Leader of the Opposition
Hon. Edwin Andre Astwood was born on August 24, 1973, in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. A committed public servant, political leader, and advocate for national development, he has dedicated much of his life to improving the lives of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. His professional foundation was built in health sciences, beginning with a Diploma in Medical Technology from the College of Arts, Science and Technology. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Management and Microbiology from the University of Technology and went on to complete a Master of Business Administration at Nova Southeastern University.
Before entering frontline politics, Hon. Astwood served for seventeen years in the Turks and Caicos Government Civil Service, holding a series of increasingly senior positions in the health sector and government administration. His roles included Medical Laboratory Technologist, Senior Medical Technologist, Chief Medical Technologist, Laboratory Manager, Health Services Manager, Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Governor’s Office, and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office. This extensive public-sector experience helped shape his practical understanding of governance, healthcare delivery, and national administration.
Hon. Astwood was first elected on November 11, 2012, as the Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay. He rose to prominence within the Peoples’ Democratic Movement after presenting a master plan for the development of Grand Turk and Salt Cay and becoming a strong advocate for the empowerment and upward mobility of indigenous Turks and Caicos Islanders. His political voice has been marked by independence, directness, and a willingness to speak on issues affecting residents across the country.
Following his re-election in December 2016, he was appointed Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services. In that role, he helped guide the country through major public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, by supporting the implementation of policies, procedures, and communication measures aimed at protecting the public. He was again re-elected on February 18, 2021, for a third term in the House of Assembly and currently serves as Leader of the Opposition. He is also Leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, and a member of the Appropriations Committee.
Beyond politics, Hon. Astwood is active in civic and community life. He is a member of the Methodist Church and the Freemason Fraternity, including Turks Island Forth Lodge and Coral Lodge. He has volunteered at youth, sports, and community events, served as President of the TCI Commonwealth Games Association’s Weightlifting Association from 2009 to 2016, and supported outreach work with troubled youth and prison programmes. He believes strongly in prevention, rehabilitation, and helping young people before they enter or remain within the justice system.
As a national leader, Hon. Astwood continues to promote policies focused on local ownership, stronger healthcare services, preventative health, improved infrastructure, tourism development, cultural heritage, youth and sports programmes, juvenile justice reform, environmental protection, support for senior citizens and public servants, and the advancement of the Family Islands. He is also committed to constitutional progress, including the pursuit of full internal self-governance and eventual independence. A father of four—Imani, Ashia, Jayden, and Ethan—Hon. Edwin Andre Astwood remains devoted to public service, community upliftment, and the long-term development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.