PDM’s Leader, Astwood ready to campaign on Independence 

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has confirmed to our newsroom that he is ready and willing to campaign on independence for the Turks and Caicos Islands in the next General Election and he has confirmed that he will support the people of the islands deciding on this move toward strong ‘self-determination’ in a Referendum.

Magnetic Media spoke to Astwood recently following his decisive call to residents at the swearing in of the 16th Governor on June 29th.

“The time has come for us to express our full confidence or our people to lead our country as an independent nation– a nation that lives by the idea and the words of others, who does what others tell them to do who share a textbook ideology, will not be free– preparing our people for independence is our turning point, ” he had said.

Our news team reached out to the ED2 Member of Parliament to find out whether he thought the issue was urgent enough to make a case for in the upcoming voting season.

“Independence and preparing our people Economically and socially for should be continual, not just an election issue,” he said, but indicated he was willing to stand on his word in the election just the same.

“I will be doing so….and will continue to do so before, during, and after campaigning season. We have to get our people and the country ready, and put a referendum to them to decide ilh.”

Astwood is currently working along with Washington Misick, TCI Premier to modernise the country’s current Constitution. It is necessary, from the UK’s perspective, that this is a bi-partisan effort.

The United Kingdom has also confirmed they are willing to abide by the wishes of overseas territories seeking independence should a referendum be held and residents decide to leave the monarchy.