TCI: Premier on Post Office criticism

#Providenciales, May 9, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Premier to Leader of the Opposition: Get Over It and Get Use To Openings!

I am amused that the Leader of the Opposition would seek to take credit for a deliberate decision taken by my Government. In fact my Government has been criticized for progressing this Project while the Opposition remained silent. Sharp criticism came as recent as last week’s Budget Session from a member of his Opposition Team when his member said and I quote, “In the age of 5G and Internet, the Government is building a Post Office”.

Why didn’t Hon Misick correct his own member and take credit? The people are now weary with Hon Misick on his failed attempts to take credit for deliverables citing that his Government had hoped to deliver this and that during their 4yrs in Office. He should properly apologize to this country and take credit for his less than robust Capital Program which was his responsibility and which drew criticism from my Opposition Team who on multiple occasions called it a “recycled” Plan. In fact, accurately so, another member of his Opposition Team recently stated correctly that it is for a Minister to drive the Capital Program and to achieve little is a reflection on the Minister.

I am pleased that after 2 Storms and with the hard work of driven and motivated civil servants, my Government has enjoyed 90.4% of its Capital Program in this Financial Year and I dare the Leader of the Opposition to attempt to take credit for any of the 60 plus projects or any for 2017/18. The Former Administration no doubt had hopes and dreams but could not deliver or realize them. The Leader of the Opposition can get use to openings and the launch of new Programs. He must simply “get over it” and be prepared to be to attend more as a spectator.

The decision for Projects to proceed remain a decision for my Government and where credit was due, we stated the very short list of 3 projects. 

The Hon Misick should then take credit for the deplorable conditions that the Staff worked under for years and the fact that this Project was not a priority. But we recognized that giving a full and truthful account is not a strong suit for the Leader of the Opposition who more and more recently has shown new levels of desperation.

Again misleading and showing his and his Party’s obsession with me. The Hon Minister Vaden Williams did say that I was unaware of the procurement of pins to be sold as souvenirs through the Philatelic Bureau which is customary. I must say thank you to the Hon Minister and his Ministry; surprised but simply honored. It is becoming easier and easier in our country to celebrate our people despite the rhetoric of those who feel they can change history. Mature countries and mature governments do this and mature Oppositions accept history and move on.

As it relates to the Most Excellent Right Hon JAGS McCartney, our country’s first Chief Minister and only named National Hero it is regrettable that in 2019 and on this his 39th Death Anniversary, as Leader of this country I feel compelled to answer a current political leader as to having a pin made in his honor.

We will never accept Hon Misick’s seeming protection of our only named National Hero having removed the Holiday named for TMER Hon JAGS’ McCartney when he served as Chief Minister. He deserves a wall of pins and many more other souvenirs as done by other countries who are proud of their Heroes. Visitors and residents alike should be able to celebrate him, know his likeness and his contributions and to be reminded in as many forms as possible. 

We look forward to inviting the Leader of the Opposition as we restore this most Prestigous holiday in his name and as we erect and unveil monuments in his honor. 

I say kudos to Hon Williams and your entire Ministry on your driving your Ministry’s Project to completion and kudos to the Staff of the Post Office who had to endure years and years of being ignored. And again thank you and congratulations to the family of the Late George Brown whose legacy now stands tall for all to see.

#TCISTRONG #TCIPROUD