In a significant development ahead of the upcoming election, expected to be called soon, the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) has announced that Rose Gardiner-Higgs has officially withdrawn her candidacy for Electoral District 7, Kew Town and Cheshire Hall.
The decision, attributed to personal health reasons, was made “upon careful consideration,” according to a statement released by the party.
PDM Chairman Ezra Taylor expressed gratitude for Gardiner-Higgs' dedication and her ongoing commitment to the community.
"We want to thank Rose for the work she has done and for her continued devotion to the people of Kew Town, Cheshire Hall, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. We wish her well as she prioritizes her health during this time," Taylor said.
The party will now look to vet a replacement candidate for the district, assuring that internal discussions are already underway, and Gardiner-Higgs' successor will be announced in due course.
Despite this setback, Taylor said the PDM remains focused on its mission to address key issues facing the Turks and Caicos Islands. In the press release, Taylor reaffirmed the party’s commitment to tackling major national concerns, including crime reduction, border security, illegal immigration, healthcare access, and educational reform.
“The PDM remains committed to the change that Turks and Caicos Islanders are calling for. We are prioritizing the issues that matter most to our nation — reducing crime and violence, securing our borders and reducing illegal immigration, improving access to quality healthcare, transforming our education system, and creating meaningful employment opportunities,” Taylor emphasized.
Gardiner-Higgs' withdrawal from the race is expected to prompt significant discussions within the party and among voters in the district. Nonetheless, the PDM remains confident in its ability to present a strong candidate who will uphold the values and priorities of the party while effectively representing the interests of Kew Town and Cheshire Hall residents.
The political landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to evolve as the two parties – the governing Progressive National Party (PNP) and the opposition PDM finalize their candidates and platforms.
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