In her two minute speech today in Parliament, the Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Leader of the Opposition raised several critical issues ranging from matters relating to education, health and public service.
She stated her concern as a parent and representative as to the seeming lack of preparedness for the reopening of schools this year in terms of the outstanding repairs, the lack of text books available and the shortage of teachers in critical areas.
She said that the physical plants/schools have not been repaired and this is visible from the Schools that she has already visited. She said it is a frustrating experience for parents to try to secure text books that are not on Island and further that the lack of teachers for critical areas is also posing a problem. She called on the Ministry to address these concerns today for the people of this country.
Hon Cartwright Robinson also raised concerns about matters in the area of health. She cited her concern about the closure of the vital National Health Insurance Board due to the sick out over the last two days and called on the Government to resolve the issues with the staff. She raised the matter of the fight against Zika citing her recent experience in South Caicos on Saturday where mosquitoes were widespread and stated that she thought that greater care would be taken during this time when we are told that we now have 11 cases. She said that she believe that the Government should state the Islands on which these cases are so as to raise a different level of awareness so that individuals themselves will also take care of their surroundings and Islands.
Hon Cartwright Robinson also mentioned, though not for response in the House of Assembly, the need for the Government to ensure that we do not lose our Chief Dental Officer who is a Turks and Caicos Islander. She reminded the House of one of the reasons why she brought the Motion to introduce pensions and gratuities for post 1992 civil servants so as to not only attract but to also retain the best and brightest.
She closed by wishing all civil servants, a Happy Civil Servants day.
