1. We find it particularly shocking and deeply disingenuous that Mr. Pintard, a former minister of the FNM administration, appears to disavow knowledge of decisions committed by their own administration. Specifically, we refer to the FNMadministration's commitment to the International Taxation Reform of theG20/OECD. His recent statements show a concerning disconnect between hiscurrent position and the actions taken during his time in government.

2. The consultation process being carried out by the Ministry of Finance is a standardand inclusive approach to policy-making. All voices must be heard in a matter ofsuch national importance. We are disappointed that the Leader of the Oppositionfailed to comprehend the purpose of a consultation process. Instead of rushingdecisions as past governments may have, this administration ensures that all relevantstakeholders can express their views before finalising policy decisions.

3. Accusations of circumventing parliamentary procedure are unfounded. There hasbeen no breach of any rule. The government operates with transparency and underall parliamentary conventions and rules. This administration remains committed toinforming the public on important policy decisions while engaging in a thoroughand effective consultation process.

4. The Leader of the Opposition seems intent on becoming a professional critic,frequently opposing proposals without presenting alternative solutions. Thisadministration encourages a constructive dialogue where criticism is paired withnew ideas. This, unfortunately, appears to be a foreign concept for the OppositionLeader. It's rather confusing that the Leader of the Opposition would critique ouradministration's approach to reviewing tax reform when his Shadow Minister ofFinance, Kwasi Thompson, has urged our government to take a comprehensive lookat corporate tax.

Furthermore, we question where Mr. Pintard's critique was when Peter Turnquest,the former Minister of Finance in his administration, urged a rush to tax reformoptions. As the Leader of the Opposition, we expect a more balanced and consistentapproach.

5. This government has taken on the enormous task of repairing our economyfollowing the catastrophic handling by the previous administration during theCOVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Rather thansquandering resources, we have strategically invested in capital projects to redevelopthe family island infrastructure, increased worker benefits, enhanced crime fightingresources, border protection, and the responsible management of our post-COVID19 economic realities.

6. Interestingly, the Leader of the Opposition, as part of the former FNM cabinet, votedfor a 60% increase in value-added tax. Today, he is quick to critique fiscal strategies,yet his own track record is far from commendable.

We understand that the Opposition's role is to hold the government accountable, but thisshould not come at the cost of spreading misleading information. Let us remember that theLeader of the Opposition was part of an administration that called an early election withplans to drastically increase taxes, causing undue hardship on Bahamians.

The Davis Administration, in contrast, is committed to responsible governance, fiscaltransparency, and inclusive policy-making that puts the interests of the Bahamian peoplefirst. We urge the Opposition to participate constructively in the consultation processratherthan resorting to unnecessary political posturing.