News
“He will forever be missed…” Lewis Astwood laid to rest in Official Funeral attended by country leaders past & present
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 16, 2022 – Former politician and founding member of the People’s Democratic Movement Lewis Astwood III was laid to rest at Paradise Baptist Church in Five Cays on Wednesday, June 8th.
The pioneering leader was sent home with an official ceremony from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, attended by several sitting Members of Parliament.
Astwood was celebrated by his successors on both sides of the political arena.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Nigel Dakin; Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Premier Washington Misick; Leader of the Opposition Edwin Astwood; former Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson; former Chief
Ministers Derek Taylor and Oswald Skippings, other Members of Parliament, members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force who served as pallbearers, and members of the TCI Regiment and Cadet Corps.
Premier Washington Misick read the 23rd Psalm, with the hope that it would ‘bring some comfort’ to Astwood’s family. Leader of the Opposition Edwin Astwood expressed his deep love for his uncle describing his death as a “great loss.”
“He will forever be missed. I do not know how many others know him in his other stations, but he was one of the best uncles that I could have had. He was one of the best in the world.”
Derek Taylor gave the congregation a reflection of Astwood’s life recalling fondly how he was called “red cow” because of his love for the condensed milk of the same name. He explained Astwood’s love for his donkey ‘Buster’.
“Buster would go in the house and watch TV…It got so bad that when he got attacked by another donkey he would run to people for shelter!” he explained to rounds of laughter
Jokes aside Lewis was a true patriot Taylor said, committed to his country in every way.
“He was a hands-on minister, he set the bar. He did not stay in the office. Lewis was well informed and not only in the public sector but in the private sector as well…he would long to be remembered for his contributions to these islands,” Taylor explained.
Born in 1943, Astwood became the first Minister of Works and Utilities and despite his lack of a formal high school and university education, he did brilliantly at the job.
Drexwell Seymour explained, “Each time someone talked to Lewie he made a lasting impression on them with his knowledge, he was always thinking outside the box.”
Astwood’s life was not easy after the death of his father and his mother’s migration to The Bahamas, he did whatever it took to keep himself and his family afloat.
“Some days his cousins would bring food in their pockets so he could have dinner and in return, he would help them with their homework as he was an ace in mathematics and geography. He did not let anything deter him from the life he wanted.” Seymour said during the obituary.
Despite having a lucrative job in the Bahamas when he grew older, he returned home to serve and was a successful businessman and politician. Both Astwood’s son and daughter entered the political sphere, following in their father’s footsteps. His son Sean Astwood held the position of Deputy Premier.
Lewie Astwood was instrumental in improving life for the Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Described as a ‘diehard PDM’ he put his country first and is credited with alleviating initial water problems in Grand Turk and upgrading roads and electricity as well as championing the cause of dialysis patients. He is also credited with upgrading the working conditions of Cable and Wireless staff and being instrumental in export trade deals with the European Union among a great many other things.
Astwood also represented the Turks and Caicos on the international stage in Fiji, the United States, and the UK.
“He was a man of change and solutions and a man that gave with his heart on his sleeve,” Seymour said. 
His commitment to family and the Turks and Caicos as well as his overwhelming compassion was lauded by all who remembered him. Retired clerk of the Legislative Council Ruth Blackman, spoke tearfully about the hours that he labored by her side out of the goodness of his heart as she went through labor in the hospital.
Describing him as a visionary, she insisted that we must ensure that our children knew of his own and his colleague’s contributions.
“We have to ensure that our children know the struggles and the difficulties that persons like the honorable Oswald Skippings, the honorable Norman Saunders, and the honorable J.A.G.S. McCartney went through because we are where we are today because of them, it’s on their shoulders that we stand today.”
She challenged the sitting members to do something to mark his legacy insisting that “we must keep it alive”
Astwood passed away on May 13th, 2022 at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. He was interred in the Bight Public Cemetery in Providenciales.
He was rewarded for his time in public service by the House of Assembly with an official funeral with full honours.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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