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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The principal theme for the 2015-16 Budget is strengthening and preparing the country for future generations. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie in delivering the Budget Communication in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 said that this “Budget is faithful to the reform plan” for a stronger Bahamas. “Further fiscal gains are in store in the coming fiscal year, for which we now project a deficit of $141 million, down nearly a full 75 per cent from its peak,” said Mr. Christie. “Relative to the size of the economy, the GFS Deficit is now at its lowest level in 7 years. And our plan remains on track for the complete elimination of the deficit.” Mr. Christie said that in order to keep in line with the expectations of Bahamian citizens, the Government must focus its attention on three core priorities, namely to ‘secure a safer Bahamas, a more prosperous Bahamas and, through a world-class education system and targeted social investments, a modern Bahamas.’ “It is evident that these three pillars are closely inter-connected and that progress in respect of one will underpin success in respect of the other two,” he said. “ Our plan of action is thus designed to capitalize on the natural synergies and complementarities among these pillars.” As it relates to crime, the government is targeting the root causes of crime by expanding the Urban Renewal programme, and poverty reduction measures such as the Pilot National School Breakfast Programme. More focus will also be place on youth intervention programmes and to this end $20 million has been allocated to address youth unemployment. Ten new courts will be constructed to expedite criminal cases. In addition, there will be an increase in manpower and material resources to the Police Force with enhanced police presence and visibility in communities. Bahamians can air their opinions on the government’s initiatives via two electronic portals: www.strongerbahamas.com, and Twitter at #StrongerBahamas.
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