#Providenciales, June 4, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Nine million in budget year 2018-2019 and another $11 million in this
new fiscal year will mean radical refurbishment in South Caicos, and residents
turned out in healthy numbers to hear about plans for restoration of the
island.
Premier Sharlene Robinson is the minister responsible for finance and
island administration. An Office of the
Premier media release explained that the plan for South Caicos were spelled
out.
“South Caicos Airport Tower,
Clinic, Community Center, Wellness Center, Conch Ground Bay Port works. She
explained that these works totalled some $8m to $9m in government
investment. South Caicos in the 2019/20
TCIG Budget, received another large portion of funds allocated for
infrastructural works with approximately $11 million committed in budget
2019/20 to the following critical projects: The Airport Terminal, South Caicos
Airport fencing, the Morgue, the Regatta Village and Wharf.”
South Caicos residents and natives have been vocal about their
disappointment in the rundown state of the island, particularly in the
aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. Photographs and comments about public
facilities including the clinic, the morgue, the wharf, the airport and the
Regatta Village have made headlines several times since the storms 20 months
ago.
“Premier Robinson in her updates as the Minister of Finance
expressed that about $20m have been allocated for repair and other works over
her Government’s 3 Budgets. It was announced that these works are all
progressing and residents received confirmation that sporting equipment should
be coming soon for the schools.”
South Caicos residents have also been concerned about banking
facilities and airline connectivity and reliability. It was announced that both are being worked
on by the PDM Administration.
“It was confirmed that TCIG is actively engaging with banking
institutions for the return banking services to South Caicos. Caicos Express
Airways won the subsidy bid to provide airlift services into and out of South
Caicos. Those services to begin 1 June 2019. It was noted that flight times are
being discussed to better accommodate both residents and visitors to the
island.”
Minister of health Edwin Astwood addressed management of the
pharmacy, construction of a new morgue and maintenance of the island’s
clinic.
As the ‘fishing capital’ of the country, South Caicos residents
were informed that there are studies and reports coming to boost performance of
the industry. Minister of Tourism, with
responsibility for maritime and fisheries, Ralph Higgs was at the meeting.
“… announced that Department
of Environment and Coastal Resources officials will be making a visit in the
coming weeks for public consultations on how they can improve the industry and
share data on Lobster, Conch and Fish stocks. It was noted that after the
hurricanes, the Lobster Open Season performed better than expected. A new Environmental
Bill which will speak specifically to legislation to support a sustainable
conch and lobster export industry will be taken to the House of Assembly in the
coming months.”
South Caicos islanders were told that a new youth officer is to
be assigned and the cadet corps is to be re-established in the island.
Additionally, the Office of the Premier reported that: “The Airport fencing will return to tender due to no
bids the first round of tenders will be posted in July 2019. The repairs of the
Library, the construction of the Fish House and canal works will be included in
next year’s budget.”
Today there are two public meetings; Salt Cay at 11 am and Grand Turk at 6:30pm.
#magneticmedianews
#caicosexpressreturnstosouthcaicos