HON. KENRED DORSETT, M.P. MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOUSING
COMMUNICATION TO PARLIAMENT on BAHAMAS PUBLIC PARKS AND PUBLIC BEACHES AUTHORITY BILL 2013
October 1st, 2014
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Thank you Mr. Speaker MR SPEAKER In keeping with our commitments laid out in the Charter for Governance,
this
administration
has
brought
historic
legislation to this place; legislation like: Persons With Disabilities Equal Opportunity Act ·
Constitutional Amendment Bills
·
The Gaming Bills
·
Value Added Tax Bill
·
Bahamas Protected Area Fund Act
·
The Medical Act
·
Juries Amendment Bill
·
Investment Condominiums Bill
·
Forestry Amendment Bill
·
Introduction Duty Free Concession for East and West Grand Bahama in the budget exercise
These laws will advance this country into the next generation
of development and continue to move us in the right direction. We have had a robust legislative agenda and the heavy lifting isn't over yet as there is more to come, including legislation to usher in major reform to the energy sector making grid tie connection and net metering lawful as well as a new legislative regime for the exploration of petroleum and the establishment of the Environmental Planning and Protection Agency. This is the reason that we serve in this place, Mr. Speaker. We are here to ensure that we do our part to better the position of our country on the world's stage and more importantly, to create an environment of prosperity that will provide opportunities for the advancement for our people. This administration takes this responsibility seriously.
Thus
we have done what we have to do to ensure that The Bahamas continues to progress in the best interest of Bahamians through legislation and policy. MR. SPEAKER Today, this Progressive Liberal Party administration is again bringing landmark legislation to this place for the benefit of
the Bahamian people. The Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority Bill when passed will change the way that we have operated and managed parks and beaches before this legislation.
This bill will ensure that the Bahamian people
have access to well kept beaches and recreational spaces across the nation.
There will be an organized approach
through the establishment of the Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority
to the management and upkeep of our
beaches and parks. This bill, when enacted, will enhance the quality of life of Bahamians and will aid in the mitigation of climate change and green house gas emissions. It will also create new green jobs for our people, with the introduction of a trained workforce of park wardens to properly manage these facilities. They will ensure
that our parks and beaches
become family oriented for recreational, commercial and touristic use. MR. SPEAKER I am sure I am not breaking news when I say that our country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We are blessed to be able to call such a paradise home. Those of us that
have
had
the
privilege
to
travel
internationally
understand just how special The Bahamas is. We not only have the sun, sand and sea for which we are best known, but we also have, landscape, marine life, flora and fauna that set us apart from the rest of the world.
We are home to the
third largest barrier reef in the world, we have some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world, some with white sands and others with pink. In January 2013, our very own Pink Sands Beach located on Harbour Island was named to the list of Best Beaches on Earth in an article written by Stirling Kelso for Travel & Leisure Magazine. The Bahamas was also named to the 2014 list of the World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations
by the Ethical Traveler organization.
We have also been blessed with a unique geographical composition.
We are many islands linked by the waters of
the Atlantic Ocean across 100,000 square miles. Because of this composition, we have beaches that are well frequented and some in the less populated islands that are relatively untouched. Here on New Providence, one need only to drive around the island on a holiday to see that Bahamians living in the capitol need access to more beach space and that those beaches need to be properly managed and manned by lifeguards and wardens especially on the busier days of the
year. MR SPEAKER As Minister responsible for the Environment, I am often times concerned by the state of the environment in our country. The
high
level
of
illegal
and
indiscriminate
dumping,
overgrown verges and green spaces. I am pleased that the Ministry of Works which has oversight for such things since taking over the Roads and Parks portfolio in May 2012, has now acquired equipment for the 400 staff members that were transferred from the Department of Environmental Health Services in 2012. I trust that they will now be able to clean and maintain the airport corridor and the other roads and verges throughout New Providence. It is important that the government does it part in keeping The Bahamas clean while we encourage citizens to do their part. government we
As a
have to ensure that the quality of life for
Bahamians is superior and I believe that a clean environment can significantly improve our quality of life. In this regard, I implore those Bahamians who dump garbage throughout our streets and neighbourhoods to stop. Despite our efforts to clear and clean illegal dumping sites, there are some among
us who continue to do dump illegally. For the DEHS it is difficult to prosecute and pursue culprits that cannot be identified. We must all do our part to keep the Bahamas clean. MR. SPEAKER There has been research conducted on the therapeutic benefits of green spaces for human beings.
Research has
found that “contact with natural environments promote psychological
restoration,
improved
mood,
improved
attention, and reduced stress and anxiety.� We all know that in the times that we live in many of our people are suffering from stress and stress related illnesses trying to meet their commitments.
With this legislation before us we seek to
ensure that all Bahamians have access to green spaces and beaches to de-stress, unwind, to be educated, to commune with nature and to congregate. MR SPEAKER I was given the mandate by the Prime Minister and Member for Centreville, as Minister responsible for the Environment
and Housing to see that Clifford Park be transformed into a space reminiscent of New York City's Central Park. As those of us who have been there know Central Park is a place where many, if not every, New Yorker frequents. Whether it is to exercise, relax, picnic, attend a concert or just take a stroll, it is a place that is always bustling with activity. It is envisaged that Bahamians have the same access to a central meeting place. The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister also advised that greater access to public beaches must be provided to Bahamians, even if that meant consideration being given to the acquisition of properties. MR SPEAKER In my communication during the 2013-2014 budget debate, I spoke to the Prime Minister and Rt. Hon. Member for Centreville's request that my ministry seek support from the Bahamas National Trust, Members of Parliament and NGOs to identify and create a system of Botanical Gardens within or adjacent to communities on the Family Islands to ensure easy access to green spaces and natural areas for recreation and enjoyment.
I noted some of the benefits of the development of spaces on our Family Islands such as:  Many local settlements on the Family islands lack a city centre.
One of the best examples of this is Marsh
Harbour in Abaco. An urban botanical park could act as a
central
area
for
community
activities,
tourism
information as well as a staging area for national events such as independence celebrations. Gardens
can
also
encourage
Urban Botanical development
of
complimentary businesses to the outdoor space such as Ice Cream Shops, Coffee shops, bakeries and other similar establishments.  The promotion of healthy life styles and access to a safe area for walking and running would be a valuable contribution to community LIFE.
An easy example for
comparison would have been the beautifully planted area that ran in front of the Cable Beach Hotels as well as the newly developed area created by Bahamar to replace the median walking strip.  Well planned and planted urban botanical parks can become a wildlife oasis in developed areas. These areas become not only important for local birds but essential
areas for migratory birds who need food, water and tree cover as they make their annual migrations. The PARKS THEN
become
areas
that
support
urban
birding
programmes for youth and ADULTS AND will become key areas for youth activities in urban renewal programmes.
Urban Botanical Parks can strengthen communities by providing
opportunities
for
corporate
and
NGO
partnerships. Community Parks can provide staging places
for
special
interest
groups
to
accomplish
educational outreach, advocacy and public funding for special projects. The Development of these urban botanical areas are ideal for providing summer employment for youth in communities. The young people can receive TRAINING IN landscape design and implementation as well as learning
basic
construction
skills.
Additionally
their
involvement in the development of the parks will give them OWNERSHIP AND DISCOURAGE VANDALISM and inappropriate activities in these community parks. Urban Botanical Areas provide a staging place for a number of educational opportunities. Educators can use
the areas to organize educational activities on plants, insects and birds.  These parks with proper infrastructure can also become staging areas for COMMUNITY AND school concerts and theatrical performances. I also mentioned in that communication my ministry's plan for the renaissance of the Nassau Botanical Gardens. Those of us of a certain age surely can recall when the Nassau Botanical Gardens was a breathtaking sight to behold. Many of us would have attended weddings or other events there when the waterfalls were operational and the pathways were in better condition. The Gardens are still a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city but it is not in the operational state that it used to be. A revitalized Nassau Botanical Gardens can serve as the 'Central Park' of New Providence. Given its position next to Clifford Park, the entire space could become a magnificent spot for recreation, education and entertainment on the island. This park could offer residents and visitors a place to relax, congregate and commune with nature. It could be a place where concerts and theatrical shows can be held with an amphitheater and concession areas.
It could also
continue to be the place where indigenous trees and flowering plants are grown and displayed. These plants could be transplanted to beautify other spaces and verges around the island.
The collection of indigenous trees is important
when you take into consideration that some of the
young
people of this nation do not know of some of the trees and flowering plants that we grew up sitting under and swinging or eating from. It is the vision of this government that this new
Authority
will
lead
the
charge
in
making
the
aforementioned plans a reality. MR SPEAKER My ministry in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry
of Education, the Antiquities, Monuments and
Museums Corporation and the Department of Environmental Health Services
established a steering committee on the
establishment of a National Public Parks and Public Beaches System Regulatory framework. The steering committee was chaired by Christopher Russell, Director of Forestry within my ministry. The steering committee presented the proposed Bahamas
Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority Bill which is before us today.
It incorporates provisions that are considered
relevant to The Bahamas from legislation in Barbados and Singapore.
It also contains relevant provisions that can be
found
the
in
Antiquities,
Monuments
and
Museums
Corporation and the Clifton Heritage Authority Acts of The Bahamas. MR SPEAKER My ministry is of the view that the establishment
of the
Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority will assist the government in fulfilling its commitment to establish green spaces throughout the country, create a cadre of trained public officers similar to the United States Park Service to manage these parks and create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians in relation to the design and development of such parks. MR SPEAKER The need for proper planning methods and structure in our country is a great one.
The development of our country
cannot continue to fall prey to party politics and ill-advised decision making. Our development must be built on concrete information and data, through research and planning, which will lead to the responsible and sustainable development of our country for the benefit of this generation and those to come.
It is for this reason that this administration relies
heavily
on
research,
consultation
and
planning,
understanding that this country's resources are not infinite and should be handled responsibly. We also understand fully that the development of a country such as The Bahamas must make socio-economic and geographic sense and be sustainable. MR SPEAKER One of the more egregious examples of development falling prey to party politics in my view was the relocation of the port
from
Bay
Administration
Street. reports
Under were
the
former
commissioned
Christie by
the
government done by internationally recognized firms which advised on the relocation of the Nassau Container Port and the revitalization of Bay Street. Well it so happened that the general elections were held and the PLP administration was defeated. With the defeat of the PLP came the cessation of
many projects including the well thought out, well researched relocation of the Nassau Container Port to southwest New Providence.
One of the reports that was commissioned by
the Christie Administration was the EDAW Report of 2004. This report is over one hundred pages of research and conclusions which should have served as the blueprint of the revitalization of Nassau across governments and across party lines.
This
EDAW
Environmental Impact
report
in
Assessment
conjunction compiled
with by
an
Coastal
Systems International concluded that the Nassau Container Port should be removed out of the city center and placed in southwest New Providence.
Coastal Systems International
said of their analysis that each of the alternative locations were evaluated for “economic, technical and environmental feasibility.� They also said that their scope of work included, “literature
review,
detailed
terrestrial
and
marine
environmental assessments, coastal engineering evaluation (wind and wave conditions, storm surge modeling, and flushing analysis), socio-economic evaluation, port design, stakeholder consultation, and detailed mitigation planning. It must be noted and repeated again for those who may not remember or those hearing of this for the first time
that out
of the seven locations considered, the current location at
Arawak Cay was ranked sixth.
The report done by Coastal
Systems concluded that out of the seven locations it would be more prudent to leave the port were it was and DO NOTHING than to relocate it to exactly where it is today. I should also mention that another world renowned company, Ecorys, a company specializing in economic, spatial and social development were also retained by the former Christie Administration to provide a trade and traffic forecast, a logistics plan, conceptual design of new port facilities, economic and financial feasibility and funding options. As we all know these independent and reliable reports were ignored
and
became
decoration
for
somebody's
office
because they did not support what the FNM wanted to do. The former administration decided to ignore sound advice and research to ensure that their political cronies were satisfied. The relocation of the Nassau Container Port to its current position is not only an eyesore and a public health concern when one considers the amount of dust and emissions from the large trucks transporting containers that drive through Arawak Cay throughout the day; but because of the dredging which had to take place caused much damage to Saunders Beach. I recall vividly that the member
for Marathon, myself and others took on the cause of trying to talk the Ingraham Administration out of what we knew was a bad decision and warned them of what could happen. As we warned, the construction of the Arawak Cay Port has had adverse effects on Saunders Beach, so much so, that the Ingraham Administration had to hire companies to replace the sand on the beach. Mr. Speaker tons and tons of quarry was placed on Saunders Beach by Tycoon Management and Bahamas Marine Construction, companies which received contracts totaling $2.2 million. Mr. Speaker the Member for Marathon can attest that at one point during the construction of the Arawak Cay Port, Saunders Beach which had sand levels as high as the roadside was so depleted that he himself, as tall as he is, could stand within the erosion. Montagu Beach is another example of bad decisions made by the former administration.
This is a very busy site for
vendors almost every day of the week and must be developed properly taking into consideration that vendors must use the facility in a sensible and planned way. It should be noted that we are not interested in deterring persons from making a living.
However, we are proponents of vending
being done in a way that is not unsightly and unorganized and which preserves the natural beauty and topographical features of public parks and beaches. MR SPEAKER These examples of the missed opportunities and ill-advised ventures by the former Ingraham administration bolster my point and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister's proclamations about proper planning being vital to the sustainable development of The Bahamas.
Emphasis must be placed on research,
planning and consultation in the country, something that this administration understands and has done. MR SPEAKER We must ensure that Bahamians have access to beaches. This government is well aware of this need and has been working to ensure that it is met.
On the subject of beach
access, in a speech delivered in November of 2005, the Rt. Hon Prime Minister stated that “..........my government has already committed itself to the acquisition, by private contract with interested landowners of additional beach
properties that will be converted to public use by Bahamians and visitors alike.............the thrust of my government's policy in this area is to augment the national inventory of public beaches, especially here in New Providence, so that all Bahamians would have ready access to a much greater number of beaches than is presently the case.�
Earlier in
2005, the Christie led administration purchased beach front properties said to be worth $15 million, on the island of Harbour Island, for the sum of $4 million in order that Bahamians on that island can have access to the beach.
It
should also be recalled that it was the Christie administration which purchased the land now known as the Clifton Heritage National Park, which was set to be developed into a gated community. This was to ensure that Bahamians can have access to that historical site and its surrounding beaches. This administration knows the importance access to green spaces and beaches is to the lives of Bahamians which is why this legislation is so important and will cause for there to be a concrete legal framework for the continuation of the work that has been done to date. MR SPEAKER
The need to have a management system in place for our parks and beaches is also addressed by this legislation. At present,
there are major health and safety concerns
associated with our public beaches and parks.
One such
concern is the accumulation of garbage especially after holidays. Some months ago, I was invited to be apart of a beach clean up exercise by the students and teachers of Naomi Blatch School. We went to South Beach where bags and bags of garbage were taken from the beach by the students. This garbage that was left there by unconcerned beach goers and persons who park along the shoreline at lunchtime.
This state of affairs has become commonplace
not just on our beaches and parks but on our roadsides, vacant properties and verges as well, as I mentioned earlier. To combat this problem, my ministry has devised the 'DO YOUR PART' Anti-Littering Campaign, a plan for which we will solicit support from the private sector to encourage our people to do their part to keep the Bahamas clean.
The
upkeep of this country should be a partnership between the government and the people; each doing their part to ensure that we live in clean and sanitary environment. It must be understood that a clean Bahamas can only be fully achieved if the
government and the citizens of this country work
together. MR SPEAKER We plan to ensure that lifeguards are provided for our beaches.
As we know, there are a number of Bahamians,
even children, who have lost their lives in our waters over the years. In some instances theses were deaths that could have been prevented had their been a trained lifeguard (s) on duty at the beach whom persons could have called on for assistance when they needed it most. These lifeguards and wardens will ensure that all parties, those who frequent the beaches and parks and vendors and tourists conduct themselves in a manner that is not potentially harmful to others.
Today there is a concern of
motor vessels, like small boats and jet skis, being used too near to the shoreline of public beaches which can be dangerous to swimmers.
This behaviour must be curtailed
and that can only be done if trained persons are on hand to monitor and deter such activities. MR SPEAKER
The creation of this authority and the proper management of parks and beaches will also hopefully end the age old problem of the unkept condition of public bathroom facilities at these sites. The central government spends large sums of monies to ensure that public parks and beaches are equipped with bathroom facilities.
However, because of the lack of
security, many of these facilities within a short time of their construction are no longer able to be used because the toilets have been stolen or it has been vandalized or is not kept in a sanitary condition. It
is
also
envisaged
that
with
the
restoration
and
development of public parks and beaches that they will provide a venue for the staging of community festivals and cultural events.
These events will enable our people to
showcase their talents through and
provide
for
more
local
music, art, culinary skills, sporting
events
within
communities to foster better neighbourhoods and community outreach. MR SPEAKER
As minister responsible for the environment, I would be remiss if I did not elaborate on the positive effect that the development of green spaces will have on our efforts to lessen our carbon footprint. Trees are known to clean the air of carbon dioxide by storing it in its leaves and bark while releasing much needed clean oxygen. It is said that “an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of carbon dioxide produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.� As we all know carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas which is created by the burning of fossil fuels and contributes greatly to climate change.
With the addition of more trees and
green spaces, in conjunction with our efforts to reform the energy sector The Bahamas will be well on its way to achieving its goals as relates to environmental responsibility. MR SPEAKER As we move to restore our beaches and parks, the need may arise for invasive species to be removed.
Species such as
the casuarina tree or commonly known as the 'cedar' tree here in The Bahamas, are invasive species. It is said to contribute to loss of biodiversity and deterioration of sand dunes in the Bahamas.
Another invasive species is the
cattail. Just this year in commemoration of Earth Day the Bahamas National Trust endevoured to remove as much of these plants as possible from Harold and Wilson Ponds where that plants have grown so thick and high that they have now covered the boardwalk in some places. The need may also arise for the restoration and refurbishment of beaches to ensure that people can get the must enjoyment of them with the replacement of eroded sand. MR. SPEAKER The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority established with the passing of this bill will be charged with bringing the vision of the Rt. Hon Prime Minister, which I spoke of earlier to fruition.
This will be done through the
identification, regulation, maintenance, development and conservation of public parks and public
beaches for our
people to enjoy. The functions of this Authority as set out in this bill in Section Five (5) are:
(a)
to control, plan, design, develop, administer, manage
and maintain the public parks and public beaches designated by the authority; (b)
to conserve the natural beauty and topographic features of public parks and public beaches. To propagate, protect and preserve the animals,
(c)
plants and other organisms within the public parks and public beaches, and preserve objects and places of aesthetic, historical or scientific interest; (d)
to remove derelict objects from any public park or
public beach or from public access to any public park or public beach; (e)
to maintain public access to and to provide a
lifeguard service at public beaches as it thinks fit; (f)
to maintain green verges and the facilities at public
parks and public beaches; (g)
to secure the observance of sanitary and clean
conditions and practices at and in respect of the public
parks and public beaches and other such sites of national interest as the Minister may designate (h)
to promote the study, research and dissemination of
knowledge
in
botany,
horticulture,
biotechnology,
arboriculture, forestry, landscape architecture, parks and recreation management and natural and local history; (i)
to
provide
historical,
and
research
manage and
recreational,
educational
cultural,
facilities
and
resources in public parks and encourage their full and proper us by members of the public; (j)
to advise the Minister
1. on the construction, rehabilitation, restoration and remediation
of
public
beaches
and
ancillary
recreational facilities on public beaches 2. on the control of the construction in any public park or on any public beach, of huts, booths, tents, sheds, stands, stalls, bath-houses, shops, whether movable or immovable; 3.
on such other matters, relating to the public parks and public beaches, including matter pertaining to public beach control and the protection of the sea-coast of
The Bahamas from erosion or encroachment by the sea; (k) to beautify and add amenities to the public parks and public beaches and such other areas as determined by the Minister; (l)
to enter into written agreements with owners and occupiers of land adjacent the foreshore for the purpose of obtaining public access to public
(m)
beaches; and
to name public parks and public beaches, National Heroes Park – celebrate our nations heros and heroines *(Refer to amendment 5 (2) – cooperation with local government)
MR SPEAKER The functions read should demonstrate to the Bahamian people that we are not just here to create another board but to create a framework for the proper management of our parks and beaches for their benefit. We are laying a strong foundation on which future leaders can build upon. This Authority will be governed by a twelve member board of
directors
inclusive
of
the
Directors
of
government
departments who would have oversight of a portion of the components necessary to make this new system successful. As per the amendment to be moved, they are: the Director of Forestry, a Local Government representative, the Director ex officio, the Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust and eight members appointed by the Governor General in consultation with the Minister. The Board may invite other Government Directors to give advice and provide input, but we have sought to amend the bill to ensure that there is a dedicated management team that will focus on the affairs and functions of the Authority. The duties of the Board of Directors will include the formulation implemented.
of
policy
to
ensure
The board will also
such
policies
are
manage the financial
resources and assets of the Authority, manage the fees and charges for services, provided to and by the Authority, appoint officers and employees and to advise the minister on resource applications.
The day to day management of the
Authority will be headed by the Director of Public Parks and Public Beaches who will be appointed by the Board. Board is expected to meet as least once per month.
The
MR. SPEAKER One day I trust that all of our famous monuments, if not placed under the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority, will be placed under another authority and lead to the establishment of a Bahamas Parks and Beaches Rangers Service. This unit would not only be tasked with the usual crime prevention, investigation and apprehension functions in association with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, but they would be responsible for policing many of the famous monuments throughout The Bahamas. This unit would also oversee a uniformed guard force or wardens, which would provide many of our public parks, public beaches and monuments with security and patrol services, which can deal with access controls, security patrols of buildings and facilities and assisting members of the public and tourists. MR SPEAKER The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority will create many new and unique jobs, such as park wardens, interpreters,
historians,
archaeologists,
conservators,
management
officers,
planners,
architects,
engineers,
general labourers and trades people and administrative staff. There will be jobs in administration, financial management, information services and personnel services. Our island's botanical gardens and Public Parks which are historic sites, will also
have operational staff
such
as
store
clerks,
labourers, tradespeople, equipment operators and general maintenance staff. Park wardens will play a key role in supporting the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority in fulfilling its mandate by providing regulatory enforcement services. Their activities will focus on the protection of natural and cultural resources, public education and ensuring quality visitor experiences in parks including our marine conservation areas.
The United States Government has expressed an
interest in sharing information and experiences with respect to their National Parks Warden Services with my Ministry. I look forward to working closely with them. MR SPEAKER We each can make a difference.
I recall the story of a man walking down a beach covered with dying starfish one morning . The tide the night before was very strong and thousands of starfish were washed up on the shore, too far up for them to make it back into the water by themselves. The man shook his head as he thought it was a shame that all of those starfish would die on the beach. He came upon a boy who was throwing starfish back into the ocean as fast as he could. He was out of breath and it was obvious that he had been doing this for a while. "Son," the man said, "you might as well quit. There are thousands of them. They are washed up all over the beach as far as you can see. There is no way you can make any sort of a difference." The boy did not even pause in what he was doing. He kept bending and throwing, but as he did, he spoke to the man, "I can make a difference to this one, and this one, and this one." The man thought, and he knew the boy was right. He began to help return the animals to their home, smiling at how life's biggest lessons sometimes come from the smallest people."
So as we consider this bill, I trust that we will remember this story and make a note of at least one act we can do to help restore our environs. I believe that supporting this bill is one way we can act. However, I admonish those who are listening to me, who are outside this place and cannot vote on this bill, no matter who they are or where they come from by doing one act to protect our environment and keep it clean, we can make a difference in The Bahamas. This member is proud of this bill before us today as it is a step in the right direction to ensuring that the Bahamian people, current and future generations, will always have access to beaches and green spaces. It ensures that those spaces will always be in good repair and that park and beach development becomes a daily endeavour in this country because we see its importance. Mr. Speaker there are amendments to the bill, which I shared with the side opposite several weeks ago and is before us today that I intend to address in committee stage to address the grammatical atrocities, identified in the bill. I apologies to members for that and trust that they will all support the bill. With that said Mr. Speaker, I so move.
Thank you Mr. Speaker