The chairman of The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has announced his party’s plans to focus on people-centered development that will take place throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands under a PDM government.
“From my experience as President of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce, I recognized and reported then that the fundamental attributes of the Turks and Caicos Islands, which it had enjoyed for decades, and which make it an ideal place for growth, investment and economic prosperity are the “Four Nos”… No Income Tax, No Capital Gains Tax, No Property Tax, and No Exchange Controls. Additionally, permitting foreign ownership of land supports this economic environment as well as our labour and business-licensing regime, which is one of the most liberal in the region. However, what has really caused the Turks and Caicos to flourish is the friendly and tolerant attitude and nature of our people coupled with the skills and abilities of our people and residents alike to run a soon to be billion dollar a year economy. Yes we are small but we have massive promise. These intrinsic qualities when put into the hands of the right government can bring us back on track to wealth and prosperity for years and decades to come.
“First and foremost, the safety and security of our people, residents and visitors will be at the top of the agenda in the upcoming general election campaign. We understand the fears, hunger, thirst and the deep longing that exists in the minds, hearts, bellies and souls of our people, which can only be calmed, satisfied, quenched, and fulfilled through political change. We know that our constituents are tired of politicians who make lofty promises during a campaign that remain unfulfilled. We also know that an outgoing government can sometimes try to preempt the ideas, plans and policies for change that are contemplated by their political opponents.
“However, despite these tactics we thought it necessary to release our 12-Point Crime Plan early in the campaign. In Parliament, we fought for people who have lost their homes, businesses and property through an unholy arrangement with the Interim Government and TOLCO.
The PDM, in opposition, has been working, demanding real change in Crown land, in labour rights, in environmental protection, economic relief, the rights of stateless children, expanded access to educational opportunities, civil servant benefits, infrastructural development and maintenance, health care reform, development opportunities, and immigration control. But none of these things have been perfected thus far from our efforts because the numbers in Parliament to enact laws remain with the government which is precisely why a campaign that details specific credible plans and policies is on the horizon to improve our numbers in parliament with buy-in and the support of the people.
“For the constituencies in Providenciales, to provide a safer and more secure environment is our prime objective. In addition to our 12-Point Crime Plan, we will implement corresponding initiatives that will bring about a vibrant and affluent business climate, while providing better income earning opportunities for workers, all while paying keen focus to improve our physical environment and infrastructure. Detailed plans for each constituency will be unveiled to address the specific needs of each community.
“In North, Middle and South Caicos our primary objective will be to develop a sustainable economy so that our people can have opportunities at home. Our islands will be united through a link from Providenciales to South Caicos by building bridges across our beautiful waters. This will ultimately light the path to future prosperity. For the nation’s capital, Grand Turk, and the historic island of Salt Cay, the vision for the future has already been written that will lift these islands up to the prominence they so justly deserves.
“In the upcoming months, our leader, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson will champion these and other initiatives in a campaign that will bring political change in our country for the betterment of all persons.”
The PDM has unveiled its five at large candidates: Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Hon. Hugh-Derek Taylor, Hon. Delroy Williams, Hon. Josephine Connelly, Karen Malcolm and Roberty “Bobby” Been Jr. Its ten constituency candidates are Hon. Edwin Astwood, Hon. Goldray Ewing, Hon. Sean Astwood, Hon. Delroy Williams, Derek Rolle, Keno Forbes, Ralph Higgs, Ezra Taylor, George Pratt and Douglas Parnell.
