2019/20 Budget Communication Final Budget Communication | Page 50

Our Government has ushered in a new era of sound, transparent and responsible fiscal
management, supplemented by a broad spectrum of critical and transformational structural
reformsthat will set a proper and stable foundation for sustained private sector-led economic
growth and job creation. I firmly believe that our revamped model of governance will indeed give
rise to a better future for all Bahamians.
Mr. Speaker,
As I move to close this presentation, I want to summarize what this Budget is really
about. This Budget stands for a Government that is a better partner to the Bahamian people. We
are transforming our execution and service delivery so we can provide Bahamians with better
results. We are refocusing our spending so we can provide Bahamians with better benefits. Not the
type of benefits in the past that have increased the dependence of citizens on the government, but
the type of benefits that allow Bahamians to be empowered and independent.
For too long, the Government has used taxpayers' money to feed a culture of political
largess and Government inefficiency; to put Band-Aids over structural problems that undermine
the Government’s ability to play its true role. Structural reform certainly does not sound very
relatable, but just think about what it is like to live in a house that needs to be renovated; to work
in an environment that is falling apart. It blocks your hustle; it cramps your style; it saps your
creativity; it makes you physically sick.
The reality is, the Bahamian Government is like a house that needs repairs. In some
areas, the walls need to be gutted and the roof needs to be completely rebuilt. In other parts, new
electrical wires need to be installed, along with new pipes and fixtures.
The Government is not supposed to be a barrier to progress. Citizens are not supposed
to feel constrained in the pursuit of their dreams by a government that does not have its house in
order. The Bahamas has reached adulthood, and it is time the Government acts like it.
The true role of government is to facilitate the personal pursuit and self-expansion of
Bahamians, whether socially, culturally, spiritually or in business. It is the Government’s role to
set effective policies that facilitate economic development; that facilitate social mobility, and a
flow of opportunity, quality jobs and self-employment. It is our role to make it easy for Bahamians
to operate in their own country; to pursue opportunity, and to thrive.
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