It always gives me pleasure to see members of the executive and legislative branches in a meeting of minds and of purpose. I have invited our distinguished members of the legislature here today so we can present the legislative agenda of the executive branch. It is my hope that together we can forge a common legislative agenda we can mutually support.

In the past few days, what is supposed to be an issue internal to the legislature has put our unity to test. But I still believe that we can sacrifice partisan political interests in favor of unity.

Let us keep in mind that there is only one objective for all our actions — the improvement of our people’s lives. This is the essence of the democracy we have restored, and continue to protect. This is the reason for which we are in power.

This is also why I ask you to support the priority legislative proposals we are presenting today. They constitute the springboard to propel us further to economic recovery; ensure stability; put in place an effective, results-oriented bureaucracy; democratize access to socio-economic opportunities; and, protect our environment.

Let us go about leading our people in nation-building with clear-sighted fortitude and sense of purpose. Let us not be derailed by those who say our best days have passed; that there is no room even to hope, given our constraints and our problems. There is no reason to give up hope. It is essential to our mission to win the future.

Thank you and good afternoon.