NASSAU, Bahamas, October 4, 2023 — In the Speech from the Throne, delivered by Governor General Cynthia A. in Parliament Square today, the Davis administration outlined its expansive legislative agenda and policies, including legislation to introduce The Bahamas National Development Plan Bill, legislation to address the high cost of living and legislation to create tougher penalties for gang members, The Nassau Guardian reported today in an article written by Krystel Brown.
“These changes will further support my government as it continues to build on the progress made, and drive new change in the country,” Pratt said. “In this next phase of the administration, my government will continue to intensify its focus on strengthening personal security, economic security, and national security.”
The Davis administration pledged to promote personal security by moving to boost the number, type and quality of jobs available to Bahamians, among other things.
“My government will actively enforce its policy of promoting and protecting jobs for Bahamians,” Pratt said.
“As the father of the nation, former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling put it, my government will prioritize Bahamian jobs for Bahamian workers.
“A new unit will be formed to review ‘notice of processes, to ensure that Bahamians have a fair opportunity to apply for all available jobs that are created, as our economy grows and diversifies.”
The government committed to implementing the Family Island Airport Renaissance Project to accelerate the redevelopment of airports throughout The Bahamas.
It also said amendments to existing legislation will be proposed to prevent the current longstanding backlog of overdue promotions and reclassifications from happening again.
As it relates to health and wellness, the government reiterated a commitment to build a new specialty hospital in New Providence, and complete the construction of the new hospital in Grand Bahama.
“My government prioritizes public health, mental health and wellness initiatives, and is moving aggressively to implement the second phase of National Health Insurance, with the introduction of catastrophic healthcare cover. This will make healthcare more affordable for all Bahamians,” Pratt said.
The Davis administration also pledged to introduce a number of bills to help grow and diversify the economy.
See complete article in The Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/govt-outlines-agenda-in-speech-from-the-throne/\
