UN General Assembly
2009

commitments if those objectives are to be attained in a manner consistent with the global timetable. While all of the MDGs are relevant to the development aspirations of the people of my country and of the region, we believe that education, poverty alleviation and the strengthening of institutions for good governance are pivotal to this process. These must form the bedrock for overall development. So, despite sluggish advancement towards the achievement of all the Goals, we have made significant progress in the areas of poverty and hunger, universal education and gender equality. My own country boasts gender parity in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector, a long-standing problem in our region. Despite such progress, continued improvement is required in the other priority areas of reducing child mortality and promoting maternal health. Unfortunately, as I speak here, my Government is grappling with the loss of a hospital on the southern part of the island that burned down two weeks ago, with loss of life. We have launched an appeal for assistance and hope that those most able to do so will