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Sinking Fund getting too much, Police getting too little says Five Cays Member
Hon. Sean Astwood: “What I am understanding is that the Police Force is saying to somebody, whether it is the government or the CFO, that they need these set of equipment in order to properly conduct their business in terms of the safe keeping of this country and someone is deciding what they can get and what they cannot get.”
During the recent Appropriations Committee meeting it was exposed that some equipment is denied by the Government during consideration of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police budget.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams: “Madame Chair and Members that is correct. I can certainly speak to some issues where some requests have been made and was not approved as it relates to a number of pieces of equipment that was needed for the department.”
Permanent Secretary of Finance, Athenee Harvey aimed to explain the dynamics of decisions.
Athenee Harvey, PS Finance: “The Ministry of Finance, the Department heads, the accounting officers I lift my hat to them because there are a lot of difficult decisions – even the leaders of the Opposition and Members of the House of Assembly. It is very difficult to actually have to decide what you have to forego for a temporary period of time.”
Hon Astwood posed another problem, “I thank you for that explanation Madame PS but surely there is someone who is deciding it is more prudent and beneficial to put extra money above and beyond what is budgeted for into the Sinking Fund than providing the equipment what that they needed; someone is making that decision.”
It was recommended by chairperson of the Appropriations Committee, Hon Ruth Blackman that the issue be brought up in a more appropriate forum, namely, the House of Assembly.