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by pltm
(PLTM) - When Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and At-Large Representative Hon. Neville Smith publicly pledged funds and books towards various initiatives in the soon-to-be-implemented District Five Economic Zone, he inspired at least three other legislators to follow suit.
In his brief address to mark the groundbreaking ceremony for the initiative, he said he was going to challenge Representative for the Fifth Electoral District Hon. Kye Rymer to host a workshop that he will pay for.
“I am going to ask him that when these cubicles are open that he do a workshop. Do a workshop right before it opens so that the individuals would have a better sense of business and how to operate a business along with accounts and everything,” he remarked.
He continued, “I also, again I will fund this too, I don’t know how many cubicles it has, but for every person that is going in these cubicles I will pay their first month’s rent. I am also going to do a next thing for him again. I was told that he is going to put a library. I am going to donate books to that library. And, the last thing I am going to do, I heard him say he is going to do a pantry; I am going to donate a $1,000 to the pantry.”
In closing, Smith said, his gesture was because the Hon. Andrew Fahie led regime was one that worked together.
“A government for the people and that’s what we are about, the people. And, I would like to encourage all the youngsters who’s going to take part in this endeavour, take it seriously, because you are our future and we have to invest in you to continue this legacy,” he added.
Meanwhile, taking to the podium next, Opposition legislator and Fourth District Representative Hon. Mark Vanterpool declared: “I will not be outdone by Hon. Smith in Huntums Ghut, he can go East End and do that but not Huntums Ghut. So, on behalf of my family and the One Mart company, Minister, you have a $5,000 donation to the project.”
When Premier Hon. Andrew Fahie came to the microphone, he said, in his conversation with Hon. Vanterpool, Hon. Vanterpool decided to add $2,500 to his contribution, this time from another of his businesses.
Hon. Fahie then remarked that he too would be contributing to the cause.
He said: "Not to be outdone, being that my father was from Huntums Ghut, all I will say is as Minister of Finance I will make up the difference.”
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Carvin Malone also pledged $7,500 from his family and business.
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