 Thank you Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I'm very happy to be able to stand in this house and remember from Shosei I said if I require water he'll be assisting me and he'll be providing me with what I chose and I think we had a conversation aside but we agreed that we should have a government of unity and I'm happy that he has subscribed, he has subscribed to this idea. Mr. Speaker, you know every time we convene a sitting of this parliament and I rise in this honorable house, Mr. Speaker, I make a deliberate attempt to remind myself that I am here at the mercy and at the b.s. of the people of Mikudnoff. I remind myself Mr. Speaker that I'm able to stand here in this house because I listen to the people of Mikudnoff, I noted their challenges, their concerns and Mr. Speaker, I promise to do my best as the representative to alleviate their fears and tackle some of the issues which poses a challenge for them. I also promise Mr. Speaker to give voice to their concerns when I stand in this house and to do my best to implement some of the projects which they deemed important for the constituency. I also attribute part of my presence here Mr. Speaker to the way in which I carry myself, my compartment, my department and I know that when most people from Mikudnoff went to the polls on that fateful day of July 2021, they went there knowing Mr. Speaker and expecting that I would carry myself with the highest level of professionalism. They went there expecting me to carry myself a certain level of respect and I remind myself of that Mr. Speaker because I'm not just representing Jeremiah and nobody individual, I'm representing a constituency, I'm representing persons with disabilities, I'm representing the youth especially in marginalized and invulnerable and I know Mr. Speaker you're probably thinking where is he going with all of this but I think Mr. Speaker it is very important and I stress very important Mr. Speaker. For me to start off my presentation today by publicly denouncing the shameful and bitter behavior of the former representative for Grosily at the UWP meeting or convention which was held at the Sufrabus Terminal a few weeks ago Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker I've always made the point when I stand in this house, I've always made the point that there is a need for an opposition. An opposition is supposed to behave or act as a government in waiting. An opposition has a responsibility to call on the government. It has a responsibility to call on the government of the day if it believes that the government is doing an injustice to the people. Whether through what sometimes they may not agree with maybe certain tax regimes, maybe they believe that access to health is not equitable, education for the citizenry is not accessible just because these are the issues that you expect the opposition to stand on and debate. An opposition is supposed to offer better alternatives if they think that they have better alternatives to what the government is offering and these are the tenets upon which a good opposition operates and I solemnly believe Mr. Speaker that the populace may be a lot more receptive to an opposition which embraces these tenets and uses them as the foundation upon which they build their structure. But when you have nothing to criticize, you have nothing to criticize the government on, you cannot look at the policies of the government and dissect them and accurately criticize them but you choose to go to the gutter. You choose to probe supporters into casting insulting remarks at the honorable prime minister. Mr. Speaker need I not remind you that we live in a time of technology where when you say something now within minutes it's pressed like wildfire, it's all over the world but you choose to probe your supporters into casting insulting remarks at the honorable prime minister and when you did it once, as if it was not enough Mr. Speaker, you repeated the statement and you encourage supporters to insult the prime minister again. I say shame on you, shame on you from a parliamentary representative for Grosily and to make it worse, to make it worse Mr. Speaker. I did not hear one member of that party openly reject that type of behavior. As a matter of fact Mr. Speaker, you could have seen some cheering and giggling in the background when the statement was made and sometimes Mr. Speaker we ask why why has the social fabric in this country deteriorated so badly. We ask why have we become such a violent nation such a violent people. One of the reasons Mr. Speaker is because of what we witnessed in Souffre a few weeks ago. We as leaders Mr. Speaker and when I say leaders I'm not excluding anyone here you know Mr. Speaker. We as leaders the people have entrusted each and every one of us here today with responsibility to lead them and we have a lot of power Mr. Speaker. As politicians we have a lot of power. We have a responsibility to lead the flock who have entrusted us to do so. We have a responsibility to be role models for the next generations of leaders that is our responsibility they look up to us. We have a responsibility to stay the ship to safety that we deliberately dig holes in the ship. What do you expect if you dig holes in the ship? Must sink. But it will not sink. It will not sink. And we point fingers at everyone except ourselves. We want to blame everyone for what is happening for the situation that we have in crime. But Mr. Speaker I commend the member for Castro's his and I commend him for not giving into the cheap tactics of these individuals. And with every day that pass Mr. Speaker and I say that with a sense of pride I feel more and more grateful that this is a man whom God has chosen to lead this team and this country. A man who does not believe in getting into the gutter. A man who does not believe that he needs to get even. And Mr. Speaker instead of encouraging us to respond to what happened in Sufre you know what he did. He advises to never allow politics to bring us to low. To never allow the hunger and thirst for power to cause us to attack person's character. And I promise him that I will keep this piece of advice wherever I roam. And Mr. Speaker I think it is important that is important that I see part of this in Creole so that everybody understands Mr. Speaker because I think this message needs to reach everyone in Central. And I know Mr. Speaker I think I can say here confidently that the people of Saint Lucia most people in Saint Lucia even the supporters of the United Because Party Mr. Speaker I know that they were not happy with the behavior of the former parliamentarian. And I feel sorry for those who are there shouting whatever it is that they were shouting. And that is why I said we have to understand as leaders we have a lot of power and we have a responsibility to ensure that we lead people in the right direction. My name is Jordia and I want to say that as a young politician as a young man who wanted to pay me to go to the government who wanted to make a difference in politics in this country. It was a shame for me that was done and we did not have the capacity to suffer. But I am not going to go to the government because it is a prison. I am not going to go to the government to go. Wait here under a platform and then you have to say it to the crowd. And then you have to say it to the people of Feba and then you have to say it to the And I'm going to ask the Prime Minister here, no. I want to say that everyone, we know that you say that before you do anything, it's not for you. I'm going to tell you, I'm going to tell you a video, it's not for you. All the phones, all the computers are for you. And the number of people who are new, those who are old, those who are new in the society, those who are old, those who are old, those who are old, We have no responsibility as politicians, we want to encourage all of our colleagues here in Haudia to take responsibility for our country. We have a responsibility for the people here who are watching us. That we live in a way that is not just for the people who are watching us, but also for the people who are watching us, who are meeting us at the office. And I want to discourage all politicians here today, not just for the opposition. I want to discourage them. I want to leave them to see the opposition, to be able to insult the people, to make them feel better. And that is the most important thing. We have a lot of people here. We have a lot of people here at this stage. We have people from other groups, from different groups to be able to meet and talk with them. We have a lot of people here. We have a lot of people here. We have a lot of people who like and support us. We have a lot of people, but many of us here accept that this is a mistake. I don't want to spend any more time on what happened in Souffre. Because on Tuesday we listened to the member for caste resistance and we listened to him deliver the policy direction of this administration for the financial year 2023-2024. And there was so much good coming from this, Mr. Speaker. Usually I spend maybe half an hour to 45 minutes on my feet. But today I think I may utilize my full hour. But I still felt the need, Mr. Speaker, that as a young politician, as someone who usually engages with other young enthusiasts, it was necessary to voice their concern about what happened in Souffre and to let it be known that we do not support this type of behavior. And I cannot even say this type of politics, Mr. Speaker, because I'm not sure that this can even pass as politics. And we would like to see more substance and less business arguments, Mr. Speaker, from the people who have assumed or those who assume the highest office or some of the highest offices in this land. Now, Mr. Speaker, I want to start my presentation by thanking the men, the women and the children of Mikunov, Mr. Speaker. And I always have to thank the children because every time I stand here, I remember them singing, Jerry, Maya. And Mr. Speaker, you know, sometimes you sit and you reflect and these children played a very critical role. I remember parents asking their children to go inside because despite their political affiliation being on the other side, the children would come outside with their flags, nonetheless, weaving, they would come singing. And I also thank Owen Charles for this lovely song that he put together, Boferlili Boferlo, during the election campaign. I thank the people of Mikunov, Mr. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to be able to make representation on their behalf in this August chamber. And I will continue to put my best foot forward, Mr. Speaker. No pun intended. I see the member for Denry Noff is already watching, Mr. Speaker. I intend to put my best foot forward. And I will continue to strive to represent with utmost distinction. Having said that, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to comment on some of the general policies and the policy intention of this government for this financial year. And then I will look at some of the policies specific to my constituency, Mikunov. Mr. Speaker, this budget has been premised on health and security, the pillars for sustainability. And given the recent setbacks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Speaker, and the negative impact of violent crimes which started to surface in our beautiful country, I think the focus is perfect given the current circumstances. In general, this budget speaks to investing in our health infrastructure, while at the same time ensuring that we create a health system that is responsive, a health system, Mr. Speaker, that is affordable, one that is accessible, and one that is also equitable. This year's budget also speaks to making a deliberate effort, Mr. Speaker, to combat crime. And in the words of the prime minister, we should not allow the source of crime to get fertile in this land. And not to stand in the first and emphasis placed on these two sectors. This budget also creates a much more enabling and comfortable environment for the marginalized and the vulnerable people of St. Lucia. Mr. Speaker, this budget is really taking into consideration the needs of the people of St. Lucia. Not the needs of a few elite people, but the needs of all St. Lucia. And I did not expect anything else from the maestro, the leader and the member for castries. Most of the men, Mr. Speaker, and the women, and I know the member for castries, is constantly reminds us of this. Most of the men and the women who forms this administration are the children of ordinary people and have lived ordinary lives and have worked the paths of most St. Lucia and we speak the language of most St. Lucia. So it is natural, Mr. Speaker. There is no magic there. It is natural for us and for them to relate to the struggles of most St. Lucia. And because of this relatability, we are able to put measures in place to help our fellow St. Lucia men and women. Mr. Speaker, the safety and the security of our cities and we have come under tremendous threat. Over the past few years and even the situation has worsened in the past months, we have continued to see an increase in crime, especially violent crime. Mr. Speaker, crime is a very complex phenomenon, but we should never fear complexity. For complexity is simply many simple things which we probably left unaddressed, Mr. Speaker, and was allowed to mushroom into something that we deemed complex. And we need to look at all the little things which contribute to crime and criminality. We need to look at the socialization aspect of our people. We need to also take into consideration the parenting component. We need to look at the educational component, consider the economic environment under which crime flourishes, Mr. Speaker. And then we have to look at the crime fighting agencies, like the police, our rehabilitative institutions like probation and parole department. And we have to take into consideration the conditions at the prisons. And we have to ask ourselves, are these agencies and institutions really functioning the way in which they are supposed to? And Mr. Speaker, I think it is fair to say or it is an honest opinion when we say that we have identified several gaps within some of the institutions. And these gaps, they require closing and they require closing now in order for us to come out of where we are. And that is the reason we have always given expression, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that the only way to really address crime is to adopt a multifaceted approach. We need to stop politicizing crime. We need to stop using crime as a means of scoring cheap political points. We need to, as a people, Mr. Speaker, and as a government. And when I say government, I'm referring to both the incumbent and members opposite, Mr. Speaker. I say we all have a path to play in this fight against crime because, Mr. Speaker, the negative, let's face it, the negative and pervasive effects of crime does not discriminate against class. It does not discriminate against race. It does not discriminate against color or political affiliation. And you think when a man says that he wants to go and kill another man, he asks himself whether the man black, white, brown, blue, labor, flabo. I will not kill him because he's a labor, I'll not kill him because he's a flabo. Just because these are not considerations when people think of partaking in crime and criminal activity. We all feel and we've all suffered negative consequences of crime. And it is on that note, Mr. Speaker, that I am pleased with the pronouncement by the Prime Minister on page 28 of his presentation when he said, and I quote, Mr. Speaker, in my show of commitment to this cause, I wish to inform you, members of this House and the solution public, that I will lead the battle against crime without fear, favor or partisan thinking until the scourge of criminality is no more. And I invite my colleagues and civil society to join me in this battle. Mr. Speaker, this is a man who understands that he does not have all the answers and that it requires an all hands on deck approach to effectively fight crime in this country. And I want to assure the member for Kastrius is that he has my full support and commitment in this fight against crime. We are in this together. Mr. Speaker, this administration has been bold and this administration has been decisive and has shown up, Mr. Speaker, when called upon to deal with this crime situation. Our actions and our initiatives, Mr. Speaker, over the course of the last year, speaks clearly to the commitment of this government to dealing with this crime situation. Mr. Speaker, it has not been easy. The crime fighting journey has not come without obstacles, but we continue to persevere. We continue to work because we really cannot attach any price tag to the safety and security of our solution people. We have taken actions, Mr. Speaker, which politically may have seemed unfavorable or unpopular at the time, but we took them, Mr. Speaker. We took these actions because they were necessary and we place more value on the lives of the people than on our own political existence. And that is what real leaders do, Mr. Speaker. We place more value on the lives of the ordinary men and women in St. Lucia than we do on our own political existence. And if it means, Mr. Speaker, that the actions that we take to ensure that you can work safely in St. Lucia, that you can move around without having to look behind you or worrying what is around you, Mr. Speaker, if it means that the actions that we have to take to ensure that this happens cause us to lose an election, then so be it, Mr. Speaker. Because as I said, we place a lot more emphasis on the lives of our people than we do on our own political existence. Mr. Speaker, at the legislative level, we have increased the penalties for illegal fire and possession and ammunition. We have enacted the suppression of escalated crime police powers act and we have created a serious crimes unit. And Mr. Speaker, these are important measures given what we are faced with currently. And Mr. Speaker, remember I said, everyone of us has a part to play in this fight against crime. And I don't want to take a swipe, but I want to encourage the judiciary members of the judiciary, Mr. Speaker, to also play their role in this fight against crime. Mr. Speaker, I think it is unfair to all of us here who come to this house, we pass laws and to feel as if the laws have been ignored deliberately or otherwise, Mr. Speaker. The penalties for certain offenses will increase or intensify because we saw that the former ones were not achieving the objective. Penalties are supposed to serve as deterrence, Mr. Speaker. And it's supposed to serve as deterrence to persons who want to engage in criminality. Crime should not be affordable. And Mr. Speaker, sometimes when we hear what is happening and we look at what is happening on the ground, I think we've been, we've started treating crime and criminality like a commodity. And persons know that I just need to put my five or $10,000 on the side and I can hold my gun and if police hold me, I'm going to just get my $5,000 and $10,000 to pay bill. And the most I'll spend is maybe three days inside. And then when I go, I make bill and I come out. Now, if crime becomes affordable, Mr. Speaker, and we start treating it like a commodity, then we're not going to get that breakthrough that we are looking for. We are not going to achieve the objectives that we set out to achieve, Mr. Speaker. And when the government comes together, Mr. Speaker, and takes a decision, I think that the judiciary also has a responsibility to play their role and ensure that the laws are applied. Because what you find happening, Mr. Speaker, is that there is a benchmark that gives you a cap. I think initially when we passed the initial, before we came here to this house to change, to make amendments to the Firearms Act, there was a $15,000 cap. Mr. Speaker, we amended that. And I think right now, the judiciary has the discretion to place bill at much higher levels, maybe $50,000 or even more, Mr. Speaker. But we still see a lot of situations, or most situations with the Speaker, where persons are found with firearms and the following day or two days later, Mr. Speaker. And I think it's also unfair to the police because the police put their lives on the line day in and day out. And they have to witness persons who have been caught off in legal fines, be granted bills in terms that we can call maybe slaps on the wrist, Mr. Speaker. And in order for society to function properly, all arms of government needs to ensure that they carry out their various functions effectively. And Mr. Speaker, I will see that in Creole. Mr. Speaker, we still on security of our people. The main agencies charged with dealing with the hard elements of crime, Mr. Speaker, they need an enabling environment for them to be able to operate effectively. And it is the responsibility of the government, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that the working environment is conducive and that it allows for workers to deliver and dispatch their duties diligently. And there is no question as to whether there is a direct correlation between the working conditions and productivity. Over the past years, the police and prison officers have had to endure some questionable working conditions, Mr. Speaker. I know because I was there. I know because I too endured some of these conditions. But believe it or not, Mr. Speaker, the police have been reluctant to arrest individuals and they have been reluctant to arrest individuals, especially in the city basin, Mr. Speaker, because they do not have the proper holding facility to house these prisoners. They have tried their best to utilize various stations. They go to Marsha, Babuno, Ansleri, Marigo, and at times I think even made use of the city police holding facility, Mr. Speaker. And sometimes, Mr. Speaker, they have to go as far as Denry and Miko to be able to house prisoners. So, let's just think about it, Mr. Speaker. You're sending a driver and usually there is only one driver on the ship and at least two other police officers and we know that the ship is already slim. So, you're sending three individuals to escort a prisoner to Denry. Now, why is there on their way? Something happens in the city. But they cannot turn, they cannot come back because they have a prisoner with them. Now, what if they return from that journey, Mr. Speaker, two hours later and someone else commits an offense and has to be arrested? Mr. Speaker, I think you can envisage how the productivity of the police is being affected by them not having accursed suits. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy that on page 54 of the budget that the prime minister has announced that a design finance contract of $4.2 million has been awarded for the conversion of the old police headquarters building for the custody suites. And this is a project which is long overdue, Mr. Speaker, and a project which will go a long way in enhancing the productivity level of law enforcement agencies. And we know that an increase in productivity levels of law enforcement agencies will automatically lead to an increase in citizenry security and public trust and public confidence in the police. So this is just one of the measures, Mr. Speaker, that this year's budget will also allow for much needed improvement and rehabilitation to various police stations around the island. On page 14, Mr. Speaker, I saw that there will be repairs to the south individual headquarters. And I know that the officers in the south will welcome this because, Mr. Speaker, they've had to deal with some working conditions, which only your passion and your drive and your commitment can cause you to go to work. You know, Mr. Speaker, not the working conditions, but yet still they continue to endure. And I applaud and commend the officers in the south, Mr. Speaker, for continuing to go to work, knowing full well that the conditions are not appropriate for work. And, Mr. Speaker, I believe deep down in my heart that most other civil servants would have already left that building if they were faced with the situation that the officers in the south had to deal with. So we thank them for their patience, Mr. Speaker. And although when we think how the station, our station, Mr. Speaker, which required minimal intervention, minimal repairs, Mr. Speaker, was allowed to dilapidate, so it begs the question, where was the priority of the then government, Mr. Speaker, because I think at the time a $300,000 fix was required, Mr. Speaker. And today it is costing us in excess of $2 million more to rehabilitate the Viewport police station. Now, I know that the former administration wanted to do some things in Viewport, but it was just not for the police station. Maybe the priority then would be horses, Mr. Speaker, maybe land, maybe, but it was not the police. And on page 53, mention is made of a new police division headquarters along a northern police division headquarters. And I know that the member for Grozily has been agitating and advocating for the commencement. And I'm happy, Mr. Speaker, that we have the prime minister announced that work has already commenced at the new northern division headquarters, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Grozily is considered the economic hub of St. Lucia, and it is expected that the establishment of these new headquarters will go a long way in providing a conducive environment for the officers in the north, and also improve the safety and security of persons who live, work, and play in Grozily. Mr. Speaker, repairs are also going to be made to countries. Me could, Mr. Speaker. And I say me could, Mr. Speaker, reach for and march. And I have to say me could, Mr. Speaker, because, and I want to take the opportunity, I want to answer to show me publicly applauded, Mr. Speaker, and big enough in men and women who occupied Emiko police station. Mr. Speaker, not too long ago, the conditions at Emiko police station was deemed unfit and unsafe for human inhabitation. And there were serious problems with the equality there. Mr. Speaker, the officers had to resort to working on the tent. And not just on the tent, you know, Mr. Speaker, a tent with no sides, just a roof. So they were exposed to the elements. You could pass that 2 a.m., 3 a.m., and they were there working. Rain, sun, whatever, Mr. Speaker, hurricane, they were working. Mr. Speaker, the security and safety of these officers were compromised because right now they're just exposed, not just to the elements, but anybody now, from the main road, could have chosen to make these officers a target. And they knew that, Mr. Speaker, and knowing that they decided to still go, because the desire to see things change in this country, Mr. Speaker, is much bigger than their own needs. And I applaud the men and women of the Emiko police station, Mr. Speaker. And this speaks to their commitment. And by extension, the commitment of the Royal Central Police Force, and we usually chastise the police, Mr. Speaker. We usually, when we get a chance, we take a swipe at the police, we chastise them when they fall short. And even make memes about them, Mr. Speaker, not too long ago, I saw a meme going around some traffic matter, Mr. Speaker. And little times do we give them the praise and recognition which they truly deserve. And as a government, Mr. Speaker, we need to do our best to ensure that we provide them with all the support that they need. And this is why I'm happy, Mr. Speaker, that this year's budget, I see there is support for the police. Also on page 30, I see that the police will be receiving new vehicles, Mr. Speaker. Should I say more new vehicles? Because I knew that they received a complement of vehicles already. I see the police will also be receiving trucks, bicycles, special police equipment like drones, x-ray machines, bulletproof vests, and ammunition. And I want to emphasise the importance of the bulletproof vests, Mr. Speaker, especially given what is happening and the state of gun violence in this country. And our police officers go out there knowing full well that they may not go back home and they continue to go. So to be able to ensure that in the policy direction of this government that an allocation was made to ensure that these police officers receive some sort of protective gear, Mr. Speaker, I think this speaks volume of the government and what we think of our police officers. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that this year's budget is making a concerted effort towards improving the general security of our citizenry. Arresting individuals who commit crime is one thing. Having the system and proper structure to deal with them thereafter is another. But on page 41, the Prime Minister alluded to the swift justice project, Mr. Speaker. A project, if executed well, can help significantly reduce the processing time for court cases and can help deal with this backlog that we have had for decades now, Mr. Speaker, of cases. And, Mr. Speaker, we know the same. Justice denied or justice deleted is justice denied. And when persons have had matters before the court, anyone who has had a matter before the court, Mr. Speaker, they can tell you how frustrating it can get when you have to forego this work, you forego this work to attend court and then the matter is adjourned and then you go again and it's adjourned on 10 occasions, your matter is adjourned. And sometimes you find people just abandoned all together and justice is denied because of the frustrating process that we have. So I'm happy, Mr. Speaker, that the injection of two million dollars is being put towards this initiative this year. And we are hoping to see this project fully operational during this financial year. Mr. Speaker, the key element to the successful prosecution of any matter is having witnesses. And there is no doubt that people see and hear everything. People see and hear everything which happens in St. Lucia. But they will tell you, for fear of being a victim, see no evil, hear no evil, do no evil. And that is the approach which they have adopted. This year, the government is expanding the witness protection program, thereby creating a more comfortable environment, Mr. Speaker, for persons who have witness crimes and genuinely want to come forward, because I know that there are persons who genuinely want to come forward, who genuinely want to see a difference. However, Mr. Speaker, for fear of them becoming victims, they've decided to take a back seat. But this year, through the expansion of the witness program, the witness protection program, Mr. Speaker, I'm hoping to see more people come forward and to be able to work in collaboration with the police. And, Mr. Speaker, when someone is now successfully prosecuted and is being incarcerated, we need to ensure that we have the necessary structure to be able to provide them with the proper rehabilitation so that the transition, Mr. Speaker, from crime to rehabilitation is a smooth one. Only with a proper rehabilitation machinery, Mr. Speaker, will we see the rate of recidivism reduced. And I'm happy that we'll be witnessing an increase, Mr. Speaker, again in parole officers. Though not sufficient, Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, given the moment of task in front of us, we will be seeing improvements to the bodily correctional facility. And, Mr. Speaker, all the measures I mentioned are reactive measures to deal with crime. And I think the Prime Minister captured it well when he said that, yes, we're putting in place a lot of measures to deal with crime after it has happened. And these measures are very important, given the fact that crime is inevitable. So you have to put measures in place to deal with crime when it happens. However, Mr. Speaker, equally important are measures, are the measures that we take to ensure that crime does not permeate through our society, and the steps we take to ensure that we create that type of anti-crime culture in our society. We need to ensure, Mr. Speaker, that we put measures in place to safeguard our next generation, and ensure that our people are socializing in such a way that they start to naturally reject the notion of crime, the whole idea of crime. And, Mr. Speaker, this budget address aspects of these community-based organizations, violent interruption groups, faith-based organizations, and civil society, Mr. Speaker, in general, plays an integral role in nipping crime in the burden. And there are several issues which contribute to crime, poverty, poor housing, school dropouts, lack of places to recreate, and not enough emphasis placed on dealing with the psychosocial aspect of development of our young people. And I know, Mr. Speaker, because I remember myself growing up, and I'm thankful that I did not fall in the cracks. Yes, and I see the member from Castry South opens his eyes, Mr. Speaker. My childhood, Mr. Speaker, was not the best. I know that, given what, and I know, Mr. Speaker, that there are persons who looked at me growing up and they expected that I was going to fall somewhere between the cracks, and that I was not going to be where I am today. And I had this, but I had the support of my mother, Mr. Speaker. I had the support of my community. I was guided by the men and women of the 4-H Club then, Mr. Speaker. I was sent to church, and I received guidance and counseling at the church. My principals, Mr. Speaker, and teachers were never fearful of dealing with me when I fell short. But we have lost some of these key factors, Mr. Speaker. Some of these key factors which plays a very important role in ensuring that the young men and women do not adopt a life of crime and criminality. And we have to revisit some of these measures, Mr. Speaker. While I was adopting new measures, and I noticed that, yes, the school also plays a very integral role, and that's why I said, once upon a time, your teachers and principals were not fearful of dealing with you. If you had to stretch out your hands and take five strokes, but they kept you on track. Now, I'm not saying that this is a, I know remember for, then, enough may have a different view, given the fact that it is responsible for education. And Mr. Speaker, I think these little things played a very important role in creating a society where people were fearful of being ill, disciplined. A society where people knew that, if you did wrong, anybody could have ruled you and cut your tail for you. So people were not so emboldened, Mr. Speaker, because they knew that they were going to be dealt with one way or the other. But right now we have a society, we've seen serious decay in that social fabric, Mr. Speaker. And it's really, and we're paying the price for it. And I say, sometimes we ask, how did we get here? And some of us have to take responsibility for where we are today, Mr. Speaker. And Mr. Speaker, I'm happy that there has been a crime prevention. I was particularly pleased with the mention of a crime prevention office, which would have the responsibility for coordinating crime reduction, crime prevention and intervention programs initiated by civil society groups, non-governmental organization and government agencies. And Mr. Speaker, I have been intimately involved in this initiative, and we are moving full steam ahead in putting this office together. And as a matter of fact, I think this morning, Mr. Speaker, they would have met and had some discussions as to the best way to implement this initiative. Mr. Speaker, I've spent a lot of time speaking about the safety and security of our people, and I had to do so, Mr. Speaker, based on what we have been witnessing happening in our little beautiful islands in Lucia. And as a former police officer, Mr. Speaker, the situation really concerned me. And I'm really elated that time, attention and resources, Mr. Speaker, will be channelled towards that sector. We know that these measures alone, Mr. Speaker, will not solve all our problems. But I look forward to some of these projects being implemented and some of these initiatives taking off, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, health is the other pillar of sustainability mentioned in the theme of this year's budget. But I will not say anything much on this topic because I know that the member for if you thought, North will speak extensively, Mr. Speaker, on health. But I just want to say, Mr. Speaker, that myself and the people of Mikoud North and the people of the South, Mr. Speaker, we are very happy to know that work is ongoing at St. Jude's, Mr. Speaker, as we speak. And soon and very soon, we will be able to receive medical care at this institution. Mr. Speaker, I will now touch on some of the policy measures which has either direct benefits or implications for the people of Mikoud North. And I will start with education. Mr. Speaker, I will start with education. The government pronouncement, Mr. Speaker, to continue along with its mandate to produce one university graduate per household and continue to increase the availability of scholarships on page 19, Mr. Speaker. This initiative is well received by the people of Mikoud North. And I can proudly say that, Mr. Speaker, that in excess of 12 individuals from Mikoud North were recipients of scholarships from the government during the last financial year. And I look forward, Mr. Speaker, to this number. And I hope that the member for Denry North is paying attention, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to this number growing even bigger during this financial year. Member for Denry North. I can proudly say that in excess of 12 individuals from Mikoud North were recipients of scholarships from the government during the last financial year. And I look forward, Mr. Speaker, to this number growing, multiplying 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 4, Mr. Speaker, during this financial year. I want to continue to encourage persons from my constituency, Mr. Speaker, who meet the requirements to continue to take advantage of these scholarship opportunities. Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss of me not to mention the revolutionary youth economy, given the fact that I may be the only parliamentarian in this house, Mr. Speaker, who is still considered or is still qualified as youth. Mr. Speaker, I know that there are many people who wish that they would still youth or they could have used youth as an adjective, but the youth don't usually go to the library senior. Mr. Speaker, the youth economy has officially opened its doors and have started processing applications. And there are quite a few individuals in Mikoud North, Mr. Speaker, who have ideas and skills that they would love to turn into entrepreneurship opportunities. And the youth economy provides for the opportunity to realize that dream. Providing a space that is specific to the needs of young people, Mr. Speaker, is commendable. But we need to start thinking of how, Mr. Speaker, probably we can decentralize the operations of the agency so that they can meet the youth in their spaces, meet them at their levels, Mr. Speaker, so that individuals from rural areas like my constituency, Mr. Speaker, don't feel disadvantaged. I know some may argue, Mr. Speaker, that we are living in an age of technology and making the agency available online is providing access. But we cannot deny the fact that there is still a problem, Mr. Speaker, with digital divide and with general digital literacy among our young people. So moving forward, I think the agency can have probably regular outreach sessions, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that there is equal opportunity for all, notwithstanding their geographical locations. And it will go a long way in ensuring that there is equitable distribution of the state resources, Mr. Speaker. I also notice a slight disparity, Mr. Speaker, in the applications received and those processed or even those where reviews and consultations were arranged. And I recommend that within the agency, Mr. Speaker, we have a component that deals with helping those persons who did not meet the requirements or who did not qualify for the loan or grant. Through a graduation process, Mr. Speaker, where probably eventually they benefit from the program after graduating or even pair them, Mr. Speaker, with some persons who have been successful in obtaining assistance from the agency. But apart from that, Mr. Speaker, I think that this policy direction of this administration speaks volumes to how we think of our young people and we believe in giving opportunities to our young people. And we have the St. Louis Liberal Party and this administration, the government of the St. Louis Liberal Party has always had a track record for ensuring that we cater to the needs of the young people in St. Lucia. Mr. Speaker, I now move on to the Community Tourism Initiative. This initiative, Mr. Speaker, is geared towards providing visitors, Mr. Speaker, with a more authentic experience when they visit our shores, when they visit our lands, with doing a wave, not doing a wave, Mr. Speaker, but giving you opportunity to do both the resort and the community experience. So you'd be able to get a real taste, a true taste of St. Lucia. If you think of Mr. Speaker, when you go to a resort, most resorts offer most times the same things, Mr. Speaker. You go down for breakfast and the breakfast is the same everywhere. Most times the English breakfast here. You know, Mr. Speaker, but be able to go down to Miku, Mr. Speaker. If you're able to go down to Miku, Mr. Speaker, you get a nice aqua there in the morning, Mr. Speaker, a nice cocoa tea. And you know we have the rural women who produce the best cocoa in Miku North, Mr. Speaker. And to be able to get an authentic Miku breakfast, Mr. Speaker, we have a little map of St. Lucia at Point Verge, Mr. Speaker. And to be able to experience these things first hand, Mr. Speaker, I think this initiative is going to go a long way. And by doing that, Mr. Speaker, what is this initiative will also empower the people we've been our local economy, providing local people, providing St. Lucia people with loans and grants to be able to establish their touristic businesses, Mr. Speaker. Well, Mr. Speaker, you know, what is of significant importance about this community tourism initiative, Mr. Speaker, to the people of Miku North, is the fact that for the first time, Mr. Speaker, communities like Miku which were not initially included in the pilot project will be receiving support. Mr. Speaker, I say that again, communities like Miku which were initially not included in the pilot project, Mr. Speaker, they will be we will be receiving support and will benefit from the sum of U.S. three million dollars which the agency is seeking from the Curricum Development Fund, CDF. I have mentioned Parley and the seamless experience in Parley in previous presentations, Mr. Speaker. And this is one of the projects once conceptualized, once the conceptualization process is over, it will be a product of the Community Tourism Initiative. Mr. Speaker, I now go on to learn rationalization and housing, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I notice that... Remember for Miku North and their pretty Speaker, you have 10 minutes left and since you placed it on the record that there was a memorandum of understanding of a national unity government between you and the member for Suzel and I notice he did not give you the water. Is that broken already? Member for Suzel. Mr. Speaker, I would like to invoke Senate Order 30 to 10 to ask for an additional 15 minutes for the member to conclude his presentation. It would appear that the national unity government is alive and well. I want to remember the question is that Senate Order 30 to 10 be invoked to allow another 15 to allow the member from Miku North an additional 15 minutes in which to conclude his presentation. I now put the question as many as the opinion say I as many as of a country opinion say no. I think the eyes have it, the eyes have it. Leave is granted. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, Member for Suzel. Mr. Speaker, I mean, I think we can say I don't want to, you know... Okay, he says don't say it, Mr. Speaker. I really like the member for Suzel, Mr. Speaker. No, no, I'm serious. I really like the member for Suzel. I believe that I can speak to the member for Suzel and have an open conversation with him. And I think his actions a while ago, Mr. Speaker, speaks to our relationship. And that is what I speak about. I say, Mr. Speaker, we can have various, we can have varying views. Our ideologies on certain things can be different, Mr. Speaker, but we must agree that before all politics and all structures were there were human beings and we go to deal with each other as human beings. So I'm happy that the member for Suzel, Mr. Speaker, has joined the unity government and has agreed to work with us. And we've already started. And, Mr. Speaker, we've already... Well, Mr. Speaker, I know they say that they're alone, but, Mr. Speaker, we've already started the conversation about the future of the member for Suzel and what direction he'll be taking, Mr. Speaker. Anyways, Mr. Speaker, I go to land rationalization and resettlement. And, Mr. Speaker, on page 40, I look at anything. I see... The member for Castries said, Mr. Speaker, this year the proud program will continue to advance the process of land rationalization in the communities of Olio. Olio. Form. Okay. Form in OG. Opiequant. Contourment. Bruce Willing, Vue Fort. And this program aims at empowering the occupants of government's own lands in unplanned developments by giving them access to fully serviced landlots at affordable prices. And in most of those communities, the cadastral surveys are well-advanced and we expect to transfer little... We expect to transfer titles, sorry, to the occupants even in the next year. Now, Mr. Speaker, on that topic, I think it's very important that I mention volet, Mr. Speaker. We have a situation in volet where we have quite a few persons who are in occupation of Crownlands for a very long time, Mr. Speaker. It has really hampered their development and their ability, Mr. Speaker, to be able to invest properly in the future of their children, Mr. Speaker, because we all know the problems brought about by not having title indeed for your land and in volet we have a situation. And I know that we've started the process. The member for Castries Central and his team came down and we started... We're on the ground, Mr. Speaker, and proud. They came down, Mr. Speaker, and ensured that we started the process. I think surveys have started, but I'm hoping, Mr. Speaker, that we can move forward with this project and we can see, if not in this financial year, but we can advance the project, Mr. Speaker, and maybe by the next financial year we can conclude and ensure that the people from volet two become occupants or become title owners, Mr. Speaker, for the lands which they've occupied for many years. We have persons who've been living in these places, Mr. Speaker, for more than six, seven decades, Mr. Speaker, and it's sad that these people are still considered spotters because they did not have title. So I'm hoping that some consideration is going to be given to volet when we speak about the land rationalization. Also, Mr. Speaker, we have a similar situation in New Extension in Miku, Mr. Speaker. This is a situation that is of dire concern to the people of New Extension. Although the lands there, Mr. Speaker, are not government owned, but we've started a conversation with the owners of the land, Mr. Speaker, because there is no way that you can displace so many people in excess of 300 households, Mr. Speaker, and over 600 people living in that particular area. As I said earlier, one of the issues plaguing them is their inability to be able to claim title to these lands. Persons are unable to get electricity, water, Mr. Speaker. Basic commodities because they do not have access or did not have title, Mr. Speaker, to the land. So it is my hope that moving forward, we can address the situation and we can bring some relief to the people of New Extension. So, Mr. Speaker, under commerce and industry, I want to commend the member for Supreme, Mr. Speaker, and the Ministry of Commerce for their policy direction and for the initiatives that they've decided to take. I see there is, I think, $10 million, Mr. Speaker. In this fiscal year, the government is making available the sum of $10 million for SLDB under MSME loan grant facility. And, Mr. Speaker, one thing I have to commend the Ministry for is what I ask of the youth economy agency is that they've taken the opportunities to the people. The Ministry have refused to just set up an office in castries and expect people to come down, but they've gone to the various communities. They've set up business forums within the different communities. I think Mikoudinof was the one where it was last held and we could have seen scores of people who came there, Mr. Speaker. And I know that persons made, they applied right there, they had the ability, they brought down everything so that you were able to apply right there, Mr. Speaker. So I think it really helps us in terms of our geographic location. We know some of the disadvantages, some of the difficulties that people have coming from the rural areas and coming into the city. So I applaud the Ministry of Commerce and the member for SOFRA, Mr. Speaker, for this initiative. And now, Mr. Speaker, I go to the topic that is most pressing for the people of Mikoudinof, Mr. Speaker, agriculture, food security, repair, maintenance of fishing facilities. Yes, incentives. But, Mr. Speaker, you know, usually when I get to that topic, Mr. Speaker, I get to that topic with a heavy heart. Today, Mr. Speaker, I am not, I do not have a heavy heart. I stand here and I know that although it was not mentioned in the policy statement, Mr. Speaker, I know that the Prime Minister will ensure that he make mention of it in his rebuttal when he speaks. But today, I am pleased to tell the people of Mikoud, I am pleased to tell the fishermen of Mikoud, that this year, this financial year, the jetty is going to be built in Mikoud. And, Mr. Speaker, this is a very important project for the people of Mikoud. And I know that persons both here and abroad have been playing a lot of politics, Mr. Speaker. And I want to tell the people of Mikoudinof, especially the fishermen, Mr. Speaker, that the halt or the delay in the implementation has absolutely nothing to do with the Prime Minister. I want to make it a burn on the clay. I want the records to show, Mr. Speaker. And I believe deep down in my heart, I believe everything that I have that if left to the Prime Minister alone, that on the 27th of July, I would have a jetty in Mikoudinof. I believe that. And I know, Mr. Speaker, I know that he has made every effort and every attempt to ensure that this project is delivered to the people. However, Mr. Speaker, however, and I think sometimes we're probably afraid to cast blame where we're supposed to cast blame. Because we think probably public servants will say, oh, but how can you stand in the house and you beat us like that? And, Mr. Speaker, sometimes we have to say it how it is. And, Mr. Speaker, I think implementation, the government comes here, we have to go out there, find the monies to implement projects. But we are not the custodians of this project. We are not the one doing the implementation of these projects. We have technical people within the ministries who are charged with the responsibility to ensure that you go ahead with the government's agenda, you implement what the plans and the agenda of the government. And, Mr. Speaker, I feel at times there are persons, maybe with political motive or otherwise, Mr. Speaker, maybe, maybe competencies. I'm not sure, Mr. Speaker, who deliberately, and I have to say, deliberate, Mr. Speaker, try to find ways to hold certain government projects, Mr. Speaker, who deliberately slow down the implementation of government projects for political gain because your party is not in power, you're not going to expedite the initiatives of this government or implement the initiatives of this government. And, Mr. Speaker, I think that is one of the problems that I've had with my Miku jetty. Because, as I said, I believe, left to the Prime Minister alone. I've had my jetty a very long time. But I commend the Prime Minister for ensuring that this project, because, Mr. Speaker, I need to say that when the jetty is not built, Mr. Speaker, persons may think, oh, it may affect my political future because this is a big project. And, Mr. Speaker, I'm not the one really paying the price, you know. The children of the fishermen, Mr. Speaker, who have to go to school. And I heard the member for Henry in his presentation spoke about fish landings, Mr. Speaker, and he said it was influenced by an improvement in the climatic conditions coupled with a reduction in the amount of Cegasum seaweed. We did not have a reduction in Cegasum seaweed in Miku North. So, whereas other places may have recorded a reduction in Cegasum, Miku, I think what left there came into Miku. What left there came into Miku, Mr. Speaker, and we've spent, and the Prime Minister, I have to commend the Prime Minister and member for Cassius East for ensuring, Mr. Speaker, even in the absence of a jetty that we've been doing remedial works in terms of trying to get the Cegasum out of the bay. Mr. Speaker, I know that this is not a measure that can be sustained because of how exhaustivities, how expensive it is, Mr. Speaker, and we have no direct control over climate change and over the amount of Cegasum. So, you cannot, Mr. Speaker, you cannot continue to sustain that measure of getting heavy equipment to remove Cegasum. And I think the real relief is to be able to give the men and women of Miku North their jetty so that their children can go to school. Because, Mr. Speaker, when I sit in my office, they come to me all the time, you know, Mr. Speaker, and I know Cass for Paul, and all the other men by the sea, Mr. Speaker, all the other fishermen go, they can tell, Mr. Speaker, you can feel the squeeze when the guys are able, or when the fishermen are able to go to sea, Mr. Speaker, things running by the sea. You go by the sea and there's always a vibe, there's always life things running, people selling fish, there's economic activity. But we're going to deliberately do certain things due to hampered implementation of the project and think, oh, I'm squeezing Jeremiah now, but I'm one person, think of the thousands of persons that you're squeezing by deliberately delaying the implementation of a project. And that's why I say civil servants have a responsibility to, technocrats have a responsibility to, do not just put all the blame on government and say, oh, government, ma'am, ma'am, ma'am, ma'am, ma'am. So, the government wants to do it. We make the direction, the policy direction of this government clear. We come and we tell you exactly what it is that we're trying to do. However, as I said, the buck stops somewhere with us. We are not the ones going on the ground and digging and putting up the buildings. And those persons charge you the responsibility of implementing should do better and should work hard at ensuring that they can implement the projects of the government, Mr. Speaker, and repair of maintenance or fishing facilities. I'm happy because, Mr. Speaker, I came here and I did intend to make serious mention because I think the last time I said it, Mr. Speaker, and you could have heard the passion in my voice, Mr. Speaker, and I was sad at the fact that I heard numerous communities, Mr. Speaker, getting assistance in terms of their repair and maintenance of their fishing facilities. So, I want to thank the member for Denry South for ensuring that this time, Mr. Speaker, and the policy where it's more important that he has made mention and I know that we, the people of Miku, we're going to be continuously checking on you to see when are we going to be able to get to repair and maintain and we understand that all cannot happen overnight, Mr. Speaker. But if we do it one step, one step, one step, journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step, Mr. Speaker, and we want to start that journey and we expect the assistance from the member from Denry South. So, I would like to see the fishermen of Miku being able to use their facility, their washroom facility because they're putting a lot of pressure, Mr. Speaker, on the general washroom facility that we have there and they're going there with the gauze and all other things, Mr. Speaker. And it's really putting a strain on the washroom facility that is by the sea, but it's a public laundry and they're using it for things other than public laundry, Mr. Speaker. And it's really putting a strain on the facility. So, I'm happy to hear that as part of agriculture's policy direction that they will be giving Miku enough and the facility in Miku some consideration. I applaud that. Infrastructure, development and road networks. And I noticed that there was mention of feeder routes. And, Mr. Speaker, I know that once upon a time there was talk of dealing with feeder routes. I think initially the conversation was with the Q80s and that vanished into thin air like so many other things, Mr. Speaker, that were destroyed. However, I'm happy to see that this year there will be a focus on feeder routes. And I say that, Mr. Speaker, because the farmers who use the piton road, those who go to Waio, and especially those in Waio, they've been calling on me, Mr. Speaker, so ballhead patch, mismute tool, all of them are pa. They're calling on me. They're people who really want to assist St. Lucia and the government in meeting this objective of food security, Mr. Speaker. They're unable to do so because they have no access to their farms. They cannot traverse the roads. Some of the roads, Mr. Speaker, you'd think maybe it's not motorable. Some of them you can barely walk. And that is because these roads have been left unattended for many years after the fall of the burner industry. We've not given or placed any emphasis on this road. So I look forward to the deep point hill, Mr. Speaker. A lot of people are not able to go up deep right now because and we can only use our CDP funds to do this much. So I'm hoping that the member for Cassius North, Minister of Infrastructure, is going to really give some consideration to the feeder roads. Pay luge road, Mr. Speaker. There are still farmers who have a genuine interest in farming. They really want to assist in terms of helping us meet our objective in meeting food security. And Mr. Speaker, these individuals are unable to access their farms because of the poor conditions of the road. So hopefully this year, Mr. Speaker, the St. Mary Wing Road, Mr. Speaker, this road is critical, Mr. Speaker. And I call on the member for and the Lapwet Road as well, Mr. Speaker. We've seen serious undermining of the Lapwet Road, Mr. Speaker. And it is, I'm very fearful and I say that I'm very fearful at any day the Lapwet Road and Lapwet Road is one way in, one way out. And we need to seriously consider giving some attention to the Lapwet Road to ensure that we don't allow it to get to a point where it's emergency that causes us to attend to the situation of the people in Lapwet. So thank you. Thank you very much, member for Miku, member for Kastri's North. Mr. Speaker, I also want to make mention quickly before my time is up of lights are the when and past year's field, but for the when playing films, Mr. Speaker, I think, although it is not reflected in the policy direction I have with my conversation with the member for Grozile, Mr. Speaker, I've been assured that this year that the when playing facility, Mr. Speaker, and this facility, this is where most cricket is being played, Mr. Speaker. We're going to be seeing lights erected at this facility and proper stands placed at this facility to ensure that persons can now come sit down and enjoy cricket. Cricket is the leading sport. Cricket and football are the leading sport, Mr. Speaker, in Miku North. And I'm happy that the when playing facility has been airmarked to receive some attention this year. I think this is long overdue, especially given what when has been able to produce, we produce quite a few cricketers. We produce a Shawnee Ledward, Mr. Speaker. And I know that the member for Dennery North is very happy. We produce Cody Gaster, Mr. Speaker. We produce Gary Maffrey. We produce quite a few young and budding cricketers are coming up from Miku North, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Keyon Gasto as well. And I'm happy that this is, and the passes playing field, Mr. Speaker, although it's under my CDP, I want to assure the people of Passiers that this year Passiers playing field is also going to be lit and we're going to be able to play spots in the night at the passes playing field. I've already started the procurement process. The the polls are here, Mr. Speaker. As we speak, the polls are here. They've been paid for and we're going and we're moving, we're moving full steam ahead in terms of erecting these lights at Passiers playing field. And in the cemetery expansion, Mr. Speaker, I know that a lot of work has been done as it relates to acquiring the lands. And I think the final process is happening now. And I'm happy to know that the government is going to be placing some emphasis on ensuring that the much needed cemetery in Monropu and Miku, Mr. Speaker, is going to be addressed this year. So, Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the people of Miku North. I want to thank the people of Miku North once again, Mr. Speaker. And I want to tell them to look out for some of these projects, which will be happening in the constituency this year. And I want to also encourage them, Mr. Speaker, to make the most of the numerous opportunities which I have spoken about during my presentation. I look forward to working even closer with my constituents this year, Mr. Speaker, as we make Miku North the envy of other constituencies. I want to also thank the Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker, and my parliamentary colleagues for providing me with the necessary guidance and assistance during my first 18 months in government. And I look forward, and I want to thank the member for Shosei, Mr. Speaker, for being very friendly to me during the first 18 months. And I look forward to even greater things this year. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.