Communication by the Hon. Renward Wells, M.P. (Bamboo Town) Minister of Transport and Local Government

Communication By The Hon. Renward Wells, M.P. (Bamboo Town) Minister of Transport and Local Government

Contribution to the 2020/2021 Budget Debate

House of Assembly Parliament Square Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas th 28 May 2020

Mr. Speaker:

I rise to thank Almighty God for affording me the opportunity to serve the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and most especially, my constituents in Bamboo Town.

Mr. Speaker,

I do believe as I have said in other places that this administration has “come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.” But, Mr. Speaker, we are in constant need of Gods help and Guidance.

Indeed Mr. Speaker:

I will say as the Psalmist says in Psalm 121, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made Heaven and Earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel… [The Bahamas…me…] shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is

1 thy keeper: (Mr. Speaker) the Lord is thy shade (shield) upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” Selah.

Mr. Speaker

This psalm is reminiscent of our National Anthem in which the opening line – the opening refrain speaks of our nation lifting our heads, and in so doing lifting our eyes and working under the guidance of God until he comes.

Constituency Matters

Mr. Speaker,

Again I thank the residents of Bamboo Town for affording the opportunity to here.

Mr. Speaker

Bamboo Town is a constituency whose residents are a productive and precocious people. They are deserving of the constant attention they receive from this Member of Parliament. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, we have been working hard on their behalf, on all fronts in the constituency. We have worked hard to secure improvements in the drainage in various areas of the constituency. Drainage wells on Sapodilla Boulevard and in the rear of Super Value near All Saints Church, around the Kennedy Park, and at the entrance to Gamble Heights have been cleaned and are functioning well. Mr. Speaker, residents can be assured that we will continue with their maintenance throughout the rainy season that is currently upon us. The Bahamas is known as the Isles of June because this nation’s natural fauna and flora comes alive during this month of rain and Mr. Speaker, I do believe this budget will rain on the Bahamian people. Mr. Speaker, we have also drilled new drainage wells in the constituency in the entrance of Gamble Heights and behind the famous Porky’s Gas Station.

Mr. Speaker

Our speed bump programme in the constituency is well-underway. For too long, the streets of Bamboo Town have been used as short cuts with motorists giving no thought to our young residents, who may be crossing the streets. The road humps are a good speed control measure. I thank my colleague Minister, The Minister of Works, for his efforts in this regard.

Mr. Speaker,

I also thank my colleague The Minister of the Environment for his attention to Bamboo Town. Our clean-up campaign, before the season of hurricane has been successful and our efforts will intensify in the coming months. Mr Speaker, we will continue to trim trees for residents and to remove bulk waste as necessary to ensure that our preparation gains for any potential hurricane remains. Mr. Speaker, you know we prepare but I have prayed that the Good Lord, the Lord of Life will spare us this season from any menacing hurricane.

Mr. Speaker,

I mentioned this during last year’s budget debate, Mr. Speaker, but we continue to have problems in the area of Dorsettville near Resurrection Catholic Church. People have used this parcel of land as a dump for years. I’ve cleaned this area a number of times, yet the trash keeps coming back! We have to be better stewards of our environment. Residents must take a more proactive approach to engage efficiency by taking their garbage to the proper disposal place. I’ve encouraged residents in the area to report persons illegal dumping. I see that my threat to install cameras in that area will have to be done in order to end this practise.

Mr. Speaker

I am, however, very happy to report that the residential garbage collection has been regular thanks to the Department of Environmental Health Services. We also thank the Department for partnering with residents to clear yards in the constituency. This partnership with owners has been a success, and involves an on-going derelict vehicle removal programme. Residents, who are seeking further assistance, may call my constituency

5 office at [326-1604 or 326-1605] so that we can resolve your issues.

Mr. Speaker,

Let me say that we are looking at ways to engage the young people over this summer holiday that will take in the precepts of social distancing once the Emergency Order ends. I prefer the term physical distancing, because we must always encourage social interaction in a responsible way. So, Mr. Speaker, we see this as an opportunity for community training in protocols for the new normal.

Mr. Speaker,

We have assisted scores of residents in the constituency with free transportation, especially the elderly of Bamboo Town, during this period under the Emergency Order. Since March, with our ongoing grocery assistance programme, Mr. Speaker, we have spent in excess of tens of Thousands of (25,000) dollars on food vouchers for our residents who have been most in need.

Indeed, Mr. Speaker, in like manner, so many ways we have assisted scores of our residents in Bamboo Town!

Mr. Speaker

I want to assure residents that once the Emergency Order is lifted, we will once again start our thriving Girls Guide, Boys Scouts, Chess Club and the Bamboo Town Business Bureau meetings. Again, Mr. Speaker, for residents in Bamboo Town who may feel perplexed, hold firm, call our office, for you are next. Be assured, Mr. Speaker, Bamboo it is still about you!

Mr. Speaker

Today, I stand on their behalf – the people of Bamboo Town – to second and to support the budget statement that the Minister of Finance has called “the most important in a generation”. And Mr. Speaker, I fully agree. Why is it the most important budget in a generation? It is, Mr. Speaker, because over the past three (3) years – I would say four (4) years since Hurricane Matthew struck the major economic centres of the country in September of 2016 – we have experienced nearly,

7 every natural disaster known to man in varying magnitudes. We have experienced hurricanes, tornados, storm surges likened to tsunami, earthquake tremors, and now pestilence and plague.

Mr. Speaker

There are those who say that we should stop talking about the past and move on that we shouldn’t cry over spilt milk; governance is not for the faint of heart, but, I am reminded about the song that says, “Roll back the curtain of memory now and then. Show me where you brought me from and where I could have been. Remember, I’m human and humans forget, so remind me, remind me, dear Lord.”

So Mr. Speaker,

Lest we forget, this Administration was elected between the twin pillars of Hurricane Matthew and Irma. Lest we forget, Hurricane Matthew resulted in a budget deficit of some $600m dollars for the year 2016/2017. I vividly remember our first Cabinet meeting in May of 2017, when we had to borrow $400m on day one to shore-up The Bahamas’ bills left by the former administration and to stave of economic disaster. We then

8 borrowed another $322m for 2017/2018 to cover government expenses and further assist the nation’s response to Matthew.

Mr. Speaker,

After having done that, five (5) months later in September, as Hurricane Irma approached, we began preparations for its arrival. We secured the national sports facilities to use as shelters and evacuated 1200 residents from MICAL (Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins and Long Cay) and Ragged Island and 365 residents from Bimini. We then coordinated the controlled shutdown of the power supply to the Southern and Central Bahamian islands.

Mr. Speaker,

Admittedly, the use of shelters was low due to most evacuees staying with family on other islands. God granted us prudence to safely evacuate residents of MICAL and Ragged Island just in time to watch as Irma ravished everything within her territory. Irma destroyed all of Ragged Island and nearly wiped out the settlement of Salina Point, in Acklins. I remember the caravan of Cabinet Ministers who travelled to the

9 south with the Prime Minister to offer comfort to those who chose to remain and to evacuees who had recently returned. This trip was somewhat delayed due to the fact that yet another Category 5 storm was 2 weeks behind Irma, bound to head for the Central Bahamas. Even today, we thank God that at the last moment, Hurricane Maria, took a sharp turn to north and journeyed to the Carolinas.

Mr. Speaker

Even between Matthew and Irma, these twin pillars of natural destruction, we had to address the manmade crisis created by the potential backlisting of our nation by the OECD and European nations, the FATF. Mr. Speaker, we had much work to do to avert this economic hurricane. How many times have we come to this House over the past three years to avert the blacklisting calamity and The Bahamas being shutout of the global financial system? I cannot overstate the enormity of time and energy that agencies of Government have spent drafting legislation that we have passed in this Honourable House.

We averted disaster for our Financial Services sector, but we are not out of the woods yet, given that just last month the EU is/was threatening to backlist us despite all of our hard work. But, our fight continues and we will again overcome this obstacle.

We are taking this short historical journey, Mr. Speaker!

At the same time, Mr. Speaker,

During November, December, January of 2017-2018, our agricultural industry was poised for renaissance. Mr. Speaker, Bahamian farmers were reaping superior crops, so we banned all imports of green peppers and tomatoes. In the wake of that decision, our farmers made millions of dollars; and, while I believe the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resource will speak to food sovereignty, food security and the revolution, I will say that this Government was on the move in Agriculture and still is. Incredibly, though, in February of 2018, challenge rose its head again as the industry was struck with blight –the revolution was halted momentarily by pestilence.

So, Mr. Speaker

We have had pestilence; and we now are dealing with a re-emerging pestilence - that is, the cane toad.

Mr. Speaker,

I’m rolling back the curtain. On 29th January 2020, several buildings around New Providence had to be evacuated after tremors were felt from a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that took place 83 miles northwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea. These tremors prompted the Prime Minister to announce that we will now have to update our building Code to build, buildings to survive earthquakes as they do in Jamaica and California.

Mr. Speaker

Even with all of these natural and manmade challenges, we were on the precipice of economic success, as the Minister of Finance so able spoke to in his contribution this morning. At last year’s budget communication, we posted a one percent deficit and lauded our efforts, looking forward to a balanced

12 budget this year of the next. We shouted for joy as we received a record number of tourists, meeting the seven million two hundred thousand (7,200K) mark, as was reported by the Minister of Tourism.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker,

Then the monster storm Dorian came, taking out 21% of our economy and just when we were again poised to rebound, the global community was hit with the novel coronavirus, which has been called Covid-19. Our planet has seen many plagues in recent history, but none – NONE – in the modern age has meted out the dire economic, social and political effects occasioned by our totally integrated economy and way of life. Mr. Speaker, this plague that is COVID-19, is forever etched in annals of global history.

Mr. Speaker less we forget, here in The Bahamas our response to this virus has been exemplary. Mr. Speaker the COVID19 disease was declared to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January, 2020 and later recognized

13 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March, 2020.

Thankfully, because we were proactive, Mr. Speaker, because we got real-time information, and because we sought the best public health advice; complemented by undaunting leadership; we did what any caring government would do. We planned, we prepared and we executed by cutting the enemy off at the pass – shutting down our borders very early on in this fight. And so by the time the first case in the Bahamas was reported on 15 March, 2020, we already had a National Plan for early detection and isolation.

Mr. Speaker,

Our aggressive and proactive approach, no doubt, is worthy to emulate, as the rest of the world struggles with containment and management, and attempts to grapple with their escalating death tolls.

Mr. Speaker,

You no doubt would be aware that the Caribbean, as a region, was recently lauded by the BBC for its approach to handling the pandemic and its miniscule death toll compared to that of richer, developed nations.

This is testimony that our leadership has taken the right approach when compared to the developing nations of the world. In fact, history has shown that our sister Caribbean nations look to us here in The Bahamas for leadership on these issues.

Our Prime Minister, no less, was featured prominently in the Jamaican Gleaner for demonstrating decisive leadership. He was lauded for his reasoned and prudent sentiments regarding the need for our economy to reopen and the plan he presented to the nation as to its reopening. Mr. Speaker we are driven by a deep pure abiding love for our people.

Mr. Speaker

Through it all, through all of these natural and manmade challenges we have endured, I daresay, we have seen ways made out of no way, praise be to Yahweh Elohim. Mr. Speaker, we

15 thank Him for the wisdom he has bestowed on the leaders present in this Administration, the Prime Minister, Minsters and Members of Parliament who lead their respective agencies with courage and excellence.

Mr. Speaker

We lead a chosen people whose manifest destiny is just, still being realised. We are a chosen generation of leaders called forth to show his excellence. Accordingly, I stand hopeful and encouraged that in the midst of the pandemic challenges, our resolve will remain undaunted and we will mitigate our circumstances in novel and creative ways. Mr. Speaker, again, we are driven by a deep abiding love for our people.

Mr. Speaker

The Member for East Grand Bahama and Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Finance, in his Budget Communication on

th Wednesday, May 27 , laid out for us the five pillars upon which the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020/2021 budget stands. They are (1) protecting the health and safety of Bahamians; (2) providing adequate social support to vulnerable members of our

16 community; (3) stabilising the domestic economy; (4) sustaining employment; and (5) accelerating government’s reforms.

Indeed, the theme resonates to the world and marks the manner of our bearing – a resilient, bold, and economically beautiful Bahamas with resilient and resourceful people. Mr. Speaker, with the proper planning and innovation, the impact of Covid-19 can reposition us to explore unchartered territories and pursue opportunities for growth; particularly as it relates to the rebuilding and sustainability of our economy while we purposely shore up the framework to improve the way of life for our people.

Mr. Speaker

Hurricane Dorian’s now infamous and unwanted visit to our archipelago is incomprehensible. Particularly the people of Grand Bahama and Abaco have experienced and are yet having to cope with devastation and extreme adversity. Covid-19 could not have chosen a worse time to show up on our doorstep.

Nonetheless, Mr. Speaker

I am convinced that if the Almighty brings us to a situation, he will deliver you through the situation; because that is his faithful track record. Therefore, no matter how dark or bleak the tangible, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 admonishes us not to “weep not as one without hope.” For “he who began a good work in me, in you [and my great nation], is faithful to complete it.” ( Philippians 1:6)

Mr. Speaker

I now roll back the curtain to my portfolio for a snapshot of how my Ministry has prudently managed the people’s money over the past three years even in the midst of these mountains of peril and how we intend to win the future in this coming fiscal year.

Meteorology Department

Mr. Speaker

Through our many weather and natural disasters, the Department of Meteorology has performed outstanding works that have been praised by this Minister, this Administration, and

18 indeed their global counterparts. Through storm and rain, the Met Department has delivered a ray of sunshine to The Bahamas.

Mr. Speaker:

The proposed budget ceiling for the Met Department is just under $2.4m ($2,363,821.00). You are aware that the Department of Meteorology assists with the safety and protection of lives, property and interests in The Bahamas by providing short- and long-term weather services to aviation professionals, mariners, and the general public.

Mr. Speaker:

Having previously advised this Honourable House, you should recall that during the passage of Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, the Doppler weather radar installed at the Marsh Harbour Airport was damaged, and the meteorological instruments and equipment installed at airports in Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, Abaco and at Freeport, Grand Bahama, were destroyed.

In December 2019, Vaisala Ojy, the Finnish company contracted to perform the Doppler weather radar and airport weather observation systems in The Bahamas, generously donated some five hundred fifty thousand dollars ($550,000.00) to address the damage and destruction of the instruments and equipment. The Department anticipates that this exercise should be completed by August with the resumption of inter-island travel. Additionally, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the completion of the Doppler weather radar installations for Mayaguana and Ragged Island were delayed and are now expected to occur by December 2020.

Mr. Speaker

The Department will also endeavour to repair and renovate the Upper Air Station at LPIA. These works are critical to improving the working environment and housing for equipment that provides for the recording of atmospheric profiles and the information used to forecast the weather, and to alert pilots on the height at which airframe icing can occur.

The Department will continue focus its training and re-training efforts to incorporate mastery of more modern and precise meteorological equipment and instruments and to keep pace with rapidly evolving industry research.

Mr. Speaker

All of these efforts will have a more enduring effect with the legal establishment of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology. This Bill seeks to establish the Department as the official and sole authority for meteorological services in The Bahamas; and will allow the Department to charge and receive payment for its many products. The Meteorological Bill, the Met Bill, has been drafted and is presently undergoing another review at the Attorney General’s Office.

Department of Local Government

Mr. Speaker

I turn attention to the Department of Local Government, which has the largest budget allocation for my Ministry. For Local Government, a budget ceiling of just over $23m ($23,

205,396.00) is proposed. More than half of this amount is allocated to the operations of the various District Councils throughout the country, Some 13.1 million dollars.

Mr. Speaker,

Local Government will celebrate twenty-five (25) years of existence in March 2021. The legislative establishment of Local Government is tangible evidence of the FNM bringing economic empowerment closer to the people and providing for a quicker and sustainable response to their needs. Mr. Speaker, Today, the Department comprises thirty-three (33) local government districts within twenty-three administrative districts, and has a staff complement of three hundred and fifty-three (353) persons.

Mr. Speaker,

Local Government continues to be a source of pride for the Family Islands and fertile training ground for budding politicians. I am very pleased to recognise and commend our hardworking Family Island Administrators who continuously report for duty amidst the pandemic. This group of professionals, unselfishly serve through all types of disasters

22 with an unwavering display of commitment to our people’s needs.

Mr. Speaker

Family Island Administrators and District Councils are bound to the ideals of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency in the execution of duties. When I brought my mid-year contribution, I reported that twenty (20) persons from the public and private sectors were in training to become Family Island Administrators.

Mr. Speaker

Today, I can report that the trainees have completed their three-month-long training and were scheduled to begin their understudy in mid-March. After the period of understudy, the new administrators were to be posted in districts throughout our archipelago. However, due to the restrictive Covid-19 Emergency Orders that halted domestic travel, their deployment did not occur.

Mr. Speaker

With the lifting of the Emergency Order and the reopening of our economy at the beginning of July, these Trainee FIAs will be deployed and attached to Senior Administrators, who are in larger districts and others will be placed in districts where an Administrator has oversight for more than one district. The annual cost to employ these officers is estimated at just over $1.3m ($1,310,650.00). And Mr. Speaker in the view of this Minister it is money that will be well spent.

Mr. Speaker

My Ministry’s quest to improve the Department’s operations and to maximise its proficiency has prompted a regularisation exercise, which will appoint two hundred and fifty-six (256) employees to the Permanent and Pensionable Establishment throughout the Family Islands who currently work for local Government. I am pleased to report that this exercise is at the halfway mark and is schedule to be completed by the end of the 2020/2021 fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker

The completion of this exercise will auger well, for the Department, since a number of these employees are responsible for executing essential services in other agencies of Central Government throughout the family Island.

Mr. Speaker,

Family Island economies with their peculiar social and cultural structures have evolved and expanded over the years. It is, therefore, imperative that this expansion occur in tandem with the policies and practices of the Department so that critical services can be delivered to these communities. Consequently, my Ministry is taking steps to amend the Local Government Act and move to establish appertaining Local Government Regulations.

Mr. Speaker

We are cognisant that we are now in the 2020 Hurricane Season. The Family Islands are all ready to ensure that we are ready to withstand any impending storm or hurricane.

It is instructive to recount that in 2019, during the passage of Hurricane Dorian, the Administrator’s office and residence in East Grand Bahama were completely destroyed. As a result, the office in East Grand Bahama was forced to relocate to the City of Freeport, where it continues operating today. Additionally Central Abaco Administrator’s residence was destroyed and its office sustained minor damage, which is being addressed. Both Central Abaco and East Grand Bahama Administrators’ residences require urgent rebuilding.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker In early January 2020 The Administrator’s Office at San Salvador was destroyed by fire – a fire that is being investigated, by the way. That office now operates from the Office of the District Council. There are other offices and residences in various districts that require repairs. Funds were identified in the 2019/2020 budget; however, given the circumstance (COVID-19 lockdown), these works were postponed. It is anticipated that these repairs will resume in July.

Mr. Speaker,

I must speak to the important issue of Local Government Elections, which are held every three (3) years. These elections were scheduled to be held in the Family Islands on 24th June 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 Emergency Orders, these elections are suspended until the cessation of the state of emergency and are scheduled to be held within ninety (90) days, three (3) months after the Emergency Order ends.

Mr. Speaker,

The proposal for introducing Local Government for New Providence is still under review. In the meantime, I wish to publicly thank the Advisory Committee, which was headed by Senator Ranard Henfield, for the timely completion of their comprehensive and well-researched report.

Mr. Speaker

The Department is in the final stages of completing several video documentaries on local government as a public education initiative; and as a means of heightening public awareness of its functioning prior to the local Government Elections.

Mr. Speaker

Before I leave Local Government matters, I publicly extend heartfelt condolences to the families of two former Family Island Administrators who passed away this year; Mr. Karl Paul Nay Russell Spencer in January and Mr. Huntley Christie in May. Both men gave long and distinguished service, not just to the Department, but to the country as a whole. The Bahamas is better for their service. May their souls rest in peace and rise in glory.

Road Traffic Department

Mr. Speaker

I now turn to the operations of the Road Traffic Department, which has been travelling the road of renovation, revolution, and revitalisation.

Mr. Speaker

During my last presentation in this House, I recounted the information technology initiatives planned for the Road Traffic Department. I advised that the Department is working

28 assiduously to re-engineer its services and improve and enhance its efficiency of operations in this “new normal.”

Mr. Speaker

We are embracing technology in our delivery of services; in an effort to not only collect the government’s revenue in the most efficient and convenient fashion, but to also improve and expedite the customers’ experience. And in that regard, I wish to advise that the online driver’s license renewal service offered to Bahamians living abroad is working extremely well, once the necessary documents are advanced to The Bahamas Embassy or Consulate General’s Offices.

Mr. Speaker

The local online renewal process is in its initial stages, and, with adequate man-power and the necessary technological infrastructure, it can be an efficient and effective method in advancing the RTD’s services. It is important to note that the process toward the online renewal

29 and licensing of vehicles is in the planning stages and will be implemented shortly.

Mr. Speaker

The initial protocol for non-Bahamians who seek to secure a Bahamian driver’s license has been revamped to ensure that the applicant meets the mandatory criteria set by the Road Traffic Department as in every other progressive country.

First-time non-Bahamian applicants must now present their foreign driver’s licence along with their passports and permits to reside (whether work permit, residency permit, spousal permit, or permanent resident permit). Thereafter, they must submit to and pass a practical competency assessment to prove their abilities to traverse the streets of The Bahamas. This is absolutely necessary to promote public safety and to ensure that, to the extent possible, all drivers are familiar with the rules of our streets.

Additionally Mr. Speaker,

The process toward the elimination of the paper driver’s licenses in the Southern Bahamas is nearing completion and these are being replaced with the standard photo driver’s licenses. I am pleased to inform that upon completion of this exercise, the entire Bahamas will be on the Traffic Management System.

Mr. Speaker,

Another positive undertaking of the Road Traffic Department has been the relocation of the bus stops from Marlborough and George Streets to the terminal at Fredrick Street North. The relocation of these stops was in an effort to alleviate the traffic congestion near the Hilton Hotel and McDonald’s Restaurant respectively. This initiative has proven, Mr. Speaker, to be a great success.

Mr. Speaker,

The RTD is also contemplating moving three (3) other bus stops to further assist with the smooth and unhindered flow of vehicular traffic traversing the streets of New Providence. These

31 include those located on Bay Street opposite Hoffer and Sons and on both sides of Robinson Road in the vicinity of the R.M. Bailey Park and Kelly’s Parking Lot.

Mr. Speaker

Drivers’ license printers are presently on the islands of New Providence, Eleuthera, and Grand Bahama. However, the Road Traffic Department is awaiting new technology queues and delivers-drivers’ licenses hard card to remote locations –to Andros and Long Island in the first instance.

Mr. Speaker

It is the intent of the RTD to introduce vanity, novelty, tourism and organisation plates in January 2021. The introduction of this new product will allow the Road Traffic Department exponentially grow in its revenue. The attendant regulations was tabled in the House with the budget. The upgrade of the license plate plant at the prison, which is

32 necessary for this venture, will cost just over a million dollars. Mr. Speaker, Those funds are provided for in this new budget.

Mr. Speaker

I further advise that the colour of the SD plates was scheduled to change during May of this year; however, due to Covid-19, that plan is tentatively delayed to October 2020. The taxi plates will remain the yellow colour as it is the universally accepted colour for taxis all over the world.

Mr. Speaker

I have spoken to the Taxi Union president and assured him of my continued commitment to the industry. He has assured me of his members’ adherence to the Ministry-standard safety protocols that will be required at the reopening of our nation’s economy. Likewise, the Omnibus Franchise has also committed to adherence to passenger Covid-19 prevention guidelines at the opening of our economy.

Mr. Speaker

One of the outcomes of the “new normal” was the implementation of the drive-through system at the Road Traffic Department, reducing the need for ‘in-person’ interaction; eliminating the congestion of long lines and the resultant overflow of customers desirous of accessing RTD’s services. This aspect of the Department’s revised service delivery has been working smoothly.

This drive-through system has almost eliminated the need for the physical presence of customers inside the RTD building, with the exception of those customers who intend to pay with credit or debit cards. This system would be advantageous for customers applying online, when collecting drivers’ licenses. It is very likely that this new procedure will evolve to a complete drive-through system. I am advised, however, it should not be mandatory. Provisions will be made for online payments, in keeping with our objective to have a cashless system that remits directly to the Treasury.

Transportation Policy and Planning Unit

Mr. Speaker

In my Ministry is The Transportation Policy and Planning Unit (TPPU). The TPPU focuses on recommending updates for the Road Traffic Act, planning and implementing on road safety initiatives such as the Junior Road Safety Officers’ Programme and the Unification of the Public Bus System. The Junior Road safety program has been a wonderful success and is yielding wonderful result in our first time license drivers throughout the country.

Mr. Speaker

As the world addresses the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, I cannot help but compare its fatalities to road traffic accidents, which can be classified as “a neglected pandemic”. In The Bahamas an average of fifty (50) victims die in road traffic accidents every year. To mitigate against the spread of the coronavirus, we are admonished to social/physical distance and to wear masks. Similarly, to minimise against fatalities and serious injuries, we are mandated to wear our seatbelts, put

35 down our cell phones, do not drink and drive, and to slow down. Imagine if all of us were to make a commitment to obey the traffic laws. I guarantee you that there will be less road accidents and incidents and consequently, less serious injuries and fatalities.

Mr. Speaker

I was humbled to lay on the Table, legislation that passed through this House by increasing penalties for vehicular manslaughter by reckless driving; vehicular manslaughter by dangerous driving; vehicular manslaughter by careless driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and vehicular manslaughter by driving. As such, we will continue our collaboration with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Traffic Court and the Insurance Association to assist with the compilation of road accidents data to support traffic safety decisions.

Mr. Speaker,

I was also humbled to lay on the Table of this House, legislation that finally responded to the decades-long lobby of many Bahamians, that is the opportunity to turn left at stoplights/ red lights. Mr. Speaker, we also created the yellow box in legislation to assist residents to avoid traffic gridlock at intersections. Mr. Speaker, both of these measure has greatly alleviated traffic congestion and lowered the commuting time for motorists, saving our people time on the road and fuel money and allowing more time for quality work and family hours.

The Bus Unification Programme Mr. Speaker

My Ministry began the Bus Unification Pilot Project in January of this year, but it was halted in March due to the Covid-19 shutdown. Consequently, we will recommence this study in July and continue through the end of December 2020. Thereafter, the study findings will be released. This pilot is our first step towards a unified public transit system for the island of New Providence and is partly funded by a grant from the IDB.

Port Department

Mr. Speaker,

My attention now shifts to the Port Department.

Mr. Speaker

As we have navigated through the treacherous waters of the last three years, the Port Department, though challenge with a number of high profile incidents, have risen from beneath the waves to chart a course of creative innovations and initiatives.

Mr. Speaker,

Before we get to some of those initiatives, Global Ports Ltd is scheduled to start preliminary construction works first by removing the asbestos from the old customs warehouse on Prince George Wharf before the demolition of the buildings on the Wharf. Global Ports, consequent to its heads of agreement, has committed to construction or renovations of a building to temporarily house the Port Authority staff, who currently occupy the Port Authority building on PGW.

The Government has agreed to allow Global Ports to extend and renovate the dock masters’ building on Potters Cay to a state of the art modern office port building to temporary house the Port staff during the construction phase of the New Cruise Port for PGW. Mr. Speaker, for the cultural enthusiast, the historic Bladen’s Battery, which is located in front of the Dock masters office, on Potters Cay, will not be damaged during construction. Mr. Speaker, Bladen’s Battery was constructed in July 1742 to protect the Nassau Harbour. It will be preserved and restored by Global Ports to continue to function as a cultural site.

Also Mr. Speaker,

The long awaited International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Compliance Unit was established October 22nd 2019 to provide comprehensive and effective ISPS compliance oversight of the international port and ship facilities throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. This Unit was one that was

39 recommended for many years by the United States Government to ensure greater security measures and practices at our ports.

The ISPS Compliance Unit currently serves as the recognized security organization of The Bahamas and is charge with the responsibility of random spot checks, initial endorsement and statement of compliance renewal inspections as well as ensuring that all ISPS compliant entities maintain the highest standard of ISPS compliance.

To-date there are twenty-four (24) international port facilities within the jurisdiction of The Bahamas and three (3) proposed. Thus far, the ISPS Compliant Unit is mandated to conduct:

● Four (4) random spot checks - to be conducted every quarter. ● One (1) endorsement/renewal verification Site Inspection ● And a Follow-up inspection when necessary

Mr. Speaker, since the formation of the Unit a targeted approach has been geared towards inspection of all twenty-four (24) of the various Port facilities throughout The Bahamas to ensure ISPS

40 compliance. The requisite training for enforcement Officers have commenced and further training is envisioned for Officers in consultation/conjunction with the US Coast Guard International Port Security Unit/Team. A seminar was conducted during February 2020 for personnel from the mentioned facilities with respect to revisiting/reviewing standard Port Security measures/regulations and futuristic expectations were discussed.

Mr. Speaker, the ISPS Unit is currently in discussions with The Bahamas Customs Department relative to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which once completed will allow for greater enforcement power. Also Mr. Speaker, the Port Security Regulations Act 2016 is currently under review to allow for more stiffer penalties with respect to violations of the ISPS code.

Mr. Speaker

As to the other projects of the Port Department, it should be noted that dredging of the Cooper’s Town Channel commenced

41 on April 20, 2020. That project commenced as a response to Hurricane Dorian, which left no ISPS compliant port in Marsh Harbour. We are now dredging to ensure that larger vessels are able to access the Port, which is ready for full operations. The contractor proposes that at least 50% of the dredging will be completed by the end of the current fiscal year, that is, this June 30th.

Mr Speaker

In addition, This House has severally been advised that wrecks, abandoned and derelict boats around Nassau Harbour create an eyesore. Work to remove these vessels commenced on 12th May 2020. To date, fourteen (14) of the twenty-three (23) identified vessels have been removed. The work is ongoing, and the Port Department anticipates that this project will be completed on or before the end of the current budget year, again by the end of this June.

Mr Speaker

I am pleased to report that efforts are underway to automate services provided by the Port Department, inclusive of licenses and permits for foreign yacht charters. The Port Department is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Transformation and Digitisation, the Department of Marine Resources and The Bahamas Customs Department to find an appropriate online solution; the end to which is very near. We will pass legislation to insist that all vessels’ AIS system transponder, is on at all times in our territorial waters and that all vessels leaving the Bahamas must check into a port of entry on exiting the country. Currently vessel are only required to check with border control agencies when entering the country and not when exiting. Again, The Minister of Finance would have spoken to these initiatives early this morning.

Mailboat Services

Mr. Speaker

In the same way that the mailboat service performed magnificently during the Dorian evacuation, they have met the

43 challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mailboats have delivered the mail and freight to the Family Island on time and in time to help our people during this period covered under the Emergency Order. It is noteworthy that not one case of Covid-19 has been transferred by the mailboat from New Providence to any of our Family Islands. That is due to the stringent protocols put in place for the mailboats, by the Ministry of Transport with the assistance of the Ministry of Health.

The following proposal for mailboats is being considered for implementation during the 2020/2021 fiscal year. The components include:

● Securing mailboat services for North Cat Island to afford the residents there equitable access to delivery services given the hardship and cost borne by those residents who have to drive or catch a ride to or pay someone to bring their goods from South Cat Island. Presently, mailboat operators only receive a subsidy for the delivery of goods and services to South Cat Island.

● The cancelling of contracts to persons who substitute for delinquent mailboat owners. The Government of The Bahamas has never favoured third party services. Mr. Speaker, if you do not have a boat, you should not be in the mailboat business receiving a subsidy from the government of The Bahamas. That is the law and we will enforce it during the Fiscal period 2020-2021

Before I leave this segment of my presentation, Mr. Speaker I recall that a number of my agencies all over the country need staff – RTD, Port Department, Post Office. You know, the Member for Long Island has been on me for the appointment of staff in the RTD for Long Island and for a new Mailboat service operator for South Long Island (Clarence Town). Our conversations on those matters have been long. I can report that we have solved the staffing issues at RTD in long Island. As to the Mia Dean, it has been parked at Potters Cay since 2012. It is not seaworthy, but we will resolve South Long Island’s route operator by first of July.

The National Maritime Policy and Planning Committee

Mr. Speaker,

The National Maritime Policy and Planning Committee is spearheading wonderful work with the implementation of Policy, The national maritime policy Plan, which was adopted by the former administration and continued by this administration. The Committee will, hopefully, soon be the recipient of an IDB grant to assist with the enhancement of revenue measures, from the Blue economy and the progress of infrastructural works for the maritime space. I thank the Chair, Rev. Angela Palacious and her team for their tireless work.

Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA)

Mr. Speaker,

Before I move away from Maritime Affairs, I must outline and commend the work of the BMA.

Our Manifesto commitment to the people of Grand Bahama was to open an office there. However, given the

46 economics and the infrastructural challenges, it was thought more prudent to open an office in Japan to generate much needed revenue. We have done just that! The Japanese market has indeed been fruitful.

In fact, Mr. Speaker To assist the nation through this Covid-19 crisis, the Board of the BMA has agreed to release to the Treasury, four million dollars ($4m) today and three million ($3m) over the fiscal year of 2020/2021 in instalments of $250K/month. (A) Nice sums of money to assist with our economic recovery.

Mr. Speaker

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the remaining goals and initiatives of the Authority for the remainder of the 2020 calendar year, and the proposed activities for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. However, the implementation of an effective business continuity plan will enable the sustained delivery of quality registration service for customers, and an effective

47 representation of The Bahamas at the national, regional and international levels.

Mr. Speaker

The BMA continues to deliver a quality registration service, with its registry having one thousand five hundred fourteen (1514) ships totalling over 65 million gross tonnage. The quality of tonnage has resulted in The Bahamas flag being:

• The world’s seventh largest ship registry; • The largest flag for passenger cruise ships; • One of the largest flags for LNG and the offshore sector; and • The top performing flag as it relates to Port State Control, a key industry standard, in ships operating in Europe, Asia and the USA. Mr. Speaker:

The BMA’s locations in Nassau, New York, Piraeus Greece, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo enable service delivery that covers Asia, Europe, the USA and the

Caribbean; with expansion plans, being reviewed for more regional representation of registration services for our customers, who cover all shipping sectors and who are globally positioned.

Mr. Speaker

The BMA is an active participant and recognised leader in policy decisions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and The Bahamas was able to secure IMO Council Membership in Category C for the 2019/2020 Biennium. The Bahamas, placed a historic 6th in the voting among 20 nations for Category C, chosen by the 170 nation IMO council. The Bahamas intends to pursue Council membership for the 2020-2021 Biennium, and this will require inter-agency cooperation for engagement with all the IMO Member States. The Bahamas, through the BMA, sits on the IMO’s World Maritime University Board of Governors, Which by the way Mr. Speaker, is an extremely distinguish position. Mr. Speaker,

At the national level, the BMA continues to engage with all relevant government agencies, and participates in the appropriate inter-agency committees and discussions, to ensure a holistic consideration and consistent implementation of The Bahamas’ obligation as an IMO port, flag and coastal state. A key to this partnership is ensuring that the legislative framework is in place and to this extent, the BMA with the assistance of the Office of the Attorney General, has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Merchant Shipping Act and Regulations to update and address any gaps in the legislation.

Mr. Speaker,

Less we forget, one of the major achievements of the BMA during this fiscal year was the cessation of ALL dumping of waste from cruise ships in our territorial waters, our territorial baseline. This notable environmental achievement is cause for celebration. With this bold and decisive stroke the BMA has ensure that our marine environment will continue to remain clean green and pristine.

Finally, Mr. Speaker The 1st of July 2020 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of The Bahamas Maritime Authority. Various events have been planned, which will likely be pushed back. However, Maritime Week, which is one of the events planned will be under the patronage of Mr. Peter John Goulandris, Deputy Director of the BMA Board, the longest-standing Board Member and a most gracious benefactor to The Bahamas. I want to public thank him for his long years of service and commitment to our Bahamas.

The Post Office Department

Mr. Speaker

Permit me to now highlight the operations of the Post Office Department which, as you know, is considered a port of entry.

Mr. Speaker

It is a well-known fact that the General Post Office successfully relocated in May of 2019 to the Town Centre Mall.

In so doing, its priority agenda pursues transforming operations through technology as a fundamental first step.

Mr. Speaker

With the move, the Department’s ambitious projections were almost immediately impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian early in the fiscal period, and most recently, from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. Speaker,

Notwithstanding these impacts, the Department actually has in the first nine months of the fiscal year, outperformed the revenue collections of FY2018/2019. We actually saw an increase in revenue intake from two million, three hundred and thirty-one thousand, three hundred and forty-five dollars ($2,331,345.00 ), in 2018/2019, to two million, three hundred seventy four thousand three hundred and twelve ($2,374,312), reported during the first nine months of this current 2019/2020 fiscal period. These figures are expected to rise as reports are received from the various family islands and activities in New Providence continue during the final quarter of 2019/2020. It

52 will be interesting to compare the two full years at the close of this fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker,

It is our hope that with a continued aggressive approach to moving parcels through the delivery process and further strengthening of daily deposits from postal activities, anticipated shortfalls will be offset from the economic turndown due to hurricane Dorain and COVID-19. Again Mr. Speaker we’ve already beaten the revenue projections for the department in the first Nine months.

Mr. Speaker

In spite of the setback, there is still projected service expansion and anticipated successes for the Department. In fact, we intend to complement the audit certification we received in December 2019 by obtaining the security certification within the next fiscal period. Customer service will also be a focal point; facilitated by a recently introduced Customer Service Unit for the post office department.

The Post Office remains optimistic about the profitable advantages to be gained by improving its service product, and therefore, will continue with the process of transitioning to a cash receipting system, as a means of not only tightening counter operating controls, but also as a first step towards expanding its service offerings.

Additionally, the Department has been offered technical assistance from the Universal Postal Union (UPU), with the implementation of a compatible information technology solution to enhance, and expand parcel service delivery.

Mr. Speaker

In its quest to further automate its service operations for the modernisation and transformation of postal services, the department has acquired the necessary hardware (such as PCs, monitors, and printers) to facilitate its cash receipting and e-commerce readiness process. These equipment will assist with embracing new revenue streams comprising of online shopping delivery, and customs clearance payments. Like the

54 song says, Mr. Speaker, ain’t no stopping us, now we’re on the move.

Mr. Speaker

The Department will also be moving to address the state of its buildings via repairs and upgrades needed to a number of sub and district offices. These buildings have long fallen into disrepair and are in need of immediate redress. Our postal employees must be commended for their patience in working in these conditions and just like this administration delivered them from the horrendous conditions at East Hill Street, we will deliver them from these conditions. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the FNM still delivers.

Mr. Speaker

The efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery at the Post Office is contingent on maintaining adequate staffing. Therefore, I would be remiss if I were not to touch on this pressing issue.

Mr. Speaker

I recognise the dire economic challenges facing the nation. Nonetheless, the fact that the Post Office Department continues to lose officers to retirements without suitable replacements must be addressed. This steady depletion of human resources cannot continue if we are to successfully expand service offerings that are expected to increase revenue intake.

To this end, we will seek to fill key positions through in-house promotions, in the first instance, then seek to ‘transfer in’, the best talents of persons in the public service; especially those officers who desire change in their work type or environment. As a last resort, we will hire in new officers, finances permitting.

The Air Accident Investigation Authority

Mr. Speaker

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), which is the most recent agency within my Ministry’s remit, was recently transferred from the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation

th due to the passage of the AAIA Act on 20 December 2019.

Its mandate is to investigate accidents and serious incidents, and to make recommendations to prevent recurrence in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO). While the AAIA is not a revenue generating entity, its purpose and creation was required, and is most important for the safety of aviation in the country.

Mr. Speaker

The AAIA is now poised to raise its score results from the latest audit from a mere thirteen (13%) percent to more than ninety-five (95%) percent, aiming for 100% percent with 102 of the 104 audit requirements being fully satisfied.

Mr. Speaker

The establishment of a Board to oversee the administration of the Authority, a full complement of staff, a new facility, confirmation of source of funding, and supplemental funding for accident and incident investigations are required to achieve 100% compliance. My Ministry is

57 currently working to ensure that these matters are taken care of expeditiously.

Mr. Speaker

It is often said that the highest form of praise is the expression of gratitude. As the Minister responsible for the Ministry of Transport and Local Government, I will continually express my thanks for the distinguished opportunity to serve in this capacity. I also thank the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Antoinette Thompson, Heads of Departments, and the Administrative, Technical and Support Staff of the Ministry for their perseverance and tenacity in advancing the mandate set forth by the Government of The Bahamas.

These capable officers give unreservedly of their time, talents and efforts to ensure that this Ministry provides optimal service to the people of this wonderful country we all love. Mr Speaker with that I close the reporting on the agency in my remit and move on to the wider budget.

Potential Threats on the Horizon

Mr. Speaker

I would wish for you to indulge me the opportunity to bring to the attention of this House the potential threats on the horizon that can affect our economic recovery and the Bahamian people’s wellbeing.

First, Mr. Speaker, There is the potential over the next month or two, for a surge in COVID-19 case in the United States as a result of the 10’s of millions of protestors, who in numerous case, did not adhere to any of the health and safety protocols required to avoid the spread of the virus. If this happens, then our hope for Tourism traffic from our main Tourism market will be halted. In addition, the opening of our borders could and would expose our Nation to infection from travellers from the US

Secondly Mr. Speaker,

There is the potential of a second surge of the virus globally in the coming Fall and Winter months, either by the virus mutating or just the potential of the virus having greater

59 resilience during the colder months like its sister coronavirus, the flu.

Thirdly, we are in this year’s Hurricane Season and we know that this is an unusual year in that we are expecting more hurricanes and the potential for the formation of four (4) major storms. We hope and pray that we are spared from any future hurricane disaster this coming fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker

Then, there is Israel’s possible annexation of the West Bank, Jordan Valley, or as the Jewish refer to them by their biblical names, Judea and Samaria. The King of Jordan Abdullah has said before the European Parliament that if Israel does such, it will mean war in the Middle East. War will have an effect on oil prices that will have a negative effect on our economic recovery. Mr. Speaker every Global recession in the last 100 years has always been preceded by high oil Price so we pray that nothing happens in this region that will upset the strategic balance between neighbours.

Mr. Speaker,

Ultimately, there is the potential Cold War and, God forbid, a Hot War between China and America/West, or even a conflict in Asia between India and China or one of China’s neighbours. Mr. Speaker we are again praying that the world will not succumb to the tendency to single out China in this Pandemic a singling out that may have unintended consequences.

So, Mr. Speaker, those are potential pitfalls, flashpoints that may arise during this upcoming fiscal period that can possible have a negative effect on our economic recovery.

Mr. Speaker,

I have sought to remind this House of what we have done even with the challenges that we have faced over the past three years. I am no prophet, but I have looked at what is happening in the world today and have spoken to the potentials that may come to pass in the short-term.

Mr. Speaker,

Recognising those potentials, we have sought, through this budget, to build a more resilient Bahamas, to pull us out of economic crisis and out of this COVID-19 recession. Mr Speaker, there are two schools of thought as to how you pull an economy out of recession and then there is another as to how you sustain that growth in a meaningful way for your people. All theories start with the premise that a recession is the slowdown of money flowing in an economy. The money does not disappear, the flow is stalled.

Mr. Speaker,

The first line of thinking is that growth should mainly be driven by the private sector. The noted Austrian economist Friedrich Von Hayek wrote in his book The Road to Serfdom that since the private sector is the largest part of your economy, The Government should remove taxes, custom duties, and government fees on private businesses and individuals to encourage more spend in the economy. The idea is that more industry and employment opportunities are created for the

62 citizenry. This forces the circulation of money, creating greater economic energy.

Mr. Speaker, depending on who you ask, the private sector hosts 70 to 80% of the GDP of The Bahamas. The idea that I just spoke about is called supply-side economics or trickle-down economics. Mr. Speaker, another noted economist who subscribed to this thinking was Milton Friedman. President Ronald Regan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher were devotees of Hayek and Friedman and used this thinking to pull the global economy out of recession during the 1980’s. Incidentally, President Donald Trump is also fond of Hayek and Freidman’s economics.

Mr. Speaker,

There is the also other side of the coin that advocates Government spending as the main driver to economic growth to pull an economy out of economic recession or crisis. The noted British economist John Maynard Keynes was the main proponent of this line of thinking. Consequently, it is called Keynesian Economics. Keynes’ rationale embraces the theory

63 that since government always has and can get money from taxes and borrowings, these sums should be pushed back into the economy through massive capital works and infrastructural spending to create jobs and social assistance programmes that help the most vulnerable in the society. Here again, Mr. Speaker the circulation of money creates greater economic energy.

Mr. Speaker, President Obama and his onetime advisor, noted Nobel laureate economist, Paul Krugman are devotees of Keynesian thinking. President Obama used Keynesian principles to pull the US out of the global financial crisis of 2008.

Mr. Speaker,

Whether recovery is being driven by supply-side, trickle-down economics or the Keynesian economic theory, recovery will only be meaningful if it is sustained in real-terms. Sustainability requires a diversified domestic economy as

64 opposed to foreign production and foreign companies or entities mainly leading the charge.

Another noted economist Michael Paul Todaro, in his book Economic Development, made masterful arguments for greater domestic(endogenous) production rather than imports foreign(exogenous) production. Mr. Speaker, our own Bahamian economist Dr. Oliver Saunders and Nikolaos Karagiannis have written a number of books supporting domestic(endogenous) production especially in Agriculture products and manufacturing of goods and crafts to sustain economic growth and lower unemployment.

Mr Speaker, whatever we wish to call it, by whatever proven means, the main idea is to get more monies flowing in the circuitry of our domestic economy. Mr. Speaker, that is why this budget is not myopic in its economic ideal or philosophy. We are practising supply-side and Keynesian. We are practising endogenous as wells exogenous principles. Mr. Speaker, We have gone for the whole hog, or as my gramarr would say, we’ve going for all an umm.

Mr. Speaker,

In regards to Hayek’s thinking, we have reduced the duties on all building/construction material down to 20% in this budget and reduced duties on other goods to encourage private sector growth and commerce. This is to reinvigorate and to release the energies of our people towards good, productive work. Mr. Speaker, this government is also looking at how we can make land available to the private sector for home construction and utilities infrastructural investments.

Mr. Speaker,

In regards to Keynesian’s thinking, the government will be spending half a billion dollars in capital works to put our people to work in construction so as to revive our economy and to enhance our physical plant and infrastructure; to reinvigorate and energise our built environment, engineers, architects, technicians and contractors. Not just the physical plant, Mr. Speaker, but we targeted our IT and digital infrastructure throughout the Government service to cut down on employee and customers response time and to stop revenue leakage.

Staying in the Keynesian model, Mr. Speaker, salaries and emoluments of public officers have been preserved. We have not cut anyone’s salaries as many expected this budget to do. In fact, many nations in our region and beyond have cut civil servants salaries by some 50% in the short-term, Mr. Speaker, but we did none of that.

We know that with Dorian and this COVID crisis we would have more of our people to the Social Services lines, so we have increased social assistance. In fact, to further put more monies in our economy and to help our elderly, our most vulnerable, NIB has increased Old Age Pension. NIB has also paid out nearly $40 million to replace the salaries lost in the private sector since March due to Covid-19.

Mr. Speaker,

In regards to Domestic(Endogenous) production, The Minister of Agriculture will speak to the revolution that is underway to increase our food security through food sovereignty in agriculture. In regards to exogenous Production, to foreign injection of capital – bringing new money to The

Bahamas – the Minister of Tourism will speak about our tourism plant and airspace revenue potential.

Mr. Speaker,

As a Government, our minds have been focused on the health, wellbeing, physical and economic security of our people. Security has also being an undergirding principle of this administration from the beginning and is resident in our manifesto and resident in this budget as well. We promised greater security in three areas, Food security, Energy security and security of our currency, (our money). The western world’s economics are also built on a foundation of those three energy security phenomenon.

Mr. Speaker,

Economies built on the securing energy principle, do so with a view to survive cataclysmic national and global events. The national economy is built like the human body, they both work off of with scientist call potential energy and kinetic energy principles. Potential energy, is stored energy and kinetic

68 energy, is energy in motion. My body right now has fat store, fatty tissue that is my potential energy stores that the body will breakdown into fuel and use in times of calamity or crisis. Mr. Speaker, but my body also has sugars, carbohydrates (fuel) currently circulating in my blood that my cells are using to animate this biological machine, that is Renward, so that I can do work; meaningful full work and sometime not so meaningful work. Mr. Speaker we all guilty of that, wasting time and energy

Food Energy/Biological Energy

Mr. Speaker in regards to Food security, we know Food fuel is the energy necessary to drive our biological machines, our bodies. It is a basic physiological need. Food security rather food sovereignty is what The Bahamas must concern ourselves with now more than ever to ensure that we can meet our nations need.

Mr. Speaker, I will use the United states as an example to greater explain Potential energy and kinetic energy in regards to food security.

Mr. Speaker

The United States recognised the need to have a constant supply of food in the event of a global catastrophe, So Mr Speaker the United States created what it called the US strategic food reserve.1 Millions of tons of grain stored. The Strategic food reserve is the United states potential energy store. The food reserve or strategic grain reserve as it is sometimes call, affords the United States the capacity to survive for a minimum of eight (8) months to a year without having to produce one single crop in the field for food to feed its 300-million population. Here in The Bahamas, we need to establish our own strategic food reserve or grain reserve. Should we come this way again of global crisis, the potential energy store of the greatest little nation on earth, the Bahamas, must be created and bolstered to withstand and survive trade disruptions and crisis,

1 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_grain_reserve), (http://www.foodsecurityportal.org/strategic-grain-reserves-africa?print) 70 whether manmade or natural. That is why in this budget we have a focus on agriculture and domestic production of certain foods. Again, I know that the Minister of Agriculture and Marine resource will speak to the marvellous work he will be undertaking.

Electricity and Fuel

Mr. Speaker, we also need to secure potential and kinetic energy in regards to fossil fuels, again we call it energy security Fossil fuels(gas, diesel, propane, etc) are the absolute necessity needed to drive our physical infrastructure, our houses, buildings, vehicles, aircrafts and boats. Here again, the United States had a strategic plan in place to ensure that its physical infrastructure and vehicles had the fuel necessary to drive their economy, so they created a strategic petroleum reserve, where enough oil is stockpiled, in Texas, Oklahoma, and Lousiana, to sustain its economy for one year in the event of a global crisis that stops the global supply of oil.2 While we do not have a strategic petroleum reserve here in The Bahamas, we store fuel

2 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_Petroleum_Reserve_(United_States)), (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_strategic_petroleum_reserves). 71 in Grand Bahama, but we have no refinery capabilities in there currently. BORCO did refine oil in the 1970 and early 80’s. We need to have an oil refinery up and running in the Bahamas again, BORCO must be up and running again. The Bahamian should know that a plan can be devised that in ultimately dire global circumstances, if we achieve the establishment of a refinery; the fuel from that refinery, from Grand Bahama, can be diverted to our domestic needs to ensure our people and our economy’s survivability.

Mr. Speaker, energy Security for us mainly involves electricity from BPL. Electricity from BPL as a driver of most of our industries, must be provided on a consistent basis at all points throughout our country, particularly for medical devices and equipment in the midst of all national and Global crisis. That is why, over the past three years, we were pursuing LNG for BEC/BPL – a regasification and storage facility at Clifton that offers the country greater energy security, both in potential energy (storage) and in kinetic energy (available fuel for BPL). Additionally, Mr. Speaker, revenue generations is possible from

72 bunkering for cruise ship and LNG (natural gas) for electric vehicles that use fuel cells technology. Mr. Speaker, the low cost of LNG would reduce/lower the cost of living for Bahamians, while simultaneously growing and expanding our economy.

Mr. Speaker,

We must also enhance and accelerate this governments continued pursue of renewable Technology deployment throughout the Nation, Solar, Wind and Wave We must continue to move with The government’s desire to install solar energy on Government buildings and to power a fleet of government electrical vehicle from solar sources. This is energy security!

The Economy Fuel Is Money

Mr. Speaker,

As I previously indicated, the last sphere of energy security-Mr. Speaker, is our currency. Mr. Speaker, money, cash, currency is the fuel that drives economic activity. Cash must flow for our economy to continue to survive. Greater Cash flow generates greater energy in the economy. As a matter of

73 fact Mr. Speaker money is called currency because it’s like current – electrical energy that brings alive all circuitry. As a matter of fact Mr. Speaker we call our credit cards charge cards harkening back to a charge particle which is the spark, that generates electricity in any form of substance- matter. Mr Speaker I can take the engineering analogy further and speak about how banks act like capacitors and inductors in a circuitry. In a circuitry the rate at which capacitors and inductors release charge determines the energy available in that circuitry of device. Likewise, the rate at which Banks or any financial entity release monies into the economy, through loans and other vehicles determine the energy in the nation’s economy.

Mr. Speaker,

the Bible gives us more than just a hint as to the power of money and it’s movement or the lack there of, The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 10:19 that “money answers all things.”

Mr. Speaker,

Again using the example of the United States, the US Federal Reserve manages this most important energy

74 phenomenon of cash flow.3 It is interesting to note Mr. Speaker, that the Central Bank of the United States is called a reserve –It is called, The Federal reserve, in the same context like the US strategic Food or grain Reserve and the US strategic Petroleum Reserve. It is interesting to note how The Federal Reserve responded to the COVID crisis; on the advice of the US Treasury Department and President Trump, the FED, The Federal reserve, injected energy into the US economy by injecting cash, printing some three(3) trillion dollars ($3trn) in what the FED and economist call, “quantitative easing”. The FED further sought to help the US economy by lowered interest rates to near zero to encourage borrowing and cash flow from US banks into the economy.

Mr. Speaker,

3 (https://federalreserveonline.org/). (https://books.google.bs/books?id=-T-9CQAAQBAJ&pg=PA268&lpg=PA268&dq=behold+the+pale+horse+money+is +like+electricity+in+the+circuit&source=bl&ots=6tq01jrWJz&sig=ACfU3U1SPiK8e8YGQRJeqyRhfqHqQ6cRBQ&hl=e n&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIu7WY66DpAhUkneAKHZ9tDsYQ6AEwCnoECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false). (https://books.google.bs/books?id=_-oRyJF9t3cC&pg=PA46&lpg=PA46&dq=behold+the+pale+horse+money+is+lik e+electricity+in+the+circuit&source=bl&ots=KgABu7L4le&sig=ACfU3U2-Dww7ZuULNXq1Ovu5BwNQMlzY5A&hl=e n&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIu7WY66DpAhUkneAKHZ9tDsYQ6AEwDHoECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=behold%20the%20pal e%20horse%20money%20is%20like%20electricity%20in%20the%20circuit&f=false). 75

Here in The Bahamas and in this budget, we have sought to shore up our reserve by borrowing in US dollars and pursing our digital currency, the Sand Dollar.

So Mr. Speaker whether it is food security, with potential energy or kinetic energy we’re on our way to righting that ship, with greater domestic production. And whether it is fossil fuel energy security or security of our currency, Mr. Speaker, we have a plan that is resident in this budget response.

Conclusion

So in closing Mr. Speaker

We must remember the economic challenges we face are as “novel” as this corona virus. Mr. Speaker, we have fully supported our people, medically and economically, through all Crisis’s; but, Mr. Speaker we know that we also need to keep enterprises alive, as businesses that were otherwise healthy cannot meet their obligations if they are shut down or drastically curtailed for an inordinate period of time. Hence, there is the

76 phased opening planned, by the Competent Authority, The Prime Minister, to July.

Mr. Speaker

With this budget, we are leading our people into the land of hope and promise. Mr. Speaker, We have crossed over the proverbial Jordan into the land of economic promise. We are possessing that beautiful sweet Beulah Land, Mr Speaker, because this administration is firmly convinced that we are well able to possess it. We must continue to go up, in that land, because we are well able. Mr. Speaker, look what the Lord has done over these three year and will continue to do, Mr. Speaker, it is marvellous in our sight. And, Mr. Speaker, Next year, when we are in this place I speak in faith, Mr. Speaker that the fortunes of the Bahamian people will be far greater as result of our efforts in this budget.

Mr. Speaker

For as Moses said in Deuteronomy (11:14), the Lord will cause our latter years to greater than the former. Our former

77 budgets were the former rains that rain on the fortunes our people, but this budget, this budget, is our latter rain, that will greatly grow the fortunes of the Bahamian people. For I know that the Lord of life will restore to us, his people, the years of prosperity that were lost to calamity, the years that the Bible would say that the locusts have stolen.

Mr. Speaker, we will continue to stick with him as we travel this road of prosperity and challenge, for we know that the road we trod will lead unto our God! And so, Mr. Speaker, we will March on. We will continue to march on because, in this administration, in this nation, it is still…it is still Mr. Speaker it is still the Peoples’ Time!!!