Hon. Randy Howell – ED-8, Contribution to the
Turks & Caicos Islands National Budget 2023-2024
Delivering on the Citizen’s Contract; Achieving Social, Economic, and Environmental Progress for All.
Grateful to you Mr. Speaker for the opportunity to contribute to this budget debate.
I wanted to begin my contribution by singing the song that The Hon. leader of the opposition left us with yesterday. “Sailing” by Christopher Cross. But I can’t sing if I’m paid to do so, and that song will only lead us into a world of fantasy. But this here is a reality so instead I’ll choose to remain grounded.
Mr. Speaker,
Isaiah, the prophet, penned these words to the Israelites. Now, we’re not Israelites, we are Turks and Caicos Islanders. But I ask of you to give ear to it. Listen to the words:
“Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them. Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands.”
Mr. Speaker,
This opportunity we have, to once again deliver a budget, this budget for the fiscal year 2023 / 2024 to govern this, our beloved country, was not born of itself, it was not whipped up out of thin air by the members on this side of the aisle. I believe that God almighty in his infinite wisdom thought it necessary to allow the people of this country to deliver us such a mandate and this budget will allow us to deliver on the mandate. Mr. Speaker, it is therefore fitting that we sing a new song to the Lord, it is fitting that we declare God’s praise in these islands.
Mr. Speaker,
Each of us in here today, including persons in the gallery, and those listening and watching via radio and social media can recall that it was 2 years and 3 months ago, this government, this administration, came into existence as a result of an enormous win at the polls across the country. Prior to that and leading up to the date when the people of this country delivered their verdict, a document dubbed “A Citizen’s Contract” was launched. It was the genesis of what would eventually become a contract between the Progressive National Party’s government and the populace of Turks & Caicos. I can recall, signing a copy of the document as a demonstration of confidence in the particulars therein and the possibility of achieving the goals that were clearly set.
Mr. Speaker,
As we were ushered into government, The Social, Economic, and Environmental fabric of this nation, became fundamental components of this administration. We began delivering on this contract immediately and we continue on that trend today and will continue until we’ve fully delivered on our promise to the people. Term after term after term!
Mr. Speaker,
As I am standing here, the Hon. Member of Parliament for District 8, Blue Hills, I will point out a few specific benefits of this fiscal year’s budget for the wonderful people of Blue Hills:-
Access to Government sponsored daycare services
This will aid in proving the well-being of families
It will free up family members to seek gainful employment
It will aid in easing the financial burden on families & single parents.
It will offer families an opportunity to stretch their earnings a little further so that they are able to achieve more.
Mr. Speaker,
Contrary to what the Hon. Leader of Opposition would have the country believe, there is no select group only who will benefit. That claim is not evident anywhere in the estimate booklet. The service will be available to whomever apply and meets the criteria.
2. The renovation of the Fuller & Clementina Walkin’ Park
This will benefit the district socially, economically, and environmentally.
During the year we are to see the Pier repaired to its original state before the storm; the erection of cabanas for family recreational purposes; rental spaces for arts & crafts vending, cafes, and beach apparel outlets.
In addition to the construction activities, we will promote the importance of taking care of the natural coastal vegetation such as sea oats, baejerina, and turtle grass in the surf.
Mr. Speaker,
While speaking of the park, the Blue Hills Medical Clinic is just opposite the park. And I recall from yesterday that The Hon. Leader of Opposition said that it was closed or closing. Again contrary to that message, the Blue Hills Medical Clinic is not closed, and it will not be closed. Not under my watch. Maybe the Hon. leader of the Opposition would have closed it by now had he and his administration been governing the country. But I can say, it ain’t so.
3. Government Sponsored After School Programs
a. Allow parents the assurance of knowing where their children are
b. This will provide games and training activities to keep our
children focus
4. Road & Electrification Development Project
a. This will allow for works on roads throughout the district to be carried out. Completion of the sidewalks along Bayroad,
Continued efforts to alleviate the morning and evening traffic congestion out of and into Blue Hills.
Mr. Speaker – this is dear to me. I’ve personally ventured into the land outback of Blue Hills or between Blue Hills and Norway to identify possible routes. I’ve met with surveyors, The Hon. Minister of Physical Planning & Infrastructure Development joined me on occasions. We’ve met with families, and owners of the properties to negotiate, so I can say that it’s in process.
b. There will be an increase in street lights in Residential Subdivisions and other dark areas to improve the aesthetics and deter criminal activities and socially unacceptable behavior.
Mr. Speaker,
These items highlighted are few, but very necessary, very meaningful, and beneficial for the people of Blue Hills. And there’s more to come. These are the areas where the theme of this new financial year’s budget is truly exemplified. The atmosphere is created for social enhancement, the atmosphere is created for economic benefits for residents, and the environment remains unscarred to be handed to future generations. The items earmarked for Blue Hills in this budget depicts the expression that the district of Blue Hills and its residents, my people, are not exempted from the possibilities that lies await.
Mr. Speaker,
When I consider all of the possibilities tied to the budget package set out in this 2023/2024 estimates; and the continuous efforts by this good government for the people of Turks and Caicos to achieve ‘The Good Life’, the decision is simple. So, on behalf of the wonderful people of District 8, Blue Hills, I fully support this bill and I take this moment to say to the people of Blue Hills to continue to support this good government as we continue working for you.
Mr. Speaker,
May God continue to Bless this beautiful country, we, its beautiful people and this good Progressive government.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker
