Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, November 22, 2024 – The People’s Democratic Movement this week announced a new candidate as the country near’s a General Election; Finbar Grant is the party’s pick for the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill constituency, which is electoral district seven (ED7).
“So Ladies and Gentlemen, without further adieu, I would like to announce to the Turks and Caicos our candidate … none other than Dr. Finbar Grant,” exclaimed Ezra Taylor, National Chairman, PDM.
Grant was ratified by the party’s Candidates Committee which recommended him to the National General Council which has approved his offer for the constituency which has some 1,430 registered voters on the current elector’s list.
“Beyond his legal expertise, Dr. Grant is a dedicated social and political activist and gives back to the community. He has been actively involved in community outreach, advocating for the rights and wellbeing of our citizens. I particularly want to highlight the time and care that Mr. Grant has taken to educate Turks and Caicos Islanders about their rights and pieces of legislation that has come through the House of Assembly,” said Robert Been, PDM Deputy Leader and All Island candidate.
Grant was described as a valuable addition to the PDM team.
“This is Turks and Caicos Islands and it is built and we were granted with resources for Turks and Caicos Islanders. No way we should be struggling, this is a rich country we just need to put measures in place so that we are the major benefactors of what we have been given to
survive by,” were early words as Finbar Grant addressed a press conference held on Wednesday November 20.
Grant itemised areas of concern.
“Our beautiful islands face challenges that cannot be solved by empty political rhetoric. We need real solutions, real practical, well-meaning solutions and you need a government and a party that will engage to bring those solutions,” said Grant, who added, “Our current reality is that we face economic uncertainties, limited opportunities for our youth, infrastructure that struggles to meet our growing needs, complex immigration challenges, rising cost of living, concern about public safety.”
Grant said he stood to offer hope and vocal representation.
“I’m going to give you a pledge that if you put me in parliament, the first thing that we will deal with is traffic congestion on Leeward Highway.
Something as simple as putting in a traffic light may increase the flow or a bypass road to run parallel with the Leeward Highway, that runs through Cheshire Hall that goes all the way through Venetian, all the way to Juba Sound.”
The new candidate, who picks up the district following the withdrawal of Rose Higgs from the race, earlier this year for personal reasons, said he is not in it for political gain, instead he said he has been burdened with the desires of his people.
“When you have been burdened with something, you feel that. This journey is not about me, it is about a community that refuses to be defined by its challenges. About a people who understands that our strength lies in our unity. About an island nation ready to write its next great chapter.”
Finbar Grant, as the newest PDM Candidate said his party is the one best positioned to write the country’s next great chapter.
“Let me be your voice. I stand here as an alternative. I will not disappear. You will hear my voice on every issue that affects you,” vowed Grant in a direct message to the district, which he also calls home.
No date has been announced for the next Turks and Caicos Islands General Election; but it is expected to take place early in 2025.