I wonder how many members of the audience (and in the pulpit) benefit, or even profit, from hiring illegal (undocumented) immigrants -- either by illegally hiring them or by securing documentation for them (because they can afford the permits and/or have the connections to get the permits)?

Where these regulations in place?

chapter 278a commercial recreational watercraft.
commercial recreational watercraft regulations.

6. An Authority shall not register or issue a licence to an operator of a craft unless the operator is certified by the authority or a body recognized by the authority as having successfully completed basic training in [irrelevant items from list deleted]—
(a) rescue procedures;
(d) First Aid;
(i) use of personal floatation device;

7. In the interest of safety —
(a) all operators shall provide each person operating or riding a craft with an approved personal floatation device;

Timely, relevant, well-put. Especially as it's not likely that the cost of living is going to decline. Historically, inflation increases (unless there's an economic crisis).

"The Davis administration has said it’s exploring ways to ease the burden on Bahamians until the situation improves."

How about removing VAT from food and all necessitates (e.g.,clothing)? Or, better yet, remove VAT from a substantial cross-section of bread basket items while dramatically increasing VAT on luxury goods - from designer clothing to gourmet and other expensive foods, wines, liquors, etc?

Ground broke at Exuma airport years ago. How about finishing that one first?!

OK, but is it an appropriate topic for flippant remarks?

Botswana's president? For descendants of the victims of the transAtlantic trade in enslaved people? The rationale behind this statement? Especially given Botswana's geographic location in Africa?

First, Mr. Lloyd should acknowledge the roles ideally played by all public servants. A country cannot function without them. Whether or not most Bahamian civil servants consider themselves public servants is certainly up for debate.

Second, I wonder if, when he was Minister of Education, the then Honorable Mr. Lloyd would have relinquished his position in favor of what he calls an "Education Authority"?! I suspect not. Nevertheless, to ensure that our children are better educated, the Ministry of Education must be overhauled. Perhaps, a separate government "corporation" -- an Education Authority -- is the answer.

Third, and perhaps most important, while he notes the important challenge of teacher compensation, Mr. Lloyd never share why he feels good teachers are uniquely important to society: They play a vital role in helping children develop a sense of purpose, they help them become future citizens, they provide role models (especially in the absence of other adult role models), etc, etc. It's surprising that a former Minister of Education (and teacher?) neglected to highlight the importance of teachers to a nation and, especially, to our children.

About the United States, but perhaps universally applicable: A July 21, 2023 headline in Scientific American reads, "Extreme Heat Is Deadlier Than Hurricanes, Floods and Tornadoes Combined."

As the story notes: "Extreme heat is the number-one weather-related cause of death in the U.S., and it kills more people most years than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined."

In addition to the reasons for people dying from heat mentioned in The KDK Report, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can damage the central nervous system, the brain and other vital organs and worsen existing chronic medical problems, including hypertension and heart disease (both widespread health issues in The Bahamas).

If the Ministry of Education (and civil service, generally?) didn't force teachers (and civil servants?) to retire at age 65, and if they and politicians were genuinely concerned about the welfare of their teachers -- ergo their students and schools -- there might be fewer challenges with staffing schools.

Perhaps a more flexible retirement policy is in order. Many 65-year-old are healthier and more energetic than much younger people. Further, despite retirement opportunities, some enjoy teaching and are extremely effective and wise teachers -- again, when compared to many of their younger counterparts who view it simply as a job. Provide opportunities for part-time teaching, say 1/2 as opposed to full-time load.

Be innovative. It's been 50 years since we were officially a colony.

Not that challenges wouldn't remain, but they might be less severe.