Who will Dare To Step Forward to Restore Political Balance in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

Ed Forbes

Turks and Caicos, August 8, 2025 – As a columnist, I usually steer away from politics, but I think credit should be given where it’s due. With that being said, respect must be given to any leader who recognizes when it is time to pass the baton. I consider this an act not of retreat, but of wisdom and foresight. The recent announcement of Hon. Edwin Astwood willingness to loosen his grip on the political frontline if need be, is such a moment.

For years, he stood as a formidable voice in opposition, consistently winning his constituency, striving to maintain a necessary balance of power in the Turks and Caicos Islands. But standing nearly alone, one of just two successful opposition candidates, his efforts, though valiant, were always going to be limited by numbers.

Today, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), once the pulse of the nation’s democratic process, finds itself at a critical juncture. Who will now have the courage and capacity to step up and lead, to revitalize its mission, and to restore a credible alternative voice in Parliament?

Like a game of chess, the path forward requires thoughtful reflection. It begins with an honest examination of why the opposition has struggled. Was it a matter of disconnected messaging, inadequate grassroots engagement, or a failure to offer fresh, compelling solutions? Perhaps the strategy relied too heavily on legacy narratives rather than adapting to the current political climate.

Many of the concerns citizens voice in private—whether at family gatherings, domino tables, or barbershops—are not always echoed in public forums such as town hall meetings, political committees or the polls. This silence raises questions: Are we too polite to demand better? Or have we grown too accustomed to the status quo to insist on real change?

Regardless of the cause, it is clear that the opposition must look inward. Rebuilding the party’s credibility and purpose is essential. Whether that means reforming the existing structure or creating a new political movement altogether remains to be seen. What cannot continue is a one-sided political system where dissenting voices are minimal and balance is absent.

The country needs a movement grounded in practical, market-oriented reforms. People are hungry for transformative economic change, change that benefits the wider population, not just the privileged few. Voters want leaders with integrity, bold vision, and the courage to make decisions in the national interest—not merely for corporate or political gain.

The last election results, despite a few hiccups, suggest that the opposition failed to present itself as the party of bold ideas and real solutions.

Any party seeking relevance must speak directly to the growing concerns of inequality—both economic and geographic—that influence how people vote. It must also demonstrate the capacity to effectively manage the growing crime and migration, while embracing integration strategies that reflect our collective identity and demographic realities.

We need leaders who can bring people of all ethnicity together, inspiring unity and shared vision, to work collectively toward a common goal.

It is my belief, the responsibility for change does not lie solely with those in office.
Ultimately, it is up to all of us, as citizens, to demand better, to stay engaged, and to lead by example.

If we wait for leadership to find its moral compass on its own, we may be waiting indefinitely. With the geopolitical challenges around the word, leadership is not for the faint of hearts. At the end of the day, they must follow where the people lead.