Leader of the Opposition Hon. Edwin Astwood affirmed that the Informal Settlement Unit (ISU), which has been established to rid the TCI of structures erected illegal, has his full support, and an issue that would not be used as a political football.
The Opposition Leader made the declaration at the launch of the ISU on ….at the Laporte Plaza, Downtown Providenciales. He told the gathering that he welcomed the formation of the unit and the job that it has been mandated to do.
“As you know, this is a situation in our community that we have been fighting to tackle for many, many years,” Astwood declared. “From the time I came into government, my time at the hospital, this has been a problem in the Turks and Caicos for many, many years. And now we have solutions that we are trying to put in place to tackle this social issue that needs to be tackled here and now.”
The opposition leader pointed out that unplanned communities are very difficult to access especially in a time of crisis, and so need regulations.
“We have seen the troubles that this presented in our communities. We have seen it through hurricanes, and the pandemic. It was difficult getting to the people. we have seen the issues,” he stated.
He lauded government for producing solution to rid the TCI of informal settlements and have it returned to its originally pristine state.
“I believe that now we have seen the solutions, and I here stand with the Unit, with the government in dealing with it. This is a national issue…it is not just an issue for Grand Turk, and it is not just an issue for Providenciales. Yes, those are the two main places, but we have to protect against this in all our islands,” Astwood asserted.
“And so, national issues like this we need to be unified, and I am here standing in solidarity with my colleagues from the House of Assembly, my colleagues across government, all the civic groups…I am in support. My government, the people’s government, the Turks and Caicos Government…they are the government of the day, and we all of to give the support on this national issue,” added the opposition leader.
According to Astwood, when it comes on to national issues of this magnitude, political, religious and other persuasions should be tossed aside.
“No matter what group you belong to, let’s give this initiative our full support. We need to deal with this. We are saying that we are a first-class destination…we need to look like first-class from the airport straight to the resorts and everywhere in between. So, tackling his issue is truly a step in the right direction in getting us to look like a first-class destination,” he reiterated.
“I want to say to the Informal Settlement Unit, you can call me anytime, any place to support you. Government officials, the Opposition is here to support you. We are going to walk together hand in hand on this issue. And we will not make any political issue on this situation in the country,” he concluded.
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