TCI: Leader of the Opposition calling for Second Stimulus

#TurksandCaicos, August 9, 2021 – A second Stimulus or Relief Package is greatly needed for citizens in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

It has been 17 months since the COVID-19 Pandemic and many individuals in this country continue to be disadvantaged and suffer financial setbacks caused by the effects of the Pandemic.

Even though tourism and the economy has restarted wonderfully in Providenciales, not everyone is directly benefitting, and some families continue to be hurting under the financial burden brought on by the Pandemic.

In addition, other family islands, outside of Providenciales, continue to feel the full brunt of the Pandemic. Many persons remain unemployed, and many local businesses continue to be inactive, or have closed indefinitely.

They are all now wondering if they will get another stimulus check, and if so when will it be paid out. This lack of employment and business inactivity is greatly seen in Grand Turk, where the prolonged absence of cruise ship visits is driving half of the population under and closer to living in poverty. Persons are leaving their homes in order to seek employment in Providenciales.

Salt Cay and South Caicos are nowhere close to their normal pre-pandemic economic and tourism activity. There are also seeing persons leaving these Islands for other Islands. North and Middle Caicos may be seeing some tourism spill over from Provo, but it is still not at Pre-COVID numbers.

Therefore, there is still a great need for the Government to provide stimulus support to those struggling persons and businesses throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands and since the stimulus check issuing process has been simplified, this can be expedited immediately, after gaining approval in Cabinet.

Thereafter, the Treasury could start sending out checks in a matter of days.

The amount should be at the same $1,000 level.

If the argument about source of finances is brought up, the Government may choose to look at the millions of dollars allocated for land acquisition in this years’ (2021/2022) Budget.

The people’s immediate needs should be prioritized over wants such as land acquisitions. Even though there is 10 Million budgeted for works, which is a good thing, not all needful citizens will be able to benefit, or would be in the position to have a business license, bid, and win a government works project.

Hence, some individuals will continue to be disadvantaged, and with schools opening at the end of this month, will not be able to afford the needed materials and supplies for their children. Additionally, consideration should be given to providing local businesses with grants and duty concessions for restarting.

The grants may vary in amount with consideration given to the size and nature of the local business. Therefore, I want to put it to the Government to seriously consider giving an additional stimulus to those needful citizens and business in our country.