The Peoples Democratic Movement is calling for a 21 day freeze of the TCI budget passage, and for all parties to meet for a round table discussion.
In a statement from the party it was stated that the members are deeply concerned that without public debate of the proposed budget the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands will not have an opportunity to hear what measures are being considered by the Government.
The PDM continued to add that they will not know how to properly plan their interaction with Government over the next year and the people will not know how the Government performed last year. The end result is a complete lack of confidence in the viability of any proposed measure.
“Because of these and other vital reasons The Peoples Democratic Movement is calling on the Interim Administration to FREEZE and come together with relevant groups in a round table to resolve differences on important financial matters affecting the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We are calling for a period of 21 days to resolve these matters. It is our understanding that it is the Governor’s intent to enact the budget as is. We are urging him to reconsider. This would be the first time in almost 40 years that we have not had a public debate before a budget measure is passed,” said the PDM.
The PDM have since formed a Mediation Council which is headed by the former Leader of the Opposition and former President of the Civil Service Association Hon. Floyd Seymour. The main objective of the Mediation Council would be to bring financial alternatives and solutions to the current situation which includes new revenue measures and government expenditure.
“We are therefore calling for a 21 day freeze in passing the budget, a freeze in the changes to the pension’s ordinance, and a freeze in the interpretation ordinance along with a call for a 21 day temporary spending measure to fund the Government while these financial issues are addressed. It is in the interest of all citizens, residents and visitors that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government functions efficiently, effectively and economically.”
There has been no word as yet from the Governor’s office.
