“Protect Our People: PDM Fights Back Against Premier’s Watersports Blockade!”

Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024

The People’s Democratic Movement categorically denounces the recent decision by the Turks and Caicos Government’s Inland Revenue Department, led by the Hon. Premier who is the Minister of Finance, to impose a moratorium on new business licenses for water sports equipment sales and rentals. This is not merely an administrative action; it is a reckless and damaging move that disenfranchises our people—especially our young entrepreneurs—who are eager to benefit from the economy and secure their futures.

What is going on here? Why is the Premier and his PNP government actively blocking our people from participating in a thriving industry that can create businesses, provide jobs, and stimulate our local economy? What Color is Benefiting? This moratorium raises serious concerns about the motivations behind it. Is the Premier prioritizing the interests of his investor circle over the aspirations of our people? What secret deals are being made, and how much does the Premier and his Ministers stand to gain from restricting our people’s access to this vital sector?

As it has been for the past 3.8 years, over and over again, people are seeing; “The PNP gives hardly anything with one hand, and takes much more with the other hand.”

The PDM demands immediate action: the government must remove this freeze and allow our people to engage in water sports equipment sales and rentals without obstruction. Our people should not be sidelined in favor of what appears to be the Premier’s personal or outside interests. The Premier’s leadership is again failing to support Watersports businesses and instead is creating barriers, and roadblocks in the form of regulations, that prevent our people from thriving.

The PDM affirms that our People are Our Priority, and to that end, we are committed to fighting for our people’s rights and opportunities. Water sports are not just a business—they are a vital part of our heritage and economy. The government must understand that empowering our entrepreneurs is essential for the growth and prosperity of our nation.

We call on the Premier and his government to take responsibility, listen to the voices of our people, and reverse this misguided decision. The People’s Democratic Movement will not stand idly by while our people are denied the opportunity to succeed. Our people deserve the chance to build businesses, create wealth, and contribute to the future of our country. It is time that we all see that the Premier and his government cares nothing about prioritizing the interests of the people they were elected to serve, always prioritizing their needs first!

Your Future, Our Priority!!!

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

Peoples Democratic Movement