2018/19 Budget Communication 2018_2019 BUDGET COMMUNICATION | Page 40

As an additional measure to manage debt more responsibly, the Government has established a sinking fund to accommodate the repayment of the recent $750 million international bond issue and will contribute some $39 million to that fund in the 2018/19 fiscal year. iii. Bolstering Growth and Job Creation Mr. Speaker, it virtually goes without saying that, with the level of unemployment in this country and the annual rate of increase of our labour force, it is critically important that we succeed in boosting the rate of growth of our economy. We have been steadfast in our commitment to that goal as it will bring significant benefits not only in terms of new and expanding job opportunities but also in respect of contributing to our plan for fiscal consolidation. 37