Government
Opposition Blasts PNP Budget; Cites its touted benefits as ‘a Lie’
By Dana Malcolm with Deandrea Hamilton
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, May 15, 2023 – Much ado about nothing is how Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition is describing the historic $424.3 million dollar budget laid in parliament on April 26 by the PNP Administration; he says it fails to address the issues impacting Turks and Caicos residents and much of what was touted is simply not true.
“While laying the Budget estimates in the House of Assembly, the previous week, the Minister of Finance stated that “Our government policies and priorities for FY2032/2024 have been meticulously crafted to enable us to carry on with our mission of Delivering on the Citizen’s Contract: Achieving Social, Economic, and Environmental Progress for All.” A pretty good empty phrase.
Well, the numbers and programs showed that this is a Lie, this budget does not address any of those issues for our people and our country,” said Astwood in a media statement on Wednesday, May 10.
He said the budget does not address the cost of living; housing; border crisis; training of residents; increasing access to quality; and affordable health care; beautification; salary inequalities.
“Most of all it does nothing more for our people,” he said, in a strongly worded press release on May 10th. “The Honourable Minister of Finance also stated the fact that this is the Biggest Budget Ever for the TCI, and that “his PNP Government is investing $424.3 million into our people and our country. This is also a lie, and if you had the time to listen to the Appropriations Committee Hearings, you would know from the information provided that,
outside the normal recurrent expenditure on salaries and allowance and renovations, nothing is being spent on our people or our country.”
He claimed the majority of the money would not go back to the residents of the Turks and Caicos and by virtue of the insight gained from his position on the Appropriations committee said this:
“Outside the normal recurrent expenditure on salaries and allowance and renovations, nothing is being spent on our people or our country. The Recurrent Expenditure increases are mostly for the Destination Management Organization (DMO), $14 Million on Professional & Consultancies, $28 million in Subventions to Statutory Bodies, $22.8million to InterHealth’s InfraCo Unitary payment, and $35.4 million for InterHealth’s ClinCo payment and Treatment Abroad, $7.2 million for SIPT, Hosting Conferences, 56 new positions (to add to the 400 vacant positions), and Land Acquisitions.”
Based on the budget presented by E Jay Saunders, Acting Premier and Finance Minister on April 26th recurrent expenditure is the bulk of the budget at $348 million. Recurrent expenditure pays for civil servants salaries, free healthcare and dental, social programs like home help and more.
Astwood also said not enough money was being spent on roads and electrification combined for the entire country, and claimed that government programs ‘have been cut or are greatly underfunded.’
“This is a Historic Budget of constraints,” he said. “Local and international Training Cut, Internal training cut, youth activities cut, no increase in international scholarships, no expansion of Preventative Health, no expansion to national security and Border, small and medium contracts cut, preventative maintenance and clearing cut, and no increase in grants to entrepreneurs and startup businesses, just to name a few.”
He frowned on the claim that the budget was ‘green and gender based’, explaining that he had yet to see any specific programs to address these issues. He highlighted too that there was nothing budgeted for a salary increase but admitted the government is doing a grading exercise to see what increases are needed. The Opposition Leader called for an immediate increase.
“The PDM is asking the government to give civil Servants a 10% across-the-board increase as a cost-of-living adjustment. I do not care that they would get the brownie points if they do this, my only concern is that our people need it, and they need it NOW, not a year from now.”
The budget will be debated on May 16th.
Government
Paula Virgil-Stubbs Appointed Executive Administrator in The Office of The Deputy Governor
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs as Executive Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs brings a wealth of experience and a strong professional background to her new position. Holding an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, she has continually demonstrated her commitment to professional development through a series of advanced training programs. Most recently, she completed the Administrative Excellence course offered by the Turks and Caicos Islands Training Department, further sharpening her leadership and office management skills.
Her career within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) began at the Grand Turk Post Office, where she worked as a sales-clerk. After relocating to Providenciales and gaining valuable experience in the private sector, she returned to TCIG in 2018, joining the Office of the Premier as an Administrative Officer. Over the years, she quickly advanced, taking on the role of Senior Administrative Officer in 2021 before stepping into the position of Assistant Protocol Officer.
As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will play a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Deputy Governor’s Office.
This includes organizing and coordinating meetings, managing appointments and the Deputy Governor’s diary, and providing critical administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Additionally, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will assist with high-level administrative tasks, including handling correspondence, organizing events, and managing administrative functions with the utmost professionalism. In commenting on her new appointment, Mrs. Virgil Stubbs stated, “As I begin this new chapter in my career as Executive Administrator within the Deputy Governor Officer, I want to first give thanks to God for making this opportunity possible. I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love, support, and constant encouragement to strive for excellence. This moment truly shows that hard work and dedication pay off. I am also sincerely thankful to the Turks and Caicos Island Government for entrusting me with this new role. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge while continuing to grow, learn, and gain valuable experience in this position. I am committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, congratulated Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and congratulate Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs on her appointment as Executive Administrator in my office. As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will manage multiple administrative tasks, from coordinating my schedule to providing key support during meetings and events. Paula has proven herself to be a diligent and reliable public servant. I am confident that her experience and dedication will undoubtedly be an asset to my office and the entire public service.
Welcome to our team, and congratulations on your new appointment, Paula!”
Government
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