Malcolm blasts Astwood during Budget Debate

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 23, 2023 – Minister of Health Shaun Malcolm is defending his party’s habit of ‘handouts’ as accused by Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition as necessary help.

In his budget contribution on Thursday, May 18 he chided Astwood for condemning handouts when the former PDM administration had given concessions to the rich.

“The people haven’t forgotten how you and your cabinet came to this house and rolled off over $100 million dollars for a few rich folks in Grace Bay. That’s why you’re in opposition,” he contended.

In addition to that, Malcolm brought up the drawn-out stimulus that had been instituted by the PDM Administration but barely paid out because of the laborious process to get the cash.

“The other few rich businessmen in Grace Bay, not even ten minutes into lockdown, you gave them a stimulus to pay work permit holders,” he said heatedly.

Malcolm reminded the opposition leader that it was the PNP Administration that had truly paid out the stimulus making it available to thousands of needy islanders.

He referenced the three stimulus packages and millions in write-offs that the PNP had provided over the last two years.

“The people of this country don’t suffer from amnesia!” he warned.

Malcolm was responding to accusations from Astwood that the PNP was governing for the rich rather than all citizens.