THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Hon Speaker, Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, hon members of the House, this year's Presidency Budget Vote debate took place at a critical time in our country. There is still no end in sight to the global financial crisis and economic growth still seems elusive. We are therefore going through a period that requires unity and common purpose. It requires leaders from all sectors to lead the country towards action that builds confidence in the economy and makes our economy more resilient. It is a time for focusing on solutions and working together to solve our problems. [Applause.]