“Government Tyranny: Demolishing Hope in TCI”

August 14, 2024 

Citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands,

I am appalled and heartbroken by the recent events that have once again brought to light the Premier and his government’s unjust and inhumane actions towards our Turks and Caicos Islands people. The targeted demolition of homes belonging to members of our community, particularly those who are already facing difficulties, is a reprehensible act that cannot be tolerated.

The recent incident involving the demolition of a home owned by a member of our community, who had to risk her safety to prevent the total destruction of her dwelling, while holding our TCI flag in her hand amidst tears and the deafening sounds of heavy machinery, has deeply shaken us all. The heartbreaking video released by this fearless individual has brought to light the pain and despair caused by these heartless actions.

These demolition actions show the true nature of the Premier and his PNP government. They are unashamedly bypassing many illegal structures on crown land and heading in a straight line to the structures belonging to our fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, particularly targeting those who are already struggling to make ends meet; a blatant display of this PNP Government’s disregard for the welfare of our people and their violation of our people’s basic human rights.

It should now be crystal clear to all that the Premier and his government are shamelessly weaponizing the informal settlement unit against our people, using fear and intimidation to oppress the most vulnerable in our society. This tyranny must end. As the leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), I unequivocally condemn these actions and vow to fight for justice and dignity for all Turks and Caicos Islanders.

We will put an end to these unjust practices and implement policies and laws that offer help, protection, and support to those Turks & Caicos Islanders who are impacted by such demolitions. We must create a system that safeguards the rights of every individual in our community and ensures that no one is left behind or mistreated.

To this end, my PDM team is committed to ensuring that every individual facing such hardship is assisted in regularizing their situation or finding suitable and improved living arrangements. We are committed to getting our people into homes by employing every resource available to us.

As a people and as a community, we must come together to provide assistance and resources to those in need, to create a safety net that protects the most vulnerable among us, and to uphold the principles of justice, compassion, and equality for all.

My PDM team and I will work tirelessly to make things right and “turn it around” for those impacted by these demolitions and to prevent similar injustices from happening in the future. Together, we will build a future where every Turks and Caicos Islander is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

We will not let the Premier and his government’s tyranny destroy our hope and our future. We are fighting for a better tomorrow, and we will win.

In solidarity and determination,

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM)