Former Deputy Premier Sean Astwood hascondemned the recent demolition of an elderly woman’s home in Five Cays by the14-1 Progressive National Party (PNP) Government, describing it as a heartlessand deplorable act. The home belonged to Ms. Myrtle Gardiner, a 79-year-oldsenior citizen who had already endured the devastation of losing her originalhome to a fire. The new structure, still under redevelopment, was demolishedwithout apparent regard for Ms. Myrtle’s welfare, leaving her homeless onceagain. Astwood accused the government of demonstrating a blatant disregard forthe rights and dignity of vulnerable citizens and demanded accountability forthis inhumane act.

Astwood has called for an immediateinvestigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, raisingpointed questions about the government’s motives. He questioned whether thedemolition was part of a political gimmick, a ploy to make beachfront landavailable to investors, or a targeted attack on someone the government assumedwould not have advocates. He also demanded immediate action to provide Ms.Myrtle with alternative housing, rebuild her home on the same land, and offercompensation for the emotional trauma caused by this act. Astwood furthercriticized the government’s failure to address illegal squatting over the pastfour years, while targeting a respected senior citizen who has lived in hercommunity for decades.

Astwood pointed to the government’s lack ofprogress on housing, noting that the Housing Department, which he helpedestablish during his tenure, has failed to build even a single home in almostfour years. He argued that this reflects either poor leadership or a lack ofpolitical will to address the housing crisis. Calling on residents of the Turksand Caicos Islands to stand in solidarity with Ms. Myrtle, Astwood stressedthat the well-being of senior citizens must be a priority. He urged the publicto demand justice and accountability from Premier Washington Misick, DeputyPremier Jamell Robinson, and Five Cays MP Rachel Taylor. Declaring that"time ain’t long now," Astwood reaffirmed his commitment to standingup for the vulnerable, saying, “It’s time for TCIs!”