#TurksandCaicosIslands – January 26, 2021 – The People’s Democratic Movement has unveiled its Agenda; the manifesto of the governing party reveals a PDM Administration, if re-elected, as ready to explore the development of a Herbal Medical Industry which could open the door to the cultivation of ‘medical marijuana’.
The PDM is calling the Herbal Medical
Industry a potential opportunity and in its section on Agribusiness Development
there are listed plans for zero rate tariffs for farmers; development of an
agro-park and promotion of high quality agriculture through technology.
The PDM is calling its documented promise
to the people in this general election cycle, the Agenda and it commits the
incumbent party to four fundamentals under the broad headings of Society,
Economy, Environment and Governance.
The document became available late last
week, however access is limited. Like the opposition Progressive National
Party, it too is an electronic copy and in the PDM’s case, roll out was paired
with a string of candidate interviews.
The PDM outlines in the manifesto, that it
will create 2,000 new jobs and develop a Blue Economy. Jobs for Turks and Caicos Islanders will also
be better protected according to the manifesto.
A comprehensive incubation program is also
itemized in the Agenda; the PDM explains the need to make “Micro, Small and
Medium sized enterprises integral to economic structural transformation.”
This development of business potential will
expand to the youth, says the document, where a youth entrepreneurship business
program is listed as among the plans of the PDM, if re-elected.
In what the People’s Democratic Movement
labelled: Reaching into the Future,
there are pledges to economic diversification; modernize government through
constitutional reform and impactful local government and to bring the Crown
Land unit back into a ministerial portfolio.
Climate Change adaptation is also in the
Agenda of the PDM and so is “major” expansion of the Providenciales
International Airport. The sea port is
also up for reform with new berths and the additional of digital technology.
New constructions will include Creative
Arts/Performing Arts Cultural Centers in a public private partnership says the
PDM.
While the Agenda appeared to be a public
document which was discussed at length on the party’s Facebook page; there has
been no official announcement issued by the People’s Democratic Movement and no
director on where residents can access the item which numbers over 40 pages.
