Good Morning Members of the Media. Thank you for coming.
The Hopes and The Let Down
Two years ago, the Turks and Caicos Islands was excited to see a return to elected Government – our very own Elected Government. Having lived through a period where the Administrators wanted the power but not the care. Little did we all know that there would be much of the same. Two years later, there has been no real change for the people of this country. They are still hurting, hungry, unemployed, battling with a broken healthcare system, homeowners are seeing more and more foreclosures, youth – our future is left wandering around unemployed and underemployed wondering where and if they fit in in this country’s design, civil servants are forced under its former champion to work with little to nothing having often to bear attacks from the very same Government that does not give them the resources – critical revenue generating departments are going upwards of 6 months without ink, no vehicles, broken down buildings and no raise.
This Rufus Ewing led PNP Government appears to have an overarching policy of not speaking to or with its people and being indifferent to their concerns and cries. This is clearly evident as they continue to appear on safe Shows, ignore questions, try to absent themselves in Press Conferences and refuse to consult on major life changing and country altering laws eg the time change, the increase in story levels and of course the ill – fated Immigration Bill.
What has changed in 2 years? We are now neglected by our very own elected Government. Ask yourselves: Am I any better off today than I was before my very own elected Government?
What has changed? Things have progressively gotten worse. Yet the Premier a few days ago, literally patted themselves on the back as to the great job that his Government is doing and as recent as Friday during a News Telecast said that the economy is good for the Government. What about the people?
The economy is healthy he says. His Minister of Finance says that we have an operating surplus of $40 million dollars. Yet there is severe shortage of critical resources in the Public Service: Critical positions remain vacant, the Civil Service Pay and Regrading Exercise completed since February 2013 remains unfunded, the Clinics remain without medication and supplies, departments remain without vehicles, offices without paper and ink, work permits (treated as a revenue generator) are still being given while our people remain unemployed. Yet we hear the PNP Government boast about a surplus and a huge surplus without the payroll tax and without VAT.
The PNP Government has in a very short period become a dismal failure and the cries of what a dismal failure this Government has been has been coming from all quarters including high ranking officers in their very own camp. One lamented that this Premier is a one termer while another in an impassionate plea for attention to healthcare said that this country could not take another two years of this PNP Government. And we agree. The people of this country are feeling the failure every day and because of the acute failure of this Government, they are calling on the Opposition to do more and govern.
The PNP did inherit a broke country from itself. It did inherit a people broken in spirit and hope. They have on the hard working backs of our people taxed them into a deeper state of hopelessness and weaker spirits. On the heel of the closure of TCI Bank, many of the same persons are fearful of losing their life long investments in British Atlantic Financial Services, many persons continue to be taken advantage of on jobs where the Labour Department and Government appear powerless and/or compromised, minimum wage is yet to become a living wage, the Government’s tax strategy has caused the cost of living to sky rocket and the dollar has lost purchasing power. They have not help the people of these Islands. In fact, they have made matters worse.
We have called on the Government over the past two years to deal with the bread and butter issues, to not neglect social issues, to ensure that our people get to work and be paid a living wage instead of a $5 minimum wage, to address the issue of work permits and illegal employment, to staff the Labour Department to a functioning level, to repair the roads, to create economic stimulus packages for Family Islands. All this in an effort to ensure that any upturn in the economy would be felt by our people. Unfortunately all we got was that the Government’s hands were tied with the Constitution and lately with the PFM Ordinance and Regulations.
Here we are midterm and our people are perhaps worse off than they were before elected Government. Yet we boast of having an operating surplus.
The Partnership
The people through the Election results told us what the wanted. More people voted for the PDM (50.13%) than the PNP (44.87%), the PDM enjoyed wider margins of victory, won more national seats and secured the top spot in the All Island Constituency. Nonetheless in a twist of fate, the PNP won 8 and of the 15 seats with smaller margins of victory and became the Government. These close results demonstrated a divided people but signaled for a mature elected Body, the need to work together. Under my leadership we tried to do just that. Over and over the olive branch was extended and the request was made to allow us to help. The place that TCI had found itself in required a different style of governance, one that was more mature and more patriotic and nationalistic.
Though we remain firm and astute in our oversight role through Parliamentary Committees, challenging Government’s Policies inside and outside of Parliament, raising issues through Motions, Questions and other Parliamentary Agenda Items, our Party’s Radio Show “Raising TCI”, TV, Radio and Print Media appearances, we attempted on many occasions to blur political lines to work in the best interest of the country. We were successful in finally being allowed to join the Government in the VAT repeal (where we brought a comprehensive Motion outlining a shared position), the Country’s Constitution (where we supported the Government’s Motion and the appointed persons to the Review Committee). Despite the PNP’s utterings that the Constitution was a major stumbling block to performance, the Opposition had to call out the Government and literally force them to move forward with the work of the Constitution Committee. We pause to thank all the members of the Review Committee who participated in the Review exercise and who assisted the Chairman with his Report which he delivered to the Premier a few days ago. In our efforts to work together, we supported the Government on its admission as a full member – a contributing country for UWI. We have also supported a Motion to support the introduction of Credit Unions and the NHIP Amnesty Bill. We have along with the Government supported the private drafted Bill introducing fractional ownership which can if fully explored can create a new niche in TCI’s market. There is definitely no truth to the Opposition being called a stumbling block to governance for we have supported the Government when the actions were considered to be in the best interest of these Islands.
The Fight Is Real
Nonetheless, we have fought against many of the Government’s tax initiatives and have been successful on two major Bills. The Payroll Tax which would have been life altering in many respects was defeated. The Immigration Bill requires public consultation with the people, more input from the enforcers of that Bill and much more policy thought and data. We are pleased that in response to a Parliamentary Question, the Premier has agreed to public consultation. We also fought in relation to Business Licenses, hikes in import duty, taxes on certain services, the Government’s Dormant Accounts where its proceeds were not to be ear marked or placed into a special fund, the high fines in the Dogs’ Ordinance, Stamp Duty increase and other points on Internationally driven Bills where certain provisions were far reaching and going beyond what other countries were doing and to our disadvantage.
We have petitioned the Government to address the Civil Service and its low morale, its lack of resources and training needs.
We have called on them to help small business to survive and not to tax them or push them out of business.
We have called for a widening and greater policing of our reserved business categories
We have called for stimulation packages.
We have called for Healthcare Audits that would address the financial hemorrhaging and review of clinical care.
We have called for coverage for the unemployed in healthcare and for resources in Primary Health Care
We have called for a review of the Police Force and the removal of the Commissioner of Police who has quickly become a failure
We have called for the reinstatement of Pensions and Gratuities as an attraction to and retention in the Public Service.
We have called for Programs for our youth and a Juvenile facility.
We have called for a National Agenda to plot a way forward for TCI
We have called for public consultation on critical issues like Immigration
We have called for conservation methods for our marine stock and the cessation of the longline fishing method during the Pelagic Fishing Study.
We have called for careful immigration policies that will address the plight of many
We have called for youth programs, prison reform and assistance for the elderly and special needs clients.
We have called for increased crime fighting tools, greater resources and leadership change for the Police.
We have called on them on individual Island issues.
Needless to say these concerns have not been the priority nor on the Agenda for the PNP.
Legislative Agenda of the PNP
After nearly two years of calling for a legislative agenda, one was produced and not met. The PDM continued its call so that it could see the minds of the PNP Government whose Agenda was simply money Bills or Internationally driven Bills. There remains a body of laws (especially social legislation) that requires attention. There remains a few problematic Bills passed by the Interim Administration that both the PDM and PNP campaigned about and promised to address once we became the Government. In fact in my Speech delivered on the date of the Swearing In Ceremony, I committed myself and my Party to working together on their repeal and/or amendments. Two years later and this PNP Government has not brought to the Table the Crown Land Management Bill nor the Equality Bill. It has supported the Trial Without A Jury Bill which is in our minds not a political issue but which has unfortunately turned into one. We remain committed to a man’s natural justice right to be tried by a jury of his peers and to the reinstatement of the automatic right in the Country’s Constitution. We can not and will not support any Bill or action that can be deemed unconstitutional.
The PNP’s Agenda
The PNP’s Agenda has been clear from day one and the only plan a foot seemed to be to tax the people of this country in an effort to support its tax strategy. We remain firm in our position that taxing one’s way out of a recession is a lazy, outdated approach that lacks innovation and that has been proven to shrink the economy and cause greater suffering and hardship. We see the end result. Government has a huge operational surplus and our people are suffering under undue strain and hardship.
The Country Poverty Assessment was released and has received no policy response or statement from the Government. The Government’s first major action after its release was to introduce a new tax.
This report despite our calls, have been ignored by the Government. It speaks to the state of households and the inability to pay all Bills, deals with social issues and makes recommendations. It is a Guide for a Government on issues with reference to age groups, special categories of people including youth, the vulnerable, different nationalities and it addresses generally the plight on each Island.
Nothing has prevented the PNP Government from addressing the issues affecting our country and our people. The Constitution nor the PFM Legislation and Regulations hinder them. For whatever reason, they were determined to ignore the cries of the people. This is a Government who knows its powers and did not use them. We have drawn the conclusion that they do not know what to do. And here we are in the Opposition being asked often to use the powers that they refuse to use. The Turks and Caicos Islands cannot continue in this vein. The people are calling for a change and it must come.
Each Island is suffering and is left hopeless and destitute.
Around The Islands
Providenciales
Two years after a PNP Government, persons in Providenciales are struggling and are enduring poor treatment and conditions in their work place. The cost of living is beyond their reach and like the other Islands many people are going to sleep hungry.
South Caicos
The people of South Caicos have never had it so bad. We have kept the issue of the Airport front and center as this is critical in support of the Resorts near completion and operating. We have conducted a Media Tour of the Island to highlight the needs and concerns of the residents there. The youth remain without sporting grounds, the elderly and sick remain without a Clinic that has the basic medication and supplies and the stressful position of having to send prescriptions to Provo to be filled by relatives, if you are so lucky to be able to, still obtains. The Fire Fighters and Civil Servants are still working from poor standard buildings. The Island remains overgrown and appears un-kept. The Airport remains an eyesore with a rundown terminal, burnt building and unfinished structure with overgrown bush. The Fishing Industry remains challenged. Unemployment is still high. There are concerns about the water supply with the condenser being out of service and the pressure on one tank. The social needs are great and like many of the Family Islands, South Caicos remains neglected. Last year monies were agreed in the Budget in an amendment to have $40k spent on a works program and not a dime was released.
Grand Turk
Grand Turk suffered a blow when many opted to take the voluntary severance packages. This resulted in an increase in unemployment and other social issues. The major private sector member on the Island remains Carnival and we hear of its threatening to pull out for a number of reasons including the general state of the Island with poor roads and general uncleanliness. The roads remain among some of the worst roads in the country and the lack of resources a few weeks ago saw household garbage left uncollected for over 6 weeks increasing the general uncleanliness of the Islands and the threat of disease spread. Grand Turk under this Government has been neglected.
Salt Cay
The tiny Island of Salt Cay has a new Clinic and a House for its new RO Plant but both places are empty. There are still serious challenges with the water supply and residents are worried about how it may affect its tourist season. They are also worried about the reduce flights in and out of the Island. Under this Government, more than half of Salt Cay’s residents have listed their homes for sale. Salt Cay once described as the cleanest Island is plagued too often with litter. The victim of voluntary severance, I have made calls for an additional staff member to help to keep the Island clean.
North Caicos
North Caicos needs attention and can benefit from the reintroduction of the Works Program which will serve a two – fold purpose, that of keeping the Island in a better state and of injecting monies into the economy. We have called for this since last year’s Budget and will not abandon our calls. The residents are still awaiting the new promised Ambulance and Fire Truck and a better housing for the Clinic and the Police Station.
Middle Caicos
Middle Caicos can also benefit from the reintroduction of the Works’ Program. Both Islands face challenges with accessing secondary healthcare often time being asked to bear the cost to travel to an Interhealth Canada Facility. The small School can benefit from the urgent services of an Assistant Teacher. The Caves are waiting for bathroom facilities since last year’s Budget. Middle Caicos residents lamented recently that they are in the back of the back burner when expressing their feeling of being neglected.
The introduction of local government is a must for these Islands.
CONCLUSION
The Role Of The Opposition
This Rufus Ewing led Administration is a dismal failure and because of the absence of a strong people’s Government, the people are asking the Opposition to use powers that it does not have. We continue to do as much as we can reminding the people that in a democracy such as ours and in the absence of a coalition Government, only one Party (the one who wins the most seats) can govern as a time. We are not the Government nor do we have executive powers. We have offered to help and have been told by the Premier to wait our turn to govern. We have reached across the floor and presented a well thought out Financial Plan as an alternative and the plan was dismissed yet aspects of it were used. In fact, the Hon Ruth Blackman to loud applause stated in the House of Assembly that no Government listens to the Opposition. This is the plight in which we find ourselves. The people of these Islands must understand that if you want a PDM Government, you must vote in a PDM Government.
So much is left undone yet we hear boastings about surplus. No we do not expect the Government to go on a spending spree but simply to have mercy on the people and to address some of the priority issues. There is too much that is left undone. We are asking the Government immediately to consider the Works Program and to clean up these Islands through small and petty contracts and to repair critical roads like the Front Street and Lighthouse Roads in Grand Turk.
A Call To Clean Up
Nonetheless as a people, our reputation is at stake. Our reviews are too frequent that we are dirty. On Saturday, It is TCI Shines and I am encouraging all of us to help where we can. Individuals, home owners, Churches, Schools, Civic Groups, Politicians get into your constituency and let’s clean up an area for the good of our country. The Government must introduce a sustainable program that includes fines and penalties. We can ill afford to continue as we are. I had hoped that during the past two months (Heritage Month and Tourism Awareness Month) that the Premier and his Government would seek to invoke good practices for reasons of promoting good health, tourism and national pride. Please join in on Saturday during TCI Shines and clean up your area or adopt an area for that day.
ON WORLD AIDS’ DAY
Today is recognized globally as World AIDs Day. This year’s Theme is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation.” I believe that through awareness and safe practices, we can achieve this. I was concerned when I learnt of the age group that does have the fastest growing number of cases. This concerns me, because it is also the largest group in Prison and is also the age group that is expected to be the steady contributor to social schemes such as NHIP and NIB. Greater efforts must be made to support the work of the AIDs Department and to provide resources to educate and create awareness. This year’s theme is not far fetching for a small country such as ours, it is achievable as long as we make responsible individual decisions.
I commend Mrs Aldora Robinson and her Team on their work, the AIDs Foundation and all its volunteers. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors and pledge my and my Party’s support. Depression and Post – Partum depression.
I wish in closing to turn our attention to a serious issue that has been luring over the TCI in more recent times – that of depression, post – partum depression and suicide.
More monies must be placed in the under-resourced area of mental health. With the recent experiences here and abroad showing the effects of depression and other related illnesses, we must understand the importance of providing support to those who fall prey and to families. We must understand the importance of supporting awareness campaigns and of removing the stigma. We can ill afford to lose any more otherwise productive citizens. To this end I encourage us to pray for those families that are grieving and those who continue to face challenges. I wish to use this platform to invite the general public to a Benefit Concert at the Jericho Baptist Church on Sunday December 7, 2014 at 7pm in aid of the Brooks Family. Let us revisit our roots and be our brother’s keepers.
THE FINAL WORD
We in the Opposition PDM are positioned to govern and each Shadow Minister will share his and her accomplishments as Shadow Ministers , his or her assessment of the Ministry shadowed and what is left undone. Over the next three weeks, Press Statements will be released. This week Hon Derek Taylor and Hon Sean Astwood will release their Statements. The week commencing Monday December 8, 2014 will be the Hon Goldray Ewing and the Hon Josephine Connolly. Week three, the week commencing December 15, 2014 will be the Hon Edwin Astwood and the Hon Delroy Williams.
We remain committed to the cause for which we were elected – that of representing our people and fighting and working for the best interests of these Islands. We are on the job and will remain on the job. We want to remind you that you can count on us.
Award for Presentation to PNP Ministers
Award for Presentation to The Premier
