Prime Minister Dr the Rt Hon Keith Mitchell during the introduction of the 2019 Budget affirmed his Government’s commitment to building resilience in all sectors for the benefit of the nation.

The 2019 Budget, themed ‘Building resilience, Advancing Social Development, Transforming our Economy’, according to Dr Mitchell is, in fact, deliberate, as it captures the priorities of the Government at this time. However, despite the economic upswing, the Government must position the country to be able to recover from any potential setbacks that may occur.

The Throne Speech delivered recently by Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade highlighted the overarching goals and priorities of the Government, which is to build resilience in all forms and transform the economy.

Dr Mitchell noted that “The priorities enshrined in the 2019 Budget are (fitted) within the Government’s wider Medium Term Agenda (MTA) which articulates the strategic development objectives of the period 2019-2021.” And, they are strategically aiming to have economic, social and environmental development as well as to accelerate exclusive job growth to reduce poverty.

According to Dr Mitchell, he is excited and optimistic about the path the country is on at this time. “We continue to record significant economic gain through sustained growth, which in turn brings increased opportunities for all our people.”

Despite the economic growth and development, the Government, according to PM Mitchell, is not simply seeking economic growth that illustrates positive fiscal balances and decline in debt. “We are pursuing economic growth that brings real results to the citizens of this country. Economic growth that’s not only reflected in the figures recording by Government’s statisticians and analysts but is visible in an improved quality of life of all us, especially those who are most vulnerable.”

Speaking more to the Medium Term Agenda (MTA), Dr Mitchell highlighted the three main pillars that it is based on, which are as follows:

1. Accelerating sustainable and inclusive economic growth
2. Enhancing social capital and citizen’s well-being
3. Promoting resilient governance

He assured the nation that the 2019 Budget elaborates on Government’s policies and procedures to be developed and panned out in 2019, all of which are in keeping with the MTA.

Prime Minister Mitchell went on to say that the public engagement surrounding the MTA was great and his Government is and will remain committed to dialogue and consultation for items that are of national importance. “We are indeed impressed with the depth of knowledge, resourcefulness and understanding which reside among our people.”

According to Dr Mitchell, he has the utmost confidence in our collective capacity to advance the nation’s progress.

Please see below, the 2019 Budget Statement Presented by Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith C. Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Planning, Economic Development and Physical Development.