THE PEOPLE’S TERM!

#TurksandCaicos, June 30, 2021 – Mr. Speaker, having heard the Hon. Premier’ presentation of the 2020/21 Appropriation Bill, I am indeed proud to be a part of this team Of People Centered Government. The desire as expressed by our Premier to move our people from poverty to prosperity is actualized in this budget. And why Mr. Speaker is this so. It is so because people are central to the economic and social development of our country. Mr. Speaker, there is a symbiotic relationship between economic development and social development; the Premier has demonstrated this.

And Mr. Speaker, as I listened attentively to our Hon. Premier, I heard ‘people’ mentioned at least 20 times throughout the presentation. What does this mean Mr. Speaker? It means that the People’s Term is here. It means that this Government led by the Hon. Premier is committed to the words of wisdom found in Proverbs 23:7 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.” It simply means Mr. Speaker to treat others right.

As I said Mr. Speaker, the Premier has demonstrated that this government is on its mission to do right by our people. Let us for a moment Mr. Speaker look at all the right things that have been done for the people of our country.

A FEW LIST HERE
Mr. Speaker: Our Government Droped a 15 million Stimulus Grant after few days coming yo office. We paid $1000.00 to every TCI & BOTC 18 years and older. More Good News Mr. Speaker, The People now have up to September 1, 2021 to collect their cheques.. WE COME FOR THIS WORK!! PNP.

Mr. Speaker: Our Government approved write-off interest and penalties on Outstanding Contributions for NIB & NHIB up to February 28, 2021.

Mr. Speaker: Our Government approved the waiver of Outstanding Customs Warehouse Rent up to March 31, 2021.

Mr. Speaker: Two weeks in Offic, Our Government removed Import Tariffs from all Essential Supplies used for Sanitation, Hygiene and Safety Purposes, including PPE’s for a period of six months. Starting March 2021 – September 2021.

Mr. Speaker: If You’re A Homemaker, A Farmer, A Doctor, A Taxi Driver, A Fisherman or Hotel.. Our Government Will Not Leave You Behind.

Mr.Speaker: Oh..If You’re A Youth, University Student or Young Business Person in this Country. This Government Will Not Leave You Behind..

Mr. Speaker: This Government in this 2021/22 has made spending on Infrastructure and the Social Development of this Country and PEOPLE TOP PRIORITIES.

Mr. Speaker, I mentioned the symbiotic relationship between social and economic development. Let me turn now to the social and economic aspects in this budget. Mr. Speaker, social development is about improving the well being of every individual in society so they can reach their full potential. 

Ø  It means investing in people; 
Ø  it means giving our people a good sound education where innovation and creativity are nurtured (support this with some numbers from the budget)
Ø  It means releasing our people from the grips of poverty by ensuring the creation of quality jobs that support decent standards of living;
Ø  It means ensuring that our young and innovative population have the opportunity to become entrepreneurs on the path to success and inclusion in the wealth of this country. As our Deputy continue to say, so that they can live their best lives here.

Conclusion 

Mr. Speaker, The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 
“Economic development cannot take a nation forward on its own. We need a society and economy which complement each other. We need to take care of the poor, deprived and left behind sections of society.”

You will find Mr. Speaker representations of this in this budget. Mr. Speaker, this government did not run its campaign on promise. It entered into a binding Social Contract with the people of this country. This budget reflects that commitment. I lend my unwavering support to this budget. 
May God continue to direct and guide the leadership of our dear country and bless this beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands. 

HON.SHAUN DAVID MALCOLM