1. All budget presentations important. This is my eleventh and has special significance for a host of reasons.

2. Was a very difficult calendar and fiscal year.

3. Gratitude to
(a) Family/Friends
(b) Ministers of State
(c) Constituents/Region III

4. Place on record gratitude to Financial Secretary, all the Deputy Financial Secretaries and Technical Staff at the Ministry, Governor, Deputy Governors and staff of the BOJ, Director Generals STATIN and PIOJ, Executive Director of the FSC and all members of the Revenue Agencies.

5. Have tabled wide array of data sets – equivalent in range, quality and timeliness to that available anywhere else in the world. Once certain standards have been established must be maintained or exceeded. As such, analysts and creditors at home and abroad watch expectantly each month for data on inflation movements, interest rates, as well as the level of subscription to Government issues.

6. There is room for improvement but I am proud of our officers.

7. These results impact on (a) interest rates and (b) whether or not debt issues subscribed. Expenditure financed by revenues plus loans but of vital importance - loans at what cost.

8. We have tabled enough information to provide the basis for informed discussion on all aspects of the economy and the society. The availability of these data sets allows for a significant change in my presentation this year. It is necessary to review last year and to present, as we usually do, the macro-economic targets for the medium-term. However, focus will be on the fiscal targets and concrete steps being taken to expand the economic output.