Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin told members of the Opposition to refrain from trying to “destroy the good name of the country for political gain.”

During her contribution to the 2015/2016 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, Minister Griffin said the PLP government is doing their part and will continue to do so in creating an enhanced Bahamas.

She expressed her ministry’s full support of the PLP and the government’s efforts to create a safer, prosperous and more modern Bahamas.

“The ministry of Social Services and Community Development is fully on board and eager to do its part to ensure a stronger Bahamas for a safe, prosperous and modern future for our people,” she said.

“We are well on our way with the implementation of several very impactful programmes to do just that. Anybody in this day and time should feel good to know that we are on our way to a stronger Bahamas.”

The minister noted that her ministry is primarily focused on the deprivation of crime and other social issues while focusing on the country’s youth and senior citizens.

“We must try to make our country better,” she said.

“Social services is on board as the government’s lead agency in poverty reduction and alleviation. We welcome the prime minister’s creation to drive and ensure the coordination and focus on the various programmes. Programmes will begin such as the breakfast for school children, the $20 million youth employment programme and the incentive for depressed areas. There is someone driving it to make sure the funds are getting out there all designed to build a stronger Bahamas.”