Opposition Leader Hon. Eddie Astwood,alongside a People's Democratic Movement (PDM) delegation, recentlyparticipated in a consultative meeting with the Crown Land Unit to review theCrown Land Management System. The review, part of a joint UK-TCIG initiative,seeks to address concerns and challenges faced by Turks and Caicos Islanders inaccessing Crown Land.

Opposition members, including Hon. AlvinGarland and Deputy Leader Robert Been, voiced strong critiques of the currentlottery-based allocation system, advocating for more accessible, equitableprocesses. Been recommended halting all lease cancellations until a revisedpolicy is formalized and proposed a multi-step selection process involving theCrown Land Unit, a ministerial department, and a new statutory body. FormerDeputy Premier Sean Astwood called for Crown Land decisions to be placed underelected officials, prioritizing freehold title access and encouragingdistribution in family islands beyond Providenciales and Grand Turk.

Astwood confirmed that the PDM will submita detailed set of recommendations to the review team. The Opposition emphasizedthat Crown Land management reforms must be transparent, prioritize localempowerment, and address the urgent needs of Turks and Caicos Islanders. Theproposed changes aim to ensure more equitable access and sustainabledevelopment across the territory.