Grant: Grand Bahama to Benefit Under FNM Budget
Published: Thursday June 7th, 2007
Eight Mile Rock MP Verna Grant
2007/2008 Budget Communication by Eight Mile Rock MP Verna Grant:
MP GRANT: Thank you Mr. Speaker for acknowledging the Member for the Eight Mile Rock Constituency.
Mr. Speaker I wish to first give God thanks and praise for affording me this opportunity to stand in these great and historical halls of Parliament, to Him be all honor and Glory.
I wish also to thank the great people of The Eight Mile Rock Constituency, from Bahamia in the east to Mack Town, Hunters, Lewis Yard, Pinder’s Point, Ceco Town, Queen’s Cove, Hepburn Town, Bartlette Hill, Hanna Hill, Pinedale, Martin Town and Russell Town in the west.
All who made it possible for me to be here, I thank them again for bestowing this high honor and confidence in me. I will serve all of them, no matter what side of the political divide they find themselves. The Eight Mile Rock Constituency is large enough for everyone to play an active role to ensure it’s proper growth and development.
I would especially like to thank those who worked tirelessly from the very beginning of our campaign, our Manager, Coordinator, Generals, foot soldiers, office workers and all of Team Eight Mile Rock. I Thank them for never giving up on our dream and making it come true.
To our Leader, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, congratulations Sir and thank you for believing in me and the people of the Eight Mile Rock Constituency who again ‘delivered’. To my Colleagues, it was our execution of teamwork that proved to our country that united we stand. Congratulations to all of you and my prayers are with you as I am certain yours are with me.
Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention my family, it was their persistent prayers and encouraging words that kept me strong when I thought I would fall. I thank my Mother, Merlene Smith, husband, Howard Grant, children, Howard Jr., Steffon, Vernard and Aldrenia, siblings, Vandyke, Phillip, Elvis, Oliver and Cleopatra, Church friends and relatives. I love them all and thank them again.
I pause now to remember my father, Lionel ‘Parboy’ Smith, may his soul and all the soul of the faithfully departed rest in peace.
I dare not leave out our beloved Pastor Lindy Russell, the former Member of Parliament for the Great Constituency of Eight Mile Rock, who so graciously passed the torch on to me. I trust I will be able to offer a more fitting tribute to him at a later date, but for now, I thank him ever so much and may God continue to bless him and his family on his work in the church.
Congratulations:
Mr. Speaker, as we embark upon a new era of governance in The Bahamas, I pause to appreciate how good God is to now raise a Joshua generation of which we are a part, to lead our people to new horizons, to conquer new territories and restore good and trusted government to our people who were concerned about the drift our country was on.
I was elated, Mr. Speaker, to learn that Grand Bahama, our beloved Island, which has for many years been able to substantially contribute to the financial growth of the Bahamas, the Grand Bahama that lies nearest to one of the world’s most powerful nation, the Grand Bahama that earned the right to be called FNM Country, has been given the attention it requires in having three ministers appointed to prominent positions in the government.
The member for High Rock, who has served our party and the great people of High Rock for many years, now holds the post of Minister of Housing and National Insurance, The member for Lucaya, who too has served our party for many years and the great constituency of Lucaya, now holds the post of Minister of Tourism and Aviation and we have The member for Marco City who is now Min. of State for Finance, who, although young, but powerful, and is too no stranger to service to our great party, and now serves the great people of Marco City.
All of these fine gentlemen Mr. Speaker, are from Grand Bahama, in addition to these great ministers the newest of the bunch, but by no means the least of the bunch, Hon. Member for the great people of Pine Ridge, is now Deputy Speaker of the House, and Mr. Speaker, let history show that I stand proud to represent Grand Bahama, the women of our party and the great people of the Eight Mile Rock Constituency, as the first Female elected as Member of Parliament for this great party in Grand Bahama, and to be appointed Deputy Whip of this great house.
And finally Mr. Speaker, to put as it were, the icing on the cake, we have the appointment of two Senators; Sen. David Thompson, Sen. Frederick McAlpine, and Sen. Katherine Smith, who is also The Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama.
God is good and worthy to be praised, and for this Mr. Speaker, we owe a depth of gratitude to our great leader, a man of vision, The Hon. Member for North Abaco, Prime Minister and Min. of Finance, who removed all stops to bestow upon us these great and deserving honors.
Let it then be seen honorable gentlemen and ladies, that as we embark upon our charges and duties, we seek to serve the people of Grand Bahama and the commonwealth of the Bahamas with pride, honesty, integrity, sober mindedness, clean hands and pure hearts and in the fear of God, realizing that it is really He who exalts and it is He who abase.
Budget Presentation 2007/2008:
Mr. Speaker, the ability of our administration to bring to Parliament so efficiently this budget, despite the short time, proves how capable and focused our administration is. It shows the seriousness of our resolve to bring to our Bahamian people transparent, clear, accountable and focused leadership. In it we convey compassion and concern for our people and realize the business of our people is paramount.
The Hon. Member for North Abaco, Our Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance’s presentation of the 2007/2008 Budget gives an overview of the 2007/2008 fiscal year projections. He highlighted areas of greatest concern and where it was necessary he gave additional resources. In his presentation the aims and objectives of his administration were laid out and he spoke of our agenda of trustworthy, honest, transparent and accountable leadership.
Our mission is clear he noted, “we seek to so govern the affairs of state as to advance the sense of security, well-being, pride and prosperity of the people of our nation.” Subsequently, the mid-year Budget statement proposes to set out the economic background of the fiscal year to track the expenditures or proposed expenditures in a more efficient manner.
While our estimate for recurrent expenditure is $1,464,806,963.00 and our recurrent revenue is estimated to be $1,490,000.00. The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance identified several of our party’s aims and objectives to promote clearly the growth and development of our country by:
- Creating good paying jobs for the unemployed Bahamians.
- Encourage income growth for those who are employed,
- Increase Bahamian entrepreneurship and ownership in our economy;
- Reduce poverty, particularly in our inner city areas and in our Family Islands;
- Create balance in our economic growth by responsibly spreading prosperity to our Family Islands;
- Invest our prosperity in the improvement of our society generally: in security, in education, health, in social welfare and in youth development and
- Safeguard our environment and heritage for present and future generations.
National Security:
Mr. Speaker, We, in the Great Constituency of Eight Mile Rock are faced with issues of divers sorts. Being the largest settlement in The Bahamas brings with it many challenges, such as crime, Illegal immigration, unemployment, inadequate educational facilities; health and environmental issues, and more.
But as was noted in our Budget 2007/2008 I was pleased to see relief coming in the provision of $2million, an increase of $1.353million to recruit 200 new police officers, I fully expect Eight Mile Rock to benefit from the presence of these new officers. There is also an additional $500,000.00 for vehicles. Once again I believe that these new recruits and vehicles will be deployed where the greatest needs are, and I know the communities of Grand Bahama, particularly EMR will welcome this relief.
Education:
Mr. Speaker, we campaigned on education. It is my Government’s belief “that excellence in our youth will promote excellence in our nation”. In light of this fundamental truth, high attention was placed on education, youth and culture services. This most important aspect of our future was taken into serious consideration with a combined increase of a little more than $30million overall, when all the areas related to Education are taken into consideration.
We welcome the restoration of the 50% interest rate subsidy under the Educational Loan Guarantee Program. I am sure College students from Eight Mile Rock and all the Bahamas appreciate this move by the FNM Administration.
All Government owned Schools, it’s affiliates, and new schools, of which Grand Bahama is poised to embrace, (as stated in our manifesto, with two new Junior High schools in the not too distant future), will benefit, as overcrowding is a major concern to so many of us in Grand Bahama.
The implementation of the $1million youth program offering financial assistance for the purchase of tools/and or equipment to start their own small enterprises is no doubt encouraging and will stimulate the youth to become entrepreneurs.
Social and Health Services:
Mr. Speaker, the constituency of Eight Mile Rock spans from Bahamia in the East to Russell Town in the West, within our constituency we have two Government owned Clinics. Under our previous watch as government we were able to construct a state of the art clinic in Eight Mile Rock proper, but due to the tremendous growth in our settlement, the supplies of medicines and other health care is being challenged.
Our Government has made provisions for all public Hospitals to receive the needed supplies of medicines and other necessities, thus increasing the funding to some $8,126,832.00. The clinics in my constituency, I believe, will benefit from this increase. Without a doubt, the reduction in duties on certain goods like noodles, infant car seats, and baby walkers will be welcomed for single parents and those who have a growing family. We welcome this Sir as truly a life saver.
Immigration:
Mr. Speaker, illegal immigration has been of major concern to the entire country no doubt, and has raised many questions by so many in my community. The additional 50 personnel being recruited and trained and with additional resources being provided for them, repatriation of illegal immigrants and the cost associated with that, looks better for the future of Immigration all over the country.
It is our belief that all illegal persons will be forced to enter our boarders legally, with proper documentations, as stipulated by our laws. An increase of some $1,032,800.00 dollars will be utilized in this venture.
Unemployment & Industry:
Mr. Speaker, In the Prime Minister’s presentation of the 2007/2008 Budget, one aim was to create good paying jobs for unemployed Bahamians. This is especially important to all of us but I beg your indulgence as emphasis will be made periodically to the Grand Bahama’s economy.
Geographically Grand Bahama lies in an ideal location, near our neighbours in the north, and in the passing way to many of the ships that sail to South American, Mexico and surrounding countries. We have tremendous room for expansion and our planned city offers the investor ease to invest.
I do believe Mr. Speaker, that as Grand Bahama has proven over the past fifty two years to be sustained by the industries that lie directly in the constituency of Eight Mile Rock, the years ahead will bring even greater wealth and prosperity.
I believe Mr. Speaker that Grand Bahama is poised for an economic breakthrough, bringing increased employment for all. Presently Sir, the industrial and Maritime professionals comprise some 2,300 Bahamian professional workers, a part of a valuable national resource and one of the most able and highly paid block of workers in the country. Among them are 2nd and 3rd generations of Industrial workers.
Freeport has been able to secure at least 1 Industrial enterprise every 5 years since 1955, except in the last five years. We expect this trend to re-continue with the entrance of this administration. We realize that Industries to us is like Tourism to Nassau, it employs the highest proportion of workers as compared to the private banking industry in Nassau.
This Industrial sector, Mr. Speaker, currently employs some of the finest Technicians and Engineers to be found anywhere in the world, as must be the case, since we operate by the international standard in Industry and maritime affairs.
I say this Mr. Speaker, to the extent that in this fast changing and technological world of ours, it is incumbent upon us as a nation to prepare and encourage our youth to become highly skilled and professional workers. They must equip themselves for the demands of the 21st century.
Likewise it is necessary for even our custodial workers to become computer literate and work savvy. I will work with my Eight Mile Rock constituents to develop their skills further and become more knowledgeable about the vast employment opportunities that will be created in due course.
I do believe that Grand Bahama will come alive not only by the resurgence of Tourism, but by Industries. Be also reminded that it was under our former administration that the Ship Yard, the Container Port, Bradford Marines, Polymers and Bahama Rock were birth.
We in Grand Bahama know Industry. But as I focus on Industry, we must also be mindful of the plight of our brothers and sisters in the hotel industry. To date many former employees of the Royal Oasis stand waiting, their fate challenged. It is one of my government’s aim to creating good paying jobs for the unemployed Bahamians. I have no doubt that many of our people will find satisfaction in this administration.
Environmental Concerns:
Mr. Speaker, one need only visit Grand Bahama’s southern coast from Xanadu in the East to West End in the West. The natural disaster of the Hurricanes heavily contributed to the corrosion and erosion of our coastline, thus exposing many of our inline homes to salt water, rusty containers, rodents and mosquitoes, With this being the Hurricane season upon us it is incumbent on us to take all necessary precautions to minimize any danger to ourselves or the environment.
I am pleased to report Mr. Speaker, that the Honorable members from Grand Bahama have met with members of the Hurricane Preparedness committee and are working on resolving a few concerns that may hinder the activation of the committee’s plans, should a Hurricane threaten our shores.
Constituency Projects:
Mr. Speaker, the 2007/2008 Budget makes provision for some $4.1million for constituency projects which I am certain we in the Eight Mile Rock Constituency will take full advantage. After-school programs and study halls, recreational facilities for children of working parents and for the elderly, computer training classes and community parks are a few of the projects we propose for the constituency of EMR. Many of our church halls in Eight Mile Rock can be used to facilitate these projects, along with hosting summer camp programs.
Mr. Speaker, I am mindful of the many concerns of my constituents, particularly those who live in the now flood zones, for the families of love ones in Hunters cemetery, for the poor lit areas of Queen’s cove and concerns of road signs, for speed bumps and zebra crossings, for side walks, and timely removal of derelict vehicles. All of these concerns and more, will be addressed in a timely manner. I am committed to serving my constituency.
Can Eight Mile Rock rise to the challenges of this 21st century? I dare to say YES. It was communities like Eight Mile Rock, and others, that was taken into consideration when this budget was laid out. I believe all Government agencies that are housed on these out Islands must work together for a common good.
West End will be pleased to know that West End Local Government has received a $95,500 budgetary increase. We know too well the importance of being a caring, non-selfish community. The future is bright EMR, and our government is holding the light. I only require your continual support to ensuring that we build our community together.
Mr. Speaker, as a member of this great chamber, I endorse this 2007/2008 Budget.
Thank you Mr. Speaker and Thank you Eight Mile Rock.
