Former Deputy Premier Sean Astwood hasstrongly criticized Premier Washington Misick’s administration for approving acontroversial partnership between Grace Bay Resorts and Red Hospitality,calling it a blatant move to marginalize local businesses in favor of largecorporate interests. Astwood accused the government of cronyism, claiming this"Red Deal" prioritizes profits for outsiders over the livelihoods ofTurks and Caicos Islanders. He expressed particular concern over the impact onthe watersports sector, a critical industry that has allowed many youngentrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and avoid the growing socialchallenges, including gun violence, that plague the islands.

Astwood lambasted Deputy Premier JamellRobinson's justification of the deal, calling his comments about "highstandards" and commission rates disingenuous. He argued that thepartnership with Red Hospitality enables corporate monopolization of thewatersports industry, sidelining small local operators and threatening theirability to compete. According to Astwood, Premier Misick’s promises toinvestigate Red Hospitality and protect local businesses lack credibility,given the administration's track record of favoring big business whileneglecting local entrepreneurs. Astwood also pointed out the broaderimplications of the deal, including potential price-fixing and selectiveinclusion, which he warned could dismantle opportunities for young Turks andCaicos Islanders.

As part of his platform for the upcomingelections, Astwood vowed to make sectors like watersports exclusively reservedfor Turks and Caicos Islanders, ensuring that all business ownership, assets,and profits remain local. He emphasized the need for government policies thatempower local entrepreneurs, prevent monopolies, and prioritize fairness andtransparency in business dealings. Calling on citizens to hold the currentadministration accountable, Astwood urged residents to reject corporate greedand support policies that protect the future of local businesses and youngentrepreneurs. "The people don’t need a Red Deal; they need a RealDeal," he concluded, reaffirming his commitment to putting the interestsof Turks and Caicos Islanders first.