The opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has officially revealed its roster of electoral district candidates for the upcoming general elections constitutionally in 2025, having previously unveiled its five At-Large Candidates.
The unveiling of the candidates took place at the Blue Haven Resort on Monday, May 6, in front of a vociferous bell-ringing audience. The slate comprises of fresh faces and seasoned politicians.
The announcement, made before an energized audience marked by ringing bells, showcased a diverse array of contenders poised to represent their respective electoral districts.
Among the familiar names returning to the political fray are party and opposition leader Hon. Edwin Astwood, who will seek re-election in Electoral District 2 – Grand Turk South and Salt Cay, as well as former Minister Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams, who aims to reclaim his seat in Electoral District 10 – Wheeland and West Caicos.
Conspicuously, the PDM has attracted a notable defector from the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) in the form of George Lightbourne, a former minister who will now contest Electoral District 1 – Grand Turk North, challenging the incumbent MP, Minister of Home Affairs Otis Morris.
Introducing fresh blood into the political arena, Hynetta Forbes will vie for Electoral District 3 – South Caicos, currently held by government backbencher Hon. John Malcolm. Denaz Williams will stand as the party’s candidate for Electoral District 4 – North Caicos and Middle Caicos, which his currently held by Minister of Immigration and Border Services Hon. Arlington Musgrove. Keith Cox will compete in Electoral District 5 – the Leeward district. That seat is currently held by former minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Hon. Akierra Missick.
Further candidates include Audric Skippings for Electoral District 6 – The Bight. That seat is currently held by another backbencher Hon. Matthew Stubbs. Rose Higgs has been given the nod to contest Electoral District 7 – Chesire Hall and Kew Town, which is currently held by another backbencher Samual Been.
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Anthony Walkin will contest Electoral District 8 – Blue Hills, of which constituency backbencher Randy Howell is the MP.  Clergyman Bishop Bryant Cox has been given the nod to be the party’s standard-bearer for for Electoral District 9 – Five Cays and Chalk Sound.
Each candidate was granted a two-minute window to articulate their vision for their constituency, a moment met with enthusiastic support from the gathered crowd, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the upcoming elections and the diverse representation the PDM seeks to offer.
At least two more constituencies will open up as the new the new amendments to the Constitution have abolished the positions of appointed members.
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The party’s 5 At-Large candidates are woman of the cloth Ruth Ariza, her sister and former Minister of Education Karen Malcolm, former minister of Immigration Sean Astwood, former Tourism Minister Ralph Higgs, and deputy party deputy leader Robert Been Jr.