Government unveils $424.3m budget

CONTINUED operation.

This will include the continuous funding of The Office of The Governor, The Office of The Deputy Governor, The Office of The Premier, House of Assembly, and Financial and Fiscal Affairs.

Education And Recreation

Turning his attention to the education sector, Saunders said the government is creating modern schools that are well-positioned and equipped “to give our people the skills, knowledge, experience, and confidence to lead productive, meaningful lives” in an effort to drive sustainable development across all islands.

He said: “Mr Speaker, $48.9m (12% of the budgeted expenditure) is allocated towards education and recreation.

This will fund, free Community College to all Turks & Caicos Islanders and policies to support early childhood education and safeguard children.

Monies will also be pumped into improving school infrastructure, and making more scholarships and school support available for students at all levels, as well as Recreation and Sport.

Social Protection

To assist the poor and vulnerable, the government has proposed an allocation of $19.1m (5% of the budgeted expenditure) for social protection this financial year. Saunders pointed out that this will include support for: “Home Health and Social Assistance programme, Payments for stimulus applications under review, pensions and gratuities for public servants, and domestic violence victim support and gender equality.

Housing And Community Amenities

To fund the Government’s Housing and Community renewal programmes, an allocation of $18.5m (4.4% of the budgeted expenditure) is expected to be spent.

Priority will be given to housing and community amenities, water services, including water treatment and distribution, and district administrations.

Security And Defence

The Deputy Premier underscored that his government is committed to ensuring that the islands are