PRIME Minister Philip "Brave" Davis said it is hoped that "borrowing would be the last resort" as Health and Wellness Minster Dr Michael Darville noted a need for emergency funding for the public healthcare system.

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said it is hoped that "borrowing would be the last resort" as Health and Wellness Minster Dr Michael Darville noted a need for emergency funding for the public healthcare system.

Mr Davis, who was sworn in as minister of finance earlier on Friday, spoke to reporters before leaving for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

While speaking about his trip, Mr Davis addressed the issue of whether there is a need for international borrowing or if there was sufficient funding for the public healthcare system amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

“Well the request of the minister has been made known to the Ministry of Finance,” he said on Friday at Lynden Pindling International Airport. “We are looking at how best we could meet those demands and we are hoping that borrowing would be the last resort. We’re hoping to be able to enhance our collection of revenue to enable us to avoid borrowing and what is available we’ll use and employ wisely to ensure that we meet the challenges that he’s facing in the healthcare system.”

Since his appointment Dr Darville visited on Friday such healthcare facilities as the Princess Margaret Hospital and Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

He told reporters on Thursday: “My initial assessment is we have a lot of work to do and there’s definitely a need for emergency funding.”

Meanwhile, Mr Davis will speak at the General Assembly on Saturday during the morning session. He will also have a bilateral meeting that day with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

He explained his administration considers it vital to strategic interests that The Bahamas plays a “more active role” in international affairs.

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