Turks & Caicos Islands
TCI People’s Democratic Movement emerges stronger from its 40th Convention
By Doug Parnell, The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM)
Jun 18, 2015 - 12:58:47 AM

The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) emerged stronger after its annual convention held on Grand Turk, the nation’s capital. Three days of events saw the party electing its officers, working in the community, speaking to the future and honoring the service of those who served the party during its existence.

Party Leader, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, solidified her position as leader when delegates overwhelmingly elected to keep her and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood to communicate a message of confidence and stability. The PDM elects its officers every year at the business session of its annual convention.

Election of Officers of the party took place during the business session of the convention, which saw party leader, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood returned unopposed after a motion was moved by Hon. Goldray Ewing that the positions be retained. Delegates in attendance supported this motion, with 51 out of 54 delegates openly voting to support their continued service in an unprecedented vote of confidence in their leadership.

Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition stated, “I am humbled by the outpouring of such overwhelming support for my leadership, and through God’s grace, he will lead us on to victory at the next general elections.”

She added that it was reassuring that party members expressed support not just in herself but also in her team and the work that they have been doing over the past year.

“We have been vocal and proactive when it comes to representing our people, we have defeated bad legislation designed to hurt the pocket books of the people, and the delegates seem to remember and appreciate this work”, she said.

Deputy Leader Hon. Sean Astwood was also retained. Although he was stricken by illness earlier in the year, Astwood appeared strong and vibrant and participated in all sessions and events of the 40th Convention.

Astwood stated, “Through God’s mercy and grace I am back with the fold to continue to fight.”

He also thanked those in attendance and across the country, “God answered the prayers of thousands of persons across this land to heal my body and I am forever in their debt.”

Also elected was a new National Chairman, Doug Parnell, who had remained out of frontline politics for the past three years due to an illness with his five year old son.

Parnell commented,” I thank the party for affording me the time to be with my family during a very challenging period for us and I am honored that the convention has shown such strong support for me.”
Parnell’s son was diagnosed with childhood leukemia in July 2012 and has been receiving treatment in Miami. He is in complete remission and cured of the illness.

The newly elected national chairman vowed to support the team in Parliament and get the party’s machinery in top shape.

“I will do my best to support this awesome and hard working team we have in Parliament and help the leadership prepare the party for its upcoming election campaign,” he said.

Although speculation on Parnell running for elected office has excited the party’s base, Parnell said, “Whether or not I am a candidate will not affect my support for the PDM and its leadership; I am a PDM and I encourage all those supporters to share my excitement and rally behind this team. ”

The party attended worship service on Sunday at Salem Baptist Church and was exhorted by Pastor Chad Archbold to remember where real true power comes from.

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