2018/19 Budget Communication 2018_2019 BUDGET COMMUNICATION | Page 115

clear out the massive arrears left behind by the previous Government, the task this year has been particularly challenging. Very difficult decisions have had to be made in respect of expenditure allocations with a decisive focus on the areas of highest priority within our policy agenda. Equally difficult decisions have also had to be made in respect of revenue measures. Moving to significantly enhance the revenue yield of our tax system was not done capriciously but rather out of a deep sense of responsibility for righting the ship of state and restoring the fiscal health of the people’s Government. This day of fiscal reckoning inevitably had to come and it has fallen to our Government to tackle it with decisiveness and determination. I am proud to assert that we willingly took up the challenge and that, as a result, the 2018/19 Budget stands as a true testament to our resolve and determination. 112