The Tribune

PLP SENATOR Greg Burrows has pledged to use his new position in government to improve the lot of average Bahamians.

Mr Burrows, who contested the St Anne's seat but lost out to the FNM's Hubert Chipman, said during the campaign he was "humbled" to see the conditions endured by some people who live in the area - in particular some young mothers.

"A young woman could not send her children to school because they had no lunch money. Madam President, some of the living conditions were inhumane.

"There were houses without light or running water. There was a lady who didn't have anything to cook for Christmas. My heart was so sad that I had to send out for a ham and turkey for her," he told the first sitting of the Senate since the election.

Mr Burrows said the stories he heard while campaigning have strengthened his commitment to work for the public while in the Senate.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues as we debate every piece of legislation that is placed before us. I will work to ensure that the quality of life for these Bahamians is improved.

"I consider myself a simple guy, who grew up in Englerston. It was in Englerston where my passion for youth development started," he said.

Mr Burrows, founder of the Freedom Farm Baseball League, also took the opportunity to congratulate the winners of the Cal Ripken World Series in 2010.

He said: "These young boys hail from the great Freedom Farm Baseball League. It is my love for the youths of this country that I began this organisation more than 20 years ago."

Mr Burrows said the league has helped a great number of young men over the years. Most recently, five young men were given the chance to further their education in the United States.

In this regard, he expressed his pride that the PLP's Charter for Governance pledges that the government will work in conjunction with national sporting federations to establish and fund national training programmes that ensure sporting talent throughout the Bahamas is identified and assisted as early as possible, so all sporting disciplines can have the same opportunities.

He said: "The plans of this government to provide enriching experiences for our young people through innovative programmes that promote cultural and self awareness, community service, social skills, training and mentoring are of great importance to me.

"Madam President as a senator it is my commitment to my fellow Bahamians today, to help in promoting economic development, to encourage Bahamian people in their endeavors and to work hand-in-hand with all government agencies focusing attention on the refurbishment and redevelopment of our Bahamas."