Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Bradley Roberts said the country is on its way to economic recovery.
He made this comment yesterday during the PLP’s third Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving at Mount Tabor Church.

As the PLP continues into its third year of governance, Mr. Roberts gave remarks and in doing so mentioned the success of the PLP since 2012.

“All indications are that, notwithstanding the challenges that still confront The Bahamas in 2015, The Bahamas has made measurable strides of success over the past three years,” he said.

“While countries defaulted on international loans and received cautions by the International Monetary Fund, the record shows that the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, Standard and Poors, Moody’s and commercial institutions such as the global markets unit of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce have all endorsed the fiscal policies of The Bahamas government. The policy decisions that led to these endorsements were tough, unpopular but necessary to protect the economy of The Bahamas and by extension, the way of life of all Bahamian families. The successful implementation of our fiscal consolidation plan and tax reform initiatives were game changers as the country could not reasonably expect to fully recover economically in the absence of these policies.”

Mr. Roberts thanked God, Prime Minister Perry Christie and Bahamians for the progression of the country noting that without each element, the country would be in a horrible state.

“For their hard work, the Progressive Liberal Party congratulates Prime Minister Christie and his government for their vision, leadership and focus in facilitating the economic turnaround and reform initiatives that were necessary to set The Bahamas on a sound foundation and path to sustainable growth and development,” he said.

“We thank the people of The Bahamas for their patience and support in the face of a protracted economic recovery and dire fiscal challenges. I remind you church that Rome was not built in one day. We continue to trust Him for a full recovery; we trust that His hands will be in the midst of all deliberations made at the highest levels of government on behalf of the Bahamian people because only what Almighty God endorses can and will stand. The Bahamas is still standing and growing from strength to strength.”

The PLP chairman noted that the government has and is still working on major areas in certain ministries that need alterations.

He expressed the government’s devotion to do so in a timely fashion.

“Notwithstanding measurable improvements in the administration of justice, the Swift Justice Initiative and an impressive turnaround in tourism and especially in the Family Islands, immigration reform and energy sector reform – the high rates of unemployment and crime continue to challenge us a government and as a people,” he said.

“The government must continue to work closely with the principals of Baha Mar to secure a firm opening date for that resort property in addition to announcing other significant tourism related projects currently on the drawing board. The one hundred million phase one tourist development in South Eleuthera is a major positive step for its people. The new policy on tracking at-risk students in the public school system as a tool to fight crime and mitigate the dropout rate is welcomed news, but I again call on the government to re-establish the National Youth Restorative Program with YEAST and the Catholic Church for no cost is too great to save the next generation of our people.”