An OpEd by Journalist Audley Astwood
Let’s cut through the noise. The claims you’re hearing are not only misleading — they’re built on fear, not facts.
Yes, times are tough for some, but the idea that we are all drowning in some economic disaster isn’t accurate.
And more importantly, those who are painting this bleak picture aren’t offering realistic solutions. They’re selling a fantasy that sounds good but falls apart when you scratch beneath the surface.
The economy is growing
Look around, Sean! Businesses are opening. Tourists are returning. Jobs are being created. We're seeing more economic activity than ever before. Yes, Sean, the cost of living is high. You have to remember, though, that it’s high everywhere. Inflation is a global problem, not one created here. And let’s be honest: Even with these challenges, more people are employed now, and wages have increased in many sectors, mainly tourism and construction. These facts matter because they paint a fuller picture than the fear-mongering you’re hearing.
Let’s talk about that poll Sean Astwood referenced
Was it scientific? Or is it just false data created by Sean Astwood in a weak attempt to lend credibility to his hollow words and instil fear in TCI voters? The survey he mentions is vague at best, and there’s no transparency about who conducted it, how the data was collected, or whether it followed any recognised methodology. Without these details, it’s nothing more than a political stunt — a tactic to scare people into believing his narrative. The actual numbers show that the economy is growing stronger and more resilient, creating opportunities for those who work hard and believe in the future of these islands.
And speaking of credibility, Sean laments about a widening gap between economic prosperity and the struggles of the average person — something he claims is now impossible to ignore. But let’s not forget: Sean himself was the brainchild behind offering stimulus checks to work permit holders while ignoring the same Turks and Caicos Islanders he now claims are being left behind. Is Sean’s criticism about the current state of affairs, or is it more about the times when he and the PDM ignored our people? His criticism is classic projection — accusing others of what you yourself are guilty of.
But it goes deeper than that
Let’s talk about what happened after Sean suffered the worst loss of any candidate in the 2020 election at the hands of Hon. Rachel Taylor. What did he do? Sean turned his back on Five Cays by resigning. Sean went so far as to say he was resigning from politics altogether. So, he didn’t just turn his back on Five Cays — he turned his back on all voters in the TCI. Bush crack! Man gone! Sean left politics so fast that Usain Bolt, in his prime, would have appeared to be moving like a snail. The economy wasn’t bothering him then; his pockets were large. We didn’t hear a word from Sean until he declared he was running at large.
Why come back now? Because there’s a shot at power again? This isn’t the behaviour of someone who genuinely cares about TCI. It’s the behaviour of someone who sees an opportunity and jumps at it, hoping voters will forget how quickly he abandoned them the last time things didn’t go his way. Leaders don’t run when the going gets tough; leaders stay, fight, and work to improve things. Sean’s track record shows that his commitment only extends to his interests.
Now, Sean dares to claim that voting for candidates prioritising economic reform and social equity will help us reclaim our dreams. But let’s not forget that under his leadership with the PDM, TCI became a graveyard where Sean buried people's dreams six feet deep with the shovel of his lack of care and concern for the average person. Does he think the people of TCI have forgotten how many opportunities were lost, how many lives were impacted, and how little was done to uplift our communities during his time in power? His call to 'reclaim our dreams' is a hollow echo of the failures he helped create.
And let’s get real about Sean’s economic proposals
Sean's so-called economic plans sound appealing on the surface but are dangerously short-sighted. For instance, his proposal to designate specific sectors exclusively for TCI-only ownership ignores the realities of a global economy. Cutting off foreign investment doesn’t create jobs; it shrinks opportunities. Restricting sectors will drive away potential investors, reduce competition, and ultimately hurt local businesses and workers — the people he says he wants to help.
Now, let’s talk about wages
Wage stagnation is a genuine concern, but we need practical solutions that respect economic realities. Promising everything to everyone might sound good on paper. However, Sean, it doesn’t work that way in the real world. We must continue growing the economy to boost wages, not shrink it with heavy-handed regulations that scare away investors and drive up costs even further. We should focus on creating more opportunities for locals, enhancing skills training, and partnering with businesses to ensure fair pay. That’s a practical approach — not just empty rhetoric.
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