An OpED by Audley Astwood
It took months of political drama, but the PDM has finally assembled a full slate of candidates. Instead of a proud achievement, though, it feels more like a rushed patchwork job. Sure, they’ve filled the slots—but are these the right people to lead?
Let’s give credit where it’s due: getting a full team together is a basic requirement for any serious political organization. But the PDM’s leadership is treating this like it’s a groundbreaking victory. Meeting the minimum standard shouldn’t be celebrated—it’s just the first step. What really matters is what comes next.
And here’s the problem: having a full slate doesn’t mean much if you don’t have a connection with voters. Turks and Caicos Islanders deserve leaders who understand their needs, not just candidates to fill a checklist. This election demands more than warm bodies in campaign photos—it requires vision, solutions, and leadership.
Even with a full roster, the PDM seems lost. Watching them navigate internal chaos and a lack of direction is like watching someone try to play poker with Uno cards—they’re out of their depth and missing a strategy. The cracks are hard to ignore. This is a team held together by duct tape and denial. Some candidates are well-meaning but unprepared. Others are recycled faces from past elections, weighed down by broken promises. Meanwhile, factional infighting makes the party look more like a feuding family than a united force.
Their policy platform—or lack thereof—is another glaring issue. Ask any PDM candidate for their plan on critical issues, and you’ll likely get vague platitudes or silence. They talk a lot about holding the government accountable, but accountability without offering solutions is just noise. You can’t win elections or lead a country on criticism alone.
The PDM’s final candidate rollout felt like a low-budget reality show. Instead of showcasing a ready-to-lead team, they leaned on theatrics. Yes, theatrics grab attention. However, they don’t inspire confidence in leadership.
Voters aren’t looking for a spectacle. Voters are looking for solutions, a clear vision, and a team that can deliver real results. Yet PDM is focusing on style over substance. They missed an opportunity to prove they’re ready to tackle the pressing issues facing our islands.
While the PDM pats itself on the back, a pressing question remains. What’s the plan? What’s the vision? And when will they start focusing on what voters actually need? Meanwhile, the Progressive National Party (PNP) continues to prioritize governance, tackling the real issues affecting Turks and Caicos Islanders. While the PDM spins its wheels, the PNP is building a roadmap for the future.
A strong opposition is vital for democracy. But strength means presenting real ideas, not just tearing others down. Right now, the PDM isn’t offering that. They’re distracted by their own dysfunction, hoping voters won’t notice.
If this is their idea of readiness, the election may already be over before it begins. While the PDM complains, the PNP is already moving forward with purpose and strategy. The difference is clear: one party is playing for the future, and the other is still trying to find its footing.
Yes, the PDM has a full slate. But until they bring clarity, vision, and leadership to the table, they’ll remain a party that isn’t playing with a full deck. And come to Election Day, voters will make their decision clear. That's right, PNP all the way!
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