Bahamas News
PM Minnis: Government’s dramatic reform agenda, and certainty and stability, have helped to improve economy
#Bahamas, January 19, 2018 – Nassau – The Bahamian economy is steadily improving as a result of the Minnis Administration’s dramatic reform agenda during the first seven months of its governance of The Bahamas, and while there is still “a long road ahead,” there are positive prospects for the economy on the horizon, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon Hubert A. Minnis said Thursday. Prime Minister Minnis said the turnaround is also a result of the “certainty and stability” his Administration has brought to the table insofar as government policy (policies) is concerned.
“Certainty and stability are crucial for economic growth and development,” Prime Minister Minnis told a packed room. “Even in tough economic conditions, businesses invest and create jobs if there is certainty about government policies on things like work permits, taxes, regulations relating to their business and other matters.”
Addressing the Opening Session of the 27th Annual Bahamas Business Outlook Seminar under the theme “Creating a World Class Bahamas,” Prime Minister Minnis said his Administration undertook a number of initiatives of dramatic reform and transformation in order to stabilize the Bahamian economy when it first took over the reins of governance on May 10, 2017.
Prime Minister Minnis said his Administration was also able to forestall further downgrade of the country’s credit rating through “quick action and careful financial management” a process, the Prime Minister said, took tremendous effort and “reining-in” of public finances.
“Upon coming to office, my Government fully appreciated that becoming a world class country demanded dramatic and ongoing reform, modernization and transformation.
“To aggressively pursue our reform agenda required a programme of immediate stabilization; ideas for economic liberalization and public sector reform, and a variety of initiatives to boost growth and development.
“We had to first stabilize public finances and the economy through fiscal discipline, transparency and honesty with international agencies. Through quick action and careful financial management, we forestalled further downgrade of our credit rating. This took tremendous effort and reining-in of public finances.”
Prime Minister Minnis said his Administration continues to address the issue of corruption by public officials – which he said is a burden on the public sector and which retards investment, development and productivity. Additionally, the Government “continues to take the necessary steps” to comply with various international norms and protect the country’s financial services industry.
“Upon our election to office, The Bahamas faced the threat of immediate blacklisting by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union. We faced blacklisting if we failed to give a definitive indication of our commitment to apply for membership to the Multilateral Convention for the Automatic Exchange of Tax Information.
“We are continuing to take the necessary steps to comply with various international norms and to protect our financial services industry. The Government is also committed to a programme of dramatic reform and liberalization of the economy.”
The further liberalization of the economy will include a focus on Bahamian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) which the Prime Minister said are “a critical part of our economy.”
“These businesses employ thousands of Bahamians. They are critical for economic growth,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
The Prime Minister outlined a litany of initiatives his Administration has undertaken or will undertake in the near future that are designed to “move the Bahamian economy forward” even further. These include the recent liberalization of the Exchange Control Regime, the introduction and passage of the Commercial Enterprise Bill (now Act), the impending sale of the Grand Lucayan and Memories properties in Grand Bahama, and the establishment of Deliverables Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, among other initiatives.
The Prime Minister also announced his plans to undertake a number of investment promotional trips to Canada, the United States, Europe, East Asia and South American.
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis.
(BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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