek Taylor, Llewlyn Handfield and Princie Harris.

The convening of the PDM involved constitutional reforms as well, explained a media statement.

“The following were addressed at the National Convention as prescribed by the party’s constitution: a) the work of the party c) approved amendments by resolution to the Constitution of the Party d) receive and adopt party reports with in-depth discussion e) election of Officers of the Party from amongst Delegates”

PDM’s conventions are traditionally held in June.  The People’s Democratic Movement held this extraordinary convening and 46^th National Convention under the theme:  ‘Embracing the Past, Connecting the Future.’