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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
COMMUNICATION BY SENATOR J. KWASI THOMPSON MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE & MINISTER OF STATE FOR GRAND BAHAMA IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER OPENING STATEMENT FY2021/22 SENATE BUDGET DEBATE TUESDAY 22 JUNE, 2021 Madam President... Just a few weeks ago Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Dr. Hubert Alexander Minnis tabled in the Lower House two of the most important documents produced by this government:
Madame President, I am grateful that no matter the situation God always inspires and gives hope. As leaders, we must always seek to inspire hope. This is a budget of hope. Hope for a better future, hope for a better economy, hope for a better Bahamas! Make no mistake about it, I am optimistic about our future. Yes! The Bahamas has endured two back-to-back catastrophes, the magnitude of which have not been experienced in recent history. First, a natural disaster, and second, a global public health crisis. Many have suffered loss. We may have suffered financial loss, job loss, some have even experienced family loss. BUT Madam President, I am absolutely convinced that ALL IS NOT LOSS! Thankfully, Madame President, the stewardship of this Administration has buffeted us from the destabilizing impact of these catastrophic shocks. While in the last 18 months, our nation has weathered the most pressing challenges of the last century, we are now turning the cornermoving from recovery to expansion, from restoration to growth.
Now I am under no illusions, the answers are not simple or easy, and I understand where we are. Unprecedented challenges in our economy, high unemployment, and an unsustainable deficit. But we are ready to fight for the future of our people. Make no mistake about it, it will be a fight! If there ever was a time and a reason to fight it is NOW. And if there ever was a leader who has proven his ability to fight for us in the most difficult and trying times, IT IS DOCTOR HUBERT MINNIS. He has accomplished more in the hardest of times than some have in the best of times. We can talk about growth and hope for a full rebound because Doctor Minnis and this government have continuously made the intentional choice to invest in the strength and resilience of the Bahamian people. Madame President...
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