PM Outlines Challenges
http://www.jonesbahamas.com/ May 5th, 2008
By Kendea Jones
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, left, and Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette pray during a service of thanksgiving at New Covenant Baptist Church Sunday. The FNM observed its first anniversary in government on Friday. (Photo/Torrell Glinton) Two days after the first anniversary of the Free National Movement’s victory at the polls, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on Sunday highlighted the challenges facing his government and the country.
“As we grapple with our internal problems, very markedly by the stubborn high incidence of violent crime and by the continuing challenges created by illegal immigration, we are also faced with the effects of unsettled circumstances on the world’s stage,” said Mr. Ingraham, who spoke at a service at New Covenant Baptist Church where FNMs worshiped in observance of the anniversary.
The prime minister said that because of globalization, the world is essentially a village and all indications are that economies in Europe and Asia will not escape some adverse impacts.
“The price of oil – and hence the cost of everything else – is rising dramatically. The prospect of worldwide food shortages is looming,” he said. “Here at home, increased food and utility prices are eating into the incomes of Bahamian families across the income spectrum but with most serious consequences for the poor.
“And then there is the threat of global warming with its possible stark consequences, especially for small and vulnerable countries such as ours. So it behooves us to pray for guidance and strength as we face today and the days ahead of us, as we work to secure the best interests of The Bahamas and the peace and prosperity of the Bahamian people.”
While saying he will not dwell on the government’s achievements, the prime minister said the government has met many of the challenges with a “large measure of success”.
“We have laid the groundwork for improved fiscal management and administration in the public sector and instilled anew the centrality of transparency and accountability to good governance and to economic empowerment and expansion. As a consequence, we can look forward with guarded optimism for better things to come,” he said.
The prime minister added, “In the months and years ahead, we will continue to implement plans and programmes meant to increase and improve opportunities for Bahamians everywhere providing guidance and support where it is needed most.”
Mr. Ingraham added, “All power comes from God, but that does not mean as some people seem to think that those of us who are called to high office have any guarantee that we are always going the right thing.
“Christ reminded King Herod that all power comes from God but he showed contempt for the manner in which Herod used that power. So it remains for us to work and pray, and constantly remind ourselves that the power we exercise is not ours and hence should at all times be exercised for the good of God’s people. If we bear these simple but powerful truths in mind I am sure that God will bless us as we go about the business of governing.”