 Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would have been a little more confident if you were sitting next to me. Mr. Deputy Speaker, if you would permit me to extend deepest sympathies to few people from my community, Brazil has been very, very active in the community of shows recently. In fact, I think around St. Lucia and spreading some serious cheers. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I wish to extend deepest sympathies to the family of Mary Joyce Lynn Popo of Lapuet, living in the industry, who served as a teacher and a health aide, was a very active shop steward of the National Workers Union, former director of St. Jude's and was very active up until her death at the Delce Choir. I also would like to extend deepest sympathies to the family of Mofi Gittin's Hippolyte, retired fire officer 283, also known as Mofi, shorty, barbed wire and free agent. Also want to extend deepest sympathies to Michael Nixon, originally of Roblo, living in Sose, contractor of Shozel, made a soul's breasted peace. Mr. Speaker, as I begin my contribution, I wish to begin by reciting two lines from a reggae artist. I won't be singing, Mr. Speaker. Today we bless the sunshine. When you wake up this morning, you better give thanks because you don't know if you're going to leave to see tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, we are living in some serious and uncertain times and the time is now to make peace with our family, neighbors and friends. There is nothing more liberating than a clear conscience. Mr. Speaker, allow me to thank the people of Shozel Solgibus for the unwavering continued vote of confidence in my representation and for the numerous messages of courage, prayer and hope. My foremost duty is to represent all in the community and to continue to seek for our advancement physically, socially and economically. Mr. Deputy Speaker, when we come to this house, I didn't mean Mr. Speaker, I would have said in number 42, his house. What we should really be doing when we come to this house, Mr. Speaker, we really should be here for one purpose and objective. Foremost in our minds, Mr. Speaker, and I wish to make a quote which I believe came popular during the COVID season. Foremost in our lives should be, in our minds should be the lives and livelihoods of our people and the stability of our country. As parliamentary representative for Shozel Solgibus for a second term, albeit now in opposition, the various experiences are invaluable. Mr. Speaker, experiences of frustration when there is so much you would like to see continued in your community, which is at a standpoint. Experiences of painfulness, Mr. Speaker, when you recognize the glaring acts of victimization, experience, Mr. Speaker, of confusion when you hear members speak with forked tongues, and also the experiences of hopefulness and faith when your community embraces you daily and thank you for setting standards for others to emulate. I will respond, Mr. Speaker, to this budget based on these experiences. Mr. Speaker, you will also forgive me if I am repetitive in some areas, but sometimes things are repeated. Mr. Speaker, I really long for the day when ministers would acknowledge and recognize the work of former ministers or former parliamentary representatives, acknowledge it and continue to pledge to build on it for the benefit of our country, Mr. Speaker. I didn't know that. I was preparing that. Oh, I didn't know that. Mr. Speaker, the theme for this year, the theme for this year's budget, as stated by the Prime Minister, is health and security, the pillars for sustainability. And while I agree, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that in our current environment, it is extremely critical to focus on these pillars. However, no house stands on two pillars. And the minimum should be for Mr. Speaker. And we should not forget economic viability and social equity as also in the forefront of the work that we have to do as a government. Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister spoke about the significant allocation to health, which is critical. However, Mr. Speaker, there is still the unanswered question, which is the cost to complete the whole St. Jude's. Time and experience, Mr. Speaker, is always the best teacher. And many of us may not be around when the questions are being answered. But I still hold a view, Mr. Speaker, that this administration is making a colossal political error by not continuing the new building. Because I believe, Mr. Speaker, this building would be a genesis of marketing our country as a prime healthcare destination. Mr. Speaker, I'm hoping the Minister of Health, the member for Viewfort North, could provide some reassurance regarding the number of complaints being received at my office. And I'm sure other members across the room, Mr. Speaker, with regards to the various shortages and lack of various basic medical supplies. Mr. Speaker, all of us, every single one of us have been shocked in recent times with the number of what we tomb certain deaths. And I'm not speaking about the violent deaths that we have been experiencing, Mr. Speaker. There is a disquietness across the country. And while as a country, our pathologies may be challenged, the question, Mr. Speaker, is there merit for data collection of habits and joining some of the dots with regards to some of the young people who are currently passing so certain? Mr. Speaker, as a parliamentary representative, I am inundated with requests for assistance for various medical procedures. And it is heart-wrenching to know you can only do so much. I applaud the government of Taiwan for agreeing to a portion of the CDP being allocated towards some of these. Because, Mr. Speaker, however, Minister Speaker, well, I applaud the Prime Minister. I applaud the Prime Minister, but it is truly Taiwan's funds. Okay, so I applaud the Prime Minister. It's a good initiative. When it's good, you say it's good. We don't always have to fight in, okay? So, Mr. Speaker, however, it is only a drop in the bucket. Mr. Speaker, only today. Mr. Deputy Speaker, only today. I'm tired of telling you, let's move forward. Let's move forward. Let's leave that by guns, by guns. Mr. Speaker, only today I have received three requests for urgent medical attention, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I have to commend my friend for Castery South, Mr. Speaker. My friend for Castery South in a recent parliamentary debate, and I told him that, you know, Mr. Speaker, I told him, Mr. Speaker, that he spoke of some of the health challenges that he has also been faced with daily by his constituents. And, Mr. Speaker, I also indicated to him that, you know, if he continued speaking from the heart, then maybe his political career is assured in the future, because it was very touching when he spoke at the last parliament, as it relates to the health needs of his constituents, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I am urging the Prime Minister to continue to focus speedily on the universal healthcare package for all. Mr. Speaker, while in office, we completed major upgrades of free health centers in Shorzell, thanks to the World Bank. I'm again requesting for the minister, member for Viewport North, to continue with the plans for the shelter, especially at the Lafax Center, for the elderly who leave their homes early to seek medical care, and also to replace the broken and slightly fenced, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I think it is very significant that I mention to all members on the government side. And, Mr. Speaker, it is important because the Prime Minister, in a recent parliamentary debate, spoke to when he sends people or constituents to other ministers, you know, that they should provide the necessary support. And I was wondering why would he say that, because I cannot imagine the Prime Minister would send a constituent to another member and not get the support. But I also want, Mr. Speaker, to duplicate what he is saying, because it is very important, as a parliamentary rep, when I make a plea or a reference for a constituent, there should never be a notion that I am seeking help for a supporter. I am seeking help for a constituent, because excluding some of our very visible loyalists, as we call them hacks, we never know who some people cast their ballots for. And all of us must respect the role of a parliamentarian. Mr. Speaker, the SLP government came into office on the 26th of July, 2021. And at the time, you will recall that the government had to work with a budget that was in effect from the last administration. Mr. Speaker, at every opportunity, the country was reminded, according to the members of the government now, that the country's finances were in a mess. They continue to remind us that they found the country's finances in a mess. They continue to remind us that our borrowings was irresponsible and the government would be challenging borrowing further. Is it not ironic, Mr. Speaker, that with such a mess on your hands that the best secretary to the government could have come out and proudly declare that a whole year had passed and the government had not borrowed a cent? Mr. Speaker, I will tell you why. It is because these same irresponsible loans that we were told that were negotiated for the benefit of the country, they were not declined by the administration coming in. In fact, they were used to run the country, Mr. Speaker. The government then came and boasted about a 12% and 18% growth in office for their response of being in office for two years. Mr. Speaker, can this government really claim to these figures? Can this government point to an initiative to substantiate this claim, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker, I am on the record in this house. Mr. Speaker, I am on record in this house. Mr. Speaker, these words are not kind, you know. Mr. Speaker, I am on record in this house and stating that the only direction we could go after COVID is up. And I will say that again, Mr. Speaker. I am on record in this house and stating that the only direction we could go after COVID is up, like most of our neighbors in the Caribbean. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring your attention to the economic and social review 2022. Mr. Speaker, I turn your attention to page 11. Mr. Speaker, and I quote the third line from the top. St. Lucia's economy robustly continued on a recovery path from the unprecedented and sharp decline in 2020, occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a V-shaped recovery path. Following annual growth of 12.2% in 2021, preliminary estimates suggest that real GDP grew by 18.1% in 2022, resulting in the stock of real GDP being only 1.1% below pre-pandemic levels. This performance was buoyed by strong activity in the lead tourism sector, supported by the full relaxation of COVID-19 protocols on travel, businesses and recreational activities with broader positive spillover effect on other sectors. Mr. Speaker, you will recall that while in opposition, the current government, then in opposition, expressed alarm at our administration's efforts in gradually opening up the country. You will remember also, Mr. Speaker, that these words, and I quote, the government of St. Lucia is the only government that believes tourism will get back to how it was pre-COVID, the only government in the world that believes that. You know what, Mr. Speaker? I guarantee you that had this government not stopped the ongoing projects when they came into office, the real GDP growth would have easily reflected 25%. Easily reflected 25%. Mr. Speaker, I will quickly segue into tourism. Mr. Speaker, much has been said about who is responsible for the proposed hotel at Saab Wisha. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret on an election platform in 2016, the then parliamentary rep for sure is a salty bus. Mr. Speaker, my good friend, relax yourself. I will again, Mr. Speaker, because I'm speaking to your sector right now and I want you to listen. Yes, thank you. Mr. Speaker, much has been said about who is responsible for the proposed hotel at Saab Wisha. You're just speaking about it. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret on an election platform in 2016, the then parliamentary rep for sure is a salty bus indicated that the hotel was coming to sure. As a new candidate, I responded that anything I believe that was for the benefit of the community, I would support. Mr. Speaker, the media is replete with interviews of the challenges I had to face in making any progress or headway on that hotel. Even Mr. Speaker, from the same people who have supported the initial plan, the rest is history, Mr. Speaker. The developers have changed. The hotel operators have changed. I believe there will be a strong economic impact on our lives in Chozel Salty Bus and I continue to support the minister in this development. But with a strong caution and a strong caution, Mr. Speaker, to ensuring that access to the beach is not restricted or compromised. I move to the next hotel that was identified in the hotel stock that will be coming. Dream Resort Spa and Zoey Tree Wellness and Spa Resort. Mr. Speaker, as the minister for investment, when this proposal was brought to my attention, I remember one of the things, because at the time they were also involved in a hotel in St. Kitts. The point is they are involved in a hotel in St. Kitts. Mr. Speaker, I thought it necessary, Mr. Speaker, to know who we were dealing with. So Mr. Speaker, I accepted an invitation to go to China. In fact, the time I'm wearing today is from China, Mr. Speaker, and to see the operations of that hotel. And I'm very happy, Mr. Speaker, that the current government has continued to support it and it is ongoing and I'm sure it will do great things for the community of view for it. Mr. Speaker, the Kotrat Marriott Beach Resort. Are you claiming the Kotrat Marriott Beach Resort? It is not necessary to me, Mr. Speaker, who claims the project, but I find too many times we try to take ownership of something which is for the benefit of the country, Mr. Speaker. It's a pity the prime minister stepped out at this point because I really wanted the prime minister to pay particular attention to my next focus, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, sandals. The prime minister congratulated the sandals group for the 30 years of existence in St. Lucia. Mr. Speaker, I applaud him for that recognition because a company of that size, employing just under 2,000 staff and a major purchaser of our agricultural output should be given their flowers. And I will make it very clear, I hold no brief for sandals, I don't eat and drink at sandals for free, Mr. Speaker. I speak to the value of sandals because there are a number of my constituents working at this hotel. Mr. Speaker, I will be the first to encourage them to provide better pay and settle their payables quicker. Mr. Speaker, I also want to speak on the role that sandal plays in our communities, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I remember in 2019-2020, I got a call from the Sandals Foundation indicated to me that they were interested in setting up a music lab in Schuazelle but they needed my assistance to retrofit a room. Immediately, Mr. Speaker, some of my CDP funds were used towards that. We have an established music room at the reunion primary school, Mr. Speaker and I'm very happy to see that through the basic needs trust fund and additional $150,000 we'll be going towards that music facility which will include billion of additional cupboards and additional musical equipment, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, I say all of that, Mr. Speaker, because there continues to be some misinformation from some quarters in this government that the past administration gave sandals group 24 million dollars. Mr. Speaker, I beg your indulgence because I would like, if you wish it to be a document of those, I would gladly make it, but it's available with the Cabinet Secretary because they were all Cabinet documents, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to draw your attention to a Cabinet conclusion number 233 of 2015, the sandals group of companies outstanding with holding tax. This Cabinet conclusion indicates that this item was withdrawn and there's a note by the former Cabinet Secretary. It says the former Cabinet issued no directive with respect to the 24 million that remains unpaid up to that date. That was in April 2015. Mr. Speaker, I go to a Cabinet memo 16th of November 2015, establishment of an incentive regime and associated responsibilities between the government of St. Lucia and the sandals group. Mr. Speaker, I will not go through the entire Cabinet, but I just want to speak that this Cabinet conclusion speaks to a number of concessions granted to the sandals group. And it speaks to Cabinet further approves a 100% exemption from the requirement under section 76 and schedule 3 of the income tax Act 15.02 to deduct withholding tax from payments 2 and charges from non-resident group and other companies for a period of 10 years from 1st June 2010 to 41st May 2020. Mr. Speaker, I then move to Cabinet memo 2017, Mr. Speaker, coming from the Inland Revenue Department, Mr. Speaker. And again, I will not read everything, Mr. Speaker, but I can always make the documents available. 2.2, the Inland Revenue Department raised withholding tax assessments in the absence of withholding tax payments on insurance premiums expense in the financial statement of the operating companies over the period 2001 to 2009, excluding 2007, which was statute bad, when the assessments were raised and therefore no assessment were raised for that year. Otherwise, the operating companies are all benefiting from concessions via Cabinet conclusion to exempt income tax and withholding tax from the income year 2010 forward. And just, Mr. Speaker, to explain to St. Lucia that with regards to what we've holding taxes all about, it's deduction of tax payments made to non-residents where a person makes a payment to a non-resident or where a branch of a non-resident company makes payments to its head office or to some other branch or associate outside St. Lucia. Mr. Speaker, I quote 2.7. In 2009, the government revoked all concessions between 1992 and 2008 that did not have an expiration or terminal date to 2.9. In 2014, the group received general concessions for corporate income tax and withholding tax for 15 years and 10 years respectively. It's from 1st January, 2014. In late 2014, the 2014 concession document was amended for the general withholding tax concession to be made retroactive to June 1st, 2010 for a period of 10 years to 1st May, 2020. 2.11, withholding tax we've ever granted in December, 2014 for the period commencing June 1st, 2010. 3.8, it must be noted that the cabinet conclusion issued to exempt the withholding tax of the group for the period of 10 years was cabinet conclusion number 188 of 2014 commencing 1st January, 2014. It says that there's, however, this cabinet conclusion was amended by cabinet conclusion number 726 of 2014, which specified a backdated period of 1st June, 2010 to 1st May, 2020. So what Inland Revenue was telling the government, the last administration, that there's nothing to suggest that an approval has been given to waive withholding tax between the period 2001, 2010. However, the government, SSB government at the time, gave the same withholding tax concession from 2010 onwards and we as well were also given the withholding tax. Now, I believe something may have slipped into the crack, Mrs. Speaker. So what Inland Revenue was asking the government at the time, the last administration, given that the withholding tax assessments are in keeping with the legislative provisions, the taxes liability remains outstanding. Therefore, the following options may be considered by cabinet. Either one, cabinet remits the taxes and the section 140 of the ITA or cabinet grants an exemption for the period 2001, 2009. Cabinet is invited to issue its determination on the Sandals Resort International Group with all intact dispute for the period 2001 to 2009. So this has been a long, long outstanding matter, Mrs. Speaker. So, Mrs. Speaker, finally, I want to draw your attention to... Right. A media report from Sandals, Mrs. Speaker, and I will quote... That I could also make available to you, Mrs. Speaker, is there at September 8th, 2018. In a statement issued yesterday, the Caribbean's largest hotel and tourism operation noted what it described as sustained efforts to try and tarnish the good name and reputation of our company by parties who continue to misrepresent the issue of a 24 million withholding tax claim by the Inland Revenue Department of St. Lucia on insurance costs, a matter which was finally and appropriately resolved in 2017. According to the statement, it is important to note that US 15 million or over 62% of the claim was in penalties and interest after it was allowed to continue to drag out by the former administration. The hotel chain said the issue of the withholding tax assessment was specifically raised and despite assurances from the then Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister that the matter would be addressed, there was no communication from government to Inland Revenue which continued to accumulate significant interest on the old assessment. The statement also said it is important to indicate that there was never any legal efforts to collect these taxes claimed to be due. The statement insisted that both the former Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister agreed that the incentives would be granted, both were fully cognizant at the time that this included addressing the withholding tax issue. It is also said since the former Prime Minister was fully aware of the circumstances around this matter, it is very unfortunate that members of his party among those being allowed to consistently misrepresent this issue to the public of St. Lucia. This dispute with Inland Revenue overbevelling taxes on insurance premiums was an old and exceptional matter that required resolution if St. Louis Resort International was able to finance new investment on the island. Indeed, the only purpose served by delaying it was to have derailed expansion works that were planned for the Sandals Grand St. Lucia. The Sandals Resort says the resolution of this issue last year has now allowed us to proceed with plans to invest close to US$250 million in a new hotel including real estate, which will provide 1,000 construction jobs over two years and over 600 full-time jobs when finished for the people of St. Lucia, not to mention the many farmers, taxi drivers, tour operators, vendors, etc., who will benefit from the additional activity. According to Sandals, in spite of the continued effort to distort the issue with the apparent intention of causing harm, to Sandals Resorts and its one in 800 team members, 98% of whom are St. Lucia, we wish to assure both our team members and the people of St. Lucia that Sandals Resort remains a true friend and partner who this year celebrated its 25th anniversary in St. Lucia. We assure you further that the Sandals Resort in St. Lucia as we are in all territories, fully compliant with all taxes, statutory reductions and payments in line with what is granted to us which have been similarly granted to many hotels in St. Lucia. The statement concluded, we are and will remain committed to the growth and development of St. Lucia and its people and will continue to play our role in the enhancement of the island's hospitality sector. Mr. Speaker, I said all of that, hoping and that's why I really hope the Prime Minister was there that this matter would be settled once and for all, Mr. Speaker, because all the DED and expansions that we've seen happening in the Sandals is a direct result of Cabinet in 2017 passing this thing. So, Mr. Speaker, I really hope, Mr. Speaker, that this thing comes to an end, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can make it a document about it. I can definitely make it a document. In fact, yes, definitely. Member of the Sousel, you need to make it a document only if you wish to. No, no, I have no problem, because this is the media correspondence. No, no, I was asked for it. Okay. But I just want you to be aware that you're not in that type. And the Cabinet memos y'all can hear. Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged with the government continuation of the village tourism, community tourism. And I'm hoping that my community will be included in the expansion plans as under the last administration discussions were well underway, including a model farm concept drive driven in part by investment, Lucia. You came in too late. You came too late. I really wish you were there. Mr. Speaker, I notice both the Minister of Agriculture and the Prime Minister gave very fleeting commentary to the works being undertaken at the Sousel fish landing site. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, this is a huge thing. Mr. Speaker, $6 million grant funds from the government and people of Japan. We must celebrate that, Mr. Speaker, no longer will Desmond Collingwood be coming to Sousel with his camera a news report on the plight of the fishermen having to wait through cold water early in the mornings, having their vessels damaged. Mr. Speaker, I note how difficult it is to obtain grant funds in the environment. And on behalf of the community of Sousel Salty Bus, I wish to thank Jaika and the government and people of Japan and may our relationship continue to flourish as you have been a good friend, especially to our fishing sector. Mr. Speaker, the member also spoke about sagasam. Yeah, Mr. Speaker, the sagasam issue is one that we really need to look at because, you know, the reports indicating that there is a very huge mass heading our way and as much as possible, we need to try, Mr. Speaker, to see how we can avoid that. Already, my good friend Jeremiah is a member for Mikudinof, a suffering with his fishermen and it is, you know, we need to, you know, I'm aware that Coconut Bay has purchased some equipment to help them with dealing with the sagasam. Maybe we could speak to them and see how they maybe can support the government in this. Mr. Speaker, under the last administration, we had invested over $200,000 in replacing normal pipes to pressure pipes from the 120,000 gallon tank which provides irrigation to several farmers in the community of the Elsela, La Pointe, Wadden, etc. This tank is what can be referred to as the golden egg because of the value it brings to our farmers. I am asking that the government of Sandusia show their commitment to agriculture and continue the project on these pipes, Mr. Speaker. It is extremely, extremely important. Mr. Speaker, many of our farmers continue to struggle with the high cost of input and while I have not seen it listed I'm hoping that the proposed 2.5% health and security levy does not affect our farmers, Mr. Speaker. And Mr. Speaker, I speak to the 2.5% levy I just wish to make some comments on it. I believe it is very early to address Mr. Speaker or to comment on this new level because I spoke to my friends at customs and they could not even have provided the clarity that was required. So I would like to speak to the Prime Minister because I have been in undetected calls and a lot of people are making inquiries and I wish to share some of the inquiries with the Prime Minister through you, Mr. Speaker. Some serious consideration and reflection is done before we introduce it. Mr. Speaker, the question of how the levy will be calculated is critical. Is it going to be CIF plus the environmental levy plus import duty plus service charge plus VAT or will it be CIF, import duties service charge, VAT environmental levy? It is critical that we know that Mr. Speaker. So I'm hoping you will clarify when you rebut in Honourable Prime Minister. Have there been sufficient consultation on items not to be affected? And I speak example because personal hygiene items Mr. Speaker. Personal hygiene items. Critical. Will this levy affect the people who order online? Amazon, Shine etc. Sheen etc. People currently enjoying concessions like the manufacturers. How will they be affected? Will fuel be affected? The levy also speaks to services. Are we speaking to important services or is it local services? These things are very unclear Mr. Speaker. These are just some of the many inquiries that I could have directed these inquiries like my friends do when they were in opposition with some serious political fervour but I choose not to because I'm very sincere in the inquiries that I'm making Mr. Speaker. So Mr. Speaker I moved to the levy. I moved to Istanbul. It's not there. I don't listen to them and I don't follow a lot of these things. So Mr. Speaker I welcome the 50% levy on the issue of cigarettes. I think it was the duty on but the Minister of Health will agree that in recent times we have had a very significant increase in the number of COPD deaths and Mr. Speaker while I support that tax on this cigarette smoking or cigarette sorry there is tobacco there is a concern and I think we need to be very certain that we get on top of that very early and that's the issue of contraband and the black market because and not just that Mr. Speaker there's the issue of people who will want to experiment and this could cause even more harm with this whole issue Mr. Speaker when I was growing up tobacco my grandfather used to roll out in his capstan tin people who want to there's no filter so I don't know if it's a job but I know it's a tobacco on the subject of water Mr. Speaker I was pleased to note that an application made to the BNTF grant funds while I was in office has been approved and 100,000 glass fused steel bolted tank will be erected to replace a 50,000 gallon tank rubble wall concrete tank which is over 40 years old and leaks and have to be consistently repaired the tank located in Victoria serves the community of Jack, Bellevue, Dakitin, Fonca, Kouravino, Mongouj, Maté, Pognon Diamon, Fancyou, Bwarden and all the way to my roots in Lamaze the cost of this project is in excess of $600,000 I am hoping with double the current capacity the once a week scenario that many of these communities face will come to an end I think it is critical Mr. Speaker that I repeat that component of my presentation in Creole Mr. Speaker I am very happy with the application that was made to BNTF to limit a power I am very happy with the proof of this application and with a big tank a big tank of water that was built Victoria Choisay built Victoria Choisay to replace Victoria Choisay which was almost 40 years old Victoria Choisay built Victoria Choisay to replace Victoria Choisay to replace Victoria Choisay to replace Victoria Choisay to replace Victoria Choisay to replace back 4,000 gallons of water as before Many people people from That So, Mr. Speaker, WASCO is life as WASCO MOTO says, water is life as WASCO MOTO indicates, Mr. Speaker. And it is very, very unfortunate, Mr. Speaker. In our age of enlightenment, so many communities are struggling to receive this basic need. This is a failure of successive administrations. And, Mr. Speaker, I want to take the opportunity, regardless of what some may feel, I want to congratulate the new CEO of WASCO on her appointment. And I do hope, Mr. Speaker, I do hope that she has the tenacity of her father to get things done. Because, you know, too many times, you know, we have had political interference, you know, from the political directorate with regards to the managing of WASCO, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker is a pity that the parliamentary rep for G4 South is not in this afternoon. But I'm not sure if you're aware, but I am actually his parliamentary representative. And, Mr. Speaker, you know, sometimes your constituents, they give you pressure. And they, my constituent constituents consistently give me pressure for the water supply in Saltibus. And so, Mr. Speaker, in May 2020, I remember walking the inner hills and valleys of Saltibus with WASCO personnel to visit the water catchment. Because, Mr. Speaker, a community like Saltibus with such an extensive river network should not be without water. Mr. Speaker, had you been the one to visit it, you would have definitely been surprised with the catchment, Mr. Speaker. You would have been very concerned. When we went to the dam, Mr. Speaker, where the water is collected, we went there with some forest guide from the community. And when we saw the condition of where the water is being collected, Mr. Speaker, it was very glaring that this was not adequate to serve the needs of people, Mr. Speaker. So we went further to another location where I was told that even in the worst of droughts, the strong flow remains. Mr. Speaker, at the time I was convinced that we could receive major voluntary support from the community if we had to carry pipes. I remember actually posting something online with regards to that, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the situation has worsened. And this is not a nice feeling, you know, when I go to funerals in the community of Saltibus for people to cost me and tell me, sell bagai me vlesed glow. And Mr. Speaker, I notice we have in our midst today my opponent during the last elections. And Mr. Speaker, I remember one of the campaign promises that she made to the people of Saltibus was that she would rectify the water issues in Saltibus, Mr. Speaker. Now, while she is not, while she is not the elected representative for, she was a Saltibus, she is a member of cabinet. And I'm sure she can influence the decisions of cabinet. I said, I said, yes, but it's, that's what I can tell you what I did. We replaced the pipes on the ground in Saltibus road. That's one component. That's one component. So Mr. Speaker, we have the BNTF 11 coming up and I'm urging, I'm urging my good friend in the gallery to, to make an application to, to, and she has links, you know, she has links at Wasco, so I'm sure she can, she can make things happen, Mr. Speaker. My good friend. Mr. Speaker, the government has placed heavy emphasis on a youth economy and touting it as a novel idea. Mr. Speaker, I am happy that the government is creating a continued emphasis on the youth. Although, Mr. Speaker, I believe that significant funds are located in an, in administration could have gone directly in youth for support. Had it been maintained in an existing agency in the government's list of agencies, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if you are not aware, I will provide you with an insight of some activities with regards to youth and small businesses and medium-sized enterprise businesses, while I was a minister of commerce and also an office, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the last administration had agreed to repurpose World Bank funds during COVID to provide loan grant facilities to small, medium-sized enterprises to the tune of five million dollars, and that money was lodged with the St. Lucia Development Bank. There was also NIC funds of 20 million dollars, where 15 million was supposed to have gone through housing, and five million to medium-sized enterprises for loans. Provision of US 3.1 million repurposed from the climate adaptation financing facility into blended loan grant assistance, ranging between five to 25,000 dollars for microbe and small, medium enterprises. With a focus on food security and digital technologies, a targeted audience of 1,200 to 1,500 was the reach that we were trying to reach. Mr. Speaker, there was also the waiver on taxes on interest earnings of financial institutions, and that was to encourage our banks and credit unions to provide much needed capital to small and micro enterprises, because they didn't want to touch them, they were afraid of them, so we wanted to give them an incentive to embrace the small businesses, give them loans, and the profits that you make, we will provide you with some tax incentives. Almost eight million dollars was pumped into the agricultural sector for inputs and related items. We also amended the Finance Act, Mr. Speaker, to provide tax incentives for the creative sector, the IT sector, the entertainment sector, health and wellness sector, and the professional sector. The member for Casteries North will be very familiar with that, because I remember, you know, here I have been in a conversation about a constituent of his who was snarling snow cones or ice cream, and he wanted assistance for the person to be able to bring down the cat, and so this is something that was in existence. I'm happy that I heard the prime minister indicated that he included spots in that package, so we continue on the good thing that was started, Mr. Speaker. So, you know, I sometimes, Mr. Speaker, I'm disturbed when we try to erase history. Mr. Speaker, we also had the Boost program. Maybe my friend from Casteries South will want to tell me why that program was cancelled, because that was to assist early-stage MSME to help develop strong business models and growth strategies with the goal of job creation and economic development. The aim was to target, but not limited, to rural and poverty-stricken communities, essentially giving them the boost they required to be successful. Boost partnered with most key business support organizations and was the first entrepreneurial organization to leak education, innovation and qualification in developing MSMEs. The partners included Invest St. Lucia, Export St. Lucia, SLDB, SBDC, Seafalus Community College, St. Lucia Small Business, and Mr. Speaker, this program was working with both regional and international organizations like the Global Green Growth Institute, OECS, UN Development Program, and Mr. Speaker, by the government cancelling the Boost program, these organization project units have to look at other areas to provide support. Member for Swazara Saltibus, you have 10 minutes left. Give me 15 minutes. Member for Meekwood South. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to invoke section 3210 and ask the member from Swazara Saltibus to be given another 15 minutes. Honorable members, the question is that standing order 3210 be invoked to allow the member for Swazara Saltibus an additional 15 minutes in which to conclude his presentation. And I'll put the question as many as a little opinion say aye, as many as of a country opinion say no. I think the ayes have it. The ayes have it. Proceed members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. I'm a bit disappointed that my colleague to my my left did not reciprocate, Mr. Speaker. To my left, he ran, he ran. Yeah, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Boost program was going to go to schools, communities, you know, to provide, you know, education as to the whole business enterprise and going into your own business. Mr. Speaker, there was also the after-school program, Mr. Speaker, targeting about 495 young kids for vulnerable communities. Masha was in the millet before South Peru. And the intention, Mr. Speaker, was to avoid them from falling into delinquent behavior. That was partnership with National Loteries and the Football Association. For the most part, Mr. Speaker, this program was stopped and through you, Mr. Speaker, I really urge the PM to revisit because that was a very, you know, critical and successful program, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, many, many will welcome the two-year vat relief on billion materials. And the opposition is pleased that the government has finally decided to pay attention to the calls from the opposition for relief. We hope, Mr. Speaker, that the reduction we urge the government, we actually urge the government, Mr. Speaker, to provide similar relief where more people are impacted and that is at the few welcome. We know the government collected $70 million above what was budgeted in excise tax with plans to collect an additional hundred million in this financial year. So a government that promotes putting the people first, we know it is possible. Mr. Speaker, I know that there is no specific mention to road refurbishment or renovation in my community. I have, however, received correspondence from the Ministry of Infrastructure and I hope that the government will pay particular attention in completing the Gaia Boa-Pakesset road, which we started, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, no, I will get there, get there. I speak to a road, I'm not speaking to drains. I'm not speaking to drains. Mr. Speaker, it is so deplorable that the community cannot be beserviced by garbage collection. The member for Viewport South as Prime Minister had ensured drainage works was completed. However, Mr. Speaker, because of the height of the drainage, all the runoff water from heavy rain flow goes onto the road and this, Mr. Speaker, has created areas that are just impossible. Mr. Speaker, my community has some ongoing economic activity, a direct spillover from my term in office. I hope the government does not use this as a barometer, not to allocate resources for the continued development of this constituency. Work which was started on our plain fields, resource centers, washrooms and plain fields, facilities for Delser, plain fields. There was a drawing, Mr. Speaker, that we hope the government can continue to work on, refurbishment of the Saldibus Community Center, land acquisition, which was meant to create green spaces and recreational parks and to provide title for homeowners. There is a development thrust, Mr. Speaker, and interest from many business entities and I urge the government not to allow this momentum to fade, not to allow assets that have been constructed to deteriorate, Mr. Speaker. Shozel Saldibus is the foundation for many successful and outstanding sons and daughters of this country. Many in this parliament, including one serving and two past prime ministers, boast of their roots in this blessed community. My friend from Kastri South has a direct lineage from Shozel, Mr. Saldibus. Many want to make it home like our current speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am asking that this government let progress reign. I thank you, Mr. Speaker.