Mr. Speaker, it is good to be back in our home, in this historic Parliament and Bridgetown. I thank all of those who worked beyond the call of duty to put us in a position to be here today, for their commitment and dedication to the task. We know the work is still continuing and we thank you for enabling this Budget to be delivered from this place. We also thank those who facilitated our accommodation for the last 2 years at the Ernst and Young Corporate Centre at Worthing Christ Church.
Mr Speaker Sir, this is the first occasion on which this Parliament will be meeting to complete the budgetary arrangements for our country for the next fiscal year 2022 to 2023 since the election on January 19th of this year.
I would also like to thank all Barbadians for the manner in which we were able to execute and manage the transition of our democratic responsibilities in the middle of a pandemic. This is a credit to all.
Please let me also express sincere gratitude to Barbadians for the confidence reposed in my government and in all of the members of Parliament who have been elected to this Honourable Chamber. We do not take the confidence that our people have reposed in us lightly.
We understand the gravity of the moment – the challenging times and broken world in which we live, and we understand that you have asked us to chart this country‘s journey to become world class by 2030; and in so doing to take as many Barbadians on that journey as possible and to protect those who for whatever reason cannot make that journey on their own.
The people have also asked us to keep you and this country safe. We are all are cognizant of the uncertainty of the times in which we live. But I have no doubt that we will be sure footed. Working together, the government and the people will play each ball as it comes, however difficult the pitch, and match the ball with the stroke.
To download the full copy of the Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement 2022, please click here.