Caribbean News
PDM setting up Shadow Cabinet; says they need “Fighters” not ‘show-offs’
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, February 11, 2023 – The People’s Democratic Movement has given the Progressive National Party a failing grade on their governance of the country so far and says they are extending an invitation to political hopefuls across the country to join the PDM party in its ‘renaissance period’.
The resounding ‘F’ is no surprise from an opposition party and came from Deputy Party Leader, Robert Been in a press conference on February 9th. Been was buttressed in his assessment by Leader of the Opposition Edwin Astwood, and Opposition Appointed Member Alvin Garland who attended along with National Chairman Ezra Taylor.
It was Taylor however who revealed, when questioned, that the PDM is putting together a shadow cabinet to hold the government accountable for the next two years as elections draw closer.
“We are in the process of formulating our candidate’s committee and finalizing the material in terms of what we’re
looking for in candidates this party understands that the country is going to need some dynamic leadership. We will be adding to this dynamic team to give the Turks and Caicos leaders that they can be proud of.”
Taylor explained that the PDM already had significant amounts of qualified candidates knocking on their doors, just waiting to take up a spot in the cabinet.
“We want persons who are going to serve this country, not the PDM, to prepare themselves if they are interested in candidacy. We want everyone who is interested in serving this country as a candidate, when we open this process, to express your interest.”
Taylor emphatically outlined what the job is about, as the PDM executives on Thursday morning identified themselves as “the Government in waiting.”
“It’s gonna be all about the people of this country, it is not for self-aggrandizement, it is not for self-enrichment, it is not for popularity, it is not for fame, it is not to be seen in high-stake events, this is about Turks and Caicos Islanders, we have lost a lot of ground in this country which we need to regain. We are going to need fighters who are going to get into this battle with us, to regain and recapture…. it is ours.”
Taylor encouraged all young people saying that no one could govern for them, but themselves, and maintaining that the PDM was looking for young people to “step up step forward and help him set the agenda.”
“We are well on our way to preparing this party for an election and one that we are going to be successful at,” he promised, maintaining that the upcoming shadow cabinet would be speaking for the PDM, giving a hint at how they plan to address issues of the day if they are elected.
Alvin Garland, the PDMs appointed member in Parliament also used the opportunity to announce he plans to seek endorsement from his party in a bid to offer as a candidate in the next general election.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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