Mister Speaker, Honorable Premier and Deputy Premier, Cabinet Members, fellow colleagues of this Honorable House, Strangers in the Gallery, those listening via Radio Turks and Caicos and viewing online, my people of the Wheeland and West Caicos Constituency, a pleasant morning/afternoon.
The Psalmist David said in all things we should give thanks, so I begin by thanking the Almighty for affording me the opportunity to stand in this Honorable House as the representative for Electoral District 10 and by extension the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Here we are, at this moment in our nation’s history. An ongoing war in Europe, the impact being felt on the cost of living, the chain supply crisis facing suppliers of goods which then impact our imports. All of this, added to the last two years of a global pandemic that has not gone away.
Mr. Speaker, with that being said, some would be downcast but I prefer to say that WE HAVE MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR IN THIS COUNTRY! We do not know with certainty whether the sun will shine tomorrow but for this moment, for this day in our country’s history, I prefer to be thankful and optimistic of future, under this PNP government.
Mr. Speaker, my governments focus has been on the people. The opportunities that we can provide, and the prosperity that will be become a reality. Just like any present government, we have had our challenges, I named a few, but we continue to do what is necessary in the face adversity to enhance the lives of our people. Mr. Speaker, let me firstly address my constituents. As the representative my commitment remains steadfast. My constituents will notice that with the relaxation of the COVID-19 protocols, I have been able to meet in person with more of them, addressing their concerns, dialoguing with them on community affairs and national issues. My constituents would have also seen the work first-hand we have been doing in the community, alongside the work the government is doing to address the issues that impact their daily lives. One such issue is the dump situation. Mr Speaker, the resolution to the dump and correcting the environmental hazards that affect us. With the continued support of this government, and myself having been appointed as Chairman of the Solid Waste Task Force, I have begun the arduously task of doing just that.
Mr. Speaker, I stand here today and say that my work has begun. With the commissioning of the committee, we have already hit the ground running, and I would like to add that even though the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) works would have commenced since November 2021, we continue to make significant progress. Mr. Speaker, the chairmanship of this committee allows me to be directly involved in the resolution process as we not only look to aggressively rectify Providenciales dump issues; but also gives us the opportunity to remedy the entire Turks and Caicos Islands Solid Waste system. With a comprehensive plan that will see us modernize the way we deal with solid waste in our country through my chairmanship and this government action, we are determined to get this right.
Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Finance stated in his report, the Environmental Health Department will be receiving additional manpower, namely: a dump attendant, Deputy Chief Environmental Officer and Vector Control Coordinator. These new hires are a demonstration that our government is taking the work seriously. It is clear that we are on the right path.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to publicly state to my constituents that, the water lines are still in the works, but due to the supply chain crisis and the heavy demand on our one source provider things are taking a little longer, but it will happen. I assure you; we will get this done.
As your representative, I continue to press hard for the completion of additional street lights, and roads works to bring those areas neglected for so long up to speed. There are issues that I have committed to addressing seeing resolved for my constituents. I live in my constituency and want to see the best for the residents of Wheeland. They deserve it for sending this PNP Member to the House. Therefore, I urge the Minister to move swiftly in assisting my constituents as we are waiting.
Mr. Speaker since coming to office, I have committed myself to my people, by continuously engaging with them. My engagement is having been through several community initiatives, beautification and enhancement programs and also by creating opportunities for them to become more engaged in the affairs of our community.
Mr. Speaker our government has provided stimulus for our citizens in the amount of 14.6 million dollars, these funds while frowned upon by some, were well received by many. Including in my constituency Mr. Speaker, persons greatly appreciative, that out caring government made this decision, which in fact helped many who were in need. But to take a step further, Mr. Speaker, there were local men in my very own constituency, who instead of sitting on the corner, benefitted from the Temporary Works Program and were elated as they were able to earn a decent living over a six-week period.
Mr. Speaker, if this is not providing opportunities for people, I don’t know what is. Therefore, as we move forward in this financial year, we look forward to more programs like this that will directly engage the citizens of our country.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to our governments continuous support in addressing of the Illegal Housing/Settlements with the 2.2 million allocated to combating this problem. As the MP for Wheeland, I look forward to working with stakeholders to address this matter. We cannot allow our community and society to become overrun by individuals, who intend to tear down what we have worked so hard to build.
Mr. Speaker, I am a champion for youth in this country, after listening to Minister of Education speech, and also the speech delivered by the Deputy Premier, I was pleased to see this financial commitment. This is evidence that resources to enhance the lives of our young people. The funds have been spread across various ministries, to address, the educational, social, cultural and rehabilitative factors. I draw specific reference to the Working Group recently established by the Ministry of Education, which will lead on a collaborative process, bringing young professionals from various life paths to work on the seven pillars initiative, which speaks to the National Youth policy. Mr. Speaker, this will lead ultimately to a plan of action for our youth that has been drafted and created by our youth.
Mr. Speaker, we should all be so proud of this initiative.
Mr. Speaker, we will also be launching a safe space initiative in collaboration with the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force and the Department of Youth, to create nurturing environments, peaceful communities and positively impact youth, mental health and wellbeing.
This will also go hand in hand to the $32.5million allocated towards Police Service of which Wheeland will benefit, with a new mobile police station. While this is not exactly what we would have preferred, as I am continuously advocating for a brick-and-mortar police station in my constituency, we will be grateful and continue to work along with our Community Police Officers and the RTCPF at large.
Mr Speaker, I wish to now turn my attention to the important issue of education, personal and career development. My government is committed to quality education and career development, especially for essential workers in the public service. My constituents would be pleased to hear, as well as the country, the Minister of Education’s announcement about the Community College and the upgrading of the nurses’ program.
Mr. Speaker, the public would be well aware of the countless local and expatriate nurses who have served our country for many years. There are names who have been etched in history for their pioneering service to our country. Thus, today my government intends to work in collaboration with Inter-health Canada Hospital to conceptualize a program to meet the needs of the country. The pandemic has taught us many lessons, but it has surely highlighted the need for nurses here at home.
Mr. Speaker, The Ministry of Health has reached out to PAHO and North Carolina University to overhaul the current Community College curriculum and program schedule including a Praticum Manual which would outline the learning objectives.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear the Minister of Education announce that TCICC’s revised Nursing programme will offer Associate’s Degree in Nursing including a one-year Practicum. As the Minister duly noted, it is the desire of the government to move towards a four-year Bachelors program and dialogue will begin with such accredited institution as University of the West Indies Faculty of Medicine.
The work the Minster has rightly done in addressing the important of getting more nurses into training via our Community College, alongside meeting international standards, is indicative of a progressive government, moving forward the country and I applaud her efforts and the efforts of this PNP Government.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear the Minster of Education outline the improvements to institutional governance and re-imagining of the business model at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC).
As the Minister noted, the Ministry of Education, alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College has embarked on an organizational review exercise that began in the final months of 2021. I look forward with anticipation its completion this month. I know that the Minister will come back to the House to update the country further on the next steps that will be taken.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker:
We are a resilient country and a resilient people.
We can achieve anything that we set out to do.
We are a hard working and industrious people.
We have already in our history achieved great things!
This year alone, a Turks and Caicos Islander won gold in Carifta Swimming!
Mr. Speaker, if that isn’t an indication of the possibilities we could achieve, then I don’t know what is.
I want to assure my constituents, our people that tough times don’t last. Tough people do! We are a strong tough people and this government is committed to working to address the issues that effect our country.
Together we can achieve anything. Together, progressive and focused we must remain.
Mr. Speaker, Wheeland supports this budget. I thank you!
